Author: lacdesroches

Discussions among Lac des Roches residents are centred on preparing for the short, dark and cold days of winter. Some wise suggestions mentioned by several neighbours, worth repeating, may be helpful to other Cariboo residents.

Eliminate slips and falls

Our sloped terrain means most yards pose a high risk of slips and falls in winter. Most residents have several pairs of boots with different sole rubber compounds for changing weather conditions throughout the winter. Slip on shoes and sneakers with little or no tread should be stored away to avoid accidental use. Ice grippers, which are easily pulled onto and removed from boots, seem to be the safest way to prevent slips and falls outdoors. Several residents keep a spare pair of grippers in their vehicles for icy conditions encountered away from home.

Pets bring hazards

Winter brings several challenges for pet owners. Pebbles and ice balls brought into the house on the paws of cats and dogs can be a hazard to family members. Confining pets for a few minutes in a mud room or foyer covered with absorbent mats will eliminate the problem.

Keep pets comfortable

Some pets will be bothered by ice build-up between the pads of their feet, but trimming long hairs between animal’s toes will lessen and possibly eliminate their discomfort. Simple fleece booties will prevent ice build-up, but some pets struggle with wearing protective footwear.

Prepare for darkness

One resident finds his evening dog walks are done in complete darkness and reminds owners they should know the colour of their pet’s eyes when reflected by a flashlight. He recalls his experience of calling his dog in the dark and talking to the bright yellow eyes that reflected back at him on the trail ahead, only to have his dog rub up against his leg and look up intently with its very green eyes.

Be mindful of thin ice

Ice is starting to form in the protected bays and thin ice is a concern. Children and pets can be lured onto the ice by small animals or wayward toys. Play and walks near the lake shore this time of year should be closely monitored.

Keep floors dry

To mitigate the annoyance of wet boots in the house, plastic boot trays at each entranceway is a must. One neighbour suggests placing a set of cloth placemats on the floor inside every door. A quick errand in the house will not require removal of snowy or wet boots if the wearer can simply step on the mats and shuffle throughout the house. Step off the mats when exiting at the door and the mats are ready and in place for the next trip into the house. Boot booties serve a similar purpose, but not all outdoorsmen will take the necessary time to pull on and take off these handy accessories.

Enjoy fresh veggies

Local gardens and greenhouses are cleaned out with fall’s harvest either preserved or put into cold storage. Residents are turning to various indoor gardening techniques. Sprouts are popular, easy and quick to grow and require minimal investment although commercially made units are very effective. Salad greens will grow nicely indoors, but require some artificial sunlight as our short days do not provide quite enough.

Winter means play

The onset of winter is also the time to pull out winter toys and hobby gear. Snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes and toboggans are coming out of storage. For those "inside" days, out come the crochet hooks, knitting needles, paint brushes and woodworking tools that will all be put to good use.

Although the numbers are down for the season, there are usually two or more ladies ready to make the daily walk along Boultbee Road for exercise and entertainment. Boot ice-grabbers become the norm in the colder months but it is the walking poles that are most useful all year round. They add exercise and stability and for some, provide a little extra power to maneuver up some of the steeper inclines. Perhaps the most important bonus of using walking poles is that they will serve as a weapon to ward off advances of aggressive wildlife.

Hours change

Some local businesses have switched to winter hours affecting the availability of some products and services. There is now unlimited access to the outdoor Bridge Lake mail boxes. The postal service counter at Sheridan Lake is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Monday through Saturday. Lone Butte postal service hours do not change during the winter and are 9:30 am to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. , Monday through Friday and on Saturday they are open 9 am to 12 p.m. Both locations are closed Sundays and statutory holidays.

Wonderful wildlife

An investigation in the hills northwest of Little Lac des Roches has confirmed that the source of the loud howling heard several afternoons in late October was indeed, a pack of wolves. The wet snow revealed “hoards of tracks” reported by a resident riding the Faulkner Lake trail. The presence of wolves in the area certainly explains the scarcity of deer and moose sightings as these canine predators and ungulate prey rarely share the same feeding area. Many species of waterfowl have been floating and feeding together in McCarthy Bay including several groups of distinctive migrating trumpeter swans.

