September 6, 2019 - Osoyoos to Republic, Washington

     Leaving the Sun Beach Motel on the south side of highway 3 overlooking South Osoyoos Lake towards the US border, our trip took us east.  For some reason I have always been intrigued by Greenwood, BC, not just for the location for the filming of the movie "Snow Falling on Cedars" but the smallness and old western feeling that emanates as one drives through. There is a museum worth exploring but our stop was to check out property values as a future possible purchase. We saw 4 deer. Arriving in Grand Forks we found a lovely restaurant called the Borscht Bowl where I needed to rekindle my love of some Russian food - a large bowl of borscht. Topping up the fuel tank and getting some coffee additive we headed south on highway 21 crossing at the Danville border crossing following a lovely river through Curlew and Malo, Washington. The Danville border crossing had no Nexus lane but as it was we were the only vehicle there..It was a beautiful drive along the river past farms and small communities. We arrived in Republic and found lodging at the Klondike Motel.

September 7, 2019 - Republic to Spokane

     Leaving Republic, the county seat for Ferry County, Washington  we took highway 20 through Colville National Forest. We saw free-range cattle, wild turkeys, as well as streams/rivers while breathing in the clear pine scented air. It took about 3 hours including touring Division in Spokane before we found the Rodeway Inn where we plan to spend 2 nights. After settling in I contacted my relatives and we all met at the Golden Corral just a couple of blocks down the street. Having seen the ad on TV I was anxious to try it. Steak done to your liking and a buffet that would match any cruise ship. Delectable! but not on a weekend - too many people. What is a vacation for if you can not try restaurants that are not in BC.

September 8,2019 - stayed in Spokane

     Sunday was a day to see my niece and her son so we headed into the older part of the city where she lives with her significant other. They live in a remodeled old brick building. It is a loft but has 3 floors and is about as large as a house. They are not artists but she releases her stress from Social Work by painting and acting. The train runs by their veranda where she has an assortment of herbs and plants. We spent the afternoon and enjoyed her hospitality with wine, cheese and crackers. We then headed back to the Rodeway Inn. It was nice to get caught up with family.

September 9,2019 - Spokane to Missoula, Montana

     Left the Rodeway Inn at 10:45 and headed east on I-90. We stopped at Lookout Pass which is a ski area. What made this stop interesting was that it is one of three ski areas in the US where you can ski in two states at the same time. Lookout Pass sits right on the border between Idaho and Montana. After fueling up we settled in at the Travelers Inn which was not the best choice.