"Eat, drink and be married. " These welcoming words greeted the 80 guests who arrived at Lac des Roches on July 24 to celebrate the wedding of Damien Martin and Erin Braithwaite. The wedding ceremony was held at the groom’s family cabin on the shores of Deka Lake, followed by the reception at the bride’s family cabin on Lac des Roches. The pristine south shore coupled with moonlight reflecting on the rippled waters provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding reception where Erin incorporated some unique ideas into her dream ceremony. Scrabble tiled place settings reflected the groom’s passion for the game. The photo booth with costumes and cameras was typical fare of this fun-loving couple and it was as big a hit with the guests, as was the canoe filled with iced beverages. Congratulations to the young couple who will continue to reside in Vancouver after their honeymoon on Vancouver Island.

Dangerous curve

Highway 24 at the west end of Lac des Roches is a little safer now that there is a speed reduction sign eastbound at the top of the hill. Area residents instinctively slow down at the top of the curved hill, knowing its hazardous nature and history of accidents. The 70 km/h and corner indicator signs are welcome additions to the area, especially at the height of tourist season.

Bear responds

There is no logical reason for a black bear to chase a deer since they eat mostly berries and other vegetation. However watching a bear chase a deer through the neighbourhood last week was a reminder of why you don’t run away from a bear. It was obvious that if it runs, the bear chases it and a young, healthy bear runs very fast. Experts say to make noise, make yourself big (pull your shirt above your shoulders or crisscross sticks above your head) and back away. Since there have been daily sightings of bear and bear sign around the lake, be sure to tell your families and guests to be "bear aware" and don’t ever run from a bear.

Evening lightning

The July 27 storm could easily be called the South Cariboo’s version of the "Celebration of Light" fireworks show, due to the spectacular and numerous lightning flashes. Strong winds rearranged lawn furniture, tipped over potted plants and snapped off tree branches, but no serious property damage was detected. Residents monitored the surrounding forest for signs of fire the following morning and wind gusts later in the afternoon apparently fanned smoldering embers from a lightning strike into the large forest fire on nearby Bonaparte Lake. Thankfully, several residents who noticed the smoke plumes reported the fire to the emergency call centre at 1-800-663-5555.

Plant life

Cow parsnip grows abundantly around Lac des Roches. Evidently, this non-evasive plant is not the Giant Cow Parsnip (or Giant Hogweed) that has received a lot of publicity lately as both an invasive species and dangerous to humans. The key distinctions between the two plants are height, stem colour and leaf design. Although cow parsnip seems to temporarily take over the forest with its large maple-shaped leaves and umbrella-shaped flower heads this time of year, it is relatively harmless compared to its giant cousin.

Few berries

The cool temperatures during spring pollination seem to have taken their toll on the areas wild Saskatoon berry bushes. The few ripe berries that have appeared during the recent hot weather are quickly disappearing to the area birds. We can only hope for better pollination weather next year.

A wedding on July 3 was a wonderful way for Lac des Roches couple, Jamie Moberg and Jacquie Woloski, to celebrate 12 happy years together. Everything went just right at nearby Crooked Lake Ranch, including the boat ride that delivered the bride and her attendants to the groom standing on the shore of Webb Lake where 100 guests were waiting to witness their exchange of vows. With the exception of her long veil snagging on the rough dock boards, the efforts of her many friends and family members, “pulling things together at the last minute,” coupled with excellent weather conditions, this country wedding was a successful and memorable event. The busy couple will continue to reside on Gerald Crescent where they operate a bed-and-breakfast among their many volunteer and business activities in the community, and will manage to fit in a short honeymoon to the Calgary Stampede this month. Congratulations to the popular newlyweds.

Together for a good cry

What started out as a chore for a handful of volunteers, slicing 60 pounds of onions and 25 pounds of tomatoes for the Bridge Lake Rodeo concession, turned out to be a good old-fashioned work bee for more than a dozen ladies from Boultbee Road. Despite the onion-induced teary eyes, the Bee Gees (Boultbee Gals) enjoyed the task, conversation and laughter, confirming this was the first of many “bees” to come. Much to the relief of many, it turned out that burning several candles during the veggie slicing did reduce the tearing effects of onions.

