Category Archives: nature

nature, Photography

Night Strollers

32 Comments

A few evenings ago as we were returning home from a nearby restaurant, we saw a couple of night strollers.

After stopping at the bank, they continued across the road to a park.

Completely unconcerned about our presence, they were like any other couple out for an evening constitutional, except that they tended to ignore the traffic signals.

These aren’t the best photos because I took them with my cell, but the deer still look adorable. I love that they feel comfortable enough to come wandering through, without fear or worry.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

It’s Springy!

34 Comments

There are springy signs everywhere! First, I noticed a few days ago that the red maples have very suddenly started budding.

These trees are loaded with pink buds that are so pretty against the blue sky.

They will soon be leafing in great profusion.

Then I saw that the large koi in the Japanese garden fish pond have come through the winter and their dormancy in good shape.

Passing near the creek the always-hungry ducks were happy to see us with our bag of quinoa snacks, and I noticed that the green head feathers of the males are beginning to turn very iridescent, a sign that they will soon be mating.

I hope signs of spring are happening where you are, too.

Happy Wednesday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

KVR Trail

32 Comments

The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a 660 km decommissioned passenger train line that used to run through southern British Columbia from Hope to Castlegar between 1910-1964.

Heading toward Penticton.

It continued to be in operation as a freight line until 1989 and after it fell out of use, the tracks were removed and it was re-purposed as a hiking, running, walking and biking trail.

Heading toward Kelowna.

M and I have walked chunks of it in all seasons; it has terrific views with the Columbia Mountains to the east and the Okanagan Mountains to the west.

Okanagan Lake from above.

The KVR is also part of the Trans Canada Trail, a cross-country network of trails, waterways and roadways that stretches from the Atlantic to the Arctic and Pacific Oceans.

The sun shines on a still-awakening valley.

The Trans Canada Trail, at 24,000 km, is the longest multi-use trail system in the world.

Grape vines and orchards below; the city of Penticton to the left.

We love having this trail almost at our doorstep and are so happy that 35 years ago, a group of forward-looking people decided to band together to re-purpose an old rail line.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Spring, Maybe?

24 Comments

We have had several days of lovely weather followed by a beautifully warm weekend. Everything is beginning to sprout and grow!

Blue skies and bright sun; it was lovely to sit outside.
A golden willow getting ready to burst.
Alder buds.
Beautiful yellow.
A bevy of buttercups growing through the winter grass.

I hope I’m not too anticipatory, but I think we might have spring on our hands!

nature, Photography, Wine

Warm Day

35 Comments

We recently had company come to stay for a few days, and we lucked out with some beautiful weather.

Okanagan Lake near Kelowna.

We visited a winery near Kelowna where, although the vines hadn’t awakened yet and the opposite mountain tops still had snow, the sun was warm and inviting.

A pinkish pinot gris for our spring day.

With a little wine, we sat outside, enjoying the warmth, view and soft breeze.

A lake boat far below.

It was such a lovely and relaxing spring day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. ☘️

nature, Photography

A Pause before the Leap

A recent walk made me feel like spring was patiently waiting to make the leap from its winter confines.

Warm, wind still and clear, a quiet lingering expectancy of growth has firmly appeared.

A swimming and diving platform is in readiness, anticipating the excitement of sunny aquatic enjoyment.

Such wonderful things to look forward to!