Wildflowers!
Written on August 5, 2010 at 8:57 am, by Lake O'Hara
After a snowy start to the summer season the wildflowers have finally been able to show their colourful splendour. On a recent hike back into Monica lake the wildflowers were at their best; Valerian, Paintbrush, Fleabane, Elephant head, Avens and Moss Campions carpeted the meadows. Each season is ticked off by the abundance or absence of certain flower species. As August rolls in we already have folks calling asking when the larches wil be at their prime. Savour the moment for now and enjoy the wildflowers as the season is always too short!
Moss Campion
Summer Sun
Written on July 24, 2010 at 6:48 am, by Lake O'Hara
The summer was slow coming this year with the ice finally melting off of Lake MacArthur a week ago. Despite the late ice melt the hiking has been wonderful with the meadows starting to show some of their finest Alpine beauties. he highlight this summer so far has been the abundance of Wolverine sightings. Normally an elusive animal, folks have seen them on the glacier, scrambling over rock piles and one group even witnessed one attack a ground squirrel. Goats too have been spotted with a group of 13 hanging around MacArthur pass area.
Open for the Summer !
Written on June 18, 2010 at 6:48 am, by Lake O'Hara
The cobwebs are gone, the water is running and the new staff are ready for the summer. The last three weeks has been full of a flurry of activity as we wake up the lodge after its spring nap. It is always exciting to start the new season with the return of familiar faces to our staff ranks and the addition of some new ones as well.
Although the Marmots appear to still be sleeping we have seen up to 13 mountain goats, with their young kids, grazing up on the slopes of Wiwaxy. This seems to be our resident crew, spending the winter months hunkered down amongst the snow on Opabin and the Huber ledges. The other treat this spring was the sighting of a Wolverine. During our ski touring trips in the winter we often see their tracks however we rarely get a glimpse of one.
Everyday new flowers are poking out of the ground; buttercups, Anemones and Globe Flowers abound at this time of the year down by the lakeshore. The wiwaxy trail unveils a number of early bloomers with its south exposure. A good flower book will help you identify those plants not quite in bloom.
We are excited about the start of the new season and look forward to seeing you this summer.
Spring has come !
Written on May 17, 2010 at 7:32 am, by Lake O'Hara
Every year we wish for heaps of snow in the winter and then a glorious spring to melt it away for great hiking in June. This may be the year! Last week Parks completed the plowing of the road and the sun was beating down this past weekend, clearing the snow around the lake.
We are looking forward to returning to the lake; smelling that clear mountain air, welcoming the staff and getting the lodge polished up for our first visitors in June.
Looking towards summer
Written on March 30, 2010 at 6:35 am, by Lake O'Hara
After 2 months of wonderful skiing we have put the lodge to bed for another season. As we were skiing down the road, on our way out, the snow was falling. It kind of makes for a bitter sweet ending to the season.
We will now be gearing up for our summer season, which begins June 18th. There are still a few spots available for our Wine event on the opening weekend. Give us a call if you are interested. The office will be closed beginning March 30th and remain closed until April 21st. If you have any questions regarding summer reservations please give us a call after that time.
Wine and Hiking
Written on February 10, 2010 at 9:37 am, by Lake O'Hara
We are already thinking ahead to the spring and planning for our “almost” annual wine dinner. In the past we have celebrated the efforts our home grown wine industry and showcased a variety of Okanagan wineries; Blue Mountain, Black Hills, Kettle Valley and this year join us June 18th and 19th for a weekend of hiking, fine dining and the wines of Oliver producer Dunham and Froese.
Winter 2010
Written on February 10, 2010 at 8:01 am, by Lake O'Hara
The lodge has been open for a couple of weeks now and we have had some of the best early season skiing in years. Tramping through open larch forests, skiing powder on the Opabin glacier and exploring new glades has kept smiles on the faces of all our guests. A few incredible blue sky days don’t hurt either. The staff here have cleared a rink on the lake although we have yet to have our annual guest and staff hockey game. The boys are flooding it today so it should be ready to go!
Lake O’Hara really is a magical place in the winter and all of us up at the lake feel privileged to call it home!
