Shuswap Lake and Area Photos – Animals, Birds and Plants!

Hello, Hello.  Are you there, how have you been? Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to you! I do apologize for the delay in my updates. I have missed you and certainly haven’t forgotten about you.  I have been learning  about Web Site Design, and  will eventually progress my blogs into a new Web Site.  We through the “Chicken Picture” out the window and I’m headed to a new career!  I hope you have some time to visit and stay for  Berry Tea? Would you care for a pine cone?

Sincere Squirrel

Everything is good here in the Shuswap. Normally I don’t start out with things big and flashy but this may be an exception. Certainly nice to have a big strong Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve Ascent Helicopter in the area.  Thanks for putting out the Shuswap summer forest fires and for the photo opportunity here too. I thought you did great. In fact there will be more helicopter action pictures dedicated to you Mr. Pilot. “Would you like some pictures and you may know the 1993 Vans RV 6?”

Bell 212 Twin Two-Twelve

Yes, moving into winter, even rocks have Christmas too. What is so special about this rock you ask? Well, I will zoom in and show you something I find quite interesting about this rock. There is a foot print on the northern face of this rock . A very distinct little outline of a foot. A big toe photo, of sorts. I must adorn my snow shoes and trek through the forest to the northern side of my environment to take more photographs of this oddity. A foot print in time. Perhaps, this rock will remain silent, the foot print will speak for itself and eternity. I love rock stories, and pictures too.

Winter Rock

Toes

Well there’s the family, don’t be afraid. They look pretty good for that era, “Hello Aunt Dorothy!”  Another day, time and 2 more generations later. Only 2 TV channels and a “You dial it yourself” telephone. But look, it’s the clothes line that stood for generations. Now that the winter has set in, the family will still be doing the laundry outside,  but now with a nice warm Hudson Bay Coat to match the dress and landscape.

Family

This 1959 circa old black and white, was no doubt taken in Northern Alberta. Dinosaur country it is, and very interesting people there. Eh, cold too. But great for a home town and fabulous grand prairies. Love the Hudson Bay Coat, the time, the era, gone now. The road is paved now too, but the dinosaurs are still there, by tail or tale, their stories are still there. In the rock, the dinosaurs are in the rock. We need so much time to find them and tell the forgotten way.  The gravity that draws us toward them, keep listening and learning, there is a reason. Learn all the life skills you can. Appreciate the ones that you are unable to manage, and those that help you overcome those challenges, and appreciate your self, there is a reason. Look to the future. Help to make it better. Read the Stone. The walls around us may be different, but the emotion is the same. Find your place and point in time.

Hudson Bay Coat

You have been very patient to wait for pictures of the  Shuswap Lake as it is named. A domain of all season outdoor recreation. This photo was taken several days ago, when there was an anxious blue sky showing through the clouds. It’s cold out there. Not nearly as much snow as usual, for now anyways. Don’t worry sledders, it’s almost time.

Copper Island BC

It’s beach weather there, and it has already been a year since I arrived at Waikiki Beach for a holiday. What a fabulous beach. I sure will be planning to return to Honolulu one day. Beautiful and warmer than here right now!  Quite a different skyline then what we are used to here in the Shuswap.  Great view from a 1992 Eurocopter AS 350 BA or from the beach itself.

Waikiki Beach

Shuswap Skyline

How are the animals coping in the Canadian winter forests? Here is a White-tailed Deer and her young, please don’t disturb them, just look through the trees. Odocoileus virginianus they are named. Last night brought more snow. Today I will venture outside to find them. Stay close, you are safe here.

White-tailed Deer

And for those who have been searching for Alces alces, here is another friend coping with the winter. One large Moose, in the back yard in fact. Some years the snow has been to the top of his legs, so this year has been better to move through the forest clearings. His favorite winter browse  is Red-Osier Dogwood that grows in abundance along the beaver dams.

Alces alces

I appreciate your visit today. Thanks for sharing your bread neighbor. It was wonderful and enjoyed by all. It is amazing what can be conquered with one small kind act, the impact will be far reaching, and the clouds will lift. You will eventually see the right path that is meant for you, don’t give up or give in. Be strong and stand tall. Come Home. You should all be home. This photo is of Loyal Edmonton Regiment soldiers, in United Kingdom or Central Mediterranean  1939 – 1943 circa.

ww2 women

WW2 Children

And the time has arrived to say Good-bye for the day. This little Black-capped Chickadee is busy at the bird feeder, and the sun is shining in the Shuswap. I must go outside and have a look around.

