Spotted Lake
Uploaded: December 12, 2011
Exif: F Number: 18, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/125 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 250, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 200.00 mm, Model: NIKON D300
Joan E. Hoffman December 13, 2011
Mineral and salt concentrationMost of the water in the lake evaporates over the summer, leaving behind all the minerals. Large “spots” on the lake appear and depending on the mineral composition at the time, the spots will be different colors. The spots are made mainly of magnesium sulfate, which crystallizes in the summer. In the summer only the minerals in the lake remain, and they harden to form natural “walkways” around and between the spots.
Originally known to the First Nations of the Okanagan Valley as Khiluk, they considered it a sacred site, primarily as they regarded the lake's waters as possessing therapeutic value. The lake’s minerals were also put to use in the manufacture of ammunition for World War I.
The lake and its surrounding land were not actually owned by the first Nations; it was owned by the Ernest Smith Family for about 40 years. Despite this, the First Nations were very protective of the lake; so protective that when, in 1979, Smith attempted to have a spa at the lake, they attempted to buy the lake so they could keep it as a sacred site.
After over 20 years of trying but failing to convince Smith to sell the land, they finally did make a deal in late October 2001, when they bought 22 hectares of land for a total of $720,000. The First Nations paid $150,000 while the Indian Affairs Department paid the remainder. #1429991
Irene Colling January 08, 2012
Excellent, fill the frame abstract. #9909694Phyllis A. Houghton March 01, 2012
The image and story are both very interesting. Thank you so much for giving the history and cause of such a unique lake. #10017198Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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