CAMPING IN JUNE - PART III

Leaving our exploring in the Cranbrook area we headed east to Fernie BC. Only about a 30 minute drive  from the grasslands and we were faced with the Lizard mountain Range, part of the Rocky Mountains. I have a love for mountains with their amazing geological formations and the remainder of our trip had me doing a lot of 'drive-by-shootings'

Settling into Mount Fernie Provincial park we were in a new biome of deep forest and the presence of a bear in our campsite. Carrying bear spray we took the Lizard creek trail where we caught sight of these awesome peaks

From our campsite we drove up into the mountains to Island Lake Lodge, a beautiful remote setting.

Good hike around the lake with our eyes and ears on alert for a bear and mama moose and calf who also had been using this trail. No sightings ! maybe they were scared off by my singing. 

I am always tuned in visually to the plant life along a trail and so it took us much longer as the camera would get into action once again. i am not good at identifying but I think these specimens are Thimble Berry blossoms. Buttercups, Trilliums and wild Parsnip heads.

We saw many birds but always way off in 'out of focus range.' This wood duck and robin were the best of the lot and I think they almost have a watercolour look to them

Trails can have their foot traps for a busy photographer

Tiny ferns, water droplets glistening in a moment of sunshine, Maple leaves spattered with red fungus and leaf miners creating intricate designs in the tissue layers of a leaf .

A proud moment for a fly fisherman to net a cutthroat trout 

Time for lunch in the Bear Lodge Bistro. What not to like with a gorgeous view and the most delicious grilled sandwich ever! (roasted beets, grilled portabello all nestled in gooey cheese and house sauce)

Mama Bear Peak, Baby Bear Peak and Papa Bear Peak

Heading north to Radium Hot springs with a stop in Kimberley at their 99 year bakery, an afternoon at Fairmont Hot Springs and our last campsite at Dry Gulch Provincial Park.

A relaxing time in our campsite looking up into the trees dripping with lichen and watching birds.

Home stretch from Radium Hot Springs led by our Kestrel Falcon (kayak) hovering above the truck.