Parus atricapillus

Until Next Time  from the Shuswap Lake area of southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. Maybe we will see you in the Shuswap on your way through to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Travel safe and Best Wishes for the New Year.

xoxoxox

Summer Shuswap

Hello, I’m back. Well most of me anyways. A  medical issue to deal with there, put my updates behind schedule. Thank you for the flowers, well wishes, and yes the chocolates. They were all really good.  Once again, I’m not quite ready for that container! Thanks for checking in and waiting around. I appreciate your visits and all your help. Good time now for my career change!  ( insert chicken picture here). This honorable parade photo was developed on July 19th 1948, Northern Alberta, Grande Prairie possibly. Is that Archibald General Store? Another photo shows Storm’s Inn.

Parade 1948

 What’s been going on in the Shuswap, you would like to know? Lots of people on the lake, waterskiing and swimming and trying to keep cool in this hot weather. All kinds of crazy stuff going on out there.  All kinds of boats out there and action everywhere. A silent ensemble for you. Celista condos in the background. Click on theses photos for a larger view.

Fast Boat

 

Stop The Boat and Let Me In Boat

 

More Than Boats 

 

 Shuswap  Houseboating

Everybody heads for the water in the Shuswap summer time, whether it’s to the big lake or small ones. A cool dip for this young moose seems to help relieve him from the heat, as his mother keeps watch in the background. Sorry to bother you, but I’m just taking some current photos for my blog update. Any deer around today?

Moose and Mother 

 My little Geothlypis trichas chick  sits in the shade of the bulrush and cattails waiting for his dragonfly lunch to be delivered by his mother. The Common Yellowthroat has a range of Canada to southern  Mexico. It winters southern United States to the West Indies and Panama. Incredible little warbler bird with exceptionally attractive parents.

 Common Yellowthroat chick

                                                                              Anxious Mother Geothlypis trichas                                                                                             

                  Serenading Father

 

 From yellow boats and  birds, its only fair to have yellow petals and red sepals, a dovelike plant and shape of an eagle too they call it! Aquilegia formosa a distinctive plant loved by hummingbirds, butterflies and people too. I have only seen this plant in the shady forest beside water sources. Quite beautiful they are. I harvested seeds one fall and planted them early spring  in my rock garden. Although the plant is in full sun and quite dry conditions, it thrived. What a delicate and hardy plant.

Aquilegia formosa 

 

Been hanging out, too hot to do anything else, except maybe going to the beach and having a visit and barbecue with friends.  I’ve got lots of pictures I’d love to show you and almost as many Blog Stats. Well not quite, but I’ll keep trying and really hope you will keep reading. Who knew there were things like “The Internet” out there. Does everybody have electricity?

 Smitten Kitten 

Hey you guys, is that a beer you got there in your hand? Hey watch what you’re doing there, two hands! Now look what you have done, you’ve got that fishing hook stuck in your weiner! We will have none of that stuff around here! Aren’t you the same guys I’ve had this conversation with before? Oh I’m sure. We need to talk, again. I’ve never had this  many exclamation marks before, must of been the beer! 

Yeah Same Guys

Everyone is all wound up about our blog stats. We are at the water whirl amount of 3346, exactly how many spins my young friend has done here as he heads off to get his operator’s proficiency card. Make sure and take your buddies with you!  

Him Too

 For the last picture of this very belated blog is a most requested location ”Copper Island. I’m heading west looking back with Scotch Creek and distance Anglemont. Right about center of the island is where the cliff  jumpers risk life and limb. Please don’t do it. Go to some safe diving board somewhere instead.

 Copper Island Today 

  Have a wonderful summer on the Shuswap Lake.  As always be careful out there. Until next time!

See you in the Shuswap?

xoxoxox

Shuswap Spring

“Hello and Welcome”. We are in the heart of the Shuswap and we’ve been waiting for you, since about  1959 by the looks of this picture. Fabulous year, that was. Never too late to get together and have a great visit along with some music to rock the house down.  All homemade, just like our dresses, draperies and most all the food too. It was real then.

1959 Get Together

 Don’t get too excited about houseboating in the Shuswap Lake, as we still have a ways to go yet. Good time to look at a few photographs, but you knew that was coming didn’t you. How far away are you today? Across the mountain, sea or bridge? I could walk there today, but not tomorrow. And not because I couldn’t try but because I did try. Timing is everything. The essence of everything, be prepared, planning your holidays to the Shuswap? Mine to the Mayan, if there’s time  and a swimming pool.