Early birds

Thanks to the shared knowledge and enthusiasm of host and leader Wendy Marshall, the birding excursion on the very chilly morning of July 5 at Lac des Roches was very enjoyable for the eight participants. Toques, mitts and windbreakers were as necessary as the binoculars. It turned out that much like human activity, bird activity slows down in the cold weather. However, the group still managed to record several dozen species during the three-hour nature walk.

Good eating

Billowing smoke during open fire restrictions is a cause for concern among residents, but during the summer months, it is often evidence of backyard barbecuing. Such was the case on July 3, when several cooks on Gerald Crescent tended the all-day task of roasting a whole lamb on a spit for the Moberg-Woloski wedding. By all accounts, this meat option was a tasty and tastefully prepared treat for many of the wedding guests.

Motorcycle traffic

The sound of motorcycles on Highway 24 is a sure sign of summer months at Lac des Roches. The sound from the noisier models can be heard for kilometres and will echo off the steep slopes on the south shore. Of the six advertised motorcycle-touring loops out of Kamloops, Highway 24 is on two. So on a dry, sunny day, there can be what seems to add up to hundreds of motorcycles passing by the lake. Among these are the occasional daredevil speeder who may not realize just how many road and driveway accesses are located in our area. Unfortunately, we can’t control the behaviour of these riders, but we can use extra caution when entering and exiting the highway. Residents should remind their guests to expect extremely fast-moving vehicles to suddenly appear around the many corners of our winding highway. As one neighbour always advises his visitors when they enter the highway: “don’t dawdle.”

The abundance of wildlife sightings this year is quite astonishing and the yards around Lac des Roches look like they belong in a petting zoo. The normally elusive fox and coyotes are on regular hunting excursions through several yards in the area and are not deterred at all by the several new dogs around the neighbourhoods. Moose sightings are common, even in the water. The deer seem particularly plentiful and tame. Recent reports of violent attacks on pets and people by relatively docile deer in urban areas around the province serve as a reminder to all that wildlife are just that, wild. We need to exercise cautious around all wildlife.

Fresh snow

The morning snowfall of June 30 and the temperatures hovering around 0 C was not a Canada Day joke. The weather this year is getting a little crazy and very unpredictable. The "winter that wasn’t" was followed by the "spring that came late" and it now looks like we are heading into "what summer"? One seasonal resident asked me the other day, how much snow we got this year. My estimate of six inches should have been, "six inches and still counting. " Don’t put those toques and mitts away just yet.

Pollination questionable

The Saskatoon berry bushes were in full bloom in mid-June, just when the cold and damp storm patterns rolled in to give us some relief from the months of near-drought weather. We can only hope that the few pollinating insects that seemed to have braved the miserable weather were enough to turn the little green buds into tasty berries later in July.

Do not disturb

This is the time of year to reminder residents fledglings, which appear to have fallen from their nest, should be left alone. Often, what appears to be abandonment by their parents is often just a normal part of their training to be a bird. If the situation is not part of the training, as difficult as it may be, leaving the bird alone will allow nature to take its intended course.

Leaf miner

The aspen tree leaf miner is slowly making its presence known this year. Practically overnight, the leaves on the smaller trees in the area have turned from dark green to silvery white as the leaf miner weaves its tunnels around each leaf and robs the leaf of its chlorophyll. Once again, we will miss seeing the once-vibrant colours of the trembling aspen when they turn orange in the fall, as the faded leaves provide only a dull orange tinge before they drop for the winter.

Safety glasses

As I was setting out to do some daily chores around the yard last week, a neighbour asked me what I was doing that required the safety glasses I had just put on. My reply was, "everything". I explained that not only was it annoying to have a dust spec or the odd fly bother my eyes, but there had been one too many close calls where harmful flying debris almost cost me an eye. He agreed that it was a good idea, that "in a blink of an eye" accidents do happen, I encourage everyone who doesn’t wear protective glasses as a rule to consider investing in some relatively cheap safety glasses and protect your eyes.

