Tag Archives: British Columbia

Mountain Clouds

Dec 21, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 17 Comments

The Okanagan Valley is surrounded by mountains: there are sub-ranges of the Rockies to the east of us, the Coastal Mountains are to the west of us and the Okanagan range of the Cascade Mountains are to the southwest of us. It’s no surprise then that our valley becomes subject to a lot of cloud and mist, particularly in the winter.

Penticton’s elevation is 385m (1263 ft) and the mountains around us are at least another 700m (2300 ft) higher; mist and cloud are typically trapped by mountain ranges.

I love watching the interplay of cloud and light as it forms, disperses and reforms, all the while playing peek-a-boo with the sun.

Happy Winter Solstice – if you’re in the northern hemisphere, from now forward our days become longer.

nature, Photography

Winter Berries

Dec 20, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 17 Comments

The fruit of this chinaberry tree is very pretty to see during this cloudy, rainy December period.

Their lovely yellow are definitely very welcome bright spots in the overcast.

Despite their loveliness, the berries are actually poisonous to birds, animals and humans. They can be medically processed and used in the treatment of some viruses, but are otherwise of little immediate practical use.

I find this tree beautiful and have often sat under it in the summer while admiring some of the adjacent rose garden. Here’s a picture from mid-September.

The overhang at the top of the above photo is from the chinaberry tree that’s shown in the first three pictures.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Winter Colours

Dec 19, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 16 Comments

Although winter doesn’t officially start until December 21, I think we’re close enough to now say that yup, it’s winter. In spite of the date, I’ve been noticing the great colours that are still around; they’re just less prolific.

Lovely winter moss – a brilliant emerald green.

The purplish-green barberry leaves are still shiny and healthy.

And yes, I found a rose! Looking a bit the worse for wear, but still determinedly blooming.

I hope you have a good day with some colours of your own.

nature, Photography

Gullible

Dec 18, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 26 Comments

While out walking I saw a row of seagulls on a gravel bar near the lake shore.

I liked how their bright white contrasted with the blue of the water and mountains.

They almost look like a row of snowballs, but I’m really glad they’re not!

Our shadows are visible in the watery sunlight. It was only about 5C (41F), but quite windless and there was no precipitation of any kind – especially no white stuff!

Happy Monday.

Commentary, musings, nature, Photography

Winter Lake

Dec 17, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 20 Comments

When we left the Caribbean the temperature was about 30C (86F); here at home it’s 5C (41F), which is a rather significant difference but completely to be expected, of course.

Another big difference is that we’re now next to a lake, not an ocean, but I love how both bodies of water can exert themselves so strongly on our lives and consciousness, even down to their colour changes.

I very much like being close to large bodies of water (I was born next to and lived my early years near the Atlantic); I find them comforting and reassuring, even when they decide to whip up some good storms.

Breaks in the cloud cover allow shafts of sunlight to shine on an opposite bank – a beautiful effect.

I find it interesting that M finds the same sense of comfort and reassurance in the mountains; he was born next to the Rockies. Maybe we all have a sort of “birth set point location” that stays with us all our lives and for which we can unconsciously yearn.

Happy Sunday.

Commentary, Milestones, nature, Photography

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Dec 16, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 26 Comments

I was recently thinking about where I was this time last year, both literally and figuratively.

November 7, 2022, Northwest Territories. A relatively small snowfall covering my truck.

November 28, 2022, Northwest Territories. The eaves of my house over the living room windows.

2023

I loved working in the Northwest Territories, but I am happy to be where I am now – a lot warmer, whether that’s Dominicana or Penticton.

Happy Holidays!, nature, Photography

It’s a Poinsettia Time of Year

Dec 15, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 29 Comments

Every Friday for the next month I am going to post a poinsettia photo; after all, even if you don’t celebrate any of the December observances, they are a lovely bright spot in a usually cold, gloomy weather period!

Sparkling Punch poinsettias on a greenhouse shelf.

I’ve seen many types of poinsettias before, but not this particular variant. They are indeed rather “sparkly” and the name is very appropriate.

Happy Friday.

Reblogs

Crispin ‘s Weather Forecast

Dec 15, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 11 Comments

Waking up, he checks the yard, Feels like snow that freezes, Not quite yet, but blowing hard, Come the northern breezes. News is written on the …
Crispin ‘s Weather Forecast

I hope you enjoy this lovely squirrel post from wordsfromanneli. please click on the link above to see the rest.

nature, Photography

Hello Rockies; Hello Home

Dec 14, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 32 Comments

As we returned to British Columbia from our holiday, we had beautiful weather over the Rocky Mountains before arriving in the Okanagan Valley. It’s not often that such clear weather occurs in December over the mountains, so I felt lucky to see this fantastic sight.

Approaching the Rocky Mountains from Calgary.

… an amazing wonder of our beautiful world.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

Week of Flowers – Day 7

Dec 7, 2023 Lynette d'Arty-Cross 28 Comments

Over the past week, Cathy at Words and Herbs encouraged people to post flower photos to help chase away the winter blahs, but since all good things come to an end, today is the last one of the series.

I’m not much of a joiner when it comes to blogging challenges, but this has been fun, and especially seeing the posts from other participants. So thank you to Cathy for this great idea and also to Jude from Cornwall in Colours through whom I first discovered the challenge.

Today I’m posting a number of favourite flower photos from May, June and July – good memories of summer.