Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has now emerged from the glare of the sun to become an evening comet.
Once again it was Lisa’s eagle eyes that was able to spot it just as we were about to give up. From our vantage point it was beside Mt. Nelson.
The photo was taken with a very wide angle lens, the same one I used to take the auroras, and the crop is a small part of the frame. If it is clear tomorrow evening I may give it another try with a lens that will make it appear closer.
It is always rewarding to spot comets, they are often a challenge. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS may become easier to see as it rises into a darker sky. As it does, however it will quickly fade as it moves further away from earth on its journey back to the Oort Cloud. In 80 thousand years it will return.
The report said earth was in for a good solar storm and it didn’t disappoint. Willow and I headed for The Grotto on the west side of the valley. I had a good strong coffee and some jerky to get us through.
Lighting up the glaciers.
The aurora was noticeable before the sky got dark. We went all the way up the creek until the road ran out. I could have locked in the hubs and gone further, but it had been 50 km from the last person I’d seen and that would be quite a walk if I got stuck. I’m getting older and Lisa says I need to take less risks.
Getting hit by some righteous solar rays.
The northern lights came out, stayed out, danced and undulated from the glaciers to the heavens. An absolutely magical experience. I even caught Willow looking at the movement of the sky.
Camp site. Even a few clouds can’t obscure the aurora.
It should be noted the photos show more colour than can be seen with the naked eye. The shapes and greens can be easily seen. The magentas and reds show darker to the eye and not as vibrant. The cameras sensitive sensor picks up the extra colour.
Can you spot the Big Dipper?
The view straight above. An ever changing light show.
The Northern Lights have really been dancing these past few nights. The solar storms are coming fast and furious while our sun goes through a very active cycle.
Last night they came out early enough for Lisa and I to go for a drive and take a few photos in the valley bottom. We sometimes disagree on what pictures to take. I have to admit Lisa is usually correct at picking locations.
The top photo is taken at the Dutch Creek Hoodoos. Although the camera is pointed north there is only a few wisp’s of aurora showing. They were much more active in other parts of the sky. Still I was very pleased with this photo.
The mushrooms below were taken a few days previous up above the creek on the mountain near cedar trees and Oregon Grape. We found plenty of edible mushrooms of different varieties. These are called Chicken Fried Mushrooms named for their cooked chicken smell and taste (no kidding).
Lisa’s eye is much better than mine, it seems, at finding mushrooms. It used to be me to find the mushrooms, orchids and spot the good fishing holes and coveted songbirds. Not so much anymore. However, I like to think I taught her everything she knows.
The full moon came up tonight with a piece missing from the top.
The bite is caused by a partial lunar eclipse as the moon just touches the shadow of earth.
It is hard not to be mesmerized watching a full moon rise over the mountains. To see one peek over the mountains in eclipse can’t help fill one with wonder. A special Harvest Moon indeed.
Dug the garlic today. About 120 heads of purple hardneck. I laid it out to dry and damned if we didn’t have a hard rain. Granted it didn’t last long. It was marvellous to feel. It was like the earth lapped it up. The birds even came out and seemed to rejoice in the damp, warm air.
Deb’s bouquet.
The garden is doing what it can. Picked a bunch of peas. Not easy. The wind has blown most of the vines off the fences, making one pick through the tangle. I know I’m missing as many I’m picking. Willow helped out picking, but she ate the ones she picked not contributing to the bucket. Once and awhile I’d give her a pod I’d eaten the peas out of. She would nosh it around and spit it out, giving me a dirty look. She will eat the pea pods as long as they have peas in them, take the peas out and try to pawn them off and she will let you know you are a cheat.
The mosquitoes have been atrocious. The garden is almost unbearable. At night we usually have at least a few driving us crazy. The buggers having followed us through the door. Sometimes I hear Willows jaws clack as she tries biting them out of the air. They are tough to get in the pitch black.
The fire in the Palliser River area is getting bigger. It has burned a lot of country that Lisa and I love. It will be something to see when we can get out there.
It is a long weekend and the tourists are unrelenting. Hordes all trying to do everything at once. I am not sure if they even notice the smoke obscuring the mountains or the sun that rises and sets blood red, on fire through a thickening haze.
