Photos by Ian Cobb and Carrie Schafer

Wasn’t that a summer?

Fire season in the East Kootenay was once again scary and hectic and smoky, as well as hot as hell at times and then, as we do live in the Rockies and Purcells, it also became cool and moist at times – great relief for those hardy and courageous souls who battle the wildfires and keep our communities safe.

Tourism numbers seemed to be back to pre-pandemic levels, at least until the wildfires started keeping visitors away – willingly and also asked to stay away from certain areas so accommodations could be available for evacuees.

Our summer adventures luckily carried us through the entire region as more community events reattained pre-pandemic standings and it was great to see so many friendly faces once again.

This summer’s collection of images features the following locales and events: ?aqam; Horsethief Creek/Bruce Mountain wildfire; Columbia Valley; Cranbrook, Gold Creek and area, including Idlewild Park; Elk Lake Road and Elkford; Fernie; Fort Steele; Invermere; Kimberley and St. Mary Lake; Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo; Morrissey; St. Mary’s River wildfire; and some sundry wildlife shots.

Lead image: Wildfire smoke drifts over Fort Steele and toward Cranbrook at the outset of the St. Mary’s River Wildfire. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photo

e-KNOW

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