61. Whaleback

Distance: about 8 - 10 km
Elevation gain: 300m

On Friday, June 9, Margaret set off with Herm and me to explore the wild flowers of the Whaleback region. After 1 1/2 hours drive south on Hwy 22 we found a pull off and started walking in this gentle, green, rolling landscape. We immediately found a great variety of flowers along the disturbed trail and so eagerly continued.
The 3 flowered avens was perhaps the most common along the trail.

The wind flower or cut leaved anemone was one of the best because it was a first time seen. It wasn't 100% open.

The biggest thrill was a large, surprising splash of yellow on a hillside ahead of us. Just in case we wouldn't see it again, we detoured to discover balsam root. We saw loads of it again on top of the ridge and I found out we had actually seen it 20 years ago in Waterton.

I had taken my book and was able to discover and verify many names;

like crested beardtongue,

blue beardtongue,

shining arnica,  (rather than more alpine heart-leaved arnica)

Parry's townsendia, another first

blue camas, a wonderful first

and a field full of prairie onions, not quite in full bloom.

 Unfortunately, my book was not complete and there were a few unknowns.

From the road, we followed a track to Black Mountain, more like a ridge,

 we went through a gap and looked at the Whaleback ridge.

We crossed the valley and climbed most of the way up the ridge - the terrain was steep with uneven footing.

But we made it since we're not yet as decrepit as these weathered limber pines.

We posed for the requisite picture.

And headed back for the gap in the Black mountain following a circular route to discover more flower varieties.

The hike exceeded expectations for a wildflower adventure both in variety and number. We are inspired to go again, reach the top, go farther and see the flowers at a slightly different season.
Stay tuned.