Thanksgiving weekend at the lake (with rainbows to boot)

It was a whirlwind visit for me: two days (three nights) at the lake.  I am accustomed to the palette of summer, of spring, and even of winter.  But I so seldom have the chance to be there in the fall.   Autumn is beautiful.   

I didn't know ferns were anything but green!

Larch and thimbleberry leaves turning yellow

A vibrant pop of red and purple

On Saturday morning, a low cloud was sitting on top of Bastion Mountain.  And when it lifted up, it left a hat of snow sitting on top!

A sweep of white across the top of the mountain

a closer shot of the snow at the top

While the snow was amazing to see, it was gone by evening time.  Still, it was a wonderful reminder that the season of rest is nearly upon us!

On Sunday evening, we all converged on Moiya's house for an astonishing thanksgiving dinner.  All I can say is, "Wow!"  

 

This was a feast for the belly and the heart

There was much laughter and conversation as people sat down to eat, when (with her own inimitable style), Moiya used her 'outdoor voice', commanding us all to stop talking and to look out the window.  And this is what we saw! 

 

As you might imagine, there was a rush to the deck, as those of us with phones tried to capture this thanksgiving gift.   The yellow colour spread across the hill does not come from the trees, but from one mighty and targeted burst of sunshine breaking through all the dark clouds in the sky.  Breathtaking.

Because I can't decide which of my three photo angles I like best, I will just include them all. 

 

The rainbow is landing precisely at "Johnson's Point", which I took as a good omen for the upcoming road ahead.  We did wonder where the rainbow showed up for the (unrelated to us) Johnson's who live there.   Did it head towards Sicamous, or did they see the end landing overtop of Moiya's house?   It certainly felt like we hit the jackpot with the meal she had prepared!  :-)

Monday morning, there was just enough time to take a walk around, letting the smell of the forest seep into my lungs.  No matter which way you turn, it is a place of beauty.

The view from Marcia and Art's lot

Also, a glance at the roof on Doral's house is a reminder that life bursts forth on built-structures too.   I know it needs replacing, but I think the moss-covered roof looks rather spectacular!

Seriously... isn't it beautiful?!

And the grapevines add a lace-like ruffle.

Moiya stopped to say goodbye, and put several bunches of green concorde grapes in my hands for the drive back to the Kelowna airport.

Yep, they were every bit as tasty as they look!

I am hoping to get out there again in November.  We will see!