I moved to Clearwater

[HarryToolips]

Hey all,

I moved to Clearwater, love it here so far, beauty country, friendly people for the most part..

My son is 9 years old and left a lot of friends back in West Kelowna, if you live in the area and have kid(s) that are around the same age, and want to get into some hunting, fishing, or hiking shoot me a PM, it's always nice to hang out with like minded people, I don't care if you're green to hunting or fishing, I'll be happy to show you things ive learned..and my son is missing the social aspect of his life, I know in time he'll make friends but it would be great to have him make friends with other kids who also like hunting, fishing, and the outdoors...

[adriaticum]

Good for you! i like clearwater, still has a frontier feel to it

[Bustercluck]

Beauty spot.

[horshur]

You working for the pipeline?

[Johnny G1]

Welcome to Red Neck country.

[Bugle M In]

Are you and Dana neighbors:?::p:shock:

[Edzzed]

We looked at a house in Clearwater. Ad said 5 acres and a 4,000 sq ft house. When we viewed it we were shocked to find it butts up against a mountain. 5 very mountainous acres going almost vertical. We passed and ended up going from Surrey to Blind bay.

[Avalanche123]

Clearwater is on my list of retirement locations. My only concern is smokey summers....no where is perfect so keeping a keen eye on real estate.

[HarryToolips]

Good for you! i like clearwater, still has a frontier feel to it

Thanks! It definitely does have that feel to it...

[HarryToolips]

You working for the pipeline?

No, I'm a water quality/water distribution/ waste water collection technician, I got a job here in the industry...

[HarryToolips]

We looked at a house in Clearwater. Ad said 5 acres and a 4,000 sq ft house. When we viewed it we were shocked to find it butts up against a mountain. 5 very mountainous acres going almost vertical. We passed and ended up going from Surrey to Blind bay.

Dang...still a nice area where you went though
..

[HarryToolips]

Clearwater is on my list of retirement locations. My only concern is smokey summers....no where is perfect so keeping a keen eye on real estate.

Absolutely......have only been here 12 days...look forward to seeing how the other seasons go..

[lovemywinchester]

No, I'm a water quality/water distribution/ waste water collection technician, I got a job here in the industry...

Translation. "I drive the honey wagon".

[twoSevenO]

Google tells me Clearwater has a population of 2300. What's life like with kids in a small town like this?

It has 2 schools, which can't be conveniently located for everyone. Shopping is a trip to kamloops?
What about hospital?

It seems so .... inconvenient for life with children.

[Huntingtyler123]

Perfect place for kids to grow up out of the zombie city life. Hope Clearwater treats you and your family right, good luck

[HarryToolips]

Translation. "I drive the honey wagon".

Lol sometimes but sometimes the wagon derails off the road at inconvenient times and I gotta work long hours to get it back on the road..

[HarryToolips]

Google tells me Clearwater has a population of 2300. What's life like with kids in a small town like this?

It has 2 schools, which can't be conveniently located for everyone. Shopping is a trip to kamloops?
What about hospital?

It seems so .... inconvenient for life with children.

Well we don't have the entertainment of junior hockey, a swimming pool, or other similar entertainment, but there is a hospital and most other amenities here.. and still lots of things for a kid to do.. and lots of bushcraft related things for a kid to do.. heck, we heat with wood as well as a furnace.. he starts the fires most nights..his school is a 12 minute drive away.

[Drillbit]

The zamboni driver there is a smokeShow! Her husband is one of the cops tho....lol

Clearwater is nice. People there were always great to me, every time I went there.

never hunted around there, but there has to be some good spots


Id be taking a hard look at getting into a river jet sled if I lived there

[j270wsm]

Google tells me Clearwater has a population of 2300. What's life like with kids in a small town like this?

It has 2 schools, which can't be conveniently located for everyone. Shopping is a trip to kamloops?
What about hospital?

It seems so .... inconvenient for life with children.

Have you ever left the city and spent time in a small town?
Nothing in a city is conveniently located for everyone, unless your idea of convenient is driving 20km/45min.
kids can actually be kids in a small town. They can walk where ever they want to go instead of being chauffeured. As a parent you can relax knowing there are tons of people watching out for your kids, especially when youve been there for a while. Shopping isn’t high on everyone priority list.

[Deaddog]

Google tells me Clearwater has a population of 2300. What's life like with kids in a small town like this?

It has 2 schools, which can't be conveniently located for everyone. Shopping is a trip to kamloops?
What about hospital?

It seems so .... inconvenient for life with children.


Typical 604 attitude. The more kids that are raised north of hope the better. Independent , free thinkers. Good on op for putting his family first !

[Drillbit]

Google tells me Clearwater has a population of 2300. What's life like with kids in a small town like this?

It has 2 schools, which can't be conveniently located for everyone. Shopping is a trip to kamloops?
What about hospital?

It seems so .... inconvenient for life with children.

Hopefully the children will learn to live, survive, thrive and make decisions without “the Lougle” influencing them.

[dodge456]

Have you ever left the city and spent time in a small town?
Nothing in a city is conveniently located for everyone, unless your idea of convenient is driving 20km/45min.
kids can actually be kids in a small town. They can walk where ever they want to go instead of being chauffeured. As a parent you can relax knowing there are tons of people watching out for your kids, especially when youve been there for a while. Shopping isn’t high on everyone priority list.

