June 2023
Although we would have loved to climb to Monica Meadows again (see my other blog post), it is not possible due to the snow covered mountain. We try Meadow Mountain instead. The pickup truck of my son brings us high up, until we reach the first snow. From here, we can go by foot. The trail is wide and not too steep.
It seems we are the first persons to walk up Meadow Mountain after the winter. And it is June!!! No other footprints, and in the refuge higher up are still the unopened beer cans of last year present. In the winter, this is a perfect snowmobiling area. No ski lifts available!
The dog enjoys these unexpected patches of snow! It feels weird to walk in shorts on the white stuff.
My son makes a lot of noise by shouting and clapping in his hands, on every curve of the trail. This is grizzly bear territory, and you should always stay alert.
In the same area we did see a black bear the other day, just down the road! 
Our days in the Lardeau Valley are filled with activity. We show my daughter all the favorite hiking and sightseeing spots from our last visit in 2021. We even swim in the freezing waters of Kootenay Glacier Lake and go on a kayak and canoe trip.
While on the pristine waters, alone in your boat, you reconnect with nature.
During the very warm days, we take the dog for a swim in Duncan Lake. This is a man-made reservoir and around 45 kilometers in length! The temperatures are way higher than Kootenay Lake.
Ten days living the Canadian way with barbecues, camp fires (still possible in June) and enjoying wild life.
Finally, my daughter hops on the bus in Kaslo, which will bring her back to Vancouver. We prepare for a 5-day house sit in Salmon Arm, conveniently situated on the way to the coast. 
