When we left the Okanagan last weekend to drive over eight-hundred kilometres north to Prince George I was feeling excited. I was looking forward to spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors and taking some time to relax. Last time we came up at this time of year we were surprised by snow piles on the ground and ice on the lake. I had heard reports that, like the Okanagan, the north has been experiencing an early spring and so I was hopeful that as we left the sunny warmth of our home we would still experience beautiful weather up north. Upon our arrival, however, it was more than ten degrees cooler, overcast and swarming with mosquitoes. I sought refuge in the warmth of a housecoat, and snuggled on the couch. I was assured that this cooler weather only started after a storm came through that evening, and that it will not stay long. The following evening the most spectacular thunderstorm came to these parts, probably one of the most severe that I have seen in my life, and after the weather worked through its severe outburst the sky cleared and since then we have been enjoying plenty of sun and warmth. The mosquitoes are still around though.

I often find myself taking deep breaths of the sweet, fresh air out at the lake. Even though it has been a dry spring we are surrounded by deep shades of luscious green. It is such a contrast to the natural flora of the south Okanagan which is still beautiful but tends to be coloured in hues of yellow, brown and pale green. The lake, where my in-laws live, is beginning to warm up but only the bravest are swimming through its chilly waters. My children have been busy digging in the sand, riding bikes, fishing, taking rides in the paddle and motor boats and swimming. We are all enjoying our time up here and feeling grateful for our loving family.