Summer in the Air

Summer was definitely in the air yesterday at the Centre! It was a hot sunny day although hikers report that trails beyond the meadows boardwalk are still snow-covered in most places.  Campers at Lake Helen Mackenzie reported many of the tent platforms have been cleared of snow, either by themselves or by the Parks Facility Operator, who is being kept extremely busy this year with all the maintenance & repairs required after the winter.

Botanists looking for the goldthread -thanks to Isabella for the photo!

The talk on 'Plantlife in Paradise Meadows' was standing room only for the indoor slide show -participants came from as far afield as Qualicum. Most went on the walk around the boardwalk after, and many participants spent a couple of hours doing the entire boardwalk loop. New plants blooming include fern-leaved goldthread , round-leaved yellow violet and trailing yellow violet. Many plant signs have now been placed around the meadows & boardwalk trails.

Venturing beyond the meadows requires hiking boots with good tread, and hiking poles are advisable - even a good idea on the boardwalk trails. Route finding is still difficult for those not familiar with the terrain - a day hiker on Friday lost his way when fog descended, and had to spend the night outdoors. Search & Rescue crews  were out on Saturday & luckily the hiker made it out on his own in the morning. A good reminder to always leave a trip plan with friends or family - info brochures about trip planning are available at the Centre.

Yesterday's wildlife sightings include a mama black bear & cub by the road below the last hairpin turn. A black-tailed deer had been hit & was lying by the roadside in the morning - by the afternoon, turkey vultures were there. Please drive carefully & watch out for all creatures! Another deer was happily grazing near the road higher up. Biting insects have awakened - some debate as to whether they are deer flies or horseflies.

Far-away visitors yesterday came from Germany, Holland, Switzerland, England, France, Australia, Thailand & Kenya!

A car key was turned into the Centre's lost & found, however a missing Tilley hat was not - though the owner could check at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort's lost & found.

Today's volunteer at the Centre is Linda - tomorrow, Helen & Robbie. Helen is an expert botanist while Robbie photographs the rare plants they find.