Patience Little Houseboat

 I’ve been waiting for Spring to show up, even with new snowfalls over the last couple of nights, it still swiftly melts in the daytime. We ‘re on page four of the calender with puddles appearing and snowbanks melting.  A small scale compared to the glaciers. Glaciers of  life times. Times of  life, now it is here. This time, today and out there  in the Shuswap Forests.

Even here, there has been browsing going on. Not just on the computer, but outside in the forest under the Fir trees for Falsebox and Red-Osier Dogwood, that have emerged free from the snow. Bare ground slowly appears all around us, the spring melt is on.

Alces alces as he is named, has made his way browsing and resting around the ponds. He has circled the field, through the playground with several passes over the now well pruned apple trees and has browsed himself right into the front yard.  Stay as long as you like. You are safe here. Stay close.  Be safe young one, “You too Smudgy, you too”. Dignity in life whether man or animal. It will change everything for the good, are you ready to step up. Please help and Protect.

Just Another Day in the Yard

 Over the mountain, and down to the other end is Bastion Mountain overlooking Salmon Arm Bay. Still had ice on the bay last time I went to town. Looking east down the lake towards Sicamous with Sunnybraeon the left and Harold’s Provincial Park farther on, all is quiet for now. But just a minute, there will be a surprise soon. Wait until page seven, that’s when the boats, beaches and  summer holidays happen. “Come to the Shuswap and Enjoy” but please help us look after the lake and land we all enjoy.

Bastion Mountain

 

Here comes “Spring” I do see her arriving shortly in my mind. I see lots of changes coming to the area this, more excitement and another step forward. Best thing you could ever do,  is tell them  kids  “Get out of bed and go to school ” Every day it is necessary to identify certain life, forms and places, we need the education to know. Keep learning, you’ll love it. Share it’ paint it. You’ve already taken it out of the universe,  in rerum natura. Short-stalked Damselfly or if you prefer the Latin then its Argia spp. I think that is  her, if I’m wrong “Mone me, amabo te, si erro”.

Her Name is “Spring”

   This is probably the kind of picture of the Shuswap Lake that you have been looking for. Where’s the boat to go along with it?  It’s here somewhere. It is that blue. The lifestyle too, it is what you see it to be and make it to be. Positively beautiful, positively real. Copper Island in the centre. Scotch Creek to your right and Sorrento down the lake to your left. Eagle Bay Beach in front and real.

Real Blue 

  It is still early for swimming in the Shuswap Lake yet, I’ll be waiting 3 more months myself. Oh, and it’s OK as this picture was not taken in the Shuswap Lake, so don’t worry about the Thamnophis sirtalis or Common Garter snake. He’s just going out to feed in the marsh. Heart-wrenching but filling. Feasting will come in tadpole season, land and shore. The open water is four feet wide along the shoreline, but this Common Garter Snake is making out just fine with limited watery territory. Circle of life. The insects are hatching and the birds are returning. The activities are starting in the marsh, there’s a couple of ducks quacking, Robins and Varied Thrush too. Frogs and Western Painted Turtles will dig themselves out of the muddy bottom of the marsh and their circle begins again. If I ever, ever have one, just one luxury in life, it would most certainly be an indoor swimming pool.

Spring Swimmer

 Charge ahead into the new season. Finish all those projects that are incomplete, I tell myself. Have no regrets. Kick up your heals and go in bare feet if you want! I’m here to support you all the way, if that’s what you want to do and need to do for you. We’re all here for you. And you have certainly been there for the blog stats as we are at this high leaping, straight out kicking number  because of the determination of your thoughtful action to have read this weblog….  Thanks very much. Oh Yes! Our number is 1799.  Are we to expect you here this summer? Are you to camp or just riding on through? Riding through to beautiful green pastures to let that horse go? Good, I’m happy to hear that.

  

 

Until the next update my friend and neighbour! There’s potatoes to peel, things to do and hopefully a chocolate egg or two around the place. Outside work will bring long awaited exercise, new projects and the garden is on that the list too. Compton’s Tortiseshells are out and about, and Lorquin’s Admirals will be in their flight season soon too. “Yes” of course the Easter Bunny has been seen in the forest too. We have to improvise here sometimes, everybody helps out. I don’t have any rabbit photos on hand, so I trust my new friend here will do in a slither. There’s a wink in his eye, and creepy enough they’re the same colour as mine!

Easter Bunny

 

Happy Easter from All of Us! 

