We're going on a bear hunt...

So today I bid farewell to my first home host Marie, who has taken great care of me over the past few days.  Her cats (Miss Puss, Scooter & Bobby) were also great fun!.  It was really sad to say goodbye as she has made me feel so welcome, but I hope we stay in touch and she comes to visit.  Her car is a Dodge Charger and out of this world - I am so jealous that she is driving it to Vancouver (5 hours) for her business conference.

Renee and Rick are now looking after me at their home on a new development.  They too have cats (OC and Taz) who are also very cute!  I'm also staying with Penny, which is great as we can gossip and catch up on all the events (although we are pooped when we get back after our trips!).

Today we headed out to Chase, a smaller village about 40 minutes (ish) away from Salmon Arm.  We met up with the Chase Rotarians and went to the Quaaout Lodge on First Nations land for lunch (Sockeye smoked salmon, salad and root beer - yum!).  We then were shown round the resort by Barbara, a First Nations person from a band (tribe) which is out of the area.  She showed us the Kekulis, and underground dwelling used in the winter - very similar to a roundhouse found in England.  She also explained about the First Nations, their history, belief system and issues associated with language and culture - it was very interesting.

We then went on a short hike up the Adams River where the salmon make thir annual run.  It was beautiful.  When we arrived to start the hike there was a sign warning of a Black Bear and her cub.  I got very excited, but unfortunately they were hiding from us.  We did however see a Bald Eagle, Red Squirrel and a variety of mean looking bugs!  The weather was also very kind to us.

The final trip of the day was with the Chase Rotarians to the Wolf Ranch for a hay barn BBQ.  The food was scrummy, the wine flowed and the company outstanding.  I'm sure the others will tell you all about Arnie, but he was a fantastic character with lots of stories.

We arrived home to Renee & Ricks at around 9pm, its now 10pm and I am pooped!  I'm going to head off, dream of black bears and wonder how I will do dragon boating tomorrow!

TTFN
Sarah