Ridge walk (Forgetmenot Ridge, Kananaskis P. P., Alberta)

[Lori S.]

1) Sparse alpine form of Campanula rotundifolia (which contrasts greatly with the robust foothill plants, that form dense blue cylinders of flowers)

Down the warm south-facing slope, and in the swales between rocky ridges, a more prairie-like assemblage...
2, 3, 4) Gaillardia aristata, with colourful yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor); a very orangey group...
5) Solidago multiradiata
6, 7, 8 ) The colour variations of Eriogonum umbellatum var. subalpinum
9) Still a lot of bloom, now provided by Agoseris glauca, yarrow, bedstraw, asters, etc.
10) Castilleja rhexifolia

[Hoy]

Are you out walking every afternoon and weekend, Lori? The diversity of plants is amazing!

[IMYoung]

Lori, this thread, as with your other posts, is a joy to explore. As Trond says, the sheer diversity of plants is an
education to see. Thanks for sharing.

As Mark McD. points out elsewhere,  you have now been introduced to a wider audiece in the latest IRG- #8- August 2010..... http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/index.php?log=international


..........it really is a treat to be able to put a face to these great posts! 

[Lori S.]

Well, thank you for looking and for the comments!

Are you out walking every afternoon and weekend, Lori?

Gee, that would be nice!  This year, and last, I finally decided to take as much vacation as possible through the summer (when it counts, in this very short season!) and we have tried to put it to good effect as far as hiking has gone this year.  It's great to be able to get out during the week, and avoid the weekend road traffic. Strangely, the weather has not cooperated as well as usual though - the pattern lately has been 2-3 clear days, alternating with cloud and rain (whereas we usually get uninterrupted weeks of "bluebird" days through the summer - cloudless blue skies, that is).

Thank you very much for the very nice introduction in the latest IRG, Maggi.  Kudos for your success at producing yet another immensely absorbing journal!  

[Hoy]

 This year, and last, I finally decided to me to take as much vacation as possible through the summer (when it counts, in this very short season!) and we have tried to put it to good effect as far as hiking has gone this year.  It's great to be able to get out during the week, and avoid the weekend road traffic. Strangely, the weather has not cooperated as well as usual though - the pattern lately has been 2-3 clear days, alternating with cloud and rain (whereas we usually get uninterrupted weeks of "bluebird" days through the summer - cloudless blue skies, that is).

The weather cooperated? That never happens here! And 2-3 weeks of "bluebird" as you call it - Utopia that is.
What you describe is a regular Norwegian summer!