Day 1 - July 9th.-In order to test out ourselves and the van, we did a 2 day trip up to Gold Bridge ( north of Pemberton ) last week.The van had a couple of issues that we fixed when we got home.On the last morning, Jenny was in the bushes taking care of business when she saw a big cinnamon coloured bear watching her.She called to Pat who immediately asked the bear to avert his eyes.Then all of a sudden, a black bear came out of the bushes and chased the other one up the cliff and down the other side.Those bears can really move when they want to.Later that morning we saw a flock of turkey vultures - we haven't seen these in B.C. before.

Today we started out at 11.30am.Why does it take women so long to get ready!Said goodbye to neighbour Steve and headed east.Arrived in Osoyoos and due to information received ( you know who you are ) we tried to find Pete and Karyn Coles at Haines Point campsite, but no luck.

July 11th. - New issues with the van.Yesterday the coolant expansion tank ruptured, and so today we are in Nelson waiting for a new one to arrive.Oh the joys of maintaining an '84 VW Westphalia called Marigold!Luckily the new one arrived this afternoon and it was the right one, so Pat fitted it in a parking lot across the road from the garage that sold it to us.The owner lent us tools and was very helpful. Now we are back on track and hope to be in Alberta tomorrow.

Mr. Ted.

( Due to problems trying to remember how to work computers and using flash cards, this entry is being sent a day late from Fort Macleod, Alberta. Ruddy computers !!