Blind Bay ~ Shuswap Lake, BC ~ Canada

When we talk of Shuswap Lake, we usually think summer fun but there are three other great seasons and many sights to enjoy.  We were there on the first snowfall of the season and it was absolutely beautiful.  The bay was shrouded with clouds that gave us a very ominous quiet morning.  A perfect winter morning to enjoy through the lens of my camera.

Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake, BC in winter

Some say there is 1000 km (600 mi.) of shoreline on this lake that is shaped like an “H” and located on the Trans Canada Highway #1.  There are several communities scattered around the lake, including Sorrento and Salmon Arm and some of the lake even has cabins that are only accessible by boat.

A lone boat on Shuswap Lake, BC in winter

Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and great ice fishing. There are several dining spots scattered around the lake to visit, shops and galleries with arts and crafts created by some of the many artisans and skilled artists that live in the Shuswap area.

The marina and park wait for summer to return

Blind Bay is in the South Shuswap, which is known as the heart of the Shuswap. Blind Bay is a quiet community in winter compared to all the summer traffic that comes this way. The Bayside Marina is closed for the season and the park sits waiting for summer to return.

Red berries frozen on the bush

The Shuswap has a rich history and much can be seen in the local museums and archives.  There is the 15th Annual Heritage Week happening Feb. 21-26, 2011 held at the Piccadilly Mall in Salmon Arm, BC with the theme celebrating parks and protected areas.

 

Scene of serenity at Blind Bay on Shuswap Lake

The Shuswap area was once mainly a summer retreat that had many cabins where families would spend their holidays at and enjoy the lake for boating and water activities.  There were always some year round residents but I believe that has grown to be the majority and most homes are now lived in year round.

The Shuswap country, located one hour east of Kamloops, has so much to see any season of the year. To learn more about this area, click here.

We love Kamloops, BC ~ Sunrise to Sunsets

We love Kamloops for all the scenery, attractions, sports, diversity or weather, and that would include the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  We all enjoy seeing that big blue sky to be flawless and free of clouds but our sunrises and sunsets would not be as stunning without them.

 

Summer sunset from Peterson Creek, Kamloops, BC

There has been damage done to many of our pine trees by the pine beetle but the trees made an interesting framing for the summertime sunset we enjoyed while taking an summer evening walk through Peterson Creek Park.

 

Sunset over teepee at Kamloopa PowWow

Mid summer evening spent at the Kamloopa Pow Wow near the Kamloops Residential School on the South Thompson River, offers a sunset backdrop for all to enjoy.  It was the ending of a grand show, if you wish to see more of the Pow Wow show, click here.

Autumn sunrise over Kamloops, BC

There are not many sunrises that are quite this bright and they disappear so quickly that there is never time to get to a better viewpoint but this one is taken from our own deck and it was amazing to watch.

 

Sun setting after Kamloops afternoon rain

We were crossing the Halston Bridge after a late afternoon rain and the setting sun and clouds made such a dramatic picture ahead.  You’re not able to see Batchelor Heights to the west side of the North Thompson River as the contrast is natural lighting in the picture and better able to show the true colors of the sunset and clouds.

 

Autumn sunset on Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter, Kamloops, BC

I was following Ord Road  heading east to get to Westsyde Road and head north up the N. Thompson River when the lighting on this late afternoon drive made Mt. Paul and Peter look beautiful where they stand at the meeting of the North and South Thompson Rivers.

 

Christmastime sunset in Kamloops, BC

With the neighboring homes preventing most views of evening sunsets, I was happy to include some of the color while taking pictures of my Christmas lawn decorations. Now if only I could eliminate all those wires in my pictures………. but then I wouldn’t be able to light up those Christmas decorations ! 

Christmas morning sunrise in Kamloops, BC

Many grandparents will make those early Christmas morning drives to get to watch the little ones and all their excitement open the gifts that Santa has left and we are no exception.  The timing was perfect to catch this pretty sunrise as the sun was streaming down from behind the dark bank of clouds onto the crystal white snow up in the hills above Kamloops.  This picture was taken as we drove the new road below Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Sunrises are such a great way to start the day and then to finish the day with a sunset, what could be better?