59 F/ 15 C

We have sunshine and
blue sky, if only for a
short time for today

~carliewired

I left the house at 8, a very late start for me today. I drove off to Tranquille with plans to climb Red Lake Road for a panorama of the valley. 

I stopped across the road from the wetlands pond to get a look at the bird life there. I could see a pair of swans on the pond and a pair of sandhill cranes walking along the edge of the pond. The cranes are about 36" tall so they are always easy to spot. We don't see them around during the breeding season, so they must be migrating. 

I drove up to the landing overlooking Kamloops Lake. The Canadian National train was heading through the gap on its way to the coast. I could see down to Tranquille Farm where there were two herds in pasture on either side of the farm. I haven't seen any livestock on the farm for many years so I texted my friend who told me this is where the Frolek ranch moved its herd. She also said they should be doing their roundup and branding today. Sorry to say I don't know anyone there to beg favours so I could drive closer and get some shots. I will have to look from afar. 

On the way down from the landing I stopped to look over the grasslands near the lake. The meadowlarks were in great abundance and they could be heard trilling their lovely songs all around me. I managed to catch one on a fencepost. I had to wait for it to turn around so I could see the yellow on its front. 

I had a look at Tranquille River (really a creek) on the way home. It's running fast as the snow load comes off the upper levels. A tanker truck was there making the roadside a muddy mess. I was not understanding what it was doing there. Taking water out of the creek? What would that be for? 

I'm in for the day. I'm still needing to sort out what I brought home from Arizona and where to put it.