You nailed it right there. I grew up in Valemount, about 200km north of Clearwater. Everybody knew everybody else, we walked or biked everywhere, could ride the dirt bike right out of my yard. Now when I take my kids there they love it as well. Quiet peaceful and friendly for the most part and they ride their bikes around too without me worrying. Our roots are down in the Fraser Valley now because of work and my wife's family but we often discuss moving somewhere much smaller, Valemount included. Just not the best places to find steady employment.

[Redthies]

Typical 604 attitude. The more kids that are raised north of hope the better. Independent , free thinkers. Good on op for putting his family first !

No. Nothing to do with 604. The entire province was 604 when I grew up in the Shuswap area. The attitude you mention exists in small town BC too. There are definitely people in the Vancouver/Fraser Valley areas that could use a SERIOUS reality check, but there are some great people here too. I have met and hunted with a bunch of awesome humans while living here.

I’m only a short term dweller at the coast, and while I’ve enjoyed my time here, I can’t wait to get back to my smaller town roots.

But I do agree, good on you Harry for making the move out of WestBANK!

[HarryToolips]

Typical 604 attitude. The more kids that are raised north of hope the better. Independent , free thinkers. Good on op for putting his family first !

Thanks man...it was a decision my wife and I wanted to make eventually, West Kelowna/Kelowna was getting too big for us, we want our son to be raised with good morels and we believe it will be a better influence on him to be around small town people...

We made this move quicker than anticipated however, as my previous employer whom I had been with for over 15 years had mandated the covid shot , and I stick to my beliefs that no matter what, I control my bodily autonomy and no one else...and the timing was perfect as another job came up in the industry over here, so here we are...

[HarryToolips]

No. Nothing to do with 604. The entire province was 604 when I grew up in the Shuswap area. The attitude you mention exists in small town BC too. There are definitely people in the Vancouver/Fraser Valley areas that could use a SERIOUS reality check, but there are some great people here too. I have met and hunted with a bunch of awesome humans while living here.

I’m only a short term dweller at the coast, and while I’ve enjoyed my time here, I can’t wait to get back to my smaller town roots.

But I do agree, good on you Harry for making the move out of WestBANK!

Thanks man!

[tyreguy]

Wasn't David Shearing from Clearwater?????......... Don't be fooled into thinking that moving to a small town rids you of any problems.
Sometimes when the kids have nothing to do is when they get into the most amount of trouble, especially a new kid in town can be pretty tough.
Each location has its benefits, and its all what you make of it. I like being 5 minutes from Costco, 7 minutes to the Border, 15 minutes from an International Airport, 10 minutes from a major hospital but on the other side i can do without the stupid people and volume of people that come with the same conveniences. My parents are aging so i'm committed for now.
Know the difference between visiting for 2 weeks a year and living there for 12 months.



Have you ever left the city and spent time in a small town?
Nothing in a city is conveniently located for everyone, unless your idea of convenient is driving 20km/45min.
kids can actually be kids in a small town. They can walk where ever they want to go instead of being chauffeured. As a parent you can relax knowing there are tons of people watching out for your kids, especially when youve been there for a while. Shopping isn’t high on everyone priority list.

[tyreguy]

That is a typical Big Karen comment.

Typical 604 attitude. The more kids that are raised north of hope the better. Independent , free thinkers. Good on op for putting his family first !

[knighthunter]

I been to Clearwater many times but not since I left Surrey about 5 years ago to live on the 6 month's of snow covered prairie. I have friends there that are hunter's but not on this site. Must be about 10 years or so since they left Surrey. They like it there, they live on top of a hill across the street from the local Legion. He has a set of my whitetail antler's hanging on this living room wall. Got a lake right in town. River in town. Town is scattered like a dog's breakfast. Any serious shopping is a trip to Kamloops. Friendly people tho.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Good for you Harry!

We are done with this place too. Way too busy. Moved here in ‘72 so the changes that I’ve seen are staggering.

We’ll be moving to a small town somewhere but it definitely won’t be Clearwater (my fiancé grew up there lol)….or maybe even the tropics somewhere. Who knows but definitely ready for a lifestyle change.

I wanted to have you over for a drink before you moved but I guess that can’t happen now.

I know your kids will adapt. It’s definitely tough to move in the winter.

Best of luck!

SSS

[britman101]

Living in the country can be great in the freedom it gives it you. However, I have done it, and when you are younger you can definitely keep up with the work that is required for rural living as you have to be a jack of all trades to keep maintenance costs down. Also be in good health as the hospital there would be more like a health centre/clinic. If any family members require attention from a specialist, the best place to go for that type of medical treatment would be Kamloops. However, enjoy the new adventure and the opportunity it provides to you and your family.

[Redthies]

We want our son to be raised with good morels!

My previous employer whom I had been with for over 15 years had mandated the covid shot , and I stick to my beliefs no matter what.

