This ski season has come to a close for us. Though the resort remains open for another week, we are in the process of packing up and readying to leave the Okanagan tomorrow. We're hoping this incredible weather holds for a while longer, especially for the drive through the mountains.

_D7A5463 With the sunny days upon us, we have been discovering more of this area.

This is a view of Kalamalka Lake looking east toward the provincial park.

While driving along this road, we came upon this marmot lying on the road's concrete barrier.

_23A1625 This was not an ideal setting for a wildlife image. But as I moved closer to it, this marmot climbed onto a rock on the other side.

_23A1648 This was a much better spot for a shot of the it. Thank you, mister or ms marmot!

On another day we went for a hike across from where we have been living into Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

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This trail took us up to Rattlesnake Point, an lookout with great views above the lake.

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Signs of spring in the park - the buttercups were blooming.

Another day we drove north from Vernon, along the North Okanagan Valley.

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Further north the valley is very wide, with many large farms.

Our destination was Salmon Arm, on Shuswap Lake and on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Of course, we had to have lunch and dessert at Shuswap Pie Company.

Don't know of a place that makes better pies than here.

_D7A5514 _D7A5505 These farm buildings were on the outskirts of the town.

We've taken advantage of these balmy days to go for a number of hikes in Kal Lake Park.

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_23A1667 This marmot was the lookout just behind where Veda was posing.

It is difficult to leave this fantastic weather and wonderful hiking trails, but home beckons.

Today, pack the vehicle, do the final cleanup, and hit the road tomorrow morning.