I am on my way back to British Columbia from the Northwest Territories, this time via a more southerly route than the one I usually take.
Because of this extremely dry, early spring, there are ferocious wildfires in northern Alberta right now. The smoke from these fires is blanketing much of North America.
As we left the Territories, there were many evacuations and our drive through northern Alberta became rather tense when we encountered a long stretch of very dark, orange-hued, smoke-filled skies.
Long, gentle, soaking rains would be an excellent thing right now. Let’s hope we get some.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 
That’s near Emerald lake right? I have a ten dollar bill somewhere with a picture of it on the back. Of course, rivers are long. I just remember seeing the Kicking Horse river and thinking how well named it was.
Yes, you’re right. Emerald Lake is about 35 km away (about 22 miles), so it’s not far. Emerald Lake is one of my favourite places on Earth. I love hiking in that area and staying at the lodge. Cheers.
Glad you found a safe way home Lynette. We are blanketed in smoke in Jasper right now and leave for Vancouver tomorrow AM. Allan
Hi Allan, we have arrived home, but it was fairly smoky the entire way (after we left NWT we had to go to Sask. and then to Penticton via TCH); the Calgary area air quality was really poor. Here in the south Okanagan it’s much better, but still smoky. Safe drive, Allan.
And it’s all happening so early this year!
It certainly is! And so dry! Penticton has had quite a bit of rain, apparently, but the prairies and NWT haven’t had much at all.
I’m glad you’re safe. It breaks the heart, all those displaced people and other living creatures.
Thank you very much, Penny. We arrived in Penticton today. It is indeed heartbreaking. So many losses.
It sounds like an eerie drive. Hoping for much needed rain.
There was one section that was very concerning. The smoke was so dark and orange tinged, as well, but we got through it okay. There have been so many losses: animals, property, homes. Yes, rain is so badly needed.
The skies look so hazy and smoky. It’s very sad to hear about all the evacuations. Fingers crossed Alberta gets some rain (and a lot of it!) soon.
I couldn’t agree more. They desperately, desperately need it. I am back in the Okanagan and there’s smoke here too, but there have enough rain showers to wash it out and the air quality is much better; warnings were lifted this morning.
Glad to hear that it’s not as bad in the Okanagan and that the air quality is much better. Enjoy your time out west!
Thank you very much, Linda. I might not have to return north; I’m hoping to finish out my working life from home. Cheers.
Oh wow! That would be nice!
Definitely! 🙂
Your smoke is making for wonderfully colorful sunsets here in New England – and I wish we could share some of our rain! Although it’s a little dryer now.
Northern Alberta is really being walloped. There are many, many fires with something like 20 of them still out of control. They are expecting rain over the next couple of days; I really hope they get lots of soakers.