Springtime ~ Spring Blossoms ~ Kamloops, BC

Is it Springtime yet?  Spring is coming to Kamloops, as it does every year but we just aren’t sure when !  We know that the official first day of spring has come and gone and that snow has all but disappeared from the corners of our great city but do we know when Spring blossoms actually arrive?  Some things we do know.

 

Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter ~ Kamloops, BC

We know that there is beauty in ever season and we are fortunate to have all four seasons in Kamloops.  When winter is done, it takes awhile for the cold to leave the ground and allow the new growth to happen.  We will have green on our hills once the sunshine has time to warm it all up and we’ll be thrilled to see the green before the heat of the summer sunshine turns it brown again.

 

Tree lined path of Albert McGowan Park ~ Kamloops, BC

We know that the deciduous trees will grow new leaves and dress the branches that were bare and cold all winter.  We will soon hear the robins sing their songs.  The trees will give the birds places to build their nests to lay their eggs then when the time is right, they will teach their babies to fly.

 

Spring blossoms in Kamloops, BC

We also know that the blossoms will explode one day soon on our flowering cherry or plum and other trees and color our tree lined streets and walkways.  This will give the bees places to buzz around and get their nectar and to pollinate the blossoms for us.

 

Spring at Miss Wende's Adventure Golf ~ Kamloops, BC

Blossoms bring beauty to any tree like this beautiful tree at Miss Wende’s mini golf on Summit Dr. and plays dress up with the gorgeous pink blossoms. The shame is that the blossoms don’t last long so we shall enjoy them while they’re here.

 

Roadside flowers on Tranquille Road ~ Kamloops, BC

We know the trees are the stars of the blossoms but there are flowers blossoming all over town.  The crocuses are one of the first ones to pop out of the ground and tell us all that spring is coming.  These tiny flowers line the roadway on our drive out to Tranquille Wildlife Management Area.

 

Albert McGowan Park ~ Kamloops, BC

City parks like Albert McGowan have a great assortment of trees, and this park is not as old as some of the others so the trees are not as large or mature as in other parks but they sure do put on a great show of color in the spring.

 

Springtime blossoms ~ Kamloops, BC

Spring will arrive and we can all hope that Mother Nature has decided that time has come and that all her spring wardrobe is ready to come out of her winter closet and show us her beautiful blossoms once again.

 

Brown-eyed daisies in Westsyde, Kamloops, BC

We know that many more plants and flowers will pop up on the hills when Spring does get here.  The hills over the North Thompson River are dotted with hardy brown-eyed daisies to brighten up our days.

 Kamloops, BC

We also know the warmer weather soon allows the winter snow to runoff the distant mountains which will raise the water level of the Thompson River and bring so much more to life. The sage on the hills comes alive and we will once again see green hills surrounding Kamloops.

What we do know is that Springtime is almost here. Mother Nature knows what she is doing and she is very busy making Spring happen! Now let’s just sit back and enjoy the wonders to come in our hometown of Kamloops, BC.

Kamloops Highland Games ~ Kamloops, B.C., Canada

The Kamloops Highland Games celebrate Celtic traditions in the Albert McGowan Park: becoming a new Kamloops tradition.

The Kamloops Highland Games are still in infancy but with the attendance of the locals and the participation of the entrants from all over, it looks like it will be able to carry on for many years to come. The Games include piping, drumming, dancing and heavy events, for details, click here.

Vendor's Market ~ Kamloops Highland Games

There were several tents set up for vendors to display and sell their Scottish wares including clan accessories and highland supplies. The Kamloops St. Andrew’s and Caledonian Society were set up to help trace family roots if you’re interested in your geneology.

Highland competition

Highland dancing is quite beautiful to watch. The dancers put a lot of time and effort into their competitions, which requires a lot of travelling to the different shows and Games. This years Games included a show by the World Champion Highland dancer, David Wilton, which would be a great thrill for the young competitors as well as a great show for us all.

Bagpipe competion

I love to listen to the bagpipes but I will admit that the warm-up isn’t quite as enjoyable. There were individuals competing as well as the Pipe Bands, one of which was the SFU Pipe Band, who is a six-time world champion.

         
Waterpark at Albert McGowan Park

The day started out with overcast skies but that didn’t stop the fun in the waterpark as a great break from the heat of the day. The waterpark is a summer spot for many of the local kids to enjoy during the summer months.

This event is something for everyone to enjoy, not just those with Scottish history.

It makes for another great experience in Kamloops, and reminds us why “there is no place like home”.