There are probably some good chanterelles and pine mushrooms up that way too! :mrgreen:

One of my best friends was put in the same situation. He was ok with the concept of the flu shot they’re handing out like a “vaccine”, but didn’t want to be pressured into it. He is a 25 year veteran of his company, and manages two departments for them with over 50 guys under him. (Also in Kelowna). He ended up getting his shots on HIS terms, and made his employer give up something in return. I don’t force my employees to get poked. It’s up to the individual.

[Redthies]

We are done with this place too. Way too busy. Moved here in ‘72 so the changes that I’ve seen are staggering.

We’ll be moving to a small town somewhere….or maybe even the tropics somewhere. Who knows but definitely ready for a lifestyle change.

I also moved to Hellowna in ‘72, but got the heck outta there in ‘89. My brother moved back a few years ago, but he’s considering going elsewhere again.

We have a meeting with a US immigration attorney in 3 weeks, right after we get back from Baja, where we will be looking at real estate too. Moving our business is something we plan to do by June of this year if all goes to “plan”. Not much has done that in the past 3 years, but fingers crossed!

[Downtown]

Translation. "I drive the honey wagon".

Never laughed so hard all year long !

Cheers to all of you

[twoSevenO]

Have you ever left the city and spent time in a small town?
Nothing in a city is conveniently located for everyone, unless your idea of convenient is driving 20km/45min.
kids can actually be kids in a small town. They can walk where ever they want to go instead of being chauffeured. As a parent you can relax knowing there are tons of people watching out for your kids, especially when youve been there for a while. Shopping isn’t high on everyone priority list.

There's more to raising children than the freedom aspect of roaming around a town on their own.

I grew up in a small town in Europe, post civil war too, so I know what you're referring to. It was great when I was a kid, but when you're a teenager it's not ideal.

Kids in that environment may not be stimulated enough nor exposed to enough diversity that you experience in a bigger town. And if you do want to expose them to a lot more, then it's constant driving around the province.

How are things not conveniently located in the city unless you rely on public transit?

What's the plan in clearwater when kid has a toothache at 2am? Drive 150km into Kamloops and take the day off work as a result? That seems real convenient.

[blacklab]

Welcome to Clearwater.

[Husky7mm]

I love small towns. Clearwater seems like a real nice place. Hunting, and fishing and loving everyday. I wish you well. Nice you didn’t get ram rodded or stuck between a rock and a hard place. Don’t ever let a citiot make you question your decision. Your kids do well because of how you raised them. Big fish can come from small ponds.

[Norwestalta]

Congrats. I always liked that part of the bush. As with anything it is what you make of it. I'd be hard pressed to trade the small community I live close to for anything although it does have its challenges. Lots of people raised in small towns so don't let the stick in the mud get you down.

[j270wsm]

There's more to raising children than the freedom aspect of roaming around a town on their own.

I grew up in a small town in Europe, post civil war too, so I know what you're referring to. It was great when I was a kid, but when you're a teenager it's not ideal.

Kids in that environment may not be stimulated enough nor exposed to enough diversity that you experience in a bigger town. And if you do want to expose them to a lot more, then it's constant driving around the province.

How are things not conveniently located in the city unless you rely on public transit?

What's the plan in clearwater when kid has a toothache at 2am? Drive 150km into Kamloops and take the day off work as a result? That seems real convenient.

kids will find good or bad things to do where ever they live. Most of the kids I grew up with had no issues finding constructive things to do as teens.
How far from your house is your kids school, the closest grocery store, base ball/soccer field, swimming pool?? How many hrs a day do you spend driving your kids to these places?
mid there a dentist where you live that’s open at 2am? Give your head a shake…..who wouldn’t take the day off to take their child to see a doctor/dentist. I would have taken a day off to take my kids to the park. There’s always time to make money but your kids grow up too fast.

[HarryToolips]

Wasn't David Shearing from Clearwater?????......... Don't be fooled into thinking that moving to a small town rids you of any problems.
Sometimes when the kids have nothing to do is when they get into the most amount of trouble, especially a new kid in town can be pretty tough.
Each location has its benefits, and its all what you make of it. I like being 5 minutes from Costco, 7 minutes to the Border, 15 minutes from an International Airport, 10 minutes from a major hospital but on the other side i can do without the stupid people and volume of people that come with the same conveniences. My parents are aging so i'm committed for now.
Know the difference between visiting for 2 weeks a year and living there for 12 months.

I agree, a small town doesn't keep kids from trouble if they're looking for it!

[HarryToolips]

Good for you Harry!

We are done with this place too. Way too busy. Moved here in ‘72 so the changes that I’ve seen are staggering.

We’ll be moving to a small town somewhere but it definitely won’t be Clearwater (my fiancé grew up there lol)….or maybe even the tropics somewhere. Who knows but definitely ready for a lifestyle change.

I wanted to have you over for a drink before you moved but I guess that can’t happen now.

I know your kids will adapt. It’s definitely tough to move in the winter.

Best of luck!

SSS

That would have been great to have drink with you pal but that's OK, lol I was so busy with the move...

Cheers!

[HarryToolips]

Thanks everyone!....

