Although we have experienced minimal power outages, the wind blowing through Lac des Roches this month has been ferocious, on both the lake and its shores. The trees can usually withstand the predominant winds from the east, but we have had some casualties with uprooted and snapped trees everywhere although no serious property damage has been observed by the Block Watch crew. The removal of dead pine trees along the power line on Gerald Crescent have put the minds of several residents at ease with the decreased chance of property damage and downed hydro lines as we expect the storms to continue. The huge slash piles that burned in the hills east of the lake during the earlier wind storms was a bit unsettling since we have had so little precipitation since the spring, but the fires appear to be out.
Readers meet
Wendy Marshall and Lorraine Jollymore co-hosted this month’s Book Club discussion at Wendy’s home on Nov. 7. Thirteen members discussed the novel, When I was Young and In My Prime, by Alayna Munce. Members reside throughout the South Cariboo, from 108 Mile to Lac des Roches. Some often travel significant distances from their rural homes once a month to join in on a few hours of thought-provoking discussion and to share their common interest in reading. The date of the next meeting has been changed to Nov. 29 and will be a discussion of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel, by Jamie Ford. Interested readers may contact Wendy Dubbin, Bridge Lake Community School co-ordinator at 593-4538 for more details.
Wolf sighting
Wolves are fairly common in the area later in the winter when the lake ice offers them a new hunting venue of the many critters that burrow along the shoreline. A lone wolf trotting through Boultbee Road yards on the afternoon of Nov. 17 was a surprising yet magnificent sight. It’s just another reminder of how close to the edge of British Columbia’s backcountry we live and our need to respect the animals we share it with.
Beautiful birds
Bald eagles continue to hunt over the sheltered bays, using the few docks not pulled from the lake as tables for their feast of unlucky fish. Migrating trumpeter swans are a daily sighting around the lake now. Even if you don’t see these huge white birds, their distinctive sound can be heard all hours of the day and night as they discover the abundant open water – thanks to the high winds that keep the ice off of the big lake.
Celebrations
Best wishes to all those around the lake who are celebrating special occasions this month. Happy 10th anniversary to Daryl and Yvonne Llewellyn, and a very happy birthday to Ed Stacey who still amazes us with his exceptional energy at "70 something. " Friday the 13th was especially lucky for Karen and Tighe Lefebvre when their new baby girl, Sophia Margret Maria, was born. Tighe says both of his girls are doing well. Congratulations to all. ‘
Concert coming
Please note on your calendars that Dec. 17 is the date of the upcoming Bridge Lake School Christmas dinner and concert. It is always nice to see so many neighbours attending and encouraging the creative talents of several children from our community who attend the school and perform in the concert as well as a show of appreciation for the efforts of the parents and staff who make it all possible.