Day Four Penticton to Osoyoos

Day Four - Penticton to Osoyoos
83 km

Many cyclists choose to stop at Penticton and shuttle back to Midway.  I would suggest you are missing a great section of trail by doing this.  Although, much of the route is either sandy or gravel, the off road trail from Penticton to Osoyoos is beautiful.  Travelling adjacent to the lake, with the bluffs towering above us and wind on our back we could not have imagined a better day of riding.

Life is good!  I would try to describe the ride, but in all honesty these pictures tell the story:

Giggle of the Day:

After several rattlesnake sightings, both dead and alive I was feeling a little skittish about slithering critters along the trail.  As we cycled out of Penticton, Rob informed me that if he saw a rattler he would stop.  STOP - I thought.  Hell NO!!!!!  Rob can stop, but my plan is to crank up the gears and get out of there!

Rant of the Day:

I try not to rant, well at least publicly, but today I feel compelled to share our experience.  The KVR Rail Trail as a cycling and hiking destination is without question a provincial and national jewel.  With a small investment in infrastructure this section of the Trans Canada Trail could attract cycling tourists from around the globe.  Infrastructure improvements will need to include a change in philosophy on the part of BC Parks.  Please, do not get me wrong.  I have visited and supported provincial parks since my childhood.  However, we desperately need to look to our neighbours in the south and learn more about their "self=propelled" philosophy.  In many states, when you arrive at a state campsite, under your own steam, either cycling, hiking or paddling you will not be turned away.  They will always find a small patch of grass for you to pitch your tent.

Today, after cycling 80km on sandy trails we arrived at Swiws Provincial Park (Haynes Point). Prior to arriving, we had attempted to book a campsite online, but being "slow" season online bookings were no longer accepted.  Upon arrival, the Camp Host informed us that the campsite was full and turned us away.  He was also unable to provide us with directions to another campsite. On a driving holiday, this is not a big deal, but on a fully loaded touring bike having to backtrack after a long day on the saddle and look for the next campsite is absolutely devastating.  It was surreal to me that the campsite was accommodating RV overflow parking but would not accept us.  We politely asked if we could pitch our tent in the RV overflow area.  The host said this was not possible due to the heavy winds.  The same winds that we were now forced to face as we looked for a place to pitch our tent.

Fortunately, at our ripe old age we have a credit card with a healthy credit limit, so cycling back into town and finding a motel is an option for us.  For many younger cyclists this is not an option, and so they are faced with either knocking on doors or stealth camping.

Enough said. Thanks to Visa, we found ourselves in a little waterfront motel....when life hands you lemons you make lemonade.