Fireweed, Dandelions, Lupine & Spruce Trees

We have really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful wildflowers and trees as we drive through Alaska and Canada.  Right now, the fireweed is blooming here in the Yukon Territory and British Columbia.  You see large patches of these pinkish-purple flowers along the roadsides now.   

Here is Rita parked by a patch of fireweed.

When we drove through Canada in late May on the way to Alaska, the dandelions were blooming and the roadsides and fields were bright yellow.  These dandelions are about 3 times as large as the little ones at home.  I would say that the stems are about one foot tall.  Bears evidently love them.  We saw a black bear by the side of the road in Juneau eating dandelions.

Now we are heading south, back through Canada, and all the dandelions have gone to seed.  You see huge patches of white dandelion fluff on the roadsides. 

Below is a picture of the fluff. 

In June, while driving through Alaska, the lupine were blooming.  These purple plants are lovely.  Of course these are all weeds which seem to be able to adapt to any conditions.

The trees are different up here -- not as many deciduous hardwood trees.  Maybe it is too cold for them??  The forests are mainly Spruce Trees, which are very tall, pointy evergreens. 

These Spruce Trees are beside a glacier-fed river in British Columbia.  The glacial silt (called rock flour) gives the water a milky appearance.