Humans are something. I dreamt that the town and hills surrounding the lake were on fire, like they will be one day, while the long grass, trees and homes burned, the tourists in their wake boats just kept jetting around the lake, pulling water skiers and surfers, kids on tubes, loud music from big thumping speakers, laughter, cocktails, bikinis and sunglasses, sunblock and beer bottle empties thrown overboard. Making sure they are draining their tanks, getting their kicks before the lake starts to boil.
Just a bad dream. Exacerbated by the heat, smoke and pesky mosquitoes.
Lisa and I along with hounds Willow and Lola went for an early morning walk down the lake. It is a place we don’t go often.
The banks above the lake are dry. Plenty of dead grasses and broken branches. Many years ago people would go here to party, cutting down trees and lighting large fires, driving motorcycles and cars tearing up the earth. I was only there once when that was going on. I was young, but remember it well and I hated it. I still get the same feeling thinking about it all these years later.
These hills are now protected or they would be ruined like every other place around the lake other than the Akisqnuk Nation land.
This morning we watched sparrow hawks, swans, swallows and juncos fly above the fields. The dogs had a good swim once we reached the lake. The smoke cast a soft light, the mountains shrouded, out of reach, the lake almost calm.
It was a good morning walk. The dogs were slower going home.
A large wasp nest that one would be smart not to disturb.
The sun is captured by a wall of smoke. Lisa and I sat on our patio and watched this cloud of smoke move quickly from the north. The blue sky of evening is above.
Fires are springing up and starting to burn all around.
Bad news from Jasper tonight as it is being reported that several buildings are starting to burn within the evacuated town.
I would often visit Jasper in my teens for the hiking into the surrounding mountains. It is a beautiful area. Lisa and I even spent part of our honeymoon there.
I was hoping with the cooler spring we had that the fires would not be bad this summer. Just wishful thinking.
Stepped outside a few minutes ago and took a photo of the sun. It is red from the forest fires burning nearby. It has been hot and the smoke has rolled in the past few days. It can and probably will get a lot worse. The moisture seems to be getting sucked out of the earth.
Giant sunspots can be seen on the sun. The photo was taken with a 200mm lens. I have cropped a great deal of the photo as the sun took up a small part of the frame.
It is the smoke acting as a filter that makes this photo possible, but it also shrouds the detail.
Still the sunspots are big. Every bit as big as the one that erupted in early May that caused those magnificent auroras.
The moon will come up shortly when the sun dips and could be as red rising in the east. These colourful cosmic bodies could be a harbinger of doom, yet in their own right, hold an otherworldly elegance. Nature’s reminder that we aren’t in charge nor ever will be.
Payton, Kennedy, Mia, Jack, Josh and Nathan stopping at the first lake
In what has become a summer ritual a few of my young coworkers and I set off on a hike to see some rock, snow and blue water.
It was special to have Jack’s brother Josh, visiting from the UK, along for the walk.
The days have turned hot. We made an early start and missed most of the heat hiking up. The first lake was pristine surrounded by peaks spotted with snow and ice. Moraine swept from slides to shore. Twisted tamaracks shot skyward, some standing for centuries. A great honour to walk among them with these fine youngsters.
Kennedy leads the way along the trail.
We set off for the scramble to the second lake. It was decided a short section be named Payton’s Pass for her ability to manage it despite her reluctance or otherwise good sense.
The meadow leading to the second lake with wild flowers and trickling stream with short cascading waterfalls was welcome walking the rest of the way.
We stopped for lunch. Everyone had a swim. I wanted to but the thought of the sharp rocks on my feet stopped me. I’m getting a little old and tender I guess.
We followed our route backwards, descended into the heat of the valley bottom. A very fine day.
Looking down from the banks of Lake Windermere at an ice road heading to the lights of Invermere.
Finally a clear night in what has been a mild, overcast winter. Willow and I took a quick trip behind Swansea, stopping to see Mom and Dad before returning home.
The clouds start rolling in.
It was good to look up at the winter stars. I was surprised to see how far they have drifted west since the last time Willow and I were under them. Spring is inching forward.
Away from light pollution. A keen eye can spot Orion, Gemini, The Beehive and Pleiades.
Palliser Pass 