Until Next Time

XOXOXOX

 

 

 

 

 

Shuswap Winter Landscape

Hello again, from the heart of the Shuswap landscape.  Kind of white and snowy here, and only 2 degrees today, so quite balmy other than the cloudy sky. I will tell you about the sunshine later, it just doesn’t happen to be here right now. But don’t worry about us, the wood stove is going and the snowshoes have been given a good run. I use the Rambler Yubashoes myself.  Not nearly as much snow this year as compared to others, although this morning we did have another foot  putting us over seven feet now. We won’t fret too much about the snow, cause we are on the down hill slide now.  Only another two and a half weeks until mid February when  the male Red-winged Blackbirds start returning, even with all snow still here.  They brave the last snow storms of the year, and stay pretty close to the bird feeder. By the 1st of April the females arrive from the lower elevations, and the songs begin and the snow melts. They are my first signs of Spring, and I really need them this year.  It is all about the syntax, repetitio mater memoriae from generation to generation.  And once again I face the exigencies of time. How can I say it all at once? Why would they listen? It would only be to help. Read the Latin, knights. Use your strength as it was meant to be. Before it is too late, before the oceans are poisoned. Once is forever and always. The ripples must be, on land or sea.

At Home

 

But while the snow is here, enjoy it. I could not image living any where else where there wasn’t any. Now I said “living” any where else, but “visiting” is a whole other thing. And staying there quite a long time would be ok too, especially when us4sisters can go together. There is nothing more important than family and all parts of it, and you got to like those friends too. Time for appreciation. Sometimes when things are looking kind of cool in the Shuswap, like Copper Island this winter, maybe its time to go on a holiday. Especially when I’ve never been anywhere, and the Shuswap summer won’t be happening for a few more months yet. I call it Research for my Blog, weblog to be exact. Something to compare the Shuswap to and somewhere new to tell you about while we wait for the snow to melt and the weather to warm up.  But in all fairness the refreshing 20 below weather that we had just before Christmas is over for now.  And if it looks cold in this picture, it was. A different view of Copper Island, no cliff divers today. It does claim its own, be very sure, it does.

  Copper Island from the West

  As I found out, not every where in the world is this cold. Due to the fact I live in a some what isolated location, I thought what better place than the most isolated land mass in the world to compare to the Shuswap. Yes, I have actually seen the sun this year,  it is south of here right now.  In a place with beaches, waves, and Wow and my first stamp in my passport.  If I had not been so nervous and paying more attention, I would of asked him to stamp it neater and right side up.  What can I say except maybe “Ahola”.  If you have never been, I definitely recommend it. While those of you chose to go by land, snow or quad, my sister #1 and I went by Makani Kai Helicopters over the skies of Oahu for a truly wonderful view of the island. Here is a look at the Waikiki Beach from the air. It is all they said it was. Hello Honolulu. They say if you go home with sand you will come back. I sure didn’t take any cause it looks so good there, but when I cleaned out my suitcase, there, there it was, sand, sand in my clothes, sand in everything! Real good “ole American Sand”. I will  bring it back! Mid March Ok? Hello Waikiki. Carp Diem. Horace, Ovid and you Virgil, what would you say to this? Wow and Mahalo for the hospitality?

 Waikiki Beach

 

 Not exactly surf boards, but if it gets you through the winter then have fun. But when I was saying zero to eighty in 6 hours, I was referring to the weather!  Not so sure my research is complete yet this year. It has been a challenge to get back to the job. But don’t they say you should always have challenges in your life. Maybe they didn’t mean that kind, but yeah, another Friday night. I can tell what you are thinking, but yeah, or eh? Eh for Canadian? Eh cold Canadian?

 Winter Time Pleasure for Some, Too Fast for Others.

                                                             

 ”Hey take it easy out there you guys” underneath all that snow and ice on the small mountain lake, the Western Painted Turtles are hibernating deep down in the mud. Waiting for the spring melt to once again stretch out and absorb as many rays of sunshine as possible, not unlike myself.  The Green Sea Turtle over on the sidebar of pictures, does not have to worry about hibernation in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean at the Laniakea Beach, North Shore Oahu, where they are fondly known as Honu. A gift to see. A treasure of life. And the friends we met, I enjoyed their company. What wonderful children, all of them, even after 50 years.

Western Painted Turtles – Heard You Said Spring?

