Archive for the ‘Hiking’ Category
Monday, September 12th, 2011
Wow ! What a stretch of incredible weather we have been having. Our early season was one filled with rain, rain and rain. However, with the onset of August the weather has been amazing. The cooler weather early on in the summer slowed the emergence of the spring flowers which has meant that they have stuck it out into September. Arnicas, Fleabanes, Valerians and Paintbrush still can be found in the meadows and of course the shaggy seed head manes of the Western Anemone are out in profusion.
In all its moods O’Hara is a wonderful place, however with clear blue skies and warm temperatures it has allowed everyone to savour the views, complete the “Alpine Circuit”, and linger over lunch all while sunning themselves like a Marmot at their favourite viewpoint. We know the weather will change with the first sign being the emergence of the Golden larches. There are a few Golden sentinels starting to appear with the peak still a week or so away. When is the best time for the larches? The larch trees begin their transformation as the days of summer fade into fall with the onset of shorter days. Since the change is tied to day length and not temperature, almost like clockwork, the peak time for the show is the third week of September. A walk out to Opabin Prospect with the forest full of Golden larches is like walking in some sort of surreal Zen garden. Hard to explain but worth the experience.
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Today was one of those million dollar days; fresh snow coating the summits of the surrounding peaks, cerulean blue skies and golden larch trees radiant in the bright sunshine. If we had to go through all those cold and wet days this fall to have a day like today it was worth it. Maybe not if you weren’t here today to experience it!
Regardless of where you are get out and enjoy the outdoors. I know that I am very privileged to call this my home and have a backyard like this.
Elusive, a glutton, a demon of destruction; all terms used to describe the beautiful wolverine. Despite its elusive moniker, this summer there has been a perfusion of sightings in the area. Frolicking on glaciers, charging up steep alpine passes, scampering across meadows and hunting marmots in the boulder fields, reports have come in. It has been a real treat for all of us who have had the opportunity to glimpse them in their habitat. If you are interested in more information on this amazing animal Patagonia press has recently released a book called “The Wolverine Way” by Douglas Chadwick. It is an engaging read which takes you into the ways of the wolverine as a team of biologists track them in Glacier National Park.
Cheers,
September 22, 2010, Golden Larches O'Hara
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
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
