A summer of extended dry, hot weather withered most wildflowers to dormancy, but the floodlands near Cooney Bay remained wet through much of summer. A few wildflowers can be spotted along the river shore near Kamloops Lake. Click an image … Continue reading →
In mid-summer there were hot days and smoky skies, but I paddled on Jacko Lake and made some stops along the rough road. Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) was in bloom and ants were busy cultivating aphids. On the lake were … Continue reading →
We hiked across former trails on the Bonaparte Plateau, now burned by the Sparks Lake Fire of 2021. Some areas were barren, some have healthy succession growth, and some were untouched by the fire, but the effects of a long, … Continue reading →
A hot and dry summer moved most wildflowers and flowering shrubs into seed production earlier than expected. Berries and capsules were more common than flowers on the Stake Lake Trails. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) is a low-growing perennial which produces white … Continue reading →
On a warm summer day I traveled out to Scuitto Lake for a paddle around the lake and an exploration of the lakeshore. On the lake a number of aquatic plants were in bloom. Arumleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata) stems were … Continue reading →
Sussex Lake is a backcountry lake near the Surrey Lake Summit at 1385 m (4543 ft). I paddled two of the lakes in the area and explore the lakeshore and access roads while out for a half day outing. In … Continue reading →
It is a long drive on backroads out to Ross Moore Lake, but if the conditions are right, it is worth a half day out and back to paddle the lake and explore the area. I paddled around the lake, … Continue reading →
We hiked from Sun Peaks mid-station through Crystal Bowl and then into West Bowl with the grandchildren, admiring the south-facing slopes wildflowers along the way. Found in abundance were Valerian (Valeriana sitchensis), Groundsel (Senecio integerrimus), Mountain Forget-me-nots (Myosotis alpestris sp.), … Continue reading →
I went high into the hills to paddle Hyas Lake (1234 m). On the way back I stopped to photograph some of the wildflowers of the area. There were fragrant white Bog Orchids (Platanthera dilatata sp.) in seep zones. There … Continue reading →
After paddling on Sullivan (Knouff) Lake, I drove down the Vinsula – Knouff Lake Road, stopping along the way to enjoy the wildflowers. I have done this for a number of years, so I know where to stop to observe … Continue reading →
On a warm July day I paddled Paska Lake, but I also explored the hills of the area. In a wet gully were a number of arrow-leaved coltsfoot (Petistates sagittatus ) going to seed. The long stalks and large green … Continue reading →
An interesting area to hike is up into the rocky steep hills above the Uplands Trails (link). On a summer day I climbed into the hills to explore and stopped to admire the flora along the way. Mariposa lilies (Calochortus … Continue reading →