Yes, I really did hike up a mountain, Rose Swanson mountain in Armstrong is a very popular climbing area with great trails, and is rated moderate to difficult to climb, and even though it had some pretty harsh switchbacks in places the view was worth it.
There were three points where we could see for miles in either direction, towards Vernon, and back the other way towards the Shuswap.
At the summit we could see three of the Okanagan’s famous lakes at one time…pretty amazing. This is only one of the lakes.
With the spring runoff leaving behind little ponds, the mosquitoes were kind of bad, but the wildflowers, and the vegetation were gorgeous.
Looks like some type of Campanula was growing in the rocks at the very top of the mountain, now that’s a hardy plant.
We saw a type of Fritillaria, that they call a chocolate lilies, Indian paintbrush, and lots of other pretty foliage.
My nimble niece who plants trees, and does forestry work all day had no problem hiking up the mountainside, after all for her it’s all in a days work.
Me…well I wish I had done a few more bike rides to get into the groove, but I am looking forward to doing it again. I took my camera along, and every time I got out of breath I would stop to take a photo…..I have a lot of photos.
Don’t think this is something that I could do every week, but it is something that I will do again, maybe in the fall, can you imagine the colors of the leaves then?
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
That looks like a difficult hike but the views sure are worth it! I love the photo of the lake. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I'd love to see it in the fall.
ReplyDeleteWow … I was puffing a little along with you up this trail. Going up hill is sure worth it for all the beautiful wild flower photos I am sure you captured and for the view below.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I would have difficulty on climbing the trails, but the view would be worth it!
ReplyDeleteHooray for you! You did it! You made me chuckle when you said you stopped to take a photo when you were out of breath... and you took lots of photos. :-) hee hee
ReplyDeleteI'd be doing the same thing.
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
I would have had a full album of pictures, LOL, you did good.
ReplyDeletePenstemon I think..that first plant some people call it Beard's Tongue. Love that Fritillaria..so pretty! You will have to go on hikes all summer long the wildflowers change so often! :)
ReplyDeletethats was a beautiful hike and it will be great in the Fall, I enjoyed it very much, I didn't get tired at all, ha ha (sorry couldn't resist),
ReplyDeleteAren't cameras wonderful? All kidding aside, you got some beautiful shots. Made it worthwhile, didn't it?
ReplyDeleteCan't comment on what you wrote here, looked at the photos, they are great....BECAUSE I have freakin' been on your pinterest boards!!!!!!!! sheesh....
ReplyDeleteNothing I love more than being up high! That is one spectacular view! I'd say definitely worth a little sweat and sore muscles. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe Frenchman will be glad to hear about this hike. He's always on the lookout for a good one in the area and "easy to moderate" is perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteStopping to take photos - an excellent resting strategy.
Jen girl my husband grew up in Kelowna as a teen and talked about the Ogopogo ? I think it was called .. the lake monster .. some what like the Scottish one ? .. i think many a beer and what not made the creature more famous than not ? LOL
ReplyDeleteIt is a gorgeous place to view isn't it ?
Well done YOU !!
The Autumn would be amazing : )
Joy
PS .. chocolate lilies ? YUM !!
Jen, what a gorgeous hike. The views are spectacular and I love the wildflowers. Can't wait to see it in the fall.
ReplyDeleteLaura
What a gorgeous vistas and wildflowers!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I imagine it must be incredible during the autumn! What a lovely hike. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteHow utterly gorgeous! The views, the flowers, the fresh air! Lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful hike and everything you saw made it worth it! I love seeing the variety of flowers when you move up in elevation! I love to hike! But it does push you even when you're in shape! WHEW! What an accomplishment!
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