[twoSevenO]

kids will find good or bad things to do where ever they live. Most of the kids I grew up with had no issues finding constructive things to do as teens.
How far from your house is your kids school, the closest grocery store, base ball/soccer field, swimming pool?? How many hrs a day do you spend driving your kids to these places?
mid there a dentist where you live that’s open at 2am? Give your head a shake…..who wouldn’t take the day off to take their child to see a doctor/dentist. I would have taken a day off to take my kids to the park. There’s always time to make money but your kids grow up too fast.



I can see that you're the type to bicker at any valid point for the sake of trying trying come out ahead and turn every inconvenience into a convenience. So you can have it.

Not engaging in this with you.

If you think 300km drive to see a dentist, right after you just did 300km to buy groceries is convenient, then you go ahead and do that.

[HarryToolips]

Clearwater is only about 1-1.5 hour drive to Kamloops actually, depending on road conditions...

[BradC]

I can see that you're the type to bicker at any valid point for the sake of trying trying come out ahead and turn every inconvenience into a convenience. So you can have it.

Not engaging in this with you.

If you think 300km drive to see a dentist, right after you just did 300km to buy groceries is convenient, then you go ahead and do that.


Each to their own man. If you feel the need to be 5 minutes away from a hospital in case your kid gets a nose bleed at 2 am then you go ahead and do that.

To the OP congrats man. Beauty country. Have a buddy that sold on the island last spring and bought 80 acres in Clearwater. We spent 10 days mid November hunting up there, no luck but like I said beauty country. Enjoy

[mike31154]

Clearwater is a nice area. Close to Wells Gray park. Doesn't get much better for a young family that appreciates nature & the outdoors. I've lived both in urban as well as rural environments throughout my life. I much prefer the rural, or smaller towns, not everyone does of course. Fresh eggs, milk, bread, meat, veggies available from local producers. The longer trip to Kammy or large centre for niceties can be a welcome change of pace, outing. Way more pleasant drive than some endure as a daily commute in the concrete jungle. I remember as a kid living in Gimli & the monthly drive to Winterpeg was a cool adventure.

[blackbart]

Love their new mtn bike area and it looked the associated X country skiing would be very good as well.

Nice climate there and a good variety of stuff within easy access.

Big clean rivers with fish.....

And I think you can buy beer there. So ticks all the boxes for me!

[moosinaround]

Small town, big town, PG, Kamloops, Vanderhoof, doesn't mean a hill of $hit raising kids, and building strong families!! Lots of good folks come from all different places!! Building strong families, and raising good kids comes down to parents surrounding their kids and their friends with positive, safe loving atmospheres! Big town or small, doesn't matter! How you go about showing love to your children matters! Can't say I'd move to Clearwater myself, but you have your reasons, and I am sure you never made the decision lightly! I live in PG, a stinky $hithole according to others, but it is home. It is where my family is, and I have managed so far, to eek out a nice little life for myself and my family! Some of my best friends come from the lower mainland, and they are honest hard working folks, who chose to start and raise children in this place! Congrats on your move. I was gonna head that way this winter to find some new riding areas in the mountain powder in the valley!! Moosin

[MikeN]

Good choice! We just moved from Mission to Blind Bay.

[MichelD]

Move where you want. That's your choice.

Every place you live has its postive and negative attributes.

I'm reminded of when I left a small coastal village with my wife and 9-year-old daughter for Vancouver primarily becase the school and teachers were the shits and people said things like "How can you bring a young girl to the city with all the crime and sex perverts there."

Well, shortly before we left it was revealed that the local chiropractor was a modern day Fagin running a theft ring of underage kids who were breaking into homes and shops for valuables and tools in exchange for booze and drugs in the "clean wholesome" little village we lived in.

Shortly after we moved it turned out that one of the teachers there, an equal opportuity pedophile, had been holding hot tub parties with plenty of booze for pre-teen and young teenage boys and girls and was charged with numerous offences and put away for a long time.

As kids grow up, they might not all want to become a clone of daddy to whom hunting and fishing is the main focus in life and they might be interested in other options a small town might not offer.

[j270wsm]

I can see that you're the type to bicker at any valid point for the sake of trying trying come out ahead and turn every inconvenience into a convenience. So you can have it.

Not engaging in this with you.

If you think 300km drive to see a dentist, right after you just did 300km to buy groceries is convenient, then you go ahead and do that.

you couldn’t be more wrong about me. Just countered your off base comments with a positive first hand experience of growing up in a small town and raising my kids in the same town.

I think the OP made a great choice and won’t regret it for a second.

[elker]

If you have a good health, retiring to a small town has its advantages. Think of the annual property tax in big cities. It will break your back if you only have a limited fixed income

[walks with deer]

I love small towns. Clearwater seems like a real nice place. Hunting, and fishing and loving everyday. I wish you well. Nice you didn’t get ram rodded or stuck between a rock and a hard place. Don’t ever let a citiot make you question your decision. Your kids do well because of how you raised them. Big fish can come from small ponds.


Agreed...

Welcome to the north thompson harry...and good on you for not putting a unknown substence in your body and holding your ground.

I am my own employeer and employee many men but nobody would be pushed like that by me..welcome to the North Thompson and enjoy all its wonders.

Word of advice if you need gasoline after the gas station closes dont go to the bar and ask to buy gas...lol it wont be what you wanted...