 

This picture has got me thinking about Summer time in the Shuswap. You have to love the Shuswap with it great location, climate and yes the houseboating. Friendly people, thanks for waving when I was taking the picture. We will get back to the houseboating in a few months. And to answer your question, from Sicamous to Chase is: Sicamous to Salmon Arm about 20 minutes, then Sorrento next 20 minutes or so, and on to Chase, “yes” about 20 minutes. Now by boat, well that depends, your speed or mine? Out of Sicamous, past Totem Pole and Wilson Creek, left through the  Cinnemousun Narrows slowly and left again, need gas? Anglemont is on your right way down, Eagle Bay on your left, look up left, way up the mountain, probably still in the snow line, then on past  Copper Island on your right, and Blind Bay to your left. Scotch Creek, Lee Creek  and then  the Adams River mouth, down Little River under the Squilax bridge ( got your map?  know your markers and water depths?) and into Little Shuswap Lake. Several small  lighthouses along the way and “whala” you are at Chase.

Shuswap Life on the Lake

 Right now and back on winter track,  let’s check on another local inhabitant to see how winter is for this Mule Deer who is taking advantage in a break from the weather to feed. Another photograph taken on the North Shore, but this time it is the North Shore of Shuswap Lake. Odocoileus hemionus, lovely creature. So far I have seen 6 White-tail Deer and 6 Moose in the last 10 days going to work. The snow has brought all the animals down low to lake level. Twice I have had to swerve for them at dusk, as they cross the road for an evening drink at the lake. If I could I would take them all home, where they would be safe. If I could, I would and the children too. Can you help them to be safe. Please Do. Please protect the environment for all.

 

 I don’t know if you are flipping out, but I sure am about our Blog Stats. I am very thankful that you would check in.  The current to date stats for this weblog started in April 2008 are: 1063 for that year and 250 for 2009 with a grand total of 1313. Wouldn’t you know, that kind of number but all is well, we will face adversity and get through it together. Again and again. Step up and face it. We will do it as a team. There is another  sister with a great need.  A great need to release a young spirit, he must move on now. Can we talk? Set the Butterfly free. His wings need to touch the air freely so he can rise higher. The ripples must spread further across the pond. Release him and you release yourself, you can help more that way. Let him go free and others will be helped. Isn’t that why you do it? Just to help? You are you know, you are. Now we need to help you. As you have helped my sister and then me.

Flipping Out

 

Time to get back to the Shuswap, and dreams of summertime spent on the lake, shark free I might add. Oh what a day this was, sun, water and the sand. The people, the summer time days. Lots of nice places and parks to see around the Shuswap. If you are back in the cities, I am sure you will come back to the Shuswap for your holidays. Always something to see for the Birders too, like the Merlin in the sidebar. I am pretty good at identifying ducks, and still working on the hawks and falcons, so if this is not a Merlin, maybe you could help me out with this bird. Until next update “Thanks again for checking in the Shuswap” at “Shuswap Lake Photos”.

 Summer in the Shuswap

See you again!

xoxoxox 

 

Yellow Leaves, Orange Next

Hello, Very nice to see you again, although I am curious as to “Who you are?” and “Where do you come from?” How did you discover the Shuswap? Or “You’re not here yet? ” Allow me to share from my upside down view, some assorted Shuswap Lake and Area Photos. The Lifestyle? Is that what interests you or is it the scenery and wildlife too? How could you not paint a picture, or create a memory from that experience. The view. The Lifestyle.  The history and vision of the Shuswap, in all aspects. Flora and Fauna one and many. These pictures, I hope,  give you the glimp of the Shuswap from your far away location.  A Barred birds eye view for you from my Avartar friend. Positive and far reaching, its all about the Shuswap.

Who are You? Hello and It’s Nice to Meet You

Yellow leaves fall around me now. The lush green marsh has changed into the fall mode and past. Browns, beige, more yellows and slight greens. Twice now the frost has touched the ground Write in the Shuswap. We knew it would, just not so soon. Already another season waiting to grasp the time and hold it still, until we can catch up to it here and now. Another year, one more season changing and swirling past. There will be snow any day.

 The beavers have taken most of the Black Cottonwoods down, only a few pair are left. Magnific and tall, Lochinvar, O’Rion and the music seems to fit, another story told. Entertainment, I hope.  Establish a plan. Modify, re-adjust or change it, but have a plan, a path you will follow to acheive your goal. A hand to help, move past and forward, taking  note of the moment. There is a multitude of interesting facts and cures out there, in the jungle, forest and sea too, don’t forget the air. Please read. Please read what they have learned, about everything. Knowledge, facts, humanity, help them how we can. Not just this next generation, not just Bella and BooBoo, but the others too. Protect our environment. Please.

