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
Shuswap Lake Photos Blog 