Travels in Central B.C. Part 1 – The Interior Temperate Rainforest

Helmcken Falls is the best known of the major waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. The landscape was formed by volcanic rock, which was much later eroded by glaciation in the ice age. If the light and your angle are right, you can see a rainbow in the mist of the falls. It is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada and the drop is 141m from top to the canyon bottom. (Richard McGuire Photo)

When you mention temperate rainforests in B.C., most people think of the Pacific coast and forests such as the Great Bear Rainforest, which reach from the B.C. – Alaska border down to Prince Rupert and beyond.

But B.C. is also home to the Interior Temperate Rainforest, the only such rainforest in the world. It occupies the eastern portion of the province where mountain ranges like the Columbia and the Cariboo press up against the western slopes of the Rockies. The higher elevations cause moist air to precipitate and fall as rain, encouraging lush forests, lakes and tumbling waterfalls.

Much of the area has been stripped bare over the years with clear-cutting, but a few areas still contain giant cedar trees up to 15 feet in diameter, hundreds or even thousands of years old.

In late June, I took a trip with my little travel trailer to Wells Gray Provincial Park, Mount Robson, the headwaters of the Fraser River, the Rocky Mountain Trench and down through the gold mining routes of the Cariboo. Featured here are photos from the first part of my trip through Wells Gray and other parts of the Interior Temperate Rainforest.

This was my first visit to Wells Gray Provincial Park. When I read about it, I was struck by the fact that the major attractions are virtually all waterfalls. Best known is Helmcken Falls, on the Murtle River, tumbling 141 metres from an opening in the lava rock into a deep bowl formed by glaciation and worn down by millennia of tumbling water. It’s Canada’s fourth highest waterfall when you measure the distance of free-falling water.

But some of the other falls — Dawson, Spahats, Moul — can be just as dramatic and, in the case of Moul, involve interesting hikes to reach. In June, the rivers were still engorged, and the waterfalls treacherous, but spectacular.

Something of Wells Gray’s more recent past is visible at the remains of the old Ray Farm homestead where John and Alice Ray and children farmed from 1932 to 1946 at a time when there were no highways and only vast wilderness.

I had planned to spend a couple of days in the area of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. But, as can be expected in this rainy region, it was cold, raining and completely socked in by clouds. I’ve been to Robson several time over the decades and you rarely see the top, but this was the wettest I’d seen it. So after one night camping there, I headed northwest up the Rocky Mountain Trench, beyond McBride, on the road to Prince George.

The pouring rain let up just as I came to the Ancient Cedar Forest, about halfway between McBride and Prince George. It’s a popular tourist spot, but it’s still easy to feel alone in nature among the towering ancient cedar trees. When I returned to my vehicle, a big black bear was strolling past the parking lot, munching on vegetation.

From there, I continued on to Prince George and Quesnel, ready to start the second stage of my trip in the gold rush country of the Cariboo.

Richard McGuire

Click on thumbnails to view as gallery with larger images:

Helmcken Falls is the best known of the major waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. The landscape was formed by volcanic rock, which was much later eroded by glaciation in the ice age. If the light and your angle are right, you can see a rainbow in the mist of the falls. It is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada and the drop is 141m from top to the canyon bottom. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Just up the Murtle River from Helmken Falls is Dawson Falls. It’s not as high as its neighbour, but Dawson Falls is impressive nonetheless. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Just up the Murtle River from Helmken Falls is Dawson Falls. It’s not as high as its neighbour, but Dawson Falls is impressive nonetheless. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The water of Spahts Falls tumbles through a slot in the volcanic rocks. Found just inside the Wells Gray Provincial Park gate, it’s a short walk. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The water of Spahts Falls tumbles through a slot in the volcanic rocks. Found just inside the Wells Gray Provincial Park gate, it’s a short walk. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The Clearwater Valley forms the backbone of the most heavily used part of Wells Gray Provincial Park. This lookout is just north of Spahats Falls and is looking north, up the Clearwater River. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Moui Falls on Grouse Creek is a bit of a hike, especially the steep descent to the bottom of the falls. But it’s worth the journey. Some people climb behind and underneath the falls, but there was too much water volume when I was there to make that safe. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Moui Falls on Grouse Creek is a bit of a hike, especially the steep descent to the bottom of the falls. But it’s worth the journey. Some people climb behind and underneath the falls, but there was too much water volume when I was there to make that safe. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Moui Falls on Grouse Creek is a bit of a hike, especially the steep descent to the bottom of the falls. But it’s worth the journey. Some people climb behind and underneath the falls, but there was too much water volume when I was there to make that safe. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Part of the steep descent to the bottom of Moul Falls has a stairway. Only the last part of the hike to the falls is steep. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Much of the hike to Moul Falls in Wells Grey Provincial Park was on fairly level ground like this. Only the part closest to the falls was a steep climb. (Richard McGuire Photo)

