Tag Archives: Snow

nature, Photography

Looking Back Once More

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Once more, here is a “looking back” post containing pictures from years ago; photos that aren’t necessarily great but that are important to me.

Skaha Lake, Penticton, in January, 2017.

I spent the month of January preparing for my new job which was due to start in February in Northwest Territories. As spring began to arrive in Penticton, I was about to enter into a much different weather world!

Outside Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, February, 2017

When I left Penticton, the temperature was 2C (35.6F) but I arrived in Yellowknife, the capital of Northwest Territories, to a frigid -41C (-48.1F). Luckily there was no wind. A 43 degree temperature difference meant that some careful packing was required but after many years of travel, army life and search and rescue challenges, I knew what to expect.

Northern sunset outside Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, February, 2017.

Within weeks of my arrival, an Inuit seamstress agreed to make a traditional parka for me, one that was longer than most and was roomy enough for several layers underneath. I was so thankful for it during my entire time there!

Yellowknife’s ice road, 2017
An elaborate snow castle built on the frozen lake, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, 2017.

My northern adventure was just beginning.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Are They Monochromatic?

31 Comments

We recently had a very wet snowfall that lasted only a couple of hours before melting. During this snowfall, though, the overcast that settled into the valley was extremely thick and low to the ground.

Okanagan Lake

We were seemingly enveloped in grey. But then again, I have a question for you: has the above photo (and those that follow) been photoshopped to appear monochromatic or is it a “colour” picture of a monochromatic environment?

Penticton Creek
Another wintery lake view.
A group of Canada geese near a deteriorating old dock in the lake.

So, what do you think? Have I been playing with Photoshop to produce these monochromatic photos or was Penticton’s environment just rather grey?

The answer will be revealed in the comments.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Is It Winter?

28 Comments

Here in the valley we have had buckets and buckets of rain which in the mountains is coming down as snow, and as low as 800 metres above ground (2625 ft), to be exact.

On the nearby mountain tops it’s snowing …
… but here in the valley it’s an almost non-stop light rain.

Our neighbourhood ski resort, Apex *(https://apexresort.com/), is opening soon but there are other undeniable signs, too.

There’s a proliferation of barberries and I’ve noticed that the ducks, geese and coots are all starting their winter huddles. Today during my walk, I could see my breath a bit too, despite the fact that it was 5° (41F).

But probably the best indicator is the snow on the mountains. That’s a pretty definite sign!

So I’m thinking that winter is surely here, and no matter how we parse it, we’ve got a good two months before there will be an inkling of a change. Happy winter Wednesday. ❄️

* For information only. This is not an advertisement nor have I been paid to mention Apex ski resort.

nature, Photography

Weather Change

45 Comments

We have been getting quite a bit of rain lately, which has been terrific for two reasons. First, we’re gradually climbing out of our drought, and secondly, at the higher elevations it’s coming down as snow, which is a good thing for all the skiers and ski resort operators. Our nearby ski mountain, Apex, is apparently developing a good base layer.

If you look straight down the lake toward the low mountain at the other end, you can see some higher elevation snow.
As a result, the overcast, while not my favourite weather pattern, definitely has some advantages hidden in its silvery clouds.

As long as we continue to get rain down here in the valley, I’m very happy to welcome the mountain snow, even though driving conditions in the passes become demanding.

No one has ever had to shovel rain out of a driveway!

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

More Snow

22 Comments

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

Snowpiles

20 Comments

It has warmed up and as a result an enormous amount of snow came down, so very unusually, it’s piled up everywhere in Penticton.

This is a parking lot pile, but the size of it is very unusual.

Because it’s slick, people are not coping well and drivers, in particular, are having issues. That winter driving gene can atrophy badly if it’s not used regularly, unfortunately. These snow piles aren’t what I want to see, though.

This view from a walk of a few days ago is much better. But what will work really well is when I get to see this:

Rhododendrons from spring, 2023.

Spring will be very welcome!