These lovely trees have started their spring blooming process.
Although they are referred to as cherry trees because they produce clusters of very cherry-like looking fruit in the autumn, this tree is actually a member of the dogwood family.
The “cherries” this tree produces are quite tart but I understand they make the most delicious jams, jellies, juices and fruit leathers.
This tree is in a park and the birds usually strip it bare as soon as the berries ripen, so I haven’t actually tasted them.
Tasty or not, their blooms are a lovely and welcome spring sight.
When we lived in Northwest Territories we usually took at least two road trips a year to our second home in the Okanagan (2200 km or 1367 miles south by road) to enjoy warmer weather, visits with family and friends and to also stock up our truck with all kinds of food for our large northern freezer amid many other supplies. These photos are from one of our last spring road trips through NWT, Alberta and British Columbia and traversing the Rocky Mountains.
On this trip, a friend’s very sweet northern dog came with us. She loved to put her head between the two front seats so that she could watch the road. Riding shotgun was definitely her thing! To give me a rest, my wonderful M did most of the driving.
The mountain peaks were snowy but the skies were clear and spring was certainly underway.
We did encounter some weather because after all, it was the mountains in March!
This is the entrance to Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia.
It’s known for its fabulous backcountry hiking and camping. Since it’s somewhat overshadowed by the nearby and more famous Jasper National Park, it tends to be a bit overlooked, but it’s well worth a visit.
Because we were so familiar with this route, we knew where to stop for a relaxing evening before continuing on the next day. A glass of wine and a book next to the fireplace was primo!
We’ve had a lot of wind in the last couple of days, pushed forward by a cold front coming in from the Pacific.
The cooler temperatures brought by the winds are dissipating now but nevertheless, plants, trees and shrubs were unaffected and continued to bud and bloom, like the hazel nut tree above.
These mountain hydrangea leaves are moving quickly along, too …
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 