What’s a Forest Mother

 The Shuswap Lake or The Big Lake as we call it here, is not quite quiet, still a fishing boat or houseboat here and there. It is cold, the snow was so low on Crowfoot, but has melted back to the top. I’m not ready for the cold yet! So enjoy the Autumn Sun, the shadows of summer faded, covered in yellow leaves and blues of the Shuswap sky line.The mountains are horizon blue and yellow ribboned with Western Larch and Paper Birch.

 Salmon Arm Skyline

The guitar strings, bond fires on the beach, the old days when life was, well some what different. Now it is today, and we need to help the stone and the rock and the knights legacies of animals and bravery. Brave and bold. Find out who you are and where you came from, it will be important later. Painter too, I feel the brush closer to my hand. I haven’t seen the calf in the last few days. I fear for him. Little game. Too little, always too young. And never come back. Never said they would, just thought it. But never thought far enough about, ahead, never thought far enough ahead about it. Then, then it was too late. They left clues, did you read them? Pyramids, Equations and the tree rings. They did tell you before, but  you didn’t listen, so listen now, to the environment. It is our habitat too. Now, he is gone too. Don”t give up warrior. Don”t give up. Lest We Forget.

Fresh Air and a Free Spirit My Friend

 

 

 Wow, what kind of picture is this one? There’s that crazy big È, see that. Some times I get this big È and è instead of my question mark. Another cute clue, wasn’t that yesterday?. Sure seemed like it. Are you in a city? I have visited a city a couple times, with my sister et al. Or is it alias? Creative atmosphere, that’s what you need. And a good pair of hiking boots with camera at hand!

 

 This next picture is the Salmon Arm Bay. Bastion Mountain and Raven on the right. After this it will be all snow pictures.  I guess I should of looked out the window more at work, because some how I missed Fall and now Winter is here. In stead of working in town, I  was thinking I could make some 8 hour cat videos of Smudgy and Squeaky, but they only move around about twice a day, so not alot of action there.  On the sidebar, you will find a picture of Downtown Salmon Arm while on the move and a sneak preview of the Revelstoke Ski Hill Condos. Another exciting fact on the move is our Blog Stats. Although it has been awhile since the last update, you still keep checking and I “Thank you” for that.  Our Grand Total is 889 already.

Salmon Arm Bay

 

 For the last picture of the day, a family still enjoying the Shuswap Lakes clean and now cold water. Fish for lunch and supper too no doubt. Great company and wonderful friends. It is there all along, within yourself, you just have to find it.  Listen to your heart and follow the instinct. The outside influences, the power to produce an effect without using force, make it a positive one. The equation. Stars, hence the Rock. Answer the question asked. And be true to yourself and all you meet.  I wish I could do this all day long, but there is a gallon of paint calling my name.

 We Otter Get Together Again.

 

 Until next time, Write in the Shuswap

xoxoxox 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champagne Shuswap

Hello Friend! Oh yes Champagne Shuswap Lake. What a place. Could float around in the water all day long, love it, might get prunny but nothing like the Shuswap and Shuswap time, my friend, Shuswap Time. Yes it is Friday night already, another week in the office, you too? Time is everywhere. Now the management part comes into play. The piano keys once again, can you feel it painter, your art tells, the music, the drums. Life in the Shuswap. But other places are nice too, I am sure. Certainly have met  a lot of nice people from some of those places. One day I will go and see, for now I imagine. Although some one from very far away is checking in, as the language is quite foreign to me. But that is so exciting to have a visitor from way over there, somewhere, across the ocean, I suspect. Hello There. Hello Friend. Here is another day in the Shuswap. And a glimpse into my life and Smudgy is right here too!

Half Hanger Flyer

 

 Shuswap Lake is pretty busy right now, People, planes and lots of boats. But why wouldn’t you want to be in the lake having some summer fun? You could be driving 2 1/2 hours to Kelowna or 12 hours to Grande Prairie. Just rather be here right now. Or maybe on our way into Salmon Arm for groceries. This is Sandy Point and Salmon Arm in the background.

Salmon Arm

 

 Whoa, prefer the slower speeds myself, Thanks. I’ll just take a few pictures from shore.  Life on the lake. Please be very careful with the lakes. Great changes are happening to the Shuswap Lake. It is here for a reason and it is not always about us. It goes far beyond, into the comets and stars while earth’s orbit intersects the  Perseid meteor shower, Geminids next. 

