78 F/ 26 C

A drive in sun and
shadow with deer and gusty
wind for a challenge

~carliewired

I was out the door and onto the Merritt Highway ( #5A) by 7:30. Certainly not a rocket start for me on a Saturday. Our rainy day Friday has left puddles and a freshness in the air. 

I love this route through the Interior Grasslands. There's a chain of lakes, ponds and waterways through the bottom of this Nicola Valley. Wildlife, waterfowl and predators are in good supply here. Ranches and farms are spattered along this route with side roads up to fishing camps and summer resorts. I have to be mindful of the transport vehicles hauling hay and lumber today. I pull off and let them go by whenever possible. 

I found deer feeding in high grass meadows at several locations. Although a beautiful day, the lakes were churned up with the wind creating white caps. It was not a day for boaters. Where the sun hit the water it was teal in colour. I got several shots of the rolling hills and the golden expanse of grass now in late summer. 

I drove as far as the Quilchena Hotel which opened in 1908 and served as an important stop for travelers in its day. Now, it is part of a much bigger enterprise and no longer functions as a hotel. It can be rented for large group events like an AirBnB. 

It was 10 by the time I returned home with some breakfast in hand. I'm in for the day with no particular plans. Feet up with a book might be nice.