Mount Lolo Road

It's just a short drive
uphill and I'm there in the
grasslands once again

~ carliewired

There was no sunrise to be expected again this morning. I sipped my coffee as the light came back into the world and I waited. The weather continued to improve for me. At 8 AM I ventured out, across the north river and up the hill to the Mount Lolo Road. 

On the way I marvelled at how much the saskatoon bushes with their white frilly blossoms had taken over the landscape this spring. A friend and I were comparing notes and neither of us could remember such an abundant crop of them before. My friend speculated that the snow load this past winter may have encouraged them to bloom prolifically. 

In season, the yellow balsamroot has taken over all sunny exposures. They cover the hilly slopes in many locations. 

I stopped to turn around at the pond where I have painted with friends. Recently, it's been fenced so the cattle cannot get into it. The ducks are taking full advantage now. The black and white ring-necked ducks were in good numbers. The American wigeon with its green and white head were fishing along the edge. The green-winged teal was escorting his little dowdy lady. The drake is quite distinctive with his rusty head and green ear patch. Of course, they all moved off to the far shore when I appeared just to make it more challenging for me. 

I got a shot of the horses in the far distance. They were finding grass between the sagebrush on the hillside. 

I was home before 10. My daughter has a  Mother's Day tea planned for this afternoon. It is a day early but that will give us all day tomorrow free.

We have a mostly cloudy day with a high of 15 C and a chance of showers in the afternoon.