I count the days of summer by what is blooming in the garden. The lupines and peonies are dwindling now, but the lilies are just beginning. Awesome…the changing of textures and colour! I sat in the van one afternoon in the winter…I was making a stop for groceries, but couldn’t be interrupted while listening to one of the segments of The Power Of Colour on CBC Radio.
The hiking Ya-Yas and two wee sprouts headed for the Bow Valley Provincial Park Trail System today for our annual spring wildflower hike on the Many Springs Trail.
“The ‘Many Springs’ trail head is located about 2 km west following the paved road that goes through the park. This is a 2.4 km loop around a spring fed lake. This trail is known for its abundance in spectacular flowers.”
“This is also an area known for its diversity of birds. At Waypoint #1, a spectacular view opens toward the north, revealing Mount Yamnuska, Loder Peak and Door Jamb Mountain.”
Anenome canadensis ‘Canada Anenome’, Buttercup Family
“At various points, the trail is going directly over the lake allowing for close study of life in the water below.”
Aster
It was an exceptional day for snapping photographs.
Wild Columbine
The weather co-operated nicely and things seemed to be well into bloom, particularly the wild tiger lilies!
Wild Tiger Lily
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the trail head and celebrated the tradition of flower-gazing as a group. It has been such a blessing!
I like the brief quote that appears on the last sign on the trail. “Not many are as lucky…to break from the round of daily chores to come and discover this place called Many Springs.”
I am not including here, my photos of Indian Paintbrush, Wild Flax and other common flowers from the area. It was such a joy to find some unusual things and to have the time to try to capture a decent record of them.
