After a busy morning getting our van cleaned, filled and dumped we did a last walk through the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with its beautiful scenery.

The pool area was already nicely occupied and reminded us of our swim yesterday.

We headed south again, this time taking a slightly different route so that we could visit the town of Kimberley. We’re glad we did! First up was lunch at The Shed, a BBQ joint with brisket, pulled pork, cornbread and beans. We had a fabulous lunch for around $40.

After some browsing through the shops in town we briefly visited the visitors centre where we learned that the last tour of the day of Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway was leaving in about 30 minutes. Fortunately for us, it was just around the corner. It was a real highlight of our trip so far and one of the best mine tours we’ve ever done.

The 2 hour tour starts at the station and gradually winds itself up the side of a hill where we got to see quite a number of deer.

Bill, an old miner, gave us so much insight into how mining is done and lots of new terms. Muck is the correct term for the ore that is being removed. We got demonstrations on how some of the equipment was used – boy is it noisy.

After leaving the mining tour we were looking for a place to spend the night when we saw a new wildfire that had just started today so we thought it best to put a bit of distance between us and it.

We’re in Creston, BC, a small town with lots of fruit trees and vineyards. The local Husky gas station also sold propane and had a couple of large bays with pressure washers so we gave the van a well deserved hosing down.

Scottie’s RV Park and Campground was just down the road and it is a great family run cosy place to spend the night.