Day 7 - Kelowna to Salmon Arm

97.94 km - Total so far 633.09 km - http://ridewithgps.com/trips/4820713

One half of our campsite neighbors 

• Another glorious day in the saddle. We tried something different this morning and had breakfast at the Tim Horton's just up the road from the campsite. The goal for today was Salmon Arm. We also did everything we could to avoid Hwy 97 that was especially busy with weekend traffic. The old road is still accessible but not always marked on newer maps. 

  

  Vineyard/orchard along Lake Kalamlaka

• There was a horrible climb as we got to Vernon but we were fortunate enough to run into another cyclist on a training run. He told us how to avoid the hill and still get to Vernon. He told us about the bike path across Hwy 97 that would get us safely to the information center. The detour took us on a road that passed by a gated community with huge homes as well as a look out that overlooks the City of Vernon. Vernon is on the water at the bottom of a large valley. Once again the scenery was spectacular. We finally made it to the Information Center to find out that it was closed. The signs announcing it are still up. That happens a lot in BC. We passed by an old National Defence training camp that was used during both world wars. The place is now used as an Army Cadet Summer Camps and has been as far back as I can remember.

The old road appears as a lighter line running from bottom right of the picture

• We finally stumbled on the open information center. After intensive questioning by Hélène, the staff there were able to assist us with finding a route to Salmon Arm. Instead of using Hwy 97, we opted to ride the old Kamloops Hwy and then follow the Salmon River Road. Before leaving Vernon we had our second breakfast of the day at the Bean To Cup Coffee House.  A few climbs on the Salmon River Road but nevertheless we ended up riding down a beautiful and narrow valley with little traffic and going mostly down hill. Cyclists can resupply as halfway to Salmon Arm, there is a general store at Silver Creek. 

Horses at one of the many ranches in the Salmon River Valley

• We finally got to the information center at 4:05 p.m. to find it closed. It seems that every provincial information centers have their own operating days and hours. Not sure they deliver the service expected, help tourists and support local businesses. That seems to be the opinion of many small business operators we spoke too. 

• The goal for tomorrow is Revelstoke.  To note, it is also the start of week 2.

The multi purpose quilt being used to support radio in order to get best reception possible