Bummer's Flats between Ft. Steele and Wasa near Cranbrook is a wildlife conservation area beside the Kootenay River.


Looking S across the Flats towards Baker Mtn. and Cranbrook Mtn.


Looking NW towards the Purcells.


A path beside the Kootenay River offers views to the W.

This "Log Ness Monster" was lurking in the frozen shallows of Jim Smith Creek where it empties from Elizabeth Lake in Cranbrook.


As it flows towards the St. Mary River, Joseph Creek is dammed by beaver dams at several places between Cranbrook and the Mission. These mallard ducks were enjoying the deeper water.


Although it appears the Canada geese at Elizabeth Lake have gone, there was no shortage of geese at the irrigation pond at the St. Eugene Mission Resort. There were over 200 enjoying the open water.

Winter is not far away. Fisher Peak, the dominant peak in this part of the Rockies, has had snow covered slopes for several weeks.


Fall colours by the St. Mary River from North Star Rails to Trails.

Fall colours at Pyatt Lake on the S. side of Cranbrook.


Overlooking Hidden Valley Lake and Cranbrook Mtn.


View from Haggis Gorge, a geocache, on South Hill between Hidden Valley Lake and the powerline running S to Moyie.

Sunrise over Baker Mtn. on Nov. 2.


Late afternoon reflections at Elizabeth Lake on Nov. 3.

Surprise! Surprise! On the first day of snow since last spring, I heard the sound of geese as I walked around Elizabeth Lake yesterday afternoon. Looking through the binoculars I also discovered that there were several tundra swans standing with the geese near open water. I wonder whether two of the swans were the same ones I spotted here on October 22? I also wonder whether the geese were part of the large flock which were in and around the irrigation pond at the St. Eugene Mission Resort Golf Course last weekend?


An hour later they were still in the same spot, but only the geese remained on the ice.


Then I noticed the swans swimming together in the water.

Today I went in search of the eagle's nest on the St. Eugene Mission Golf Course. I had first heard about the nest when Isaac Birdstone had told my class about it back in June. I had called ahead and spoken with staff, who were more than helpful, but unfortunately the numbers of the holes were covered for the winter. I did locate the area where the nest was meant to be located but came up empty handed. However, the views of the St. Mary River and the surrounding country were spectacular on a sunny, freezing day.


Looking E towards the Rockies and Fisher Peak.


Looking W towards the hoodoos.


Another view of the hoodoos.

A dramatic view of the St. Mary River.


It will be interesting to observe whether the large number of Canada geese, caught in the late afternoon sun, stay for the winter or migrate.


Joseph Creek flows through the golf course before emptying into the St. Mary River five minutes walk from this spot.