[tigrr]

I moved from almost down town Edmonton to the toolies. Got so sick of the car alarms and sirens all the time. The white noise never stopped. And if it wasn't nailed down it walked. Miss the restaurants and that is about all I miss(oh no I do miss my old dentist).
Now I love the quiet till the neighbours come back in the spring. 28 lakes to fish and I have wet a line in 11 of them.
No TV so I have a lot of time to do stuff. Ya we drive an hour to get groceries, every two weeks.
I have 36 acres along Francois lake if this spot gets too crowded.

[spc]

Clearwater is one of my favorite places. I work there a lot and would move there if my wife would agree.

[Bugle M In]

Buddy,

It doesn't matter what we think about moving to Clearwater.
Probably doensnt even matter what you think either.
It's, "What does the wife think about the move" that is really going to matter:wink:

[Jagermeister]

My son lived there for a few years until the mill shutdown. Then he had to move again because he is too young to retire.
He is more of a fishing nut and hunting is quite secondary to him.
I can safely say that he is happier where he is now. And that is because when he arrived at his next place of domicile he bought a big as Kingfisher, so it's very hard to keep him off the water. The weather at the moment is doing a fine job and keeps him preoccupied in his free time shovelling snow.
Would he speak disparagingly of Clearwater? The answer is no aside from the only negative aspect, that being the grandson had issues at school with other classmates. Entering into a new school as a teenager is challenging, especially if you are a bit of a introvert. The grandson is excelling at his new school and is a straight "A" student and will graduate with honors this year. I think it will be much easier for a younger child going to elementary school to assimilate into the group.
As with all small towns, gossip travels at warp speed so you want to be prudent about what you reveal about yourself and your family. It will not take you long to be on a first name basis with your neighbours, which incidentally is the entire. village.
And remember, effluent flows downhill and you may have to drink the water in Kamloops one day.

[browningboy]

Azure lake had incredible fishing!!

[dino]

I can see that you're the type to bicker at any valid point for the sake of trying trying come out ahead and turn every inconvenience into a convenience. So you can have it.

Not engaging in this with you.

If you think 300km drive to see a dentist, right after you just did 300km to buy groceries is convenient, then you go ahead and do that.

I hear ya. The one thing I will never forget was when I was on a job in port renfrew and saw an 8 year old smoking dope. I saw marijuana baggies pinned to the side of the church. Ive worked and lived in many small towns of this province and the states. When there is nothing to do people will drink or do drugs. I also remember how many wifes and husbands were cheating on each other. I had a cabin/house in a small community and the local gossip was brutal, no thanks. Moving to a small city I understand but moving to a 2 horse town is a no go. You can only fish and hunt so much.

[j270wsm]

I agree with everything you said Dino. But it isn’t only a small town problem, you just hear about it in the small town.

[walks with deer]

Well dino a 8 year old smoking pot...hmm seen this in mission and in maple ridge many times and port coquitlam i have seen 13 year olds doing powder.

Lots for kids to do in the interior of bc.

Mine hunt and fish but they also ski,horse back ride,mountain bike,dirt bike farm,garden,cook ,clean,can have freinds over for trampolines and nerf fights oh and did i mention they go hunting and fishing from the yard. They also run tractors excavators drive dump trucks build forts ect...at the age of 12 and 10 they are very capable young people helping me insulate,paint pour concrete ect.

Also dino gossip may seem more in a small town or more problems but the truth is its just harder to not be transparent in a small town..

I do miss donairs and chinese food cheap though..

[dino]

Well dino a 8 year old smoking pot...hmm seen this in mission and in maple ridge many times and port coquitlam i have seen 13 year olds doing powder.

Lots for kids to do in the interior of bc.

Mine hunt and fish but they also ski,horse back ride,mountain bike,dirt bike farm,garden,cook ,clean,can have freinds over for trampolines and nerf fights oh and did i mention they go hunting and fishing from the yard. They also run tractors excavators drive dump trucks build forts ect...at the age of 12 and 10 they are very capable young people helping me insulate,paint pour concrete ect.

Also dino gossip may seem more in a small town or more problems but the truth is its just harder to not be transparent in a small town..

I do miss donairs and chinese food cheap though..

This might be what your kids are exposed to but most kids probably dont have access to what you just stated. Ive lived and worked from downtown Vancouver to dease lake and everywhere in between. Kids have way less options in a small community and its way easier to be on the party. Mission,maple ridge and poco are places ive also worked and lived. All crap places IMO especially maple ditch!
Gossip BS, infidelity and plain old ignorance has been my experience. It has nothing to do with transparency, there is just ef all to do in a two horse town and thats why people go on the way they do. I enjoy being left alone in the city, i enjoy the great food, access to anything i want at all times of the day. I dont have to listen to any BS "did you hear" gossip crap. I have a choice of multiple schools for my kids. Lots of diverse good paying jobs. My kids dont have to either work at the Mill or the Mine.lol. By the way, we have quads,sleds,dirtbikes,ect. we live on acreage and they can operate my excavators, bobcats, and a couple of 20ton cranes also.
My preference if i leave the LML would be Vernon or just outside a little bit. I do like penticton too.

