Author: lacdesroches

Emergency vehicles on the evening of Aug. 3 were responding to a devastating structure fire on Eagle Island Road where a small cabin burned to the ground. Luckily, there was no injury to persons or pets.

Not another fish story

While catching fish has slowed down in the month of August, many of the avid fishers from the neighbourhood are claiming success with gang trolls, wedding rings and worms. Apparently a kayak and paddle will bring some exciting fish action as well. Kelly Raby just missed landing a rainbow trout, in her lap, when a large fish jumped out of the water on the starboard side of her kayak and returned to the water on the port side. Kelly admits that had she not had two companions as reliable witnesses, she would probably never have told anyone her remarkable story of the one that got away.

Garden grazers

Many residents are lamenting over the cagey deer that have found their way over electric fences, under net shields and through greenhouse doors to graze on the maturing crops of vegetables. They seem to be particularly fond of peas and all types of salad greens. Not only are the deer more plentiful this year, but one resident is convinced that crossbreeding between white tail and mule deer are resulting in a tamer and much wiser deer, able to outsmart our local garden hobbyists.

Algae growth

A large algae bloom is growing in Lac des Roches again this summer. The yellow mass is clearly evident where it gets caught in low-hanging branches and underwater snags. It can be annoying to property owners as it also traps floating debris and impurities on the lake resulting in a strong, unpleasant odour as well as a boating hazard. As the water levels drop, this blanket of exposed algae clings to everything. While drying algae loses its foul smell, it is somewhat unsightly. Last year, residents were advised that there was no harm to the lake by removing small amounts of algae to improve enjoyment of private property.

Fungi, fauna and fruit

In addition to a banner mushroom year, wet weather has the promoted the growth of abundant colourful wildflowers throughout the surrounding fields. The discovery of sweet smelling "bog orchids" growing in some of the wetter places near the lake is a particularly pleasant surprise this year. It is unusual to have to wait until August for the wild strawberries, but these tiny flavourful berries are definitely worth the wait and time it takes to harvest them. As the saskatoon and thimbleberries just start to ripen, the huckleberries in the nearby forests are already ready for picking.

Wonderful wildlife

A bear has been munching on ripe bear berries at the east end of Boultbee road in August. A lake otter was spotted along the shore last week, a rare summer sighting since their black bodies are camouflaged well against the dark shoreline. The yellow-coloured fox follows a set path through the yards on Boultbee Road and seems to have developed a suitable buffer zone between itself and the many pets and badgers residing in the neighbourhood. The twin mule deer fawns and triplet white tail fawns are seen almost daily in the neighbourhood. The unpopular ground squirrels are still munching the healthy rain-fed crop of new grass and weeds in the lawns and will no doubt delay their usual August hibernation into September this year.

Lack of litter

Thank you to everyone for doing their part in keeping Lac des Roches free of litter this year. The improvement is very noticeable.

The three Lac des Roches residents (Laura Lanzoni, Sharron Woloshyn and Piper Loft) who, as part of the local Club Excel team, joined 600 Canadian gymnasts on Team Canada at the World Gymnaestrada, the largest sporting event in the world, have returned from Switzerland. Laura describes it as "bellissimo" or wonderful. Piper, the lone young gymnast from our area says it was "fabulous. " It also represented a long list of firsts, including flying and subway and train rides. She adds the best part of the trip was watching all the thousands of gymnasts perform. Club Excel performed on four days during the week, so there was plenty of time to see other shows. Teams representing 54 countries had as few as eight members, while some numbered into the hundreds and their ages seemed to range from three to 93 years. Skill and activity levels varied from risky acrobatic with lifts and human pyramids to slow, yoga-like movements. Many teams used traditional apparatuses, such as ropes, clubs, ribbons, hoops and balls. Parallel bars, vaulting horses, trampolines and tumbling mats were used in several of the high-energy acrobatic performances. There were 14 venues around the City of Lausanne, all simultaneously running performances, so a patron could only see a fraction of what was available. Piper was so inspired by several of the shows that her most prized possessions are her newly purchased ribbon, clubs and a ball that she will learn to use as part of her future gymnastics training. In her free time, she enjoyed an authentic cheese fondue, swam in Lausanne’s public pool, attended all five of the evening outdoor concerts showcasing 13 bands from all over Europe, shopped and crossed Lake Geneva on a ferry to Evian, France for more shopping. Her comment about the team’s accommodation was "OK. " Despite all 11 of the ladies sleeping on air mattresses on the floor of a college classroom, there was much giggling and banter to equate it to a lengthy pajama party. The church bells next door chimed every 15 minutes and Piper found them annoying. The pre-purchased meals at the college and the exhibition centre were not to everyone’s tastes, but there were other options available. Piper says she was pleased with Club Excel’s performances and claims her recent foot injury did not affect her routine. She wants to continue on with rhythmic and branch into artistic gymnastics. Piper says she would love to see the Monday night exercise classes resume at Bridge Lake School and will work on finding a coach to take her further with the sport. She is practising very hard at home and stretching every day to maintain her flexibility during the summer holidays. Piper says she realizes how lucky she is to have made this trip and thanks everybody who donated money towards her trip to Switzerland and for giving her this opportunity. She is a talented young athlete with many well-wishers in our community. The next Gymnaestrada is in Helsinki, Finland in 2015 and she would love to attend.

