Yesterday (Saturday) we rose early, met up with a couple of pals at the Petro Canada on Highway 1 and set off for the early shuttle from the Sunshine car park to Sunshine Village. We were not the only early birds, as the car park was filling up with vehicles and so
me folk were already queueing or should I say that there was an element of an 'line up'. The shuttle is usually a yellow school bus - a true bone shaker, guaranteed to wake you up if you weren't already. However, we were somewhat surprised when a mini bus arrived and out jumps the driver and, with a home counties accent, announces that there has been a problem with the shuttle and he could take nine. No scramble just concerned looks. The shuttle was on its way but it needed to be 'fixed' first and it was a white s
chool bus not yellow. The four of us got on board and arrived at Sunshine Village with not a bone shaken and watched as the day lodge was opened.
me folk were already queueing or should I say that there was an element of an 'line up'. The shuttle is usually a yellow school bus - a true bone shaker, guaranteed to wake you up if you weren't already. However, we were somewhat surprised when a mini bus arrived and out jumps the driver and, with a home counties accent, announces that there has been a problem with the shuttle and he could take nine. No scramble just concerned looks. The shuttle was on its way but it needed to be 'fixed' first and it was a white s
chool bus not yellow. The four of us got on board and arrived at Sunshine Village with not a bone shaken and watched as the day lodge was opened. Hiking poles extended we set off in the direction of Simpson Pass and from there to Healy Meadows and Healy Pass. Our summer has indeed been wetter and we were greeted quickly with lush green meadows and meadow flowers in abundance; we stopped frequently as Neil and Linda were experts but Bill and I slowly began to remember names; we particularly like the Shy Maiden, a small white flower which shied away from the sunlight but so dainty. Paint brushes greeted us almost everywhere but the deep burgundy/magenta ones stole our hearts. Lakes were full of wate
r, we had only ever seen them dry before and of course their chums, the mosquitoes, were about and yes we were bitten in those places where the insect repellent did not reach!
r, we had only ever seen them dry before and of course their chums, the mosquitoes, were about and yes we were bitten in those places where the insect repellent did not reach!
We arrived at Healy Meadows, along with numerous other people from all directions, and were amaze
d at the sight of the meadow flowers. They were flowering very late, it is mid August after 
all, but the scent and colours set against the back drop of the mountains was just spectacular. Truly 'awesome'.
d at the sight of the meadow flowers. They were flowering very late, it is mid August after 
all, but the scent and colours set against the back drop of the mountains was just spectacular. Truly 'awesome'.We dined at the Pass, it was clear and the mountains looked splendid, some still snow covered. We dawdled back through the meadows and so our decent began. The return route took us through forestry, once again lush green with pockets of flowers; the colours of the flowers were confined to whites and yellows
mostly with a few purples and reds dotted around.We returned to a full car park, a little weary but after a cup of tea and we were ready to do it all again.
