Signs of Autumn ~ North Thompson ~ Kamloops, BC

An afternoon drive to enjoy the sunshine and the last colors of Fall.  The weather has taken a quick cold turn and many of the leaves have fallen but on such a lovely day, there are still so many sights to enjoy.

Autumn colors

We began on the west side of the North Thompson River and followed the Westsyde Road.  As we travel north, we see homes, ranches, animal and tree farms and also vineyards which now includes a craft beer business.  There are horses, cattle, goats and sheep and the occasional deer family enjoying the serene countryside.

Jamieson Creek

We stopped at Jamieson Creek to have a look.  There is something about a creek that I find special.  I’m not sure if it is not just the running water bubbling over the rocks that create the special aspect or if it somehow brings back some childhood memories for me, either way, it is enjoyable.

Picnic scene

There are signs that the picnic table has had visitors but those days are likely over until next Spring time.  There were also signs of salmon that were coming back up the creek to spawn and didn’t make it all the way. 

Reflections

The North Thompson was calm and quiet today.  Due to the recent rain we’ve had higher waters than what might be normal for this time of year.  As we approached the McLure Ferry, the river was reflecting the colors in the trees that lined the shores on the east side.

McClure Ferry

We’ve taken this ferry ride before and will again on our return home.  It is a reaction ferry which means it is propelled by the current of the river.  It is held by cables as it crosses and takes five minutes to get to the other side of the river.  It is free and carries 12 passengers and two vehicles.  It is available on demand so will come over to pick you up if it is sitting across the river but it does not operate during high waters or winter freeze.

 North Thompson River

We follow the road on the west side of the river and once we come to the top of the hill across from McLure, we are offered this great view of the river and valley.  The sandbars that are scattered all down the river will not be seen during spring high water and summer months.  They do create hazards for summer boating on this river as they’re not flagged.  As much as we'd love to boat up this river, it just won't happen due to the sandbars.

Country Roads

Country roads…… we are now on dirt and gravel roads and that isn’t the best idea after a car wash but we will take the ‘high’ road, which this is.  A much higher altitude than the valley road we just left.  Not many views for this part of the drive other than lots of trees and the occasional small herds of cattle until we get into the old remains of the fire that swept through this area a few years ago.

Forest fire remains

It has been a few years so new growth is gradually happening but the charred trees left are a reminder of the devastation that fires can create.

North Thompson River

We’ve now crossed the river at Barriere and are on the east side of the North Thompson River.  There is a stop of interest just south of there and offers a nice view of the river. This view is looking north which is the route many Eastern Canadians used during the Gold Rush days.

Southern view

This view is looking south from the same viewpoint as the North Thompson River flows down with the Yellowhead highway in sight.  Once the Overlanders of 1862 got across the Rockies, they managed to get through the rapids and make their way to Kamloops.  They are part of the history that helped create Kamloops to be the wonderful city it is today.

Summertime ~ Kamloops, BC

The first day of summer arrived on a Friday leading into a week of summer activities.  We wait for this day with great anticipation as we expect summer weather to be a constant sunny and warm.  That may be our normal summertime but it just doesn’t always happen.  We had a bit of Spring overlap.

He scores!

For the most part, the soccer tournament games were played between the weekend showers.  We only went to two of the games, one on each weekend day, and got rain neither one but there were scattered showers happening.  We did see our youngest grandson make a special goal, his very first!  I would have sat in the rain to see that. 

Westsyde Horse Show

Westsyde Park hosted a horse show on Sunday.  Several showed their horses by walking around the outside arena, being judged for things I would not have any idea about.  They were so enjoyable to watch, but what horse isn’t, especially when being ridden by someone who knows what they are doing. 

Mental Health Bike Ride

We saw many many bikes riding the Westsyde Road before they headed down to ride on the dyke that passes Westsyde Centennial Park.  They were supporting bringing mental health into the open.  The total ride was 25 km long, so good for all and thanks to those who participated for this worthy cause.

Entertaining Emu

The Little Farmer’s Zoo adjacent to Westsyde Park never lacks for some animal entertainment.  So many people enjoy watching the antics, especially of the goats, they do seem to know to perform.  I think my favorite is the Emu, who seemed as interested in my camera as I was in him.  He did give it a peck once, as his long neck gives him a long reach, but I think he was hoping for an edible.

Little Farmers Zoo

Little Farmer’s Zoo offers machines to purchase appropriate food for the animals to avoid feeding them food scraps that may do them harm.  Feed is very inexpensive and will definitely get the animals to the fence once they know you have something for them.  All animals are behind the fence but petting can still be accomplished for some.

TRU basketball

This basketball court is at Thompson Rivers University and has attracted several young players on this morning.  As regular classes are over for the year, I suspect these kids could be here for fun, practice or lessons?

