Sunshine held true to it's name and we spent a great day in the sun enjoying wildlife, views, lakes and wildflowers. On the road early to arrive at Sunshine in time to secure tickets for the 9am bus, we saw many deer and two bald eagles on the drive. As we waited for the bus, more and more people arrived and we wondered how we would all fit on the bus. Then the mystery was solved and a second bus arrived!

Our hike spent half the day in the "tourist popular" area and half the day away from the throngs of people. We started with a loop around Rock Isle, Grizzly and Larix lakes including a quick sidetrip to the windy Standish Lookout.

Rock Isle Lake

Rock Isle, Larix & Grizzly Lakes from Standish Lookout

The area around Sunshine is famous for flowers in the summer and we weren't disappointed. Western Anemone (now sporting hairy heads) were growing everywhere.


Hairy Heads! (Western Anemone)

Anytime the trail was sheltered from the wind, there was a much more showy and varied display.


Along the trail near Grizzly Lake

Contorted Lousewort

Some flowers couldn't be found in any of our flower books. (If you know what they are, please email me: beveritt@shaw.ca)


Unidentified! About 3" tall, it grew in gravel with full sun

Unidentified! About 12" tall, it grew in open meadows

After a pleasant lunch break in a spot sheltered from the wind, we headed on to Quartz Ridge. Again, as we entered the trees, paintbrush, anemone and other flowers lined the trail.


Flower lined trail up Quartz Ridge

Away from the crowds, we enjoyed a nice quiet break to enjoy the views from the ridge.


Enjoying the sun and the views from Quartz Ridge

Mount Assiniboine from Quartz Ridge

View from Quartz Ridge

Arriving back at Sunshine Village at 4pm turned out to be perfect timing to catch a non-scheduled bus back to the cars.

Participants: Emilia, Colleen, guest Maria, Francisco, Rose, Tom and Brenda co-ordinator and scribe.