It has been a great skiing season at Silver Star Mountain in the North Okanagan. The reported accumulated snowfall is 778 cm. As this photo shows, there is still a lot of snow at Silver Star, but the resort closes on Sunday.

Mar 31-1 But down in the valley, spring has arrived. The golfers have been out in Vernon for the last couple of weeks.

Mar 31-2 The marmots have emerged from their winter dens.

Mar 31-3 The Balsamroot is blooming on the arid hillsides.

Mar 31-4 Veda has been house cleaning and packing, readying for our Saturday departure.

Mar 31-5 And me? Well, I've been skiing. Tuesday was my last skiing day - number 53. But my job is to pack the car and do most of the driving. We will be returning along the Trans-Canada Highway, all the while searching for photo opportunities.

I fear we will be back to some wintry weather on this homeward voyage - unfortunately!