 Whoa, Kind of Fast

Always other friends close by too Write in the Shuswap. Hurry up, Everybody behind the sign, you will be safe there. Don’t give away any secrets today. Come along, move over, there are more to come. You know the rule: Stay Safe Behind the Sign and please don’t step on the rabbits.

Everybody behind the Sign

 

Hurry Up You Two!

 

 

The blanket of words spreads fine over the Shuswap Lake. Glistening reflections and lighthouses along its shores, the people, the places they’re from. Tourism draws them to the Shuswap. The life, sights and ways.  Old time ways, just have to work with what we got! There has even been talk of full time electricity here.  Not too sure about that thought though. But this I do know  “Fresh Corn Season in Salmon Arm”. Nice to see you all at the annual Fish Bake and Corn Roast Beach Barbecue! Once again you have outdone yourselves. Twice when you add up the blogs stats we have accumulated together. Thanks for stopping in and staying to visit. Our official count it the totally remarkable amount of 411.  Superb!

 Fresh Corn Season

Enjoy, until next update! Back to work tomorrow!

xoxoxox

Here in the Shuswap!

Wonderful Sunny Day. Wow what a day! Sunshine and Shuswap Lake! Summer time and are you here? We sure are! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right, well maybe out swimming and boating! This is Salmon Arm Bay probably circa early 1970s pre Salmon Arm Wharf.  This picture was taken from Mt Ida looking across Salmon Arm Bay to Bastion Mountain. And for your interest, here next is a view from Bastion Mountain looking back over to Mt.Ida and the Silver Creek valley. A different perspective for you.

Salmon Arm Bay and Bastion Mountain

 

I see you have been wondering how far it is from place to place in the Shuswap. Well Salmon Arm to Blind Bay is about 20 minutes or so, and Blind Bay to Scotch Creek is roughly another 20 minutes.  A lovely 20 minute drive through Silver Creek and short cut to Falkland, takes you, another 20, 20 what, oh yeah, add in there, another 20 minutes to each Vernon or Monte Lake to Kamloops turn off. Back then, to Chase and  Sorrento and then Salmon Arm with 20 minutes each respectively. Blind Bay to Eagle Bay is ”yes you got it” another 20 minutes, Give or take a few more minutes, but you get the idea. Going to Sicamous?

Mt Ida and Silver Creek Valley

 

Everything is Write in the Shuswap! Nice and close, if you are driving, but if you are jumping like this young Common Yellowthroat it may take a while to get here. Another full circle, like many in life. A new unity and another chance to share together with family and friends and a new beginning together, especially if you’re Just Married yesterday. Have a wonderful life together, we all love you. Happy Life Always Bride and Groom!

 

 

Hot hazy days on the Shuswap lake, aromas drifting out from shore of campfires and barbecues, hinting of the evening feasts yet to come. Shuswap Time we call it, there is no am or pm, just Shuswap Time. Now you know why we are here, the water, sun, Shuswap. Lots to write about, lots to see and experience, There have been big changes in the lake and land over the years already. Please be environmentally aware. The Storms shall swirl and Thunder shakes the sky, there is no turning back only continuing forward swift and sure as the Dragon Boat. Positive and productive, a benefit to our community and society; all together, they paddle forward strong.

Shuswap Time 

  

Berry good Bird year in the Shuswap, nothing like Amelanchier alnifolia berries for lunch in the coolness of the shade.  Fresh Saskatoons and later on Huckleberry pie. And back to the reality of making lunch for myself to take to work tomorrow. My Shuswap weekend will continue again, so “Thanks Very Much” for stopping in again. Our blog stats are almost as many as the  berries on this bush. Are you ready for this count? We are at the truly amazing count of 274. Still need to learn about blog rolls, so I can get you linked over to “In the Shuswap” at wordpress.com for more bird and animal pictures ”On the Shuswap” too.  Updating that web log to soon as I can. I hope you will be back very soon, enjoyed your company as always.

Western Tanager in Saskatoon Bush

 

Thanks for stopping in, see your next time!

xoxoxox 

Boating in the Shuswap!

“Hi there”, I thought I might get your attention with a title about “Boating in the Shuswap”.  Yes, way bee hind in my updates, but I am here now to show you my perspective on Write in the Shuswap. You know, boating, swimming and the usual summer activities we all love here.  And come here, to do for summer holidays. Got to love it here, but sometimes it is a long road to home. Yes, that is really my road to home.

