I have worked here since 2011 telling stories of the Earth as preparation for a history of the Intermontane Grasslands of Central Cascadia and the rainswept coast that keeps them windy and dry. Now I am presenting this history, step by step, as I have learned it, often from the land itself. The history of this region includes the Canadian colonial space “The Okanagan Valley”, which lies over the land I live in above Canim Bay. The story stretches deep into the American West, into the US Civil War, the War of 1812, and the Louisiana Purchase, as well into the history of the Columbia District of the Hudson’s Bay Company. In all, the story spans the Chilcotin and Columbia volcanic plateaus and the basins that surround them. In this vast watershed lie homelands as old as 13,200 years (Sequim) and 16,200 years (Salmon River.) That’s how far we are walking together here, who are all the land speaking.
I think they’re hairstreaks of some kind … but which one? And that flower! What is that? It’s pretty beautiful itself. Anyone? I love being stumped like this. I can say this much: go for a walk at dusk! You just never know what you’ll find. In my case, literally!
Okanagan Okanogan 
This is stunning! I’ve been trying to get a close-up shot of a butterfly like this for some time.
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Then I’m doubly glad to have been so blessed!
I think the late light helped them be still.
best,
Harold
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What a beautiful image! What’s in a name anyway? If you really want to know their name, I believe they’re Columbian Blue butterflies. The magic things we encounter when we slow down and open ourselves up.
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I know! We could rename them. That would drive the biologists to distraction, but would be enormously fun. You know, I think I might set up a little contest like that. Thanks!
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Oh, and I forgot to mention the plant. It’s hard to see in the photo, but could it be Snow Buckwheat? Columbian Blues love their buckwheat!
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Thanks! I’ll check on the buckwheat.
best,
Harold
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Great photo, but I can not help you,I have the same problem whenever I catch some interesting insects I am frozen!
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