Swiss National Day

After several people mentioned that August 1 is Swiss National Day, I thought there might be visitors from the land of very big mountains visiting Strathcona Park today...instead there were visitors from France, Germany, Belgium, Colorado, Arizona & California in the US, and from the far reaches of Canada - Newfoundland and Yellowknife! It is really amazing to talk with visitors from all over the world up at Paradise Meadows.

Isabella who volunteered at the Centre today was originally from Switzerland though! Today she placed more plant signs in the meadows which was greatly appreciated by many visitors.

The meadows are filled with cotton-grass (above) - and below are views of the beaver dam mentioned yesterday. Thanks to Tim Penney for these photos. " I was delighted to see so much cotton-grass this year," Tim says, " I know it will look spectacular as we get into the fall colours."

Nature photographer Chris Carter also visited to drop off more of his prints of the meadows. Chris' panorama 'Strathcona Sunrise' of the peaks of Strathcona Park is a great composition & available at the Centre.

No reports in the last couple of days on the bear family. Hikers reported the Kwai Lake loop is mostly clear of snow, but there is snow beyond. The tent platforms at Kwai Lake & Circlet Lake are cleared of snow. There is a report on the Comox District Mountaineering Club website about the Kwai Lake loop - we must have met Len yesterday at the Centre (thanks for the compliment! & please introduce yourself on your next visit!) Also a report that the circuit around Moat Lake of Albert Edward, Mount Frink & Castlecrag needs considerable caution as avalanches or snow slides can be triggered. Campsites are reported to be very buggy in the mornings. Breezes at the lakes do help keep the bugs at bay during the day though.

Today's Level 1 Hike around Lake Helen Mackenzie was very well attended & enjoyed by all ages - thanks to those who helped the youngest participant have an enjoyable outing ! Thanks to Mandy for sharing all her expertise with visitors from down island as well as family members from Tucson Arizona. Tomorrow is a Level 2 Hike to Mount Elma - led by a couple of naturalists with Swiss heritage!