John and Alice Ray and their children farmed this land from 1932 to 1946. Today nature is reclaiming the land and the remnants of buildings are decaying. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Mount Robson, in B.C. to the west of Jasper, is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Because the Rockies catch so much moist air, the peak of Mount Robson is seldom visible and is often socked in clouds. I’ve been before in better conditions, so I cut this portion of my trip short when forecasts predicted no improvement. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The land between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies is home to B.C.’s Interior Rain Forest. It’s the only temperate rainforest in the world not on a coast. The Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride is a small portion of this forest that has been preserved and you can walk among cedars many centuries old. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Parts of the Ancient Cedar Forest northwest of McBride, B.C., were once harvested before being protected. Some of the trees still have paint on them indicating where they should be cut, and there are stumps like this. (Richard McGuire Photo)

A black bear strolls next to the parking area at the trailhead at the Ancient Cedar Forest about 94 km west of McBride, B.C. on Highway 16. (Richard McGuire Photo)

 

Yard Katz rock Osoyoos Music in the Park

Greg Reely, of Osoyoos, appears to be having fun as he drums for the Yard Katz at the July 12, 2019 Osoyoos Music in the Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The Penticton-based Yard Katz had many from the crowd of more than 650 people up and dancing July 12 at Osoyoos Music in the Park.

It was a mix of classic rock and blues with a bit of alt-country thrown in — all covers, but skillfully pulled off.

I’ve tried to enjoy some local music without lugging my camera around, but for this one I made an exception.

It’s not entirely accurate to say “Penticton-based.” Drummer Greg Reely is from Osoyoos and is president of the Osoyoos Photography Club, of which I am a member. I certainly wasn’t the only OPC member photographing Greg and he seemed amused by the Osoyoos paparazzi.

Greg is not just the drummer. He had the sound controls at his fingertips and was shooting video from at least two angles of the band’s performance.

He showed his photography along with mine and Peter Hovestad’s at The Art Gallery Osoyoos in the Trifocal Perspectives show in April.

Besides music, photography and sound engineering, word is that Greg’s not bad at golf.

The other Yard Katz members from various locations up the valley were no less impressive Friday.

Dancing styles in front of the band were all over the map. When a line dance of mainly senior women sprang up, singer Ron Weiten confessed he was wrong in his notion that line dancing was only in country music.

For more info:

For information about coming shows at the free Friday evening Osoyoos Music in the Park concerts, visit their page on the Osoyoos and District Arts Council website.

The Osoyoos Photography Club also has a page on the Arts Council website.

The Yard Katz are on Facebook.

For information about my photography and photographic services, contact me through my website, or visit my booth most Saturdays at Market on Main.

Richard McGuire

Click on thumbnails to view as gallery with larger images:

