Weekend getaway: Lizard Ranges revisited

The latest splurge in posting pictures was only possible by deleting some of the oldest posting (who really reads about 600! of them?). The superfluous have to go to the trash bin.
But there are some who can be a bit improved and worth keeping as records for the flora of a specific region, especially if seeds were collected (and maybe they will be again).

So, a revisit of the Lizard Ranges in SE British Columbia is warranted for this weekend getaway.

Parts of the Lizard Ranges mountains are easily accessible from the town of Fernie, BC, located about one hour drive from Cranbrook, or about 4 hours from Calgary. Although mainly a winter ski resort and a gathering for mountain biking lovers, there are multiple hiking trails well suited for one day trips and few of them can be ‘shortened’ by taking up the two ski lifts operating during the summer (note: the Timberline only works during weekends). This allows for more botanizing time.

There are many plants species to be admired along the way, wildlife, rocks and glamorous mountain ridges. Because of the gradient in altitude, there is the chance to find some species in fruit and flower on the same time! I will not detail every trail, many species are repeating anyway. The trails are well marked and maps can be purchased on site.

The pictures below illustrate the Summer Road Trail through the Skeleton Flats and above, which I consider an amazingly beautiful place.
Of course, not all plants can be shown, but is enough to give an idea of the region and its flora; few explanations with every picture. Enjoy!

Other trails worth doing are: Peak to Park trail and the most amazing Spineback trail (which extends further into the Goldilocks).
There are many species and landscape images not presented here, there isn’t that much space available, but again, I think they suffice to make an introduction to this most beautiful region.