The ditches along the David Thompson highway are carpeted in yellow; especially west of Nordegg. The dandelions are creating a tasty buffet for the black bears in the area. I must admit, the yellow blooms did look lovely against the many shades of green in the forest. When the dandelions are in my lawn, I'm afraid I cannot say the same thing.
My first glimpse of more spring wildflowers occurred at Landslide Lake. There were bunches of Three-flowered Avens. The tiny pink flowers grew amidst the tall green grass.
I found a patch of them with wild geraniums alongside the walking trail.
On the north side of a large boulder, some delicate Northern Bog Violets were hiding from the sun. The purple and bright green contrasted beautifully against the grey rock. It is amazing how such fragile flowers can grow in that hard, rocky soil.
The wild strawberry plants were in bloom. Field chickweed blossoms were interspersed with them. The fireweed plants were only about 8 inches tall and still growing. There are abundant so there will be a sea of purple when they are in finally in bloom.
From Landslide Lake, we traveled to the Mistaya River Canyon. There is a bit of a downhill hike to get to the gorge. On the mossy banks beside the trail, the Calypso Orchids were in bloom. Numerous patches of them could be seen all the way to the bottom. Their delicate little flowers added a punch of color to moss carpet.
I guess I will use the fact that I did not see the violets as an excuse to come back again. I will never tire of visiting this area. The freshness, the smells, the peacefulness and the beauty draws me back each year; even if it is just a day trip.
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