Deer attending University

We see a local visitor on the grass of TRU enjoying a lunchtime snack.  She’s alone here and with all the construction going on at the campus I am surprised to see her.  This campus has grown.

McArthur Park Skateboarding

Kamloops has several skateboarding parks, and rarely are they empty but with summertime here, they will likely keep pretty busy.  This one is located at McArthur Island.

Brock Pool

This is a small group of swimmers at the Brock Pool compared to shortly after.  There were 5 school buses arrive in the parking lot while those who came on them had swimming or picnicking in the park.  Brock Park includes a playground area, swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as an inside ice arena.  Great place for any summer day, especially ones like this.

Mt. Paul and North Thompson River

What could be prettier that Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter reflected in the North Thompson River, which is great for kayaking, and is lined with lush green bushes and trees.  This pathway offers a nice walk along Schubert Drive on the NorthShore.

So many things to do in summertime Kamloops, an outdoor paradise.  Hopefully everyone has a safe and fun summer ahead of them.

Riverside Park ~ MacArthur Park ~ Kamloops, BC ~ Flooding 2017

Flooding is not new to Kamloops but the threat of it still creates fear of the possibility of it happening again.  The fact there are two rivers meeting at Kamloops only doubles the chances.

Riverside Park in Kamloops

This winter there was a lot of snow up in those mountains, then we got some cool days with quite a bit of rain, and then the hot weather speeds up the melting.  Mix all of that together and we have a flood threat in Kamloops.

High water at Thompson River wharf

The parks are feeling the high water level, although that hasn’t stopped people from visiting the parks.  The wharf at Riverside Park is at water level, when it is usually several metres above that.  The railings have been removed to discourage any visitors onto that so barely visible.

Forbidden waters

Normally there is a very large sandy beach between the sidewalk shown and the river’s edge.  This shows the water to be about as high as we’d like to see it come up.  At this point, the damage appears to be extremely minimal.

Playtime

There are white bags sitting on water grates all over the city that will hopefully prevent any water coming up through those grates from the storm drains.   Water in this parking lot at the east end of Riverside Park is fairly shallow so many are enjoying the walk through the water.

River height history

This monument shows the water heights throughout history but also the height of the water for the floods we’ve been through.  The one that we personally lived through was in 1972, 3 weeks after we’d moved into our new home.  More info on this from a previous blog I had written here.  

Under the railway bridge

Typically one would be able to follow the path under the bridge that would then take you to Pioneer Park, which is mainly covered in water on this day.

Kids playing in the water

At this point, the railway bridge is not in any danger from the rising waters.  Many people were at the park enjoying this sunny Sunday with their families, many of which were playing in the water, and it was not only the young that were playing.

MacArthur Park boat launch

The boat launch at MacArthur Park has been closed due to the high waters, although the next photo shows a small boat tied to the small wharf, which is usually many feet lower than it is now.  Signs do not always work but at least this boat is not out on the river, which would be quite dangerous to maneuver.

At this point in time, the North Thompson River has been said to have crested, meaning there is no longer a danger of flooding.  The South Thompson River has not crested yet, but had dropped several inches since these photos were taken.  The threat of flooding has lessened and hopefully will allow Kamloops to get past this point, once again, without any damage done by flooding.

Autumn Leaves ~ Schubert Drive ~ Kamloops, BC

The many colors of autumn often make the prettiest views of the year.  I do not know how many shades of yellow there are but to look at these trees along the banks of the North Thompson River, there appears to be many.

Leaves of Autumn

Schubert Drive is named after the Schubert family who were part of the Overlanders.  They were the first settlers to arrive at Fort Kamloops from Ft. Garry in 1862.  Catherine Schubert was the only woman to make that journey; they are true pioneers of our area.

Trail to North Thompson River

On a sunny day in the fall, the leaves brighten up the drive along the river and the fallen leaves remind us that it will not be long and winter is on its’ way.  Taking time to enjoy the fall season is easiest when the sun shines but that doesn’t always happen the way we want it to.  One day, it seems the leaves are there and the next day they are all down.

Mt. Peter and Mt. Paul

The barren trees make it much easier to see the river and that offers a whole new view and the birds who are normally hidden within the leaves can also be seen.  Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter sit above where the two rivers meet at Kamloops.

Carved Cedar Poles

There is a small parking area along Schubert that also is host to three sculptures by Giles Kent of Great Britain.  The tallest one stands 7-6 metres (25’) tall.  A gazebo is there to sit and enjoy the view from.

North meets South Thompson

The South Thompson River joins onto the North Thompson just beyond this point and continues down to Kamloops Lake.   The river is still fairly wide here but as the water level decreases during this time of year, there is lots of sandy beaches to walk on, and many do.

