Spring has sprung in the West Kootenays

Over the past 25 year, I noticed that certain natural events took place with the regularity of a clock. Within the first ten days of April, mallard ducks would gather in our swampy village drainage ditches. From their winter quarters in the south, Canada geese are returning to their favourite home turf near Fauquier, BC. Let’s not forget the swallows gathering in entire flocks on the ubiquitous power lines. Along the highways, poplars and birches begin to show their light green colours so refreshing for the winter-weary eyes. Impressive are the swollen chestnut buds, ready to burst. Farther west, beyond the Monashee Mountains, I once discovered on a steep hillside overlooking the Kalamalka Lake a floral carpet of arnica flowers. Welcome Spring!