Normally I spend the winter period reviewing the observations I made that year; swotting up on species and taxons that interest or puzzle me and prepare for the upcoming mothing year. But all the activity in the last three months ruled that out. In my day job, I ended up doing overtime over the Christmas period to push a project over the finish line, then in the New Year I flew up to Prince George for a couple of weeks to help my parents out. My dad had had knee surgery so I tag-teamed my brothers to lend a hand snow clearing while he was on the mend. This weekend I’ve been stressing about being unable to complete some other work in my job, and I strongly fear the next few weeks are going to continue in the same vein.

But all is not lost! Today I spent some time today plotting this year’s trips. The details still need to be fully fleshed out, but this is what I have planned.

First, in April I’ll be flying to the UK for a software development conference, and I’m sure as heck bringing a lepiLED or two to do some British + Scottish mothing. Next I’ve booked an AirBNB in Golden, BC for several weeks. The last time I was there I had a blast at Yoho National park (orchids!) and I’m anxious to see what it offers lep-wise. The summer will mean the usual trips around the region – Lillooet, Osoyoos, Grand Forks, Merritt, Cache Creek – to continue working on my local moths, then in the Fall I’m hoping to get back to the Peace River region. I like Fort St John and I’d love to sample the Fall moths. That’d be new for me. Lastly, I’ll be doing the big trip of the year: New Zealand and New Caledonia. Kagu! Bizarre plant endemics! I can hardly wait. That’s a part of the world I’ve always dreamed on seeing.

As I said, the details still need working out, but it’s starting to come into focus. But no matter what happens this year I sure hope it makes up for the slow start, because yeeeeesh!