Wonky weather

Thunder and hail in mid October is to be expected but several days of accumulating snow was definitely not normal. The early snow surprised several remaining seasonal residents who found themselves without winter boots, coats and snow shovels. Fallen Aspen and Cottonwood leaves blanketing the fields of snow are a sure sign that winter had come a little early, even for vegetation. The most disturbing sight was the new buds on several Saskatoon berry bushes on Oct. 29, appearing after a few very warm days. Seasonal temperatures will soon freeze the buds and likely result in devastation of next year’s berries.

Boats dry docked

Many boats being pulled from the water are heading into workshops as evidently Lac des Roches was rough on quite a few vessels this year. While most boaters know to stay clear of Propeller Shoal and the protruding rocks at the Sunken Island, a few bumps and nicks from sunken logs can be expected if navigating a vessel through the shallow channels, especially when the water level drops low in late summer. Mechanical issues such as a hole in the engine block and water in a distributor cap are likely natural wear and tear with aging, expected with the bigger, faster boats using the lake. Missing drain plugs and running out of fuel are more likely due to forgetfulness and aging of the captains of the boats. A broken dagger board could have been age-related but was attributed to the unpredictable gusty wind we enjoy year-round.

Burning binge

After months of stockpiling yard waste, snow accumulation had residents finally comfortable with lighting backyard burn piles. Surface moisture is adequate to douse wayward embers.

The tour bus on Boultbee Road on Sept. 24 was not lost; it was heading to Eva and Werner Bechtel’s home. Thirty-two of Werner’s classmates, celebrating their 45th reunion far from their school in Bonndorf at Black Forest in Germany, spent two weeks discovering our half of the province with a train ride through the Rocky Mountains and tours through museums and heritage sites. Twenty-four members of the group chose to enjoy an afternoon tea, at Lac des Roches hosted by Eva. The students agreed this was their best reunion yet and credited Werner for organizing a spectacular and fun-filled adventure trip. It was one of their previous teachers, Mr. Gut, who was along on the trip and turned the vacation into an educational experience by challenging his 60-year-old students with a pop quiz near the end of the trip about many of the sites they had visited. The next reunion is in five years back in Germany.

Need to know

Gravel dumped east of the rest stop was the beginning of a new approach for a cabin south of the highway, a huge and challenging project to meet safety standards. Blue flagging along the roads indicates where ditches require cleaning prior to next year’s spring runoff to eliminate the road damage experienced last year. Broken Saskatoon limbs along the road and in yards were caused by a hungry bear that ate most of the berries around the lake. It is hoped the free doggie bags will encourage dog walkers to pick up after their pooches.

Disappointing disposal

Illegal dumping of yard waste on public and private land is becoming a problem around the neighbourhood. Piles of grass clippings, tree trimmings and fire ashes have appeared on Crown land and unused private lots and are a disappointing eyesore. Since even the smallest inhabited lots around the lake have wisely been developed with a rustic flavour and include natural bush and visual barriers, it is hard to imagine anyone not finding a small corner of their property to pile and compost their organic garbage or cut up wood waste small enough to feed a small campfire during visits. Hopefully residents will rethink their behaviour and help keep this problem away from our pristine country.

Vibrant colours return

After several years of drab colours on the aspen trees, changing leaves are spectacular right now. Since the leaf miner started removing chlorophyll, aspen leafs have a silvery appearance in the summer, which translated to a brown leaf in the fall. The cold spring weather is credited for the late hatch and reduced destruction by the little white moth and now we are enjoying weeks of vibrant yellows and oranges as each aspen grove picks its own time to transition.

Summer over

A dip in the lake on the sunny and calm afternoon of Sept. 30 was not out of the question, as one neighbour reports, "The water was refreshing and did not take your breath away. " Rain and wind on Oct. 1 had the lake looking less inviting for a swim, but it was snow and the near freezing temperatures on Oct. 2 that convinced our hardiest neighbours to trade in their bathing suits and towels for turtlenecks and toques. Unlike the cold front that hit our area on Sept. 10, this change in weather truly marks the permanency of autumn.

Friends meeting

The annual general meeting of the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake has yet to be scheduled, but is expected to be in early December.

