Flora and Fauna

We took advantage of the high blood count week and took off for the warmth, sunny skies and beautiful spring scenery of the Okanagan.

It was stunning in the valley; the lakes reflecting perfect skies and greenery bursting with colourful flowers.

My favourite flower, the lilac, was in full bloom. White, lavender and deep purple colours with that glorious lilac scent seemed to be everywhere. We went for long walks near the farms up the east hill toward the BX.  I don't know what this tree was but it was stunningly beautiful.

Why is it you don't appreciate the beauty of your hometown until you move away?

We spent time at the cabin on Okanagan lake, and noticed more turtles and carp than ever before. In fact, apart from the usual suspects, we saw quite the number of creatures on this trip: a grizzly on the roadside near Lake Louise, mountain goats outside of Golden, deer and elk from the highway, marmots, turtles and loons at the cabin, an oriole, lots of quail... and even a black bear in a tree in Lakeview park (which is as unusual as seeing a bear in Kensington for Calgarians).

We canoed at the cabin, hung out with family, enjoyed the heat, and ate well - aka barbequed lots - all part of Charl's healthy recovery plan. Ultimately the change of scenery was good for both of us.