Three more teas

The Bee Gees? (Boultbee Gals) walk at noon every day, but that still isn’t enough time to catch up on all the neighbourhood news, so they have had scheduled three tea parties in July. Eva Bechtel had 12 ladies at her house on July 10, Dale Yeager had nine ladies on July 24 and 10 were expected at Cathy Fawcett’s home on July 28.

Residents have observed several instances of illegal garbage dumping along Highway 24 since the closure of the garbage transfer bins at Opax/Birch Lake. While overflowing garbage bins at the McDonald Rest Stop overlooking beautiful Lac des Roches have occurred during long weekends in past years, there is still a suspicion the transfer station closure is catching tourists and residents off guard. The unsightly mess was reported to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure when discovered by a resident from Boultbee Road, but the scene was undoubtedly noticed by hundreds of tourists who travel this busy stretch of highway every summer day.

Quiet waters

Cold temperatures, rain and hail were the likely cause for limited boating traffic on the lake during the July long weekend. Fishing has been productive, but it wasn’t until July 3 that tubers were observed riding behind a pleasure boat. Although some hardy swimmers were out on air toys on Saturday, they stayed in the warmer and quieter waters of the shallow bays.

Leaf miner returns

The abundance of a tiny white moth-like fly and the silvery tint on the aspen tree leaves is a sure sign that the aspen leaf miner is back this year, doing its damage to the aspen trees. Although the infestation appears to be sporadic, it may just be the weather that is preventing the usual complete change to the trees that we have seen over the past few years. It is so sad to lose the beauty of our fall season to this pesky insect as what is left of colour in the leaves now turns to a brown in the autumn rather than the brilliant yellow and orange hues we used to enjoy.

Wonderful wildlife

As with many rural communities in the South Cariboo, bear sightings are common this year. A black bear and cubs are frequenting the yards all around the lake, as well as several grassy patches along Highway 24. Residents must use every precaution to keep from attracting the bears to their yards, especially their outdoor storage of kitchen waste. Three different families of deer are frequenting the yards along Boultbee, with one, two and three fawns observed with each doe. Several bucks are showing their velvety antlers and seem to already be trying to round up the does. The resident badger family continues to cull the ground squirrel population, much to the delight of property owners.

Vegetable gardens

Although some vegetable crops are producing well, such as lettuce and spinach, low daytime temperatures and over abundant precipitation are still delaying the real growth spurt we expect in early July to various vegetable crops. Cold frames and green houses are almost a necessity when the days see little warmth from the sun. Irrigation has yet to be an issue for the area, but most residents agree they would rather have the warmth and work to keep the gardens well watered, than the past month’s cold and rainy weather.

A family of badgers has taken up residence at the halfway point of Boultbee Road. These furry critters are a welcome sight for many residents. In addition to the entertainment value of the young, as they play just outside their underground home, there is already a noticeable decline in the ground squirrel population on several properties nearby. We cautiously welcome our new inhabitants.

For sale signs

Several residences and lots around Lac des Roches and nearby Birch Lake have recently been listed for sale. Eight homes and cabins, three businesses and dozens of lots are now on the market in this small community. Although real estate transactions seem to be pretty sluggish in the South Cariboo, the successful sale of some of these properties will mean the loss of some long time residents. The demographics of our area are definitely changing, as we typically see permanent residences purchased as occasionally used recreational dwellings.

Off to Europe

Tomorrow (July 7), three gymnasts from Lac des Roches will meet their teammates in Geneva, Switzerland. From there, they will be ferried 60 kilometres to Lausanne where they will meet the rest of the Canadian World Gymnaestrada Team members they will perform from July 11-14. Friends and family were at the Bridge Lake School on June 27 to watch the team’s final dress rehearsals. Judging by the positive response from the local audience, the team is ready to perform in Switzerland. The community extends its best wishes for a safe and fulfilling trip to our local ladies – Laura Flecchia-Lanzoni, Piper Loft and Sharron Woloshyn.