Sandra Neill, canine companion, Nazko, and travel mate Don Jackson arrived home safely from their river boat trip in the Yukon. Despite a few hair-raising moments involving gravel bars, large rocks and fast moving water, Sandra says she is already contemplating her next northern trip. Don travelled from Australia for this adventure, saw several bears and enjoyed everything there was to experience in our beautiful country. Along the way, he was able to add some antique Canadian licence plates to his growing collection of souvenirs from around the world. It is a relief to have Sandra safely back in her relatively urban home in the Cariboo, compared to the wilds of northern Canada.

Fall drops in early

Anyone who slept in on the morning of Sept. 10 may have missed the first snowfall. The sudden drop in night-time temperatures signalled the beginning of frosty mornings, which are definitely affecting water temperatures and plant life. Gardeners are busy harvesting crops, cleaning out garden plots and greenhouses and filling compost boxes with spent plants. Several visiting grandchildren and their grandmas have been observed still swimming in the lake as the high afternoon temperatures still provide immediate relief from the skin-chilling water, at least for a little while longer.

Wildfire impact

A visit with family recently relocated to Peachland followed by a bus trip to Vancouver for her annual girlfriend pajama party was a good plan for Marguerite Neill. The unexpected wildfire in the Trepanier Creek and the evacuation order that ensued changed her return plans significantly. Although her bus was allowed through the highway blockade and Marg was able to get to West Kelowna, her car was stranded at her brother, Allen’s, house inside the evacuation zone. Luckily, after only one night in a local motel, the order was lifted, her car could be retrieved and she could drive back to Lac des Roches. When asked how her brother felt about his recent move to Peachland, Marg replied Allen is still happy with the relocation, but regrets having recently had all his outside windows washed as absolutely everything was coated with a layer of ash –even the inside of Marg’s car.

Work and play

The upcoming Thanksgiving weekend is an opportunity for residents and friends to partake in and watch the annual Boultbee Road horseshoe tournament. Many players and spectators will use down time during of the tournament as an opportunity to prepare their cabins for the winter. Structures may suffer from the affects of heavy snow loads and shifting ice, so it is common for residents to pull property out of the water and build temporary structures over stored items. Residents are once again reminded it is both unlawful and annoying to place private property, such as docks, ramps and boats, on public accesses. Many accesses are used heavily during the winter months for all types of recreational activities on the icy playground, as well as provide access to a year-round water source for firefighting.

Burning bans

Thankfully, burning bans are still in effect in the Cariboo. Yard work that disturbs the top few inches of soil, such as pulling weeds or removing stumps, provides evidence of just how dry the land is. The dew and frost in the mornings does little to add moisture to the ground and lack of rainfall during the latter half of summer has compounded the situation in this area. While small campfires have been allowed throughout the summer, they still could be hazardous if not monitored diligently during these very dry conditions.

There was no doubt among the 40 participants and dozens of spectators at the annual Boultbee Horseshoe tournament, that this year’s Thanksgiving weekend weather was the warmest ever. The tournament champions were in-laws, Tighe Lefebvre and Corina Lefebvre, part-time residents of Boultbee road. Those who opted to watch from the bleachers were thoroughly entertained by the non-stop action and banter that accompany such a large group enjoying a fun-filled family activity. This year was also reported as another injury-free tournament, which is always the goal with our aging population.

Prowling bears

Several bears have been scrounging for food at homes around the lake. Their target is any possible source of food and they have opened a fridge, overturned a barbeque, destroyed a compost bin, rummaged through garbage cans and ransacked an outdoor cooking unit. Extra diligence is required to secure property from nuisance bears.

Boaters enjoy water

Boats are still out on the ice-free water, and fishing success is picking up although most reported catches are of relatively small rainbow trout. Sailing is still an option although the unpredictable and challenging wind that swirls and gusts on the big lake can be even more daunting in autumn when the lake temperature drops below 10 C. Wake boarders and skiers, donned wet suits and enjoyed the last days of appropriate weather for their sport on the warm and sunny Thanksgiving weekend. Recreational equipment is now finally stored away until next year.

Burning allowed

Open burning is finally permitted, but due to the continued dry conditions, limiting burn piles to the size of a campfire is a very good idea. Heavy dew and frost is not adequate protection from wayward sparks and floating embers. We need significant precipitation in the form of rain or snow to make open burning a wise choice for dealing with yard waste.

