For the last two years, gusting winds at Lac des Roches have kept the South Cariboo Rowing club from including this lake in their three-day lake tour. On Aug. 29, calm weather conditions resulted in a visual treat for travellers stopped at the highway rest stop and residents who happened to be watching the lake. Four long rowing shells with a total of 20 rowers from all over southern BC, accompanied by a motor-powered safety boat, set out from the public boat launch to tour the eight-mile long lake. In the afternoon, they carefully maneuvered through the narrow channel to Little Lac des Roches where they rewarded themselves with refreshments from the local resort. Their outing included excursions for the following two days on nearby Canim and Bridge Lakes. When asked about any notable sightings during their journey, local rower Jack Jenkins only mentioned observing a nude sunbather in a boat; but we’ll not mention the specifics, to protect the identity of the local sun worshipper.
Fall descends
It sounds like fall on the shores of Lac des Roches. After hearing this comment from several residents, I set out to figure out what fall sounded like and I think I have pinned it down to a few discernable sounds: the strong easterly wind blows through drier leaves on the Aspen and Cottonwood trees making a much louder and crisper noise as they flutter against one another. Gone is the silent summer greenery, replaced by the parched grass, dried limbs and dying flower stems that crunch and snap loudly underfoot. Lower water levels mean that the waves that reach the undercut banks exposed along the shoreline make a hollow "kafflub" sound that wasn’t heard during the summer The absence of familiar summer sounds like lawnmowers, motorcycles, robins and hungry baby crows are further contributors to the subtle but distinct changing sounds that indicate fall is definitely here!
Wary wildlife
Other than the small rodents that burrow in the fields and managed to destroy several of my peas and one zucchini plant, local wild animal sightings are still far and few between this year. Most residents concur that the extreme weather this summer likely affected normal wildlife activity. Just as some lucky residents were getting used to the recent return of daily visits by several does and the young bucks, these cautious animals will no doubt resort to their elusive behaviour. Now that hunting season has returned, they will be wary of the unmistakable sound of gunfire in the surrounding south Cariboo wilderness.
Groovy highway
The highway along the north side of Lac des Roches may be a little safer now that centerline grooves have been added. In 2008, new paving at the west end of the lake included centerline grooves. In August, grooves were extended on the eastern portion of Highway 24, which is in the Thompson-Nicola regional district. Drivers who drift over the centerline will immediately be warned by the vibration they will feel on their tires. Residents will also know of drifting drivers as the resulting distinct rumble sounds echo off the southern slopes and usually reverberate along the whole length of the lake!
Membership renewal
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, has produced its quarterly update for members that is posted on their website, www.lacdesroches.org. It includes a reminder that annual family membership fees of $10 are due. New "friends" are always welcome and you do not have to be a resident to belong to this active group.