Excellent fishing

Fishing at Lac des Roches has been very rewarding during the cool wet days throughout June. Several local fishers claim the lake is the hottest producing lake for rainbow trout in the entire area, which is not normal for this somewhat challenging body of water. The odd spring weather and abnormal high-water conditions are definitely changing fish behaviour to the advantage of the fishers.

Ladies day

A travelling tea party was held at the lake on June 16 to celebrate several special events for the Boultbee Gals (Bee Gees ). Eva Bechtel took the opportunity to show off her daughter and grandson visiting from Germany. Over tea, coffee and goodies, every one of the 12 ladies had something new in their lives to celebrate, not the least of which included new pets, upgraded garden equipment, and for one lucky lady, a new home. The Bee Gees will no doubt find a reason – perhaps even an obscure one – to get together again in the latter half of July for some good gossip and a lot of laughter.

Book club

June 4 marked the last book discussion before the summer break, when several Lac des Roches women enjoyed a special year-end luncheon at 108 Mile. While most of the members will continue their recreational reading throughout the summer, busy schedules make meetings difficult to co-ordinate. The new season’s reading list and discussion dates and locations are available from Wendy Dubbin at 250-593-4538. The next meeting is at Lac des Roches on Sept. 10.

Market delayed

Last-minute scheduling conflicts forced the cancellation of the Bridge Lake Farmer’s Market for July 3. The busy holiday weekend and the popular Bridge Lake Stampede, left little time left for vendors to attend this popular event. Wendy Dubbin promises that the market will be open on July 17. Vendors can call 593-4538 to book a table.

Guy and Val Drebet of Rosely Farm at Lac des Roches have found vegetables at the end of their rainbow. The fertile soil on the grassy, south-facing slopes overlooking the lake, augmented by organic fertilizer from their sheep, provides plenty of vegetables for these busy growers to sell at local markets. Val and Guy are just two of many local vendors who will be back at the Bridge Lake Farmers Market behind the elementary school on the first and third Sunday for the next three months.

Gymnasts perform

Local members of the Canadian Gymnaestrada Team travelling to Switzerland in July to perform at the World Gymnaestrada, invite family and friends to their final practice June 27, at the Bridge Lake Elementary School. The nine-member team, which includes three Lac des Roches residents, will perform their short routine in costume around 7 p.m. While this rehearsal is free, team members are still fundraising and have several non-performance events planned at the Bridge Lake Stampede on July 2, prior to their departure for Europe.

Mystery tour

The tour bus on Boultbee Road earlier this month may have looked out of place, but it was not lost. Lunch at the home of Mary-Ellen and Gordon Patterson was part of the Mystery Tour agenda for its 42 riders. The concept is quite intriguing. Patrons purchased a ticket for the mystery tour and the proceeds went to charity, as well as cover the cost of the tour bus for the day. Riders had no idea what adventure or destination awaited them. The group from Kamloops enjoyed wine tasting near Cache Creek, antique hunting at Sheridan Lake and a buffet lunch and history lesson on the pioneer families of Lac des Roches before heading home.

Tree topping

Contractors clearing the hydro right-of-way around Lac des Roches are still falling dead trees and trimming limbs. Residents and wildlife seem to have adjusted to the repetitive sound of chainsaws and the wood chipper.

June snow

ATV riders enjoying the outdoors just north of the lake have reported challenging conditions at higher elevations due to foot-deep snow still present on mountain trails. With forecasted cool temperatures and continuing rain, lake levels will likely stay high well into summer this year.

Bees welcome

The Saskatoon berry bushes are in now in spectacular bloom all around the lake. As was the case last year, they need some winged insects to brave the cold wind and rain to pollinate the beautiful white flowers. Last year’s crop was relatively sparse as we experienced similar cold temperatures during the peak time of the bloom. Let’s hope for some hardy bees again this year.

Finding fungi

Mushroom hunters are delighted with the cool wet spring weather. Several recent local finds of field and morel mushrooms are an unexpected surprise in June. While extreme caution is recommended for eating mushrooms, there is little harm in going out on hunting expeditions to see what edible delicacies are hiding in our backyards and the surrounding forest.

