Rainbows Like This Need a Big Sky

Living in the Peace River Country has always meant big skies and big weather.

One particular day this fall started out with a big clear blue sky. It was the perfect day for being outside.

Later in the afternoon, the sky darkened and we could see a storm brewing in the west. We watched the black clouds move in accompanied by thunder and lightening.

We timed the intervals of the bolts of lightening and the claps of thunder and could tell that the lightening was very close and moving east.

We stayed outside as long as we could, eventually having to seek shelter from the driving rain.

It poured hard for 45 minutes!

The storm continued it easterly path, and the thunder and lightening receded off into the distance.

Then, the most amazing set of rainbows we have ever seen filled the eastern sky behind the storm.

My camera captured two rainbows, but there was a third, much fainter that the others. WOW!

Rainbows Like This Need a Big Sky

Chilling Out at The Sukunka River

One of the prettiest places to go for a weekend of camping, especially in the fall, is the Sukunka River, about an hour and a half west of Dawson Creek.

We went in early October when the fall leaves were at their colorful peak. We found a great place to camp a short distance from the road that is right on the banks of the river.

The Sukunka is also well known for some great waterfalls. They are beautiful and easy to get to as well.

Getting to the Sukunka is a bit of an adventure itself because all traffic must share the road with coal trucks going back and forth. The road is radio controlled, so the best thing to do is wait for a truck going the same way you are and get in behind it. Stop when it stops and go when it goes.

The Sukunka is in bear country so it's really important to be smart. We are very careful with our garbage and cooking methods and very watchful as well.

The fishing is great! The river is awesome and the setting is spectacular! A real favorite!

Chilling Out at The Sukunka River

Peace Country Gold & Canada Geese

This is the most beautiful time of the year to live in or visit the Peace River Country.

The leaves are all shades of red, orange and yellow. The wheat has been harvested and big golden bales of straw sit glistening in the sun.

The Canada Geese are gathering by the thousands in the fields to fatten up on the grains left by the machinery. It's quite a site to see a few thousand geese converge on a field while driving to work.

Huge flocks fly overhead and if they are low enough you can hear the honking and sometimes hear the sound of their wings swooshing the air.

We just had a beautiful full harvest moon and fall equinox within days of each other. The air is cooling, the sky is clear, the stars are out.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Peace Country Gold & Canada Geese

Rocking at the SweetWater905 Music & Arts Festival

Just outside of Dawson Creek in the hamlet of Rolla, a yearly Music & Arts Festival is held each September. The talented artists come from all over western Canada to participate in this jewel of an event.

I've gone every year as an enthusiastic supporter and am continually amazed at how far people travel to enjoy this festival. A field of campers and tents attest to the numbers and dedication.

The festival is held on a private working farm and the artistry of the owners is apparent with each building and garden. All the stalls in the farm's two barns have been turned into individualart galleries, there are films offered in Albert's Loft, the small performing art center above the main barn, butter churning and ice-cream making in the yard and stock dog demonstration and pony rides for the kids.

I also took a tour of the farm on a wagon pulled by a beautiful team of Fjord horses as an extra treat.

On Friday night, after a short but intense storm, we were rewarded with the most spectacular triple rainbows I have ever seen. We gathered around bonfires well into the night visiting, listening and dancing to great music.

Sitting on a bench near a flower garden, I especially enjoyed the Saturday morning offerings in the main yard. A group of women poets who have recently published a book graced an enthusiastic audience with selected readings.

If you are looking for something extra-ordinary, this 3-day event is not to be missed!

Rocking at the SweetWater905 Music & Arts Festival