Summer Shuswap is on the Way!

Getting ready for summer in the Shuswap? If you’re looking for that perfect place to take the family for a holiday, you may just find your place right here in the Shuswap Lake area of southern British Columbia, Canada. We are looking forward to seeing you this year, the big lake and Copper Island awaits your arrival. Time to trade the white cold winter landscape in for the blue and beautiful summer scenes of the southern interior clean clear lake. You will be surprised what you can see on the Shuswap Lake. Don’t forget your life jackets and all your common sense. See you this summer!

 Copper Island

Maybe you will just stay in the Shuswap!

By the time you get your plans made, packed up the family in the old car and get here, it will be summer in the Shuswap! Whether it is your first time here, or repeat visit, we know it won’t be your last. Maybe you will just stay in the Shuswap! Just being outside, away from the city, a place to clear your thoughts and regroup yourself? Come to the Shuswap and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Ready for outdoor recreation and life on and around the big lake?

Pontoon Boats of the Shuswap Lake

There are four arms of the H shaped Shuswap Lake for you to discover and explore. Most boaters come here for the water sports and of course for the Shuswap scenery. The biggest addition to the boats on the Shuswap Lake over the years, would have to be the arrival of the pontoon boats. Great for day cruises with family and friends. A time to relax and check out the lake and the local communities along the shore line. Keep well out from the shore line, and watch out for swimmers, Thanks very much for keeping our visitors and residents safe.

Picnic on the Beach

There are more ways to travel the Shuswap Lake than just by boat. Enjoy the view of the lake from the south shore or north shore with Copper Island in the background. Or enjoy a picnic on the beach. Talk about old times and new times and changes coming to the Shuswap Lake. There is a lot ahead of you, so spend your time wisely now. At the end of the day, you may wonder why you didn’t come to the Shuswap sooner. There’s nothing like a good holiday vacation in the Shuswap watching the boats go by. Watching the sunset or just listening to the waves, the breeze, the lifestyle. Take the family now while you can, the days and years pass by. The old generations move over to make way for the new.

Times and People Change

Old fashioned picnics around the lake are never out of style, even 55 years later. Times and people change, all those clothes are coming back into style again. There will be old memories and photos and new digital images of unheard and never seen before megabytes. The lifestyle will keep you here. The Shuswap remains constant and a safe place to be for the family. The outdoors will beckon you to the life you crave, away from the cities, away from the crowds, and back to the Shuswap for next years holidays. The simple ways are being lost. When was the last time you were able to sit outside, and just visit?

Power of Wind and Water

This is my favorite way to see the lake and the awesome Shuswap scenery. Good view, lots of room and speed when you need it to outrun the summer storms. Storms on the Shuswap Lake?  No matter what type of boat you have, the weather can change fast, and summer storms may take you by surprise. Make sure to watch the Shuswap sky and head for shore or a protected bay if you see a storm coming. Never under-estimate the power of the wind and water. When the waves come over the bow and roof of the boat, I’d call that a Shuswap storm! Head into the storm if you must, just like any other peril. Confront the issue now, it will not go away until you do. Dilemma now,  dissolved in choice, resolved by action. Feel the power of the wind, aer as known by Empedocles, controller of storms, and originator of the four elements, and one more. Terra, aqua, aer,  ignis. Yes, aqua, we are here for the water, please respect the lake, terra, aer, ignis…….

Animals Swim Shuswap Lake

It is not just boats that you will find in Shuswap Lake. On occasion you may encounter animals swimming in the lake or along the shoreline. We have seen bear, mink, raccoons, muskrats and otters. Others have seen Grizzly bear at the north end. Animals that have been known to swim across the lake are moose and deer especially. They are excellent swimmers and very fast, always keep watch while boating, you never know what you will find in the water. It may be difficult to distinguish what is in the water, so be aware out there. Some people enjoy swimming in the middle of lake too. Always make sure someone is in the boat as you and the boat will drift with the currents. The dangers and precautions are there, be safe, be smart. Enjoy your holidays and make way for smaller slower boats, animals and swimmers. Your decision can make all the difference. But as far as swimming at the beaches, there is nothing scary.

