Along the Okanagan River

 Oliver calls itself the wine capital of Canada but it has other charms as well.  For me the Okanagan River is also a big draw.  We've walked part of an 18 km trail along the river that goes from Oliver to the north end of Osoyoos Lake.  I love walking beside rivers with their reflections, especially when there's blue sky above, and even better when the leaves begin to turn colour.

Our campground was right beside this hiking trail, which goes through some lovely country, with old barns, pedestrian bridges and vinyards.  Next time we come we're bringing our bikes to do some cycling along the river.

In places the river is very peaceful and obviously a place for kids (and dogs) to swim.

In other places it runs faster.  This sign was beside a bridge with underwater weirs (whatever they are!)--and obviously it's not a place to fool around.

Along the stretch beside the town of Oliver are signs warning against camping, but clearly some people ignore it.  We saw a few people camping and signs of campfires as well.  Oliver is in the middle of harvest time in the orchards, the fields, and the vineyards and we've seen itinerant pickers around.  These guys were picking tomatoes.

Perhaps some of these pickers camp along the river, and I can't say I blame them.  Here's a spot where someone had a little campfire.  Can you think of a more beautiful spot to camp?