On the Nov. 25 edition of CBC’s radio program BC Almanac, their guest panel developed a list of suggested books for Christmas gift-giving. One caller spoke enthusiastically about a book he had read on the history of our area. It was The Rainbow Chasers by Ervin Austin MacDonald. It is an account of the life of Archibald MacDonald and his pioneering family, which homesteaded the north shores of Lac des Roches and who were instrumental in developing the area roads, establishing a post office and starting the first school. It is a good read and the newer edition includes plenty of recognizable photos of the area, before we had aspen trees growing in the grassland! All of us at the lake live on a piece of the old MacDonald farm and can claim a piece of the land’s history as our own. While new development will change our landscape, it is comforting to know that some of its history is documented and preserved forever.
Birthday wishes
Belated birthday wishes are extended to our neighbour and friend, Ed Stacey, who turned 70 on Nov. 23. Ed is so energetic and active in the neighbourhood and community, that we couldn’t believe his age – and Ed admitted that he couldn’t believe it either! With his much younger wife, Judi, by his side for 47 years, Ed continues to give his time to the area community. When he is not working on his own home or helping neighbours with renovation projects, he is volunteering with several local community groups. Since living here, Ed has served with the Interlakes Lions for 17 years, is an active member of the Bridge Lake Community School, maintains the information sign on Highway 24 and monitors the radio for Citizens on Patrol, to name just a few of the organizations Ed assists. Ed is probably best known for wearing an apron and holding a spatula as he seems to be in every indoor and outdoor kitchen in the area. Whether it’s a spaghetti dinner at the community hall, pancakes at the rodeo or turkey dinner at the school, Ed will be likely there, tending a griddle or oven. Ed, we wish you many more birthdays and continued good health.
Ice on
Despite the strong winds that stirred up the waters and kept the ice off the big lake throughout November, a few chilly nights was all it took to cause Little Lac des Roches to ice over on Nov. 25. As with many of the smaller lakes in the area, the ice is forming a little later this year than last year. It was confirmed that the Canadian Navy Dive Team will be returning to the Lac des Roches resort for their annual training exercise in January. They will position their protective tent on the little lake and train their divers below the ice.
Local information
Birding enthusiasts should note that the annual Christmas bird count, led by Wendy Marshall, is on Jan. 3, starting at 9 a.m. The website for Friends of Bridge Lake has changed to www.friendsofbridgelake.org. Several neighbours enjoyed the Bridge Lake School’s dinner and auction on Nov. 21 and we will watch for you all again at their upcoming Christmas dinner and concert on Dec. 18. Log hauling on Wavey Lake Road is expected to wrap up by Christmas. Due to dry weather, snow plowing and snowmobiling safety on adjacent trails has not been a concern.