In early June, while visiting their daughter’s new home in Kamloops, Lac des Roches residents, Tony and Marguerite Neill received a wonderful photo album, sent by their son, Scott, and his family who reside in Australia. The picture on the last page was that of their young grandson, holding his new passport. Viewing this photo was the cue for the surprise entrance at the front door of Scott, his wife, Bec, and son, Finn, ending their clandestine journey to Canada. The timing could not have been better because a few days following Scott’s arrival, Tony and Marguerite finalized the sale of their rental business in 100 Mile and their commuting lifestyle was about to change. It is going to be hard for all their well-wishers to top this unexpected retirement gift but no doubt, the many friends and neighbours of these long-term lake residents wish this hard-working couple the absolute best for their well-deserved life-of-leisure, at last.

Better wet than dry

Our rainy spring and resulting high water level is a welcome surprise, but what it brings is some unwelcome hazards, namely floating debris on the lake. Several old logs and broken trees have been lifted from the shore and pushed around the lake by the shifting winds. Boaters are reminded to never let down their guard when it comes to watching for on-the-water hazards, especially after exceptionally high rainy periods.

Calling all neighbours

I wish to extend a big thank you in advance to all those neighbours who will be volunteering at and supporting the upcoming Bridge Lake Stampede on July 3. The events scheduled throughout the day should prove entertaining for participants and spectators alike. The hardy country pancake breakfast begins at 8 a.m. and is followed later in the day by grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and, of course, French fries smothered in gravy. See you all at the rodeo grounds.

Busy schedules

Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake met on June 16. Water quality monitoring is underway at all four lakes in the chain — Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. High water levels have taken their toll on several loon nests, but one chick is being closely monitored by its parents and our local birders on the big lake. BC Lake Stewardship Society’s report on the health of Lac des Roches is being finalized and will soon be available on several websites. The group is concerned about lack of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access at the west end of the lake and will continue to investigate options. Prior to the upcoming annual general meeting on Aug. 25, the group is planning a public consultation open house for review of its Optimum Land Use Plan, a culmination of its work for the past few years, likely scheduled for Aug. 7.

Rezoning application

A rezoning application is underway for a change to the Muddy Lake Subdivision at the headwaters of Lac des Roches that would see an increase in the number of lots from the original proposal. The process of rezoning land in the Cariboo includes a future public hearing that may be of interest to residents, particularly those living on or near Gerald Crescent, the adjacent property. Up-to-date information on land use is always available through our Cariboo Regional District Area Director Bruce Rattray’s website at www.brucerattray.ca.

Lac des Roches residents have spotted baby ducks swimming in a bay below Boutlbee Road. There was some fear raised by neighbours earlier this spring that the low water levels could cause some of the waterfowl to build nests too low and they would, therefore, be susceptible to flooding should the water level rose naturally or boats created wakes that reach the shoreline. At least one duck family has survived and many more are expected. This is a critical time of year for the survival of the young ducklings and boater are reminded that any loud noise produced by any species of waterfowl in late spring and early summer is likely a distress signal, often as a result of boaters venturing too near a nest or young fledglings. If frantic calls are heard, boaters should leave the vicinity immediately and avoid travelling into the same area for the next month. We all need to encourage the continued health and reproduction of our local waterfowl population.

Bring on the rain

Each of the recent daily downpours are decreasing the risk of wildfires in the area. The much-needed moisture has prompted spring growth as evidenced by the buds finally appearing on the young evergreens and the welcome flower blooms on the many wild Saskatoon bushes. The lake level has risen a few inches, which will help residents reinstall docks and launch their various water crafts for the summer season. Newly planted garden seeds appear to be suffering from excessive moisture and cool night-time temperatures but everyone agrees the rain is preferred to an uncontrollable drought. The slow start to outdoor gardens will give residents more time to develop a plan on how to guard their greenery from the inquisitive and hungry deer during the upcoming summer munching season.

