It’s Springy!

Mar 20, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 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.

Reblogs

Partridges Without A Pear Tree

Mar 20, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 9 Comments

PARTRIDGES WITHOUT A PEAR TREECome hither, seek refugeUpon our verdant lawn.Safe from hunters whoseek to drive your kind forth.Your two bulbous …
Partridges Without A Pear Tree

I love this partridge photo series from Annika Perry. I hope you click the link above to view all the pictures as well as to read her accompanying poem. It’s beautiful.

Commentary, nature, Photography

KVR Trail

Mar 19, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 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.

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.

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.

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?

Mar 18, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 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 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!

Reblogs

#ScenicSaturday 16th March 2024:

Mar 18, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 4 Comments

This continuing series of posts depicts our beautiful world, encouraging viewers to share them and help save our unique home from human carelessness …
#ScenicSaturday 16th March 2024:

A lovely stand of birch trees in the Forest of Dean, courtesy of Stuart Aken.

nature, Photography, Wine

Warm Day

Mar 17, 2024 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 35 Comments

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

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.