[landphil]

Harry, Congrats on your move, and for having the spine to do what you think is best for you and yours. I grew up where Clearwater was the second closest town (to the distant northwest) so I might have a bit of a love for that country.

We lived far, far more remote, no BC hydro or real telephone for the first 6 years out there. I may have listened to my dad get directions from the doctor over the radio telephone on how to set my dislocated thumb (which worked BTW) , and may have lived through all sorts of experiences that most here probably would never believe.

I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. I especially miss the good fishing.

[knighthunter]

Lots of wild country to hunt in, be careful you don't get lost tho like one old fella did about 7-8 years ago. Still havn't found him or his vehicle. Close to Wells Gray and it's beautiful water falls. Hunting deer one time about 10 miles west of Clearwater, I stumbled upon some fairly large quartz rocks, I'm guessing some weighed around 40-50 lbs, one in particular had a streak of what looked like rust to me. A few year's later, as I was learning about prospecting & gold panning, I read something interesting about that rusty coloured streak. Needless to say I never returned back there, likely couldn't find it now especially the way my health took a nose-dive.

[Jagermeister]

Lots of wild country to hunt in, be careful you don't get lost tho like one old fella did about 7-8 years ago. Still havn't found him or his vehicle. Close to Wells Gray and it's beautiful water falls. Hunting deer one time about 10 miles west of Clearwater, I stumbled upon some fairly large quartz rocks, I'm guessing some weighed around 40-50 lbs, one in particular had a streak of what looked like rust to me. A few year's later, as I was learning about prospecting & gold panning, I read something interesting about that rusty coloured streak. Needless to say I never returned back there, likely couldn't find it now especially the way my health took a nose-dive.
If the old fellow you refer to was the one from Vavenby, then know that his truck was found up in the mountains to the east. It was supposedly parked in a manner that made it obscure and was found by chance by a timber cruiser. His wife had pre-deceased him a few years before. Draw your own conclusions.

[knighthunter]

If the old fellow you refer to was the one from Vavenby, then know that his truck was found up in the mountains to the east. It was supposedly parked in a manner that made it obscure and was found by chance by a timber cruiser. His wife had pre-deceased him a few years before. Draw your own conclusions.
Yes, that's the guy, was trying to remember Vavenby. Do you remember how long ago that was?

[Treed]

If the old fellow you refer to was the one from Vavenby, then know that his truck was found up in the mountains to the east. It was supposedly parked in a manner that made it obscure and was found by chance by a timber cruiser. His wife had pre-deceased him a few years before. Draw your own conclusions.


Apparently, suicide is not a given.

Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said there is no evidence of foul play, but the vehicle appears to have gotten stuck and officers believe Boettger may have been unable to free the truck. The terrain in the area is rugged and the officer said there is a "considerable" amount of overgrown brush around the vehicle.

[MichelD]

I don't know about Clearwater, but from what I've seen in up-country towns like Lillooet, Princeton, Clinton and others, the grocery store options are pretty limited. Reminds me of when I lived in Sointula up the coast and having to go visit the same brown head of iceberg lettuce in the store every trip.


I guess you can buy eggs locally if some has chickens, but veggies? How many people in Clearwater grow vegetables for local sale? And what about off-season, which is most of the time? Bread? Seriously? What small town has a bakery any more or even a household artisanal bakery? Meat if you want beef or pork or lamb if you don't want to eat game all the time? There might be thousands of cattle around but look in the local Overwaitea and it's Alberta feed-lot beef. It's illegal for a producer to butcher and sell to you without having animals slaughtered and processed in a licensed facility.

Just um...food for thought.

[HarryToolips]

Harry, Congrats on your move, and for having the spine to do what you think is best for you and yours. I grew up where Clearwater was the second closest town (to the distant northwest) so I might have a bit of a love for that country.

We lived far, far more remote, no BC hydro or real telephone for the first 6 years out there. I may have listened to my dad get directions from the doctor over the radio telephone on how to set my dislocated thumb (which worked BTW) , and may have lived through all sorts of experiences that most here probably would never believe.

I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. I especially miss the good fishing.

Thanks man.....

[butthead]

i guess now we will see a increase in the wildlife population around here now
that youve move on. lol
looking forwards to some new photos and scenery from your new home.
best to you harry

[HarryToolips]

I hear ya. The one thing I will never forget was when I was on a job in port renfrew and saw an 8 year old smoking dope. I saw marijuana baggies pinned to the side of the church. Ive worked and lived in many small towns of this province and the states. When there is nothing to do people will drink or do drugs. I also remember how many wifes and husbands were cheating on each other. I had a cabin/house in a small community and the local gossip was brutal, no thanks. Moving to a small city I understand but moving to a 2 horse town is a no go. You can only fish and hunt so much.

It is a fear of mine as well about the drugs etc, but those things are in every town..I think if you raise them right, and lol help them to not get bored, you stand a good chance they'll avoid them, for the most part...most kids try weed, drink of course ,and maybe try a few other substances, the key IMO is teaching them self control, which leads to moderation, and teaching them to stand up to peer pressure..