Natural nursery

There is nothing like the sight of a newborn white-tailed fawn to bring out the protective instincts of local residents. Even our resident fox is now scrutinized for signs of predatory behaviour toward the newborn fawn since the doe was observed chasing the fox through a neighbour’s yard. To the delight of the noon walkers last week, the doe was nursing – not one, but two – little fawns, no larger than big house cats, which have learned to hide in the tall grass that borders Boultbee Road.

Lac des Roches is at its highest level seen in many years. Several small feeder streams have overflowed their banks and proven too much for culverts. To avoid substantial road damage, several residents have been out clearing water paths to protect both public and private roads. Folks, your efforts are much appreciated so thanks to all of you, especially on behalf of those absent property owners who are not aware of your hard work.

Gathering spots

Area residents have been enjoying fine Italian dining and specialty coffees offered by the local resorts for years. On the May long weekend, the options for local dining out expanded when the Opax Mountain Café was re-opened by new owners, Kurt and Karen Roy. The bright and fresh new interior of this popular café was the perfect destination for the walking gals (known as the Bee Gees) from Boultbee Road to make their first of many road trips. After enjoying a bowl of delicious homemade soup, the Bee Gees ventured out for a pleasant three-kilometre walk to Birch Lake.

Petitions galore

Residents who wish to get involved in local issues have several opportunities to provide their input. Petitions against the closure of the Opax garbage site and the aerial spraying of herbicides in logged areas are located at Bridge Lake Store. Online opposition to the proposed Crown Land swap near the Bridge Lake ice caves is collected at http://action.sierraclub.bc.ca/actions/protect-bridge-lake.

Birding excursions

Wendy Marshall of Lac des Roches will lead the local birding group, and any other enthusiasts, on several Monday outings during June. Weather conditions can have an adverse affect on the access roads to some of the more remote locations the group will venture to. Judging by the exciting count results, travelling on muddy back roads is well worth the effort of this enthusiastic group. Call Wendy at 250-593-2327 to confirm your attendance.

Slow growth

Wet and cold weather this spring is popular conversation. With the exception of rhubarb, which seems to be thriving in the colder weather, planting and garden growth is slow. The Farmer’s Market at the Bridge Lake School fell victim to the cold weather and was cancelled for May 29, but is scheduled for June 12, with the hopes of some warm, productive weather in early June. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 to book a table to sell your local produce and merchandise.

Wildlife sightings

Animals are providing a wildlife viewing feast for local residents. More black bears have been spotted this spring than most residents reported seeing all last year. The grassy fields are dotted with sandhill cranes, moose and deer – many white-tails – when the weather is co-operating. The resident yellow-coloured fox is often spotted curled up in the grass on the upper bank of Boultbee Road keeping one watchful eye on a gopher hole and the other on the passing walkers. The mallard ducks that seem to be nesting on Boultbee Road are no longer skittish around people or the resident dogs. The beaver are once again pruning trees and generally making a mess of the shoreline with their littered branches.

Word travels fast around Lac des Roches of yet another instance of a neighbour helping stranded motorists. Sporadic cellular coverage and the distance from populated areas makes local assistance a must to travellers on Highway 24. When we hear about how much effort our neighbours will expend to help out strangers in need, we really must be thankful for living in such a generous community.

Outdoor hobbies

Idle chat is focused on gardening, yard work and firewood. Many residents are tackling the heavy task of cleaning up debris left by the contractors downing hazard trees near power lines. Forest closures during previous summers has prompted resident to focus on gathering next year’s firewood early in the spring. Vegetable gardening seems to be gaining popularity as several residents are planning greenhouse construction to extend their growing season in our harsh climate.

Work published

Gerardine van Doorninck, former Webb Lake resident, has left her artistic mark in the South Cariboo. At the urging of her friends, Gerardine’s submission of one of her paintings depicting wildflowers growing in a South Cariboo forest was published in the commemorative magazine, Our Backyard, celebrating the Cariboo-Chilcotin as the forest capital of Canada 2010/11. Free copies of the magazine can be obtained through the Cariboo Regional District. Gerardine now resides with her husband, Borre, and their dog Romeo in North Vancouver.

Lake ice behaving

Little Lac des Roches was clear of ice on May 9, and shifting wind directions on May 15 took the last of the floating ice off the west end of Lac des Roches. Several boats appeared on the big lake with anxious fishers trying their luck, as there was plenty of fish activity showing on the lake’s surface. Minor dock damage was noted on several waterfront properties at the west end of Lac des Roches. High water has dislodged shoreline debris that is cluttering the lake and posing a hazard to boaters.