Penticton-based Yard Katz rocked Osoyoos at Music in the Park on July 12. They play a mix of classic rock, blues with a bit of alt-country thrown in. From foreground right to left: Jim Gallagher, Bob Farmer, Ron Weiten, Dan Gustak, Gary Dray. Keyboardist Bryan Chamberlain is obscured at the left end. Behind on drums is Greg Reely. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Greg Reely, of Osoyoos, appears to be having fun as he drums for the Yard Katz at the July 12, 2019 Osoyoos Music in the Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Ron Weiten plays harmonica as Yard Katz entertained Osoyoos at Music in the Park on July 12. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Clint Hawes and his wife Brigitte are among the many dancing up a storm as Yard Katz performs at Osoyoos Music in the Park July 12. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Dan Gusztak belts out a classic rock song while playing guitar. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Ron Weiten (left) sings as the Yard Katz perform at Osoyoos Music in the Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Gary Dray plays guitar and sings with the Yard Katz at Osoyoos Music in the Park. Behind is guest performer Harvey Kostenchuk on congas and percussion. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Bryan Chamberlain (left foreground) plays keyboards with the Yard Katz. Behind is guest performer Harvey Kostenchuk on congas and percussion. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta 2019 – Part 2 – Gyro Park and fireworks

Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta takes place in the downtown in the morning, but in the afternoon the Canada Day action shifts to Gyro Park.

This photo collection shows some of the Gyro Park events, including the always-fun cherry pie eating and cherry pit spitting contests.

In some of my photography workshops we talk about the technique for catching the cherry pit in mid air as it leaves the mouth. Briefly, it involves using a very fast shutter speed and anticipating from the contestant’s facial expression when the pit is going to come out. It’s easier than photographing a speeding bullet — a topic I’d better leave for an advanced class. 😉 To find out about my photography classes and workshops this summer, check out the Town of Osoyoos Summer Leisure Guide.

The evening ends with the impressive fireworks display over Osoyoos Lake. This selection ends with the pyrotechnic wizardry of Frank Zandvliet and his volunteer crew.

Reprints are available. Contact me through my website, or visit my booth most Saturdays at Market on Main.

Richard McGuire

Click on thumbnails to view as gallery with larger images:

Outgoing Osoyoos Ambassador Aikum Takher speaks at the bandshell, flanked by incoming Ambassadors Kaelyn and Kristen. At left is master of ceremonies Tom Shields. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Town councillors C.J. Rhodes and Jim King slice Canada Day cake for the crowd in Gyro Park while Mayor Sue McKortoff (right) supervises. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Councillor Myers Bennett (left) serves Canada Day cake at Gyro Park as people line up. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Tom Shields, former mayor, horse race announcer and CIRO Radio personality, was master of ceremonies during the afternoon at Gyro Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The girls from Dance Oasis gave an energetic performance at Gyro Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The girls from Dance Oasis gave an energetic performance at Gyro Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The girls from Dance Oasis gave an energetic performance at Gyro Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Cindy Doucette, a Canada Day favourite, sang and played guitar Monday afternoon at Gyro Park. (Richard McGuire Photo)

There’s no room for table manners as participants in different age groups try to be first to devour a cherry pie with their hands clasped behind their backs. (Richard McGuire Photo)

There’s no room for table manners as participants in different age groups try to be first to devour a cherry pie with their hands clasped behind their backs. (Richard McGuire Photo)

There’s no room for table manners as participants in different age groups try to be first to devour a cherry pie with their hands clasped behind their backs. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Participants of all ages showed off their cherry pit spitting skills in a contest at Gyro Park. This year there was strong participation by girls and women, some of whom put in impressive performances. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in past years, Canada Day ended with an impressive fireworks display from Gyro Beach attended by thousands. Town employee Frank Zandvliet is the pyrotechnical wizard, along with his team of volunteers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

 

Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta 2019 – Part 1 Downtown

Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta is a colourful highlight of the year, drawing thousands of visitors to the community, along with the locals.

I’ve photographed it in past years for the Osoyoos Times, but this year was the first I was shooting for myself. More than a few people asked if I was back with the paper. I’m not. It’s just a fun way to keep up my camera skills and share the images with the community.

This collection features 37 photos from downtown events, mainly the parade, water fight and bhangra dancers. I’ll be posting more photos from the Gyro Park events and fireworks later.

Reprints are available. Contact me through my website, or visit my booth most Saturdays at Market on Main.