[HarryToolips]

i guess now we will see a increase in the wildlife population around here now
that youve move on. lol
looking forwards to some new photos and scenery from your new home.
best to you harry

Thanks buddy, I look forward to getting out a bit more and posting for sure...

[HarryToolips]

I don't know about Clearwater, but from what I've seen in up-country towns like Lillooet, Princeton, Clinton and others, the grocery store options are pretty limited. Reminds me of when I lived in Sointula up the coast and having to go visit the same brown head of iceberg lettuce in the store every trip.


I guess you can buy eggs locally if some has chickens, but veggies? How many people in Clearwater grow vegetables for local sale? And what about off-season, which is most of the time? Bread? Seriously? What small town has a bakery any more or even a household artisanal bakery? Meat if you want beef or pork or lamb if you don't want to eat game all the time? There might be thousands of cattle around but look in the local Overwaitea and it's Alberta feed-lot beef. It's illegal for a producer to butcher and sell to you without having animals slaughtered and processed in a licensed facility.

Just um...food for thought.

I agree that is one setback of living in a smaller town... fortunately all we eat for red meat is wild game and that makes us happy.. we also grow a lot of our own veggies and my wife makes sourdough bread...

[walks with deer]

I don't know about Clearwater, but from what I've seen in up-country towns like Lillooet, Princeton, Clinton and others, the grocery store options are pretty limited. Reminds me of when I lived in Sointula up the coast and having to go visit the same brown head of iceberg lettuce in the store every trip.


I guess you can buy eggs locally if some has chickens, but veggies? How many people in Clearwater grow vegetables for local sale? And what about off-season, which is most of the time? Bread? Seriously? What small town has a bakery any more or even a household artisanal bakery? Meat if you want beef or pork or lamb if you don't want to eat game all the time? There might be thousands of cattle around but look in the local Overwaitea and it's Alberta feed-lot beef. It's illegal for a producer to butcher and sell to you without having animals slaughtered and processed in a licensed facility.

Just um...food for thought.

Wow MichelD.
There is a lot of locals growing vegetables, and the grocery store in clearwater is well stocked better than many in the city. All the trucks drive past it...duh.
Craigs bakery delivers daily up there and there is other grocery stores including bakery. in addition year round produce is grown up here buy many back yard farmers with success...

Beef,lamb,chicken,eggs.. how much do you want? My wife or I take at least two trips a month to the local abortoir (certified government kill facility) that is maybe half an hour 40 minutes from clearwater and there are many other small producers up in his neighbourhood if you want you can come help me load the next one in the trailer on the 11th. We are taking orders for the animal we are bringing in on april 28th..
Harry ignore that nay say crap...the biggest down side is at your boys age your only a couple years from grade 8 and access to more diverse high schools and university is more of a challenge... that said with some creative parenting you can make sure hes still advancing even faster than the others.
And thanks for not putting something you dont want to in your body because some beraucrat told you too.

I am sure a nice jump down in realestate from kelowna to clearwater but there is some good properties to be had there to still get a great equity ride. Oh and kokane fishing down town..swimming down town,chinook fishing down town, ect.

[browningboy]

If you’re single you’ll be a busy man as small town woman are always looking for fresh meat! Lol just be careful

[REMINGTON JIM]

Azure lake had incredible fishing!!

https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/wells_gry/azure.pdf Beauty Spot too ! ;-) RJ

https://kamloopstrails.net/rainbow-falls/

[wideopenthrottle]

Also dino gossip may seem more in a small town or more problems but the truth is its just harder to not be transparent in a small town..
..
the way I used to look at it is, in a small town, most people know (know of) each other so it makes each person more responsible for their character. Also every person needs to interact with X number of people as they grow and develop who they are. In small towns, to get to X number of people, you will have to be more tolerant of differences (age, colour, wealth) to develop properly. In a city, you can get to X people without leaving your group. You can also be an a-hole to people and just move on to being an a-hole to different people....

[MichelD]

Wow MichelD.
There is a lot of locals growing vegetables, and the grocery store in clearwater is well stocked better than many in the city. All the trucks drive past it...duh.
Craigs bakery delivers daily up there and there is other grocery stores including bakery. in addition year round produce is grown up here buy many back yard farmers with success...

Beef,lamb,chicken,eggs.. how much do you want? My wife or I take at least two trips a month to the local abortoir (certified government kill facility) that is maybe half an hour 40 minutes from clearwater and there are many other small producers up in his neighbourhood if you want you can come help me load the next one in the trailer on the 11th. We are taking orders for the animal we are bringing in on april 28th..
Harry ignore that nay say crap...the biggest down side is at your boys age your only a couple years from grade 8 and access to more diverse high schools and university is more of a challenge... that said with some creative parenting you can make sure hes still advancing even faster than the others.
And thanks for not putting something you dont want to in your body because some beraucrat told you too.

I am sure a nice jump down in realestate from kelowna to clearwater but there is some good properties to be had there to still get a great equity ride. Oh and kokane fishing down town..swimming down town,chinook fishing down town, ect.

Thanks for the update. Happy to be corrected. Sounds better than most places beyond Hope.

