The end of April at Paul Lake Provincial Park just outside of Kamloops BC sees the return of life to a lake seemingly so void of it during the frigid winter months. The sun is shining, the days are hitting the mid teens and the nights are beginning to keep above freezing. These climatic changes brings the park a new presence where the birds are singing, fish are rising to first insect hatches of the year and fresh growth is appearing on the plants. It is a season of rejuvenation.

Hope BC

The Professionals Rotorua New Zealand Schools MTB National Team Relay Championships at Waipa in Rotura, New Zealand. (Photo by clint trahan/Crankworx.com)

Photo taken at Reifel Bird Sanctuary- about the location from their site: The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is situated on Westham Island, just west of the community of Ladner in the Municipality of Delta, British Columbia, Canada. (more information on admissions and location). It consists of nearly 300 hectares (850 acres) of managed wetlands, natural marshes and low dikes in the heart of the Fraser River Estuary.

For the millions of birds seeking feeding and resting areas during their annual migrations along the Pacific Coast, the Sanctuary is ideally located. It is a place where wildlife and their habitats are protected from harm, and it lies next to miles of flat marshland and the farmland of Westham Island.

Here we see another example of streetwork in front of a building. Some might see it as a nuisance. I see it as a fleeting opportunity to capture a unique photo before the construction is finished and the city workers move on to a different area.

The Professionals Rotorua New Zealand Schools MTB National Team Relay Championships at Waipa in Rotura, New Zealand. (Photo by clint trahan/Crankworx.com)

Shooting cityscapes with a 50mm 1.8

Photo by Ekaterina Aristova (@tuttiho)

Remember the +/- button? I underexposed by -1. The sky looks great but the building might be a bit dark.

I saturated this to make it pop more. Filters and apps are good for this!

Mid to late March in Paul Lake Provincial Park, just outside of Kamloops BC, exhibits stunning views even on the bleakest days of the year. During this year of 2020, I found myself exploring the park during the COVID-19 health crisis, before the park was closed due to health concerns. Even during the dark times of this crisis, time in the park brought me a much needed smile and sense of relief which was so necessary after being surrounded by mountains of news stories telling of the horrors associated with this pandemic here in Canada and around the World.

As a Kamloops local I found myself in awe at what I could find in my backyard. Even during this time of the year, the dreaded "shoulder season" where skiing is coming to a wraps in the interior of British Columbia, the snow is starting to get a little heavy for snowshoeing and there is still to much of the white stuff for hiking, you can still found immense beauty in even the busiest parks. During this quick jaunt I saw 8 species of birds, deer, coyotes, a fisher and a very friendly domestic cat all within a few hours. So even when you are "stuck at home" remember where you live and that magic can be found in even the most mundane areas.

The Professionals Rotorua New Zealand Schools MTB National Team Relay Championships at Waipa in Rotura, New Zealand. (Photo by clint trahan/Crankworx.com)

On a scorching hot day inside the incredible Buchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, this lovely lily pad was soaking up the sun as much as the rest of us! via 500px ift.tt/1In28EW

Worth getting up early for...

I have spent almost a week on Salt Spring Island, in the Southern Gulf Islands just off the much larger, well-known Vancouver Island. Amidst artists, winemakers, coffeeshop owners and simply incredibly resourceful, talented and warm-hearted people. Sounds like a snapshot of what Canada is all about? In essence, you've got it all here on Salt Spring Island and more. I completely fell. Head over heels. And already know I'll be back here .. soon !!!

More on my travel blog www.creativelena.com/en/travel-blog/north-america/canada/ <3

When having a wide angle lens comes in handy!

www.hellobc.com/sechelt.aspx

When we shoot colour, it's important to ensure that our yellows look yellow etc. In shots like this, eliminate all things that aren't lemons.

Despite being out of business for some time, Kaleden's only restaurant continues to attract the attention of people driving by on the highway, thanks to its bright pink/purple lights.