Autumn Colors of October

Virginia Creeper

The autumn colors of October first caught my attention in our back yard when our vines were turning their predominantly red colors.  This hasn't always happened, often in the past it seemed they preferred to just die and fall off so this was very welcomed.  This is a Virginia creeper, part of the grape family with fruit the birds can enjoy.

Thompson River

The Thompson River, seen here just down from where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet, flows past MacArthur Park where views of the south side show wide sandy beaches. 

Xeriscape Garden

The xeriscape garden is a peaceful stop if you're out walking MacArthur Park.  It is a great example of plants easily grown in the Kamloops area, which only gets about 250mm (under 10 inches for us older folk) precipitation annually.  Xeriscape means "water conservation through creative landscaping" so works very well for our climate.

MacArthur Island Loop

This shows part of the MacArthur Island Loop which is a total of 3.1 km (2 mi) or shorter if not all of it is walked.  It circles around the outside perimeter of the park and gives access to everything there.  Room for walkers, runners, bicycles and skateboards, too.

Sunny day with fall colors

A playground was recently added near the Soccer Association Clubhouse, I didn't get a photo but it had so many families there whenever we were nearby.  MacArthur Park has almost anything one might be looking for whether it be for sports as a spectator or participant.    A park our city can be proud of.

Canada Geese

While taking a drive out to Cinnamon Ridge to drop off the last of our Hallowe'en pumpkins, we saw fields and fields of Canada Geese.  This was the largest crowd in one field but there were thousands of them in fields along the roadway.  It is common to see flocks of Canada Geese in Kamloops but we've never seen such large flocks before.

Pipeline work

The construction of the pipeline has been ongoing for awhile now.  This is the hill seen above the airport.  The grade is very steep but thankfully we've not had any snow yet up to this point, the beginning of November.  

An up close view of the grade the pipeline is following doesn't look quite as steep in this photo but it was IMHO.  It was a beautiful day for a drive November 2, 2021 with blue sky and sunshine. 

There is just no place like home! 

Walk in the Parks~McArthur~Riverside~Kamloops, BC

We are enjoying a few lovely sunny days following some big October rain.  The cool crisp weather makes for a beautiful blue sky with fall leaves starting to make their changes.  

MacArthur Island Slough

Our first stop today is at McArthur Island Park on the north shore where the Slough offers some nice reflections of color.  The Thompson River level is low at this time of year and offers some quiet waters for the ducks and geese to enjoy.

Deer Family

While taking photos of the geese on the river, I happened to look down and what a surprise!  A beautiful doe was munching on the leaves and then hidden behind the bush there was a baby with her.

Well hidden 

We watched quietly for a while then walked away for a bit so not to disturb them anymore.  When we came back, the doe was still out but we saw two babies nestled under the bushes nearby, almost impossible to see.  Click here and here to see more of the park on other visits.

Railway bridge over South Thompson

We then moved on to visit Riverside Park in downtown Kamloops.  It is still early for all leaves to be turning but with the ones that are, offer a pretty contrast against the blue sky.

Bicycle Repair Station

Not being bike riders, it may have been here awhile but we hadn’t noticed this bike repair station before.  It is about the size of a golf bag but has air and fix-it helpers for bike repairs.  What a great idea for those bikes that may need help while on the Rivers Trail.

Welcome to Riverside Park

We have had some great rain this year which gives us lots of green to enjoy at our parks.   Riverside Park was developed in 1902 and has evolved into a beautiful park in Kamloops.  Click here to see more of the park on another visit.

A quiet walk in the Park

There have been some recent additions made at Riverside Park which includes new pickle ball courts by the tennis courts, which are also still there.  Pickle ball has become a very popular sport in Kamloops.

Oblix at Riverside

Standing strong by one of the entrances to the park is this great ¾ life size bronze bull, Oblix.  He was first put in the park in 2007 representing the ranching heritage of the area.  Donated to Kamloops by the artist Joe Fafard who sculpted him, he was recently moved to this new location in the Park.

North Thompson River

There is a plaque in this tiny park on Schubert Drive along the North Thompson River that commemorates the Schubert Family who were a part of the Overlanders who came to the area in 1862.  Shortly after their arrival, baby Rose was born on Oct. 14, one hundred and fifty four years ago this week.

There are several parks in the city, many of them with beautiful fall colors at this time of year.  Hopefully we can all enjoy more sunny days to watch the changes of the season.