Healy Meadows

Last week we went out to Healy Meadows and Healy Pass hoping to see carpets of wild flowers, as we had seen last August.  The weather forecast was good; plenty of sunshine and temperatures around plus 23C, so good hiking weather.  We made our way to Sunshine to catch the 0900 shuttle up to Sunshine Village, it's an hour and half from home.  We were therefore somewhat surprised to see that the whole world had descended into the car park for the 0900 shuttle which was already somewhat full - should have reserved seats on line! Seems everyone was going up to the Village to view the wild flowers by the three lakes (thank goodness) and a second shuttle duly arrived to take the overflow which included us - it was packed to capacity.

A small number headed towards Simpsons Pass and Healy Creek, we were all prepared for the hike carrying plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray!  As the views opened up we saw the larger amounts of standing water and lakes larger and much fuller than usual and then the flowers started; the anemones had already gone to seed but the wild asters, columbines, saxifrages and paint brushes to name a few, were all in full bloom.  The higher we hiked the more like a carpet the flowers became, hues of yellow, purple, red and white and the scent, indescribable - you will just have to come and see for yourselves, as photographs seldom do justice to such a scene. 

The top of Healy Pass was full of hikers, all searching out that quiet spot for lunch, to sit, eat and just commune with nature in all its glory.  We really didn't want to start our journey down, this time via Healy Creek.  We dawdled and allowed numerous people to overtake us as we took in the meadows.  The way down is all down hill with a long walk out towards Sunshine car park, we took our time enjoying the warmth of the day and the sound of the creek running over rocks.  The car park and our vehicle came too quickly in the end, the cool box provided cool refreshments prior to our journey home. 

We decided to end the day at the Scotsman's Well in Creekside; a simple evening meal before home and showers and then a cool glass of wine on the deck; taking in the colours and sounds of our garden.