Green grass lures cattle

Removing the cattle guard at the start of Boultbee Road 10 years ago seemed like a good idea as it had been decades since the old McDonald ranch was actually used for raising cattle by the Boultbee family. It seems the removal may have been premature when a dozen cows traipsed through the yards at the beginning of the road Oct. 6. No damage was reported, although they left their "calling cards" all along the edge of the road.

Look way up

The loss of our loons to the seasonal migration is always a disappointment, as we get so used to their familiar calls from the lake. Monitoring the skies this time of year can be both rewarding and quite thrilling. Since the lake is on a well-used flight path, thousands of birds migrate twice a year. On Oct. 9, it appeared to be a flock of snow geese that flew high over the lake. The late afternoon light shining on their white bellies and moving wings gave the appearance of a sparkling V-shaped diamond against the dark blue sky. Late that evening, anyone lucky enough to be outside and looking up would have witnessed an equally spectacular show of northern lights that filled the entire night sky.

Movie afternoon

Several ladies on Boultbee Road finally gave up on waiting for a rainy afternoon to enjoy a girl’s movie afternoon. The cold front and wind storm that passed through on Oct. 15 was enough to chase them indoors to enjoy The Notebook with popcorn and refreshments. The next movie viewing will be scheduled in the spring.

Geocaching, a worldwide recreational treasure hunt using GPS (global positioning satellite) technology and written clues, is a popular pastime. Caches, or treasures, placed in the Lac des Roches area attract seekers from everywhere, often using the search as an excuse for both local and long-distance family outings. The Fochuk family of Fort St. John stopped at the McDonald rest stop on its search for local geocaches and Jack, 5, and Julia, 9, were monitoring their hand-held GPS units to provide directional guidance to their parents, Andy and Allison. Andy, who works in mapping, noted that 10 years ago, there was one geocache within 500 miles of Fort St John. "Now, there are 20 sites in the city itself. " Information, clues and site co-ordinates can be found on the Internet by searching "geocaching. "

Firewood permits

Residents still bringing in their winter supply of firewood for heating require free firewood cutting permits available online for both the 100 Mile and nearby Kamloops forest districts. Permits for 100 Mile are now valid for a full year, expiring on Dec. 31. Kamloops permits are valid for a year from the date inserted by the holder. Their websites are www.for.gov.bc.ca/dmh (permits and forms) and www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/firewoodpermit.htm.

Abundant veggies

Vegetable gardens are flourishing during the late summer heat wave. Creative cooking using summer squash is a popular topic and recipe sharing for monster-sized zucchini is routine. Stir-fried Swiss chard and baked kale chips are popular uses of these two abundant and healthy veggies.

Signs of fall

Shorter days and longer nights of late summer attract many residents otherwise bothered by flies that frequent the area during warm summer days and night. Lake temperatures have been dropping steadily and while discouraging some of the more sensitive swimmers, likely account for the slight improvement of trout fishing success. Lawns and grass fields have only just started to turn to colours other than the lush green we have enjoyed all summer.

Celebration savvy

High spirits of guests to a wedding at the lake on the Labour Day weekend were not deterred by the cool and moist Saturday. Residents have learned over the years that tents and outdoor heaters are a wise choice no matter which month a celebration is planned for at our high altitude.

Hats off to MOTI

Many thanks go out to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) for notable improvements to the area. The McDonald rest stop garbage cans have been well maintained this summer even with the significant traffic and abuse that follows most long weekends. Additional highway hazard signs installed this year seem to account for the decreased occurrence of "close calls" noticed by residents during the summer. Thank you to all those persons responsible for the improvements.

Saddened by berry loss

After losing Saskatoon berries to wildlife this year, it is disheartening to learn the huckleberry crop is also very poor. Berry plants seem to be suffering from some kind of stress as few are lush and healthy looking and some entire patches have little or no berries to offer. We may be forced to harvest those delicate and messy thimbleberries after all.

Doggy duty

Thanks to the anonymous environmentalist who has donated much needed doggie bag dispensers at strategic locations around the lake. The problem of unsightly dog deposits on rural roads and at the rest stop seemed to be growing out of control this summer. This gesture may prompt dog owners to do the right thing and clean up after their pets.