Neighbours helping

We may not be building barns around the lake, but a recent project on Boultbee Road had all the characteristics of a good old barn raising, as many of the neighbours came out to maneuver a new dock into the water. Steve and Kelly Raby put the word out that they could use the muscle power of a few strong men, and about a dozen hardy neighbours showed up to help. With wives and children looking on, these "human cranes" lifted the new dock into the water without incident, injury or damage to the shoreline.

Possible assault hoax

In May, an e-mail story began circulating around the South Cariboo of an assault on a lone traveler at the McDonald Rest Stop on Highway 24, overlooking Lac des Roches. It has not been confirmed if the incident was reported to any detachement of the RCMP in the vicinity, and it may be another example of an Internet hoax. It did, however, initiate some worthwhile discussion among area residents about personal safety and due diligence of those who often walk the roads around the lake for exercise or travel alone on the highways. Let us hope this was just a story, but realizing it could happen, we must ensure precautions are taken to protect ourselves and our families from harm.

Friends meeting

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will hold its next meeting une 16. This will be the last scheduled meeting before the annual general meeting Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Bridge Lake Elementary School. All are welcome and annual memberships are available for $10 per family.

Spring is a busy time for volunteers with the lake stewardship society, Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake. The group has just published its fifth annual community newsletter, and while copies have been delivered to all the residences in the area, it is available to everyone on the society’s website, www.lacdesroches.org. The society’s annual general meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Bridge Lake Elementary School. The group has commenced its water quality monitoring of the four area lakes: Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. At each of these lakes, volunteers also monitor the Loon population and their breeding success for Bird Studies of Canada. The society would like to remind lake users to keep their distance from breeding loons, as they will abandon their vulnerable nests if distressed. This can put their eggs and chicks at risk to the many natural predators that hunt the lakes shorelines.

Cariboo gardening

Area residents have the opportunity on May 29 to brush up on their Cariboo gardening techniques thanks to the Bridge Lake Community School. The school has once again partnered with Lac des Roches resident and experienced gardener Wendy Marshall. She will be offering a morning filled with tips and tricks of how to make vegetable and flower gardening a successful and rewarding experience in our harsh growing season. Wendy’s charm and unending wit guarantees this to be as entertaining as it will be informative. Please call Wendy Dubbin at 593-4538 for registration and details.

Aspen at risk

The tiny white flies, or aspen leaf miners, are back just as the new green leaves are unfurling. The warm weather in mid-May provided the perfect conditions for a major hatch of these pesky parasites. It won’t be long before the flies will attack the local trees and cause their leaves to turn a pale green or silver colour from their natural vibrant green. Eventually, these annual attacks will cause the aspen trees to die, but the Cariboo seems to toughen up even the trees, and so far, the local trees have managed to survive half a dozen years of repeated assault by these relentless flies.

May celebrations

Best wishes to our friends and neighbours celebrating milestone events this month. Tony Neill, Arnold Foster and Jacquie Woloski are all celebrating birthdays in May. Enjoy your special day.

The recent shooting incident at Lac des Roches could be evidence once again of part-time residents mistaking rural living for wilderness living. Residential areas, no matter how close to the edge of the wilderness, are not the place for wild or extreme sports like target shooting, ATV riding or motor cross racing, a reminder worth passing on to visitors and residents alike, throughout the Cariboo.

Moving mail

Lac des Roches residents will officially receive a Bridge Lake postal address this summer. Rural route mail recipients may change to a box at the Bridge Lake store at no cost. Like in the past, residents may opt for a mail location other than that designated for their particular address however it will result in an annual fee where there may not have been one before. Notices of these changes should be forthcoming from Canada Post and inquiries may be made to the local post offices.

Lake hazards

Normally, high water levels in spring dislodge natural and man-made debris from the shores and fill the lake with floating hazards. This year, low level ice which scraped along the lake bed, dislodged debris from the bottom of the lake. Many of the shallow areas show tree limbs and old submersed dead heads, protruding out of the water. Worse yet is the dislodged debris that is just under the surface of the lake that may catch the unwary boater off guard. Boaters beware that the lake geography may have changed and a few snags may be ready to attack propellers, fishing lines and delicate inflatable hulls.

