Hot Weather Garden
In July the weather gets hot and the perennial garden is at its peak. We try to keep up with the weeding and deadheading, but we also stop to enjoy the flowers in bloom. All shots taken by the author. … Continue reading →
At Scuitto Lake
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 →
At Sussex Lake
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 →
At Ross Moore Lake
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 →
In the Crystal Bowl
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 →
Investigating the Wildflowers Near Hyas Lake
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 →
Sullivan Valley Wildflowers
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 →
Paska Lake Wildflowers
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 →
In the Altius Hills
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 →
In the Lac du Bois Upper Grasslands
After paddling Lac du Bois, I ventured up on the Stony Lake track for a short nature hike. I wasn’t disappointed. Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption/ID. Scientific names and more information is available on the … Continue reading →
On the Big Pine Trail
We hiked a route in Kenna Cartwright Park with the plan to observe the natural world along the way. It is a route we have done before at this time of year so we knew what to look for. Blazing-Star … Continue reading →
Upper Grasslands in Mid-June
The upper grasslands area of the Lac Du Bois Conservancy is rich in wildflowers, flowering shrubs, pollinators and birds in mid-June. Click on an image for an ID and a lightbox view. More information on some of these can be … Continue reading →