Early birds

Birding excursions, led by Wendy Marshall, will continue on Mondays in June. Early morning outings are scheduled for June 6, 13 and 20. While the early bird catches the worm, the early birder catches a glimpse of the early bird. Call Wendy at 250-593-2327 for more information on times.

Lots for sale

Several new "For Sale" signs have been posted in the community. It’s an indication we will be losing several longtime residents who have lived both permanently and part-time at the lake. It is hard to think of having to say goodbye to so many friends, but we wish them luck in selling their homes.

Market buying

After enjoying several local garage sales during the May long weekend, residents are invited to participate in the new Farmers’ Market at the Bridge Lake School on May 29. Sellers can book a space for $10 through Wendy at 250-593-4538. Locally produced goods are available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. , rain or shine.

Book club

Lac des Roches members of the Bridge Lake Book Club will be organizing a car pool for the year-end meeting at 108 Mile on June 4. The meeting begins with a lunch at the 108 Heritage Site, followed by dessert and the book discussion at a home on Sepa Lake. The June reading selection is Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel. The 2011/12 book list will also be determined. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 if you would like to go along.

In the early hours of May 2, Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) work crews began the decommissioning of the Birch Lake/Opax garbage transfer station. Dennis LaBrie, TNRD environmental health services operations supervisor, said he arrived at 5 a.m. with equipment and flag persons, who were later sent home because there was no traffic, to get a jump on the site closure. He added an early start was standard procedure as the closure of several transfer stations has met with protest throughout the regional district, which can be costly to the taxpayers. Around 8 a.m. , eight local protestors arrived, but by then, the bins were gone and the excavator was well into the task of decommissioning the site. Protest organizer and Opax resident Curt Roy said he was quite disappointed by the early start made by the TNRD and lack of community support for the protest. The site was slated for closure last year, but residents say they were only informed of the closure last month. The closest alternative TNRD sites for residents are located in Little Fort and Eagan Lake, where there will be some recycling options that weren’t available at the Birch Lake/Opax site. The Little Fort site is open three days a week. The Barriere site is another option for TNRD residents and offers full-service dumping and recycling. More information is available at www.tnrd.bc.ca

John’s big day

Neighbours did not let Boultbee Road’s "mayor" John Clarkson quietly celebrate his 70th birthday. Kelly Raby hosted a party in John’s honour on the Saturday before John’s actual birthday on April 25. Surrounded by family and friends, and with his typical sense of humour, John endured some friendly ribbing, sympathy cards and several gifts highlighting his well-known passions. Although John and his wife, Elsie, plan to move to nearby Barriere this year, they will be close enough to attend a follow-up birthday party same time next year because it was so much fun.

Island sunk

Diane Truant of Lac des Roches/100 Mile House correctly guessed the eight-hour time block on May 4 when the pyramid disappeared through the ice on Little Lac des Roches. To the delight and relief of the organizer, the structure performed as designed. It tilted for a few days – stirring up quite a buzz in the community – then dropped through a hole in the weak ice leaving behind only an attached floating marker. Once the ice is completely gone, the structure will be retrieved and stored for next year’s fun. Thanks to Piper Loft and Luca Lanzoni who both kept a vigilant watch on the pyramid this spring.

Winged wonders

Birdwatchers are getting a feast for their senses these days. Sections of open water around Lac des Roches have attracted all sorts of ducks and geese. It is always a special treat to hear and see the first returning loon, and it arrived on May 1. Wendy Marshall has scheduled birding expeditions all around the area for May and June and invites birding enthusiast to join the group for these Monday morning trips. Call her at 250-593-2327 for more details on the dates and planned locations.

Bears are back

Several sightings of black bear last week near Lac des Roches has walkers dusting off their "bear bells. " Ongoing conversation between multiple walkers will usually keep wild animals at bay. Lone walkers and bicycle riders should take steps to make some noise to warn the bruins of their presence in the wilderness as well as quiet neighbourhoods.

Cross-country skiing on Lac des Roches is excellent and the best it has been this winter. Last year, the ice was gone mid-April. This year, the ice is still thick and firm. On a cold day, the ice gets a light dusting of snow. On a warm day, the ice develops a thin layer of crystallized ice. Both conditions, along with the absence of drifting snow, provide just the right amount of tracking and traction for excellent spring skiing.