During a week-long feeding binge, two hungry black bears have ruined berry picking season for many residents. Flocks of birds are the usual culprits when it comes to stripping a Saskatoon bush of its perfectly ripe berries, but this year black bears were ruthless, breaking the stalks of dozens of well-established bushes that have provided residents with bushels of delicious late summer juicy gems. Little could be done to deter the bears, often observed along the roads and in yards in even the hottest times of the warmest days. They must have provided quite a spectacle for unsuspecting travellers stopping at the McDonald rest stop as significant bear sign was found around the bushes in the fields below the lookout. Although unseen from the road, they are easily observed by those travellers getting out of their vehicles to enjoy the view. Wild raspberries, maturing at about the same time as the Saskatoons, were untouched by the bears but don’t hold the same appeal to the residents, keen on picking and storing berries for the winter eating. The bears haven’t been seen in the area for a while, but may be lured back as the delicate thimble berries growing along the roadsides are beginning to ripen. These sweet and seedy berries are difficult to pick and rarely harvested by residents and the bears are welcome to them.

Warplane performs

On Aug. 12, residents of Lac des Roches and tourists stopping at the rest area got to watch a surprise performance by a vintage aircraft, which had performed at the Vanderhoof International Air Show, on its way back to its home in the Lower Mainland. In his grandfather’s CJ-6 Nanchang, a Chinese-made plane similar to the Harvard used to train Allied fighter pilots in the Second World War, pilot Curtis Mann made a special flyby for the writer, his proud aunt, who waved enthusiastically at Curtiss and his passenger and dad, Barry.

Welcome relief

While many residents are lamenting about the lack of fishing success this month, the lake is getting a lot of use by recreational users. The hot weather in August lured many residents to the lake to cool down. Rarely does the lake remain calm for the entire day and any amount of breeze blowing across the water has a welcome cooling affect. For the couple of stifling days during which there was little air movement, the welcome cool night temperatures due to our high elevation, were enough to revitalize the warm-blooded humans and their pets for the following hot days. Shallow bays are choice locations for boatloads of swimmers keen on a refreshing dip. All kinds of new watercraft and flotation devises are appearing around the lake, including paddleboards and convertible kayaks, which allow users to enjoy the cooling effect of the refreshing water.

Lawful lake use

There is noticeable improvement of boating etiquette with respect to shoreline protection laws. Information distribution may be credited for the improvement, as well as several visits by Conservation Service officers checking for boating and fishing regulation compliance this summer.

Wildlife sightings

Late summer triggers a change in wildlife behaviour. Hummingbird sightings are rare, as they start their southern migration. Ground squirrels have hibernated, accounting for the infrequency of badger sightings. Maturing waterfowl, which have survived the many perils of our wilderness, are becoming difficult to distinguish from their parents until they attempt to fly and give themselves away by their awkward takeoffs and landings.

A beautiful summer day was reason enough for ladies from Boultbee and McCarthy roads to enjoy an English afternoon tea on July 29. Hostess Marguerite Neill poured the first cup of tea for each of the ladies who enjoyed a variety of traditional foods brought by the guests. The mandatory scones, served with Devonshire cream and preserves, were delicious, as were the savory Cornish pasties. The selection of finger sandwiches, such as cucumber, egg salad, asparagus and roasted turkey, were almost too decorative to eat. There were far too many options for dessert pastries and fruit to allow a sampling of each. A special thank-you goes to the many ladies who took the extra effort to prepare gluten-free goodies for a very appreciative neighbour coping with celiac disease.

Night shows

Most residents agree it was a toss up as to which light show was more spectacular on the August long weekend – the fireworks launched from a boat in the big lake, or the lightning bolts that flashed from every direction. Both got a thumbs-up for their entertainment value.

Mushroom hunting

Puffballs and shaggy manes are easily identifiable fungi growing abundantly in our area this time of year. Our fields and forests are filled with a surprising number of highly-prized and delectable fungi for those inspired to learn how to identify and hunt for them. Like bird watching, it is the search for some of the rarer species that enthusiasts find so invigorating. With mushrooms, however, the bonus is you can often eat your find, with due care of course.