Road to Home

 

 

This year so far, is lush and green in the Shuswap, still high water, no beaches just yet.  Lots of animals this summer, being today the first official day of summer. And I am very happy to announce that other people in our neighbourhood have now seen it too!  Going down the hill last week to work, there it was. Standing right there, 6 feet tall, then down the road he ran. Not normally seem running loose in the boreal forest, but I am getting pretty good at identifying my birds, and I know a 6 footer when I see one, That bird was an Ostrich!  No camera close at hand that time, so moving along to something that is normal. This so very handsome White-tailed Deer  is looking older now, like the rest of us, I will be the first to admit!  There are other protected secrets and inhabitants of the forests. Save them while we can. When they are gone, they will be gone forever.

Older now

 

 Everything is flowering throughout the forest and wetlands here.  Aquilegia formosa  or Red Columbine if you prefer,  is at her finest, the good luck charm they call her.  A namesake for Brazen, He will be around soon, after all, Duckling season is here. Where is the Sphinx now, he will be close by too. The circle of the animals, must remain complete. Every tiny intricate part.  A completeness in the world. Stay true. Protect the life.

Aquilegia formosa

 

 One day a new road will present itself and life will change in the Shuswap. A whole new world will open up, one that has never seen the likes of our new road.  A road with new challenges and have a look at our blog stats here and now.  We are just getting started and already at the count of 68. That is so fantastic. Thanks for checking this out. At home it would take well over 4 years to see that many people all at once, and look at this, just in the few months that you have come to visit and hopefully enjoyed. Or “get used to it” anyway! Where are you from, far away or close by the bay. Blind Bay of course! Had to change that whole line, cause sometimes my ? question mark doesn’t work so have to save the questions for when it does work!

Blind Bay

 So another Shuswap bird picture, Duck in fact, to end our update today. These Mallard Ducklings Ten are happy healthy and enjoying life on the Shuswap Lake too.  Will have some  Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe families and a new marsh bird, possibly Rallus limicola, to identify with its little black chick.  Sooner than the last update I hope! 

Mallard Ducklings Ten

 

My next project is learn about blog rolls, as perhaps you may be interested in a look at well, points from a Canadian perspective, on how I see life a bit different, more outside than inside, from way up the mountain. Yes, our snow is gone and there has been only one dog sled here “ In the Shuswap dot wordpress dot com. ” And a big Thanks to WordPress. See you next time!

xoxoxoxo

Write in the Shuswap!

Springtime in the Shuswap

Hello, I see you have stopped in, it has been awhile since the last update. But there is actually a lot going on in the background.

I See You

 

And a lot of thinking how close we are coming to summer and the beaches on the Shuswap Lake will be calling my name!  This is Scotch Creek beach in Shuswap Lake Provincial Park looking over to the shores of Sorrento.

Scotch Creek Beach

 

But we will let the lake warm up some first before swimming season, although this young fellow has been doing some swimming on his own.  There was so much snow over the winter, his ribs are showing and he has been feasting now on the green fresh shoots in the marsh to regain his regal stature. His fine spring antlers adorn his head, Alces alces they call him. He stays close by.

  Alces alces

 

Really big “Bird” year too. Having to fill my Hummingbird feeder on a daily basis. The waterfowl population has been increasing daily also. Duckling season will arrive too shorty. We will see Brazen return with his daredevil fly bys and eagle talents for which he is known.  Today an American Coot enjoys the Shuswap sunshine in the marsh.

 American Coot

For our last picture in this update, here is Blind Bay. Still some snow left up higher, but not for long.

Blind Bay

Thanks again for checking in. Until next time and update!

xoxoxox

 

 

Another Time

Hello There! Thanks for checking in. Here is another assortment of photos from the Shuswap Lake and Area.  Some even farther away in another time, place or memory. In or out of town too!

 

 Blue on Blue

 

 

Waiting for the blue skies again, the last few days were snowy and cold. The actual early birds here in the Shuswap agree too. Only a few days ago the bumble bees were busy and the butterflies enjoyed the new spring days.  Yesterday our first Hummingbird arrived.

 Red-winged Blackbird

 

 

Blind Bay Blue

 

 

 Jumping for joy because Spring is arriving.  Recognize the old Kelowna bridge in the background.  This picture was taken twenty, no thirty, no forty years and well maybe a couple extra on top of that too! 

Kelowna circa 1964

 

Until the next update!

xoxoxox