Coastal Mountains Not as Tall, but More Tundra
As we travel north, we are finding the sun sets for only a couple hours each night. Sleep is easy though, as our lovely slide-on camper has an interior insulation layer referred to as the "arctic pack". We purchased this layer to keep us warmer in winter camping, but discovered it also helps to keep out enough of the slivery light that our circadian rhythms keep ticking on Albuquerque time.
Arctic Pack - See the Window Coverings?
The increasing latitude also means that the tree-line exists at a lower elevation. We hiked up to Crater Lake, just outside of Smithers and first reached alpine meadows and then the tree-line/tundra at about 6,500 feet.
Alpine Meadow to Crater Lake
Monkshead
Crater Lake
Sensitive, Slow-Growing Tundra
Threatened species inhabit the alpine tundra, a place where plants grow so slowly due to the long winters and lack of time they have to photosynthesize. As alpine tundra is one of the ecosystems most sensitive to climate change, many birds that migrate to lay and rear their young on this rocky, moss covered ground find their habitat shrinking. Nearby residents of Crater Lake have posted a message to visitors to respect the nesting grounds of these birds. Leashing dogs as well as keeping on the path, rather than spreading out across the tundra are important to reduce the impact on the system.
Protect the Birds
Tundra
Tundra flowers are miniatures in size but still very attractive to little bees and flies.
Diminutive Flowers and Tundra Bee
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