Bird watching

Wendy Marshall of Lac des Roches led members of the Bridge Lake Naturalist Club on a chilly but rewarding bird excursion around 100 Mile House on April 18. At the 100 Mile Marsh, Wendy says the group observed almost every type of duck known to inhabit or migrate through the South Cariboo. The birders went on to survey the Spring Lake Road and were rewarded with the sightings of 36 different species of ducks, song birds, raptors and several sandhill cranes.

Support your local athlete

Piper Loft, one of nine local gymnasts representing Team Canada at the World Gymnaestrada in Switzerland this summer is continuing to raise funds toward her registration costs. On May 7, Piper will be selling homemade crafts at the Sheridan Lake business outdoor trade show. Residents are encouraged to visit Piper’s table and give your support to this multi-talented young girl.

Hazardous debris

Wooden debris, leftover from winter excursions on the ice, litters the lake in several locations. If it isn’t removed before ice-off, tree rounds and limbs will become hazards to boaters this summer. Ideally, debris should be removed immediately, before it has a chance to freeze in the ice. It would be helpful if residents, still venturing out on the ice, would move any loose debris to nearby shores, high enough to not be dislodged by the expected high spring water levels.

Roads closed

Temporary logging roads from Highway 24 near Opax have been deactivated. Residents are disappointed that they are unable to salvage firewood from the Crown land littered with dead trees, but the temporary accesses would have posed a safety hazard with the expected increased summer traffic. However, there is an abundance of beetle-killed wood available in the surrounding forest for firewood.

Wildlife sighting

The "gophers" are out – enough said.

Garbage disposal

Local residents are claiming poor communication from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) about the closure of the garbage transfer station at Opax. This dump site, while funded by the TNRD for approximately 30 property owners at the east end of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, is well-used by nearby residents of the Cariboo Regional District and by the travelling public. News of the closure, along with changes at the Eagan Lake site, circulated throughout the community all winter, but residents say they have just received official notice of the closure. TNRD staff members indicated at the March 12 public meeting, (see March 23Free Press) the Birch Lake site was slated for complete closure, but TNRD residents have launched a letter-writing campaign to oppose the closure.

Letter campaign

Neighbouring lake stewards at Bridge Lake are inviting everyone to visit their website www.friendsofbridgelake.org for information on the proposed Crown land disposal near the Bridge Lake ice caves.

There is a temporary "rock island" on the ice at Little Lac des Roches, and as part of a fun community guessing game, residents are guessing when it will sink through the melting ice. Ice-off dates for the last two years were a month apart, so when the structure will sink is hard to predict, but guesses currently range between April 22 and May 22. One would hope the ice is gone by May 23 (Victoria Day), but only Mother Nature really knows. The attached float will identify its location for retrieval; however if that should fail, it is in the area used by the naval divers when they train under the ice, so they could be called upon for retrieval next January if necessary. Young resident, Piper Loft is our official day-time monitor, as she travels to and from school on the bus, and Luca Lanzoni from the Lac des Roches Resort will monitor the island at night.

Snow melt

Except for some overflow on Boultbee Road due to a frozen culvert, the slow pace this year’s snow and ice are melting is causing no apparent damage around the lake. Some years, shovels and picks are not adequate for managing the trenches and temporary ditches required to divert high volumes of run-off water to more suitable paths. The cooler temperatures during the day and mild temperatures at night are melting the snow and thawing the ground at about the same rate, so the ground is able to absorb most of the water. Last year, residents were raking the gravel off the lawns in April and burning winter’s debris as early as January. This year, the start of summer yard work will likely have to wait until late spring or early summer.

Ice stable

There is subtle melting along the shore in shallow bays and through the channel, but the majority of the ice is still very solid and deep, supporting both walkers and sledders. After all the damage to docks last year, property owners would certainly welcome a year of slow melting, stable ice on the lake.

Book club

The Bridge Lake Book Club met at Wendy Marshall’s home on April 2 to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. The book has been translated from French and is well worth the read if a copy can be tracked down. The next meeting has been changed to May 14 and will be held at Wendy Dubbin’s home on Bridge Lake to discuss Curiosity, which is available through the local library, by Joan Thomas.

Garage sale

Word has been sent out to residents about possibly holding a community garage sale on the May long weekend. Since we are the furthest South Cariboo community southeast of 100 Mile House, it makes sense to make the trip worthwhile to prospective shoppers. Residents interested in utilizing this time frame for a garage sale should call Sharron at 250-593-0041 so advertising can reflect this as a community event.

Pole walkers

Saturday morning pole walkers meet at the Bridge Lake School rather than the Cottonwood Corner. Everyone is invited to this free, one-hour trek around the neighbourhood for excellent exercise and good conversation.