The fields around Lac des Roches contain treasures like this giant puff ball mushroom. Spotted June 12 which dwarfs the empty egg carton shown beside it. Giant puff balls are easy to identify by their appearance and large size, ranging from a large softball to a basketball. And, they are entirely edible. If the white “meat” of the mushroom is pure white, it is still good to eat. Later in it’s life cycle, it starts to turn brown from the inside and cannot be eaten. You can only know the quality of the puff ball by picking it and cutting it open.
This badger, visiting a residence on Boultbee Road on June 2, explains the noticeable absence of “gophers” from the fields in the area. Several yards on McCarthy Road would benefit from a visit from this fellow or another member of his family as there are plenty of the scurrying vermin digging up grass and dandelions.
It is a little early for most of the wild flowers to show their colours throughout the fields around the lake although there are pockets of colour springing up here and there. What is thoroughly enjoyable right now are the many domestic flower gardens around the neighbourhood, filled with early colourful blooms. Many of our neighbours spend hours preparing their flower beds and hanging baskets to be enjoyed throughout the summer by everyone who passes by.
Facing the lake, this garden is enjoyed by many boaters
Two nights of frost during the first week of June proved deadly for some of the unprotected outdoor plants. Some hardy plants like cabbage and broccoli can withstand low temperatures and a light frost, but many popular crop vegetable cannot. Neighbours have lost cucumbers, tomatoes and squash species. Luckily, however, it is not too late to replant. Our growing season may be short in months, but the long days combined with sunny south-facing slopes, warm nights and periodic rain can prove ideal for generating some wonderful edible crops.
It appears that the water level on the Lac des Roches chain of lakes has peaked and is slowly going down. Local residents are convinced this is the highest level ever observed, each with their own measuring method. The source of the abnormal brownish tint to the water seems to have been the overflowing feeder creeks. In all likelihood, the dark colour will dilute over time.
The rain has been replaced by clear, sunny skies, but the aftermath of the torrential downpours over the last few weeks remains. Feeder creek levels are down but evidence of abnormally high water flow is everywhere. Grassland near creeks was flattened by the water and silt and new channels cut by the fast-moving water are still just drying up. A section of drainage ditch on Boultbee Road could not keep up to the volume and water flowed across the road, carved a ditch in a residential driveway and did some minor flood damage to the residence. A highways crew has since graded the road and blocked the path of future overflow water with a temporary dam along the lowest section of road. A more permanent solution is in the planning stage. The lake level has likely peaked, but at a height never seen before by most of the residents. Low level grass and marsh areas are flooded but structures seem to be out of harm’s way. The biggest threat now would be heavy winds that could create waves the might erode the upper levels of shoreline, not normally affected by water. Boaters must still be cautious as there is an increasing amount of debris dislodged from the shore and floating around the lake.
The Saskatoon berry bushes around the neighbourhood are finally in bloom! The delicate white flowers stand out quite boldly from the multi-green grassland which makes up the predominant backdrop every spring, Evidently, the heavy rain showers we experienced during the latter half of May were a benefit to the bushes however now, during the pollinating season, some warm and dry weather is necessary to encourage the flying critters do their part for the creation of a lush crop of tasty berries in late July and early August. Saskatoon berries are an excellent alternative to blue berries in any recipe and they freeze very well however some bushes may produce a lower quality berry, To avoid disappointment, when it comes time to harvest, be sure to taste test every bush first and avoid those that produce berries that are small, seedy or tasteless. Now is the time to cruise the neighbourhood and surrounding forest to make a mental note of some of the less obvious bushes to check out next
Small bushes make easy picking for local families
month.
Hard-to-reach Saskatoon berries on large bushes will feed the birds later this summer
Executive members of the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Society manage several active initiatives and meet regularly throughout the year. Members of the society, most of whom live permanently elsewhere, receive regular updates on the society’s activities as well as events or issues that may affect the community. These updates are eventually posted on this website. To keep all recreational owners and users of the lakes informed of community activities, the society produces an annual newsletter which is delivered to all residences and utilized lots around the lake. As with previous year’s the goal is to have the 2014 newsletter distributed prior to the July long weekend although, it too will be posted on this website.
Invasive plants such as thistles and burdock will soon be popping up in the yards around Lac des Roches. In the fight against the many unwelcome species, the Cariboo Regional District is once again sponsoring plant treatment for the general public. The mobile crew that will do initial treatment on private land is fully booked for this season however they are taking requests for next year. Residents who are willing to do their own treatment will qualify for free herbicide from the CRD if they attend a one-hour application seminar. One is scheduled for June 18 in 100 Mile House. To obtain more information on the program and to register for either the crew treatment or the seminar, call Emily Sonntag in Williams Lake at 1 800 665 1636.
The ladies of Boultbee Road have found the perfect pastime for rainy Sundays in the form of tea and coffee parties. Never looking too hard for an excuse to get together, the last two rainy Sundays were perfect opportunities for many of the ladies at the lake to do just that. Half of the attendees at the May 25 party were not at the lake on the long weekend and missed the last party so it was a great time to catch up on news of the past winter from the seasonal residents. Thanks once again to willing hostess Marg Neill for offering her home and thanks to all the ladies who baked and brought goodies for the enjoyment of everyone.
