Tag Archives: Lakes

nature, Photography

Spring You Say?

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Yes, cautious agreement. There are some subtle signs of spring beginning to happen. The angle of the sun, bird behaviour, wind direction and temperature are all conspiring to create a springy sort of feeling here.

We might actually be leaving winter behind!

We have reached steady double digits – 10°C or more (50F) – and the sun really feels warm.

Doesn’t this look like early spring?

The rhododendrons are greening up by the day and really nudging the sense that we’re getting closer to spring and further from winter.

Of course, there will be lots more rain. We’re supposed to get some tomorrow, and given where we’ve lately been with the drought monster, some coolish rain isn’t a bad thing.

Happy Saturday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Lonely February Beach

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I recently took a walk on the beach beside the Penticton marina. It’s a small one tucked away on the east side of the lake, away from the bustle of the many hotels and restaurants on the west side.

Except for a couple of busy mergansers, it was completely empty. There were lots of duck tracks in the sand, but this day most of them were off somewhere else.

In the warmer months, this beach is very busy with swimmers, lots of families, sailboats going past, and picnickers. I’ve even seen people in early November, wearing light jackets but sitting on the beach in their lawn chairs, still enjoying the sun and the view. It’s laidback and unpretentious …

… and the scenery is rather fantastic. I’m glad that this little beach, bordered on one side by a park, to the north by the lake, to the east by the marina, and otherwise by nearby homes, is quietly available. But once we begin warming up, it won’t be lonely for long.

Happy Sunday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Will the Real Spring Please Stand Up?

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According to the groundhogs, we’re supposed to get an early spring. If memory serves, six weeks earlier. And since spring starts on March 16, then the early version should be underway now.

Certainly, we’ve had stabs at it for a bit here and there, but then the wind comes out of the north – there may or may not be a rain and/or snow accompaniment – and reminds us that there are glaciers and icicles way up there.

At least the sun has been shining and the sky has been blue! But I guess the lesson here is that I shouldn’t rely on weather prognosticators, either rodent or human.

Happy weekend.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Sunshine!

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Yesterday’s snowfall/rain was quickly replaced by sunshine …

… but the mountains remain sprinkled in icing sugar snow.

The clear skies and spring-like air of the valley also reminded me that we aren’t far from the life represented by the sculptures on the rock promontory. Do you see them?

Here is a a much closer picture of them from a few summers ago.

These playing children – the epitome of carefree summer fun – remind me that even in February, we’re really not far from July.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

More Snow

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A major snowstorm struck to the north of us but since we were on the periphery of it we were the recipients of a lesser amount of the white stuff. Until it turned to rain later in the day, it was beginning to collect.

By late afternoon the snow at our lower elevation in the valley was gone, having been replaced by rain …

… and the weather cleared enough to give us a glimpse of a clear sky and sun.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Sunny Afternoon

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A couple of days ago, the fog lifted and we were rewarded with a beautiful sunny afternoon.

We decided to go to Skaha Lake at the southern tip of Penticton to enjoy the weather with a walk.

The esplanade was filled with children, dogs, families, young lovers, seniors; everyone, it seems, was enjoying what felt like a genuine spring afternoon.

We had about 14C (57F), no wind and a gentle sun. It was great to loaf along watching dogs and children run around while adults smiled and chatted and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.

This beach will soon be busy with swimmers, dragon boats, sailors, sand castle builders, picnickers and kite surfers. Hooray for spring!