Make Way not Wake

These boats are moored on the way into Salmon Arm at the local campgrounds. You could always bring a nice quiet canoe or kayak with you. Might make navigation more pleasant while you are on the Shuswap Lake. This is what the Shuswap is about. Blue sky, blue mountains, blue water, blue boat. Just the way we like it here! Close to everywhere you need to be in the Summer time. You just have to decide what part of the lake you want to spend your holidays on this year.

Glamping in the Shuswap

We can’t help it, this is the way we love to spend our summers in the Shuswap. Maybe you want the Salmon Arm side? Sandy beach, camaraderie and fellow camping families, all the interest is in the vacation. Getting that travel trailer out of storage, filled up with food and gear and ready for the lake. Travel trailers have changed over the years. So much luxury, are you sure you are still camping? Actually it is now called Glamping, who would have known about such a thing. But you are still out in nature and that’s what you want. A place to see the stars, constellations and the campfires along the beach. The Canadian Way, the way of the Shuswap lifestyle. Only here once a year? Too bad, winter is pretty good to.

Yesterday in the Shuswap

We came here almost 50 years ago and never left. Thought we were still on a holiday camping around the Shuswap Lake. Seems like only yesterday. But some things in life have changed and they can never go back to the way they were. Many things in life seem to do that. So every day should bring out the best in you and smiles of kindness should be passed on to the next. Always follow your dreams, maybe they will lead to the Shuswap.

Heads Up

Where ever you end up, think of the Shuswap, the people the lifestyle, all the quests and adventures brought on by the outdoor life in BC. Always keep your head up and look to the future. Environmental awareness is an ongoing concern, and not just for the Shuswap.

Camping in 2014

I seem to be years behind in all the fancy equipment on the Shuswap. But what I do know is, we enjoyed the years spent boating and camping on the lake. A time with the family that can never be replaced. Memories to be shared over the years, will you remember the Shuswap? We wish you were in the Shuswap now, we would hug you and tell you we care. We will always care.

Define the Shuswap

If I could define myself and life on the Shuswap Lake, it would be something like this. Free outdoor spirit, enjoying the water, the sun, the family and friends, the Shuswap lifestyle. How could you be anywhere else other than cruising down the Shuswap Lake? Simple and carefree life on a Shuswap houseboat. Work has been left behind, the holiday mood kicks in and you can finally relax. The captain is in charge, and the lake is yours. Be free, be wise, and live the life here. The day is yours, the barbecue is warming up, and the hot tub will be ready later. I think this is what you might refer to as Glamping. How can it get any better in the Shuswap? Please be environmentally aware, no matter how you navigate through the Shuswap. Keeping it this way depends on you!

Always something interesting in the Shuswap

If you are in Blind Bay BC this May 17 and 18th 2014 for the long weekend, please stop in and see the JC Studio Art Solo Art Exhibition 2014 by Janice Cleland. A local Canadian Plein Air Artist showing and selling original landscape, still life and life drawing paintings reflecting life in the Shuswap in acrylic, oil and pastels. Good Luck with your art show Janice!

Self Portrait by Janice Cleland

JC Studio Art Show – May 17-18th 2014 at Reedman Gallery – 2510 Blind Bay Road in Blind Bay BC.

Use the “Back” button to return to this page after clicking these links.

This link will show you a map for location of the Reedman Gallery located in the lower level of Blind Bay Hall in Blind Bay BC.
Reedman Gallery-Lower Level Blind Bay Hall

I am heading to the JC Studio Art Solo Art Exhibition in Blind Bay BC May 17 – 18th 2014. Hope to see you there this May Long Weekend in the Shuswap!

Enjoy the Shuswap this summer. Lots to do while you are in the area!

• Even more Art Shows – Music Festivals – Wineries/Vineyards
• Golf Courses/Driving Ranges – Marinas/Houseboat Rentals
• Kids Summer Camps – BC Provincial Parks<
• Wildlife/Heritage/Fun Parks – Hiking Trails
• Best Beaches on the Beautiful Shuswap Lake
• And some of the most friendliest people in southern BC!

Until next time, Goodbye for now!

© Copyright Dawn Kellie 2007. All rights reserved.

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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

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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 

 

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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 

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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!

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