Our weather lately has been a mix of sun, rain and wind; short, intense rain storms have been quickly followed by sun and then more rain. This has left Okanagan Lake looking both settled and uneasy.
Gathering clouds in the distance …
… as the previous storm’s clouds dissipate.
Happy Wednesday.
The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Although in the summer of 2024 Jasper National Park suffered a terrible forest fire that resulted in the destruction or serious damage of a third of the townsite and the loss of 325 square kilometres (202 sq miles) of park forest, it is recovering well and appropriately.
When we recently visited we saw that all heavily damaged buildings or the remains of destroyed buildings, vehicles, and other items have been removed from Jasper townsite and rebuilding and new construction are moving along at an accelerated pace. Other than the lots made vacant by the fire (and that are now being prepped for reconstruction) there is little evidence that a major fire occurred.
Some parts of the Maligne Lake area of Jasper Park were very significantly damaged with, in some areas, trees completely destroyed right down to the ground.
The fire was at times so hot that it generated its own weather system, a swirling tornado of flames, gases and heat. Essentially, many of the trees were cooked until nothing was left.
When we visited in late May/early June, a few of the trails remained closed due to fire damage and unsafe conditions. However, the vast majority of the trails, even through the burned areas, are open. Hiking through the burned areas is also an education about the forces of nature: we saw grasses, wildflowers, weeds, and even very tiny trees growing again; the forest will recover.
Many people have thought that they shouldn’t visit Jasper this year, that it’s perhaps too soon. But the people of Jasper townsite and the employees of the park, hotels, restaurants, outfitters and all the others who rely on tourism for their livelihood will welcome you. They have worked very hard to prepare the townsite and to reopen the trails, and of course, the vast majority of the national park escaped the fire. 95% of it is as beautiful and iconic as ever.
Here are a few of those iconic views.
We very much enjoyed our visit and felt that spending our money there was well worth it so yes, if you’re thinking of going, you should.
Happy Thursday.
I post lots of pictures of Okanagan Lake since it’s very close and I walk next to it almost every day.
But as I’ve written before, Penticton sits between two lakes; the other at the south end of town is called Skaha. It’s smaller and shallower and as result the swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and other activities that might lead to a dunk in the water start there earlier because it warms so much faster. Despite the fact that it’s a mountain lake, by the time the end of July arrives, Skaha is about as warm as bath water!
Since moving from the south end of town, we don’t often visit Skaha, but it has a beautiful beach and very calm summer waters.
We recently did a short hike across one end of it and marvelled at how pretty it is; we may do a beach visit a bit later this month before it becomes really busy.
Happy Wednesday.
Research has shown that green is a calming colour, especially the green shades that are found in nature. I think this is very true, because I always feel better when I’ve had a little time outside.
Kermit the Frog sang about how it’s not easy to be green, but it’s certainly healthy for us to be surrounded by it!
Happy Tuesday.
The Sleeping Waters
A serene and tranquil picture from Peerless Cynic. Please click the link above to see more of Peerless’s beautifully peaceful photography collection.
A view of the beach near our home …
… from a pier in the lake.
Happy Saturday.
The swollen creeks and rivers are sending a lot of water into the lakes.
At present this creek looks like a river; it’s moving swiftly and delivering a lot of snow melt to Okanagan Lake. Normally it’s just a very somnolent trickle.
All that water from the many creeks and rivers is elevating the lake’s levels, a wonderful thing after the previous three years of drought conditions. This is leading to amazingly explosive growth …
… everywhere!
Happy Monday.
With the arrival of May’s lovely sunny days and with our temperatures hovering around 25 C (77 F), attention is turning to more summerish pursuits. Beaches are becoming populated, boats have come out of storage or dry dock and even though the water is still cold – the rivers and creeks running into Okanagan Lake are swollen with snow melt from the mountains – swimmers are beginning to take the plunge.
Although we no longer recognise the ancient celebration of May Day with May poles, flower garlands, religious devotionals or even at all, perhaps it’s time we brought it back. The arrival of May – what a lovely thing to commemorate and honour!
Happy May 1.
Happy Tuesday.
… good wind …
… good weather …
… a sailor’s delight.
Happy Thursday.
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