CHECKING OUT WINTER

 I took the RZR for a little ride this afternoon up into the hills checking out what was happening up at the lakes.  I mostly stayed warm except for my chin and throat under the helmet and my fingers.  My lined pants did a fine job on keeping my legs warm and the heavy vest I bought last winter worked well for my upper body.

Burnell Lake

Unnamed pond between Madden and Burnell Lakes

Madden Lake where we had several pleasant lunches earlier in the fall

Ripley Lake

Ripley Lake

These two images are where I was exploring up a gas line until it got too steep, I'm on my way back down now.

THE BITTER STRUGGLE BETWEEN FALL AND WINTER

 We're at the time of year when winter is trying to take over but fall is resisting with everything it has.  We had some snow yesterday morning and it looked like winter was here then it warmed up and the snow melted.  I went for a walk up the river trail to document what was happening.  Most of the leaves have succumbed to winter's onslaught but a valiant few hardy ones are still clinging to their host.

Oregon Grape

Sumac

Sumac

Sumac

Sumac

A shrubby bush

Sumac berries

Wild Baby's Breath

Wild Baby's Breath

GOLDENEYE DUCKS AND AMERICAN DIPPER CLOSEUPS

 The last walk I did the Dipper let me get closer so I could get sharper photos.

It was a mad scramble!

American Dipper

ICE IN THE CREEK

 For those already down in the warm southern states, here's what you're missing.  For those of us remaining in the frozen north, here's a dose of reality.  Sorry😔

ANOTHER WALK WITH THE BARROW'S GOLDENEYE DUCKS IN THE OKANAGAN RIVER

 

MALLARDS

 Some photos I caught of Mallards in the Okanagan River walking from home.