[Arctic Lake]

Good luck to you and your family Harry !
Arctic Lake

[twoSevenO]

the way I used to look at it is, in a small town, most people know (know of) each other so it makes each person more responsible for their character. Also every person needs to interact with X number of people as they grow and develop who they are. In small towns, to get to X number of people, you will have to be more tolerant of differences (age, colour, wealth) to develop properly. In a city, you can get to X people without leaving your group. You can also be an a-hole to people and just move on to being an a-hole to different people....

I think that last sentence is a bit of an issue with the small town. It certainly was when I lived in a tiny town back in Europe. Kids can and do dumb things. It's enough to make ONE big mistake and you've forever locked in your fate. Steal something and the kid (and their parents) are forever the thieves family. You aren't shaking that off easily. But
Down here .... kid could change schools and might as well have moved in from Mars.

Of course, well brought up kids shouldnt Steal, but kids do dumb things. Just an example here.

[dino]

It is a fear of mine as well about the drugs etc, but those things are in every town..I think if you raise them right, and lol help them to not get bored, you stand a good chance they'll avoid them, for the most part...most kids try weed, drink of course ,and maybe try a few other substances, the key IMO is teaching them self control, which leads to moderation, and teaching them to stand up to peer pressure..

Dont get me wrong. If I new we could handle it, i would be gone. Unfortunately ive been spoiled and because of my age im really starting to like the various restaurants, the access to anything i want so quick and easy. It is such a huge decision to make because if its a mistake there is no way to buy back in. If you enjoy it then good on ya and im jealous. It could be the biggest mistake ive ever made by not doing it.

[tigrr]

People make choices Harry. If someone decides to try drugs that is a choice. It is up to the parent to tell the child that choices come with repercussions. Bad choices = bad results.
You made a good choice moving to where you did. That is all.

[HarryToolips]

Wow MichelD.
There is a lot of locals growing vegetables, and the grocery store in clearwater is well stocked better than many in the city. All the trucks drive past it...duh.
Craigs bakery delivers daily up there and there is other grocery stores including bakery. in addition year round produce is grown up here buy many back yard farmers with success...

Beef,lamb,chicken,eggs.. how much do you want? My wife or I take at least two trips a month to the local abortoir (certified government kill facility) that is maybe half an hour 40 minutes from clearwater and there are many other small producers up in his neighbourhood if you want you can come help me load the next one in the trailer on the 11th. We are taking orders for the animal we are bringing in on april 28th..
Harry ignore that nay say crap...the biggest down side is at your boys age your only a couple years from grade 8 and access to more diverse high schools and university is more of a challenge... that said with some creative parenting you can make sure hes still advancing even faster than the others.
And thanks for not putting something you dont want to in your body because some beraucrat told you too.

I am sure a nice jump down in realestate from kelowna to clearwater but there is some good properties to be had there to still get a great equity ride. Oh and kokane fishing down town..swimming down town,chinook fishing down town, ect.

Thanks for the support buddy, and all good points...

[HarryToolips]

Good luck to you and your family Harry !
Arctic Lake

Thanks pal, cheers

[HarryToolips]

Dont get me wrong. If I new we could handle it, i would be gone. Unfortunately ive been spoiled and because of my age im really starting to like the various restaurants, the access to anything i want so quick and easy. It is such a huge decision to make because if its a mistake there is no way to buy back in. If you enjoy it then good on ya and im jealous. It could be the biggest mistake ive ever made by not doing it.

I hear ya buddy, but sounds like you've got your family in a great place...we're happy here thus far, I've got a great new job, and things are going to get even better as winter fades away, so much bush, so many lakes and mountains...and best of all, less ppl and city busy ness..

[HarryToolips]

People make choices Harry. If someone decides to try drugs that is a choice. It is up to the parent to tell the child that choices come with repercussions. Bad choices = bad results.
You made a good choice moving to where you did. That is all.

I agree, and thank you I feel that we made the right choice..

[Jagermeister]

You know what's nice about Clearwater? It's not the end of the road like Port Alice, Bella Coola, Prince Rupert, Sandspit, Stewart, MacKenzie, Kitamat and a few other nondescript places. Did I mention Horsefly?

[scoutlt1]

You know what's nice about Clearwater? It's not the end of the road like Port Alice, Bella Coola, Prince Rupert, Sandspit, Stewart, MacKenzie, Kitamat and a few other nondescript places. Did I mention Horsefly?

Horsefly???

Nothing to see here.... :-)

[REMINGTON JIM]

You know what's nice about Clearwater? It's not the end of the road like Port Alice, Bella Coola, Prince Rupert, Sandspit, Stewart, MacKenzie, Kitamat and a few other nondescript places. Did I mention Horsefly?

Your just JELOUS of Martins New Ranch there ! :razz: :grin: RJ

[dino]

I hear ya buddy, but sounds like you've got your family in a great place...we're happy here thus far, I've got a great new job, and things are going to get even better as winter fades away, so much bush, so many lakes and mountains...and best of all, less ppl and city busy ness..

Keep us updated. I can live vicariously through you. All i know for me personally, i would be out exploring every chance i could. I would also go to birch island and give my old pal dana a visit.lol

[Stillhunting]

I can point you towards some outstanding lakes for rainbows and moose hunting if you're lucky enough to get a draw...