Boaters beware

Boaters around the lake have spotted several partially submersed logs. Speed boats, skiers and towable craft are the most at risk and must be mindful of these deadheads, which seem to be moving with the wind and are not flagged.

Algae bloom

August typically brings the thick blanket of unsightly algae that clings to parts of the shoreline around the lake. Residents have been advised this algae is a sign of good health for the lake; however, it does pose a hazard in many ways. To motorized craft, it can clog water intakes and impede propeller rotation. Kayakers and canoeist will attest that it wraps itself around paddles and rudders making self-propelled watercrafts difficult to maneuovre. Waterfowl avoid it, as should dogs and swimmers, since it impedes movement. Because the algae floats, it picks up impurities as it travels on the lake, which is the source of its unpleasant odour. Removal of floating algae is not considered detrimental to the lake and is an acceptable solution for continued enjoyment of private property.

Wildlife sightings

On Aug. 7, a black bear was spotted at the east end of Boultbee Road and evidence of a bear was found at the west end. It might be the same bear, or there are at least two in the vicinity. Ripening twin and Saskatoon berries are likely drawing the bears back to the area. Evidence of wolf has been reported at the east end of Boultbee and several badgers have been excavating ground squirrel holes all along the hillside. An elk was observed at Birch Lake by longtime residents, confirming these animals are moving back into the area. Several mule deer does are raising their fawns in the relative safety of the Boultbee neighbourhood and are a treat for those residents lucky to witness their movement in the mornings.

After several extremely dry summers in the past decade, the unmistakable drone of fire response aircraft often stirs up strong emotions. Such was the case for several residents on July 12 when a lightning storm, travelling through the North Thompson River Valley, ignited a forest fire on a hill at the east end of Lac des Roches. Several reports of the smoke and flames prompted the immediate response by a spotter plane, followed shortly after by two bombers with fire retardant that appeared to successfully suppress the fire. Strong winds through the following day re-ignited the fire, which prompted two more bombers to attack the fire. Rain showers that night may have assisted with the final extinguishment of the fire. Despite the amount of precipitation we are receiving this year, fires are still a hazard and residents are encouraged to continue their diligent watch of the surrounding areas and report suspected fires to 1-800-663-5555.

Pets on vacation

Several medical emergencies concerning domestic pets on the July long weekend prompted me to advise residents of their options. The Lakeland Veterinary Clinic on Horse Lake Road in 100 Mile House is approximately 45 minutes away by vehicle but is the closest pet-care facility. The office number is 250-395-3110, which will prompt callers to an after-hours emergency number. Poison Control is available through 9-1-1 to assist with pet poisonings.

Roads maintained

Residents are thankful for the grading and applications of dust control to the local roads in mid-July. Smoother roads make for better cycling and decrease the noise from empty boat trailers travelling to and from the boat launch. The dust blown around from those few days of dry weather was making hanging laundry out on the clothesline a bit of a challenge.

Flowers

Sweet-smelling clover has replaced the dandelions as the predominant flowering weed in lawns and seems to be a more acceptable sight to landowners. Wild and domestic flowers are bountiful and thriving in the warm and wet soil found in the yards around the lake. Bog orchids, one of the more fragrant wild flowers, can be found along the forest roads and trails where water pools and in some of the wetter areas close to the lake.

Weed watching

Thistles and burdock were the most concerning invasive plant species treated by the team from Williams Lake in mid-July. Thistles tend to choke out edible grasses and grains that are preferred by domestic and most wild animals. Burdock plants develop large round burs, which become entangled in the hair and fur of animals and affect their ability to keep their coats groomed. Property owners who did not get treatment of invasive plants this year will be at the top of the list for next summer.

Aggressive wildlife

Several doe with fawns are feeding along Boultbee Road and there are many others nearby. Wildlife is unpredictable and can portray aggressive behaviour, which has been witnessed lately. Regardless of their reputation as gentle forest creatures, it is best to keep children, pets and adults a good distance away from deer.

Friends meet

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake met on July 16 to discuss watershed issues. The society provided input to the Special Committee on Timber Supply Committee, noting the effect logging activity can have on a sensitive and pristine area, such as Lac des Roches. The next scheduled meeting is the annual general meeting in October. Residents are reminded that current memberships expire at the end of August and the new mailing address for renewals is Box 193, Bridge Lake.