The goal for the day was to hike various pathways

in the Kimberley Nature Park in search of the tiny exquisite Calypso Orchid.

Tiny Spring beauties

In the East Kootenays this Orchid blooms the latter part of May. Mother Nature favored the region with a blanket of wet snow two days previous, so it was doubtful as to how many flowers would be found and it what condition. We hiked a small section of the Nature Park. Starting on Upper Army Road, along Cabin and to the rest area at Mrytle Junction. After a short break, we went along Boulder, where there was an abundance of sunflowers, shooting stars, larkspur, wild strawberries, oregon grape and wild clematis.

Up Sidecut and down Suicide along Romantic Ridge connecting to Lower Army Road to finish the loop. The goal was indeed reached as we counted 183 of these woodland beauties. The largest clump held a group of 26. Magic, wonder, beauty and joy.