Amelia Samson (L) and Ben Lovely are looking forward to camping at Paul Lake for the May long weekend (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MAY LONG WEEKEND

Locals, tourists filling up campgrounds for the long weekend in Kamloops

May 17, 2019 | 5:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s the first long weekend of the warm weather season, and many residents are excited to get out and enjoy all the Southern Interior has to offer.

Despite a shaky looking weather forecast, it’s not deterring campers from packing up their RVs and enjoying the great outdoors.

Ben Lovely and Amelie Samson are in their happy place as they sit by the fire at their camp site at Paul Lake.

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“Oh it feels wonderful. It’s relaxing, it’s rejuvenating,” said Samson.

No cell phones, no technology, just nature, their dog, and a toasty camp fire. Even the rain and overcast weather isn’t putting a damper on their long weekend.

“It’s fantastic,” said Lovely. “Honestly, this is perfect hiking weather, couldn’t be happier. We hike the bluff today. The rain’s not going to keep us away. We’re here until Sunday.”

The Paul Lake Provincial Park campground is full for the May long weekend (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

The Rothery family are camping at Paul Lake for the May long weekend, celebrating mom’s birthday and just having a relaxing getaway from the city, something that son Jacob loves.

“My favourite part about camping is mostly just sleeping and roasting marshmallows,” he noted.

For those looking for more of a thrill this weekend, the Kamloops Skydiving Club is holding its 52nd annual Kamloops May Meet, one of the largest in the world.

“For the club members, just to put on and host an event for other friends,” said club manager Dean Schryver.

“We have friends travelling from Washington, California, Alberta. A lot of our friends are from Gatineau, Ottawa, Montreal. People from all over Canada, all over the northern States come up here.”

The Kamloops Skydiving Club is hosting its 52 annual May Meet this long weekend at Fulton Field (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Club members and other skydiving enthusiasts will be free-falling, but the fun is open to the public.

“Anyone can come out and watch. Come right out to the field. Then we also have a tandem special where we can take people, first-time skydivers, for a sky dive for $270,” said Schryver.

Back at Paul Lake, the campgrounds are full as people embrace the unofficial kick-off to summer.