One can become weary of the “antics” of drivers who weave in and out of traffic while on a long trip. Fortunately, nature provides diversions to see - and a new topic of conversation!
We were between New Denver and Nakusp when returning from the Kootenays early this summer when I spotted the first turkey vulture. It flew up out of the ditch, flying towards us. So close was it, we had a clear view of that ugly visage. The second one appeared north of Nakusp when we were about half way to the Galena Bay ferry. Since it flew across in front of us, just above the front of the car, again we had a very clear view. There was no mistaking either one with their broad wings, dark in colour, and red heads. I have learned to identify them when flying above me, strong wings angled upwards, and diagonal lighter markings below. This was something else to see them so close to us, obviously scavenging, cleaning up road kill. Since I was driving, I didn’t have time to observe the animal that was providing them with nourishment and enjoyment - the latter a bit hard to diagnose on their faces! Vulture #2 even had “juicy bits” dangling from its curved beak.
As the drive continued, the usual contingent of squirrels and gophers tempted fate, all surviving our passage at least. But one furry creature that darted across in front of us was dark-coloured, and much longer and skinnier than the rest. “A mink,” John told me. We’d seen one in Montana after visiting Yellowstone National Park a number of years ago. That one was fishing in a creek beside the road along which we were driving. On that occasion we’d stopped for a stretch and I had my video camera to hand, so was able to record his agility as he ran along the bank opposite me, stopping to dip his paw into the rushing water whenever he saw a meal swimming close enough for him to reach in and grab it.
Gadding about hasn’t been a good option for us this year, so our next long drive was several months later on the Labour Day weekend. The weather was changeable, clouds swirling above us, as we headed to Quesnel for the 80th birthday party of a long-time friend. From Williams Lake northwards, a summery blue sky took over occasionally, along with a “front” bringing (or pushing) solid cloud cover. Soon we were driving through the puddles left by a recent downpour. A couple of cars pulled over, taking photos of a burgeoning rainbow. A short distance along, I abruptly did the same thing, John and I thrilled by this demure rainbow.
Its gentle arc, bright and complete, barely reached the sky above the low hills of the Cariboo. Even the space below the arch was filled with all the colours of the rainbow. Behind this, Green Mountain faded, almost hidden by the misty display, colours slightly muted, more purple than red. Between this glorious sight, and us sunshine glistened on the trees and freshly-baled rounds of hay. Beside us, trucks roared and splashed by just beyond my driver’s door. As we pulled back into that melee, the colours began fading. We’d rounded the corner just in time to catch the scene at its best.
We never know what we miss, as we go zooming along - but Mother Nature always has something special to share. But we can’t help wondering - how much do the speeders see?