Richard McGuire

Click on thumbnails to view as gallery with larger images:

As in the past two years, the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society used the street (85th St.) next to BMO for Bhangra dancers. They served samosas and drinks to those who came by. Later the dancers took part in the parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in the past two years, the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society used the street (85th St.) next to BMO for Bhangra dancers. They served samosas and drinks to those who came by. Later the dancers took part in the parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in the past two years, the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society used the street (85th St.) next to BMO for Bhangra dancers. They served samosas and drinks to those who came by. Later the dancers took part in the parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in the past two years, the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society used the street (85th St.) next to BMO for Bhangra dancers. They served samosas and drinks to those who came by. Later the dancers took part in the parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

This year the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta celebrated 71 years, including the time it was known as Cherry Carnival. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Sgt. Jason Bayda, commanding officer at the Osoyoos RCMP Detachment, waves to parade crowds from the RCMP’s ATV. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Members of Branch 173 of the Royal Canadian Legion marched near the fron to the parade, accompanied by several American Legion members from Oroville. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Summerland Pipes and Drums played for the crowd near the front of the Cherry Fiesta parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Wearing an oversized hat, town counillor Jim King waves as he walks in the Cherry Fiesta parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff smiles and waves as she walks in the Cherry Fiesta parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

J.F. Launier, connoisseur of fine vehicles, drives a convertible in the parade. Waving from the back seat is town councillor C.J. Rhodes. (Richard McGuire Photo)

A large crowd watches the Cherry Fiesta parade in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Incoming and outgoing Osoyoos Ambassadors give the crowd the royal wave. (Richard McGuire Photo)

These colourfully dressed girls announce the arrival of the Okanagan Portuguese Drummers. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Okanagan Portuguese Drummers performed in the Cherry Fiesta parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

A clown on a unicycle tosses candy into the air as kids scramble for it in the Cherry Fiesta parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Bob Sherwood of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society waves from the local volunteer group’s new boat used for lake water testing. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Harold Cox drives his 1928 Ford Model “A” in the parade. A sign on the back declares that although the car is 91 years old, Cox is still a young pup by comparison. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Girls riding in a Mercedes convertible for Luna del Sol Hair Design show off some colourful hairdos. (Richard McGuire Photo)

You can tell a federal election is approaching when candidates show up for the Cherry Fiesta parade. Here Liberal Connie Denesiuk waves to the crowd. With her was federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna. Conservative Helena Konanz was also in the parade. MP Richard Cannings, NDP, attended the pancake breakfast, but missed the parade while he travelled to events in other communities. (Richard McGuire Photo)

It’s a long reach for a stilt walker to touch hands of small children. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Members of the Penticton Royalty were in the parade to promote their city’s Peach Festival. (Richard McGuire Photo)

A tractor leads the way for the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society’s parade entry. (Richard McGuire Photo)

As in the past two years, the South Okanagan Punjabi Cultural Society used the street (85th St.) next to BMO for Bhangra dancers. They served samosas and drinks to those who came by. Later the dancers took part in the parade. (Richard McGuire Photo)

The Desert Spirit Osoyoos dragon boat club carried a fabric “dragon” along with parade route, sometimes stopping to “devour” young children. (Richard McGuire Photo)

Vince Sam waves to the crowd after shoveling up a deposit of horse poo along the parade route. Many people cheered him. (Richard McGuire Photo)

You can tell a federal election is approaching when candidates show up for the Cherry Fiesta parade. Here Conservative Helena Konanz waves to the crowd. Liberal Connie Denesiuk was also in the parade. MP Richard Cannings, NDP, attended the pancake breakfast, but missed the parade while he traveled to events in other communities. (Richard McGuire Photo)

It was an Osoyoos standoff as these kids aimed their water artillery at each other, but held their fire. They were saving it for the firefighters who were about to return. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

One of the highlights of Cherry Fiesta is the water fight between kids, kids at heart, and local firefighters. The action takes place in front of Osoyoos Home Hardware. The firefighters, some dressed as Batman characters, have the heaviest artillery, but the kids out number them. (Richard McGuire Photo)

VIDEO: Governments sign memorandum of understanding on South Okanagan national park reserve

Federal, provincial and First Nations governments held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, July 2 on a memorandum of understanding on the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. A final establishment agreement is still one or two years away, if ever. A few park opponents showed up to protest, but federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna couldn’t offer them much except to keep listening. (Richard McGuire Photo and Video)