High speed

Lac des Roches residents will soon benefit from the success of a very persistent Peter Lunn of BC Wireless who obtained necessary grant money to subsidize the installation of a repeater tower to provide high speed internet in the area. The tower, which will be located at the top of the west Lac des Roches hill, should serve the majority of residences within its sight, including most of Boultbee Road. With a target availability date of July 2010, Peter suggests residents phone the 100 Mile Netshop at 250-395-4397 to add their name to the list of subscribers. Both closed and open contracts will be offered to accommodate seasonal residents who may wish to carry the service for only part of the year.

Firewood harvest

With warm spring weather, melting snow and crown land once again accessible by vehicle, many residents are making an early start on this winter’s firewood supply. This is a very good idea considering the action taken by Forestry to close the forest during last year’s drought, and the likelihood of a recurrence this year. Residents are reminded that they must be in possession of a free firewood cutting permit for each forestry region they harvest in. Both the 100 Mile House and Kamloops forest regions provide their permits on-line which can be downloaded, printed and endorsed. They must be available for inspection wherever firewood cutting is occurring. For 100 Mile House, go to www.for.gov.bc.ca/dmh and for Kamloops, www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/firewood permit.htm.

Wildlife

The migration of white-tailed deer into the fields and yards around the lake is an exciting development this year. Grazing somewhat anonymously now, amid the herds of mule deer, the whitetail bucks, with their unmistakable angled antlers, will stand out in the coming months as their horns develop through the summer.

Thank-you goes out to the Lac des Roches residents who recently provided information regarding their postal service. Evidently, we can expect a change to rural postal service in our area soon and we were given an opportunity to provide feedback. Of the 22 year-round occupied residences, 14 of the 17 contacted indicated Bridge Lake Store as their preference for regular mail pickup. Respondents stated the convenience, security and having Bridge Lake as their town name as their reasons for this choice over rural roadside boxes. The information was forwarded to our rural postal representative Sheila Michener.

Public hearing

Cariboo Regional District Director Bruce Rattray will be hosting a public hearing at Interlakes Community Hall on April 26, starting at 7 p.m. , to discuss two proposed amendments to the Interlakes Official Community Plan. The amendments would be to include policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gases as required by provincial legislation, and to include vacation rental of residential properties as an allowable use under the provisions for Temporary Commercial and Industrial Permits. The close of the public hearing is the last opportunity for constituents to have input into these amendments, including any written submissions by those who may not be able to attend. Details are on Bruce’s website at www.brucerattray.ca/pages/areainfo/communityplans. There are several cabins on Lac des Roches that are potentially affected by this change.

Congestion

Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake (Friends) met on March 4 to discuss the possible impact on Little Lac des Roches by increased boating traffic from strata-owned lots of the new Muddy Lake subdivision. Working with Transport Canada and the RCMP over the years, the local lake stewardship society supported enforcement of the boating speed restriction of 20 km/h to mitigate damage to the sensitive shores and personal property. Further speed reduction on Little Lac des Roches to 10 km/h and development of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access on (big) Lac des Roches are initiatives that Friends members will continue to promote and encourage recreational power boaters to use the big lake and avoid the sensitive small lake and connecting channel as water playgrounds.

Wind needed

It is unlikely, but a few good wind storms blowing in from the west may help push the ice back to the east, and, thereby, mitigate some of the damage that has occurred to docks on the Lac des Roches so far this spring. The incredible force of the moving ice has snapped beams as large 10 square inches and reduced some two-by-four ramps to kindling.

Entertainment

Ducks and geese are returning to the area and providing a humorous interlude for residents. What we don’t see, we can easily surmise from the tell-tale tracks on the snow covered ice near the open water around the edges of the lake. After awkward landings on the solid ice, they walk, they sit, they walk and then take flight again, presumably in search of food.

Celebrations

Best wishes to Tony and Marguerite Neill who are celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary this month. Still operating a successful rental business in 100 Mile House, we wish them many retired years together soon.