River Walk of Kamloops, BC

Schubert Drive is a lovely walk at this time of year.  It is part of the River Walk that spans 40 km. that covers many areas of Kamloops.   All the River Walk but McArthur Island Park and Riverside Park is dog friendly so Schubert Drive it is a great place to take the dog for a walk or run, too.

Another reason why there is no place like home.

We love Kamloops, BC ~ Sunrise to Sunsets

We love Kamloops for all the scenery, attractions, sports, diversity or weather, and that would include the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  We all enjoy seeing that big blue sky to be flawless and free of clouds but our sunrises and sunsets would not be as stunning without them.

 

Summer sunset from Peterson Creek, Kamloops, BC

There has been damage done to many of our pine trees by the pine beetle but the trees made an interesting framing for the summertime sunset we enjoyed while taking an summer evening walk through Peterson Creek Park.

 

Sunset over teepee at Kamloopa PowWow

Mid summer evening spent at the Kamloopa Pow Wow near the Kamloops Residential School on the South Thompson River, offers a sunset backdrop for all to enjoy.  It was the ending of a grand show, if you wish to see more of the Pow Wow show, click here.

Autumn sunrise over Kamloops, BC

There are not many sunrises that are quite this bright and they disappear so quickly that there is never time to get to a better viewpoint but this one is taken from our own deck and it was amazing to watch.

 

Sun setting after Kamloops afternoon rain

We were crossing the Halston Bridge after a late afternoon rain and the setting sun and clouds made such a dramatic picture ahead.  You’re not able to see Batchelor Heights to the west side of the North Thompson River as the contrast is natural lighting in the picture and better able to show the true colors of the sunset and clouds.

 

Autumn sunset on Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter, Kamloops, BC

I was following Ord Road  heading east to get to Westsyde Road and head north up the N. Thompson River when the lighting on this late afternoon drive made Mt. Paul and Peter look beautiful where they stand at the meeting of the North and South Thompson Rivers.

 

Christmastime sunset in Kamloops, BC

With the neighboring homes preventing most views of evening sunsets, I was happy to include some of the color while taking pictures of my Christmas lawn decorations. Now if only I could eliminate all those wires in my pictures………. but then I wouldn’t be able to light up those Christmas decorations ! 

Christmas morning sunrise in Kamloops, BC

Many grandparents will make those early Christmas morning drives to get to watch the little ones and all their excitement open the gifts that Santa has left and we are no exception.  The timing was perfect to catch this pretty sunrise as the sun was streaming down from behind the dark bank of clouds onto the crystal white snow up in the hills above Kamloops.  This picture was taken as we drove the new road below Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Sunrises are such a great way to start the day and then to finish the day with a sunset, what could be better?

North Thompson River ~ Kamloops, BC

We love Kamloops and we’re surrounded by the natural beauty of the Thompson Valley.  The North Thompson River is one of the natural beauties of the Kamloops area, but it seems to be the river that gets little attention. There are no public boat launches and the river has not been charted so it doesn’t encourage the summer power boats that crowd the South Thompson River nearby. That means the only boat traffic is the occasional kayak or canoe and that makes a quiet river to enjoy.

 

North Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

The North Thompson, named by Simon Fraser to honor his explorer friend David Thompson, originates west of Valemount, BC at the base of the Thompson Glacier then continues south and meets up with the Clearwater River, the North Thompson’s biggest tributary, which drains much of Wells Gray Provincial Park.

 

Reflections in the North Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

On this day I stopped to visit the Little Farmers Petting Zoo in the Westsyde Centennial Park, which I will share with you later, and hoped to see some fall colors along the North Thompson River from this vantage point.  Much had changed in the years since I was last down to the river there and the river was so much prettier than I remembered it to be.

Damaged tree in Westsyde Centennial Park, Kamloops, BC

There are many more trees in that grove than I remember, and they’re so much larger, too.  This tree, sadly a recent victim of this damage, stood alone but I remember a cluster of birch trees where we once had family photos taken nearby that no longer look the same, how things do change.

 

Looking north on North Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

Spring and summer runoffs from the winter snow bring the river levels much higher than you’ll see in these pictures and have been known to flood on more than one occasion but today I am walking the rocky beaches and enjoying the very still water of the North Thompson River in the Fall season.   It is a calm and quiet river today.

A path to the North Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

There is a walking path that follows along the dike that protects the park and Oak Hills/Oakdale subdivisions, rebuilt after the flood of 1972. If you want to get right down to the river, you will follow the path past the dog park but there are other access paths along the dike, too. Some will take you through a grove of trees that run along the rivers edge.

South view of the North Thompson River, Kamloops, BC

I gained a new appreciation for our beautiful rivers while on our Cross Country trip and that was that we do have some of the most beautiful rivers on this continent! We crossed many rivers during our eight month trip and few came close to comparing to the size and beauty of the rivers we have right outside our own backyard.

This just gives us another reason why we love Kamloops.