Author: lacdesroches

Although we have experienced minimal power outages, the wind blowing through Lac des Roches this month has been ferocious, on both the lake and its shores. The trees can usually withstand the predominant winds from the east, but we have had some casualties with uprooted and snapped trees everywhere although no serious property damage has been observed by the Block Watch crew. The removal of dead pine trees along the power line on Gerald Crescent have put the minds of several residents at ease with the decreased chance of property damage and downed hydro lines as we expect the storms to continue. The huge slash piles that burned in the hills east of the lake during the earlier wind storms was a bit unsettling since we have had so little precipitation since the spring, but the fires appear to be out.

Readers meet

Wendy Marshall and Lorraine Jollymore co-hosted this month’s Book Club discussion at Wendy’s home on Nov. 7. Thirteen members discussed the novel, When I was Young and In My Prime, by Alayna Munce. Members reside throughout the South Cariboo, from 108 Mile to Lac des Roches. Some often travel significant distances from their rural homes once a month to join in on a few hours of thought-provoking discussion and to share their common interest in reading. The date of the next meeting has been changed to Nov. 29 and will be a discussion of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A Novel, by Jamie Ford. Interested readers may contact Wendy Dubbin, Bridge Lake Community School co-ordinator at 593-4538 for more details.

Wolf sighting

Wolves are fairly common in the area later in the winter when the lake ice offers them a new hunting venue of the many critters that burrow along the shoreline. A lone wolf trotting through Boultbee Road yards on the afternoon of Nov. 17 was a surprising yet magnificent sight. It’s just another reminder of how close to the edge of British Columbia’s backcountry we live and our need to respect the animals we share it with.

Beautiful birds

Bald eagles continue to hunt over the sheltered bays, using the few docks not pulled from the lake as tables for their feast of unlucky fish. Migrating trumpeter swans are a daily sighting around the lake now. Even if you don’t see these huge white birds, their distinctive sound can be heard all hours of the day and night as they discover the abundant open water – thanks to the high winds that keep the ice off of the big lake.

Celebrations

Best wishes to all those around the lake who are celebrating special occasions this month. Happy 10th anniversary to Daryl and Yvonne Llewellyn, and a very happy birthday to Ed Stacey who still amazes us with his exceptional energy at "70 something. " Friday the 13th was especially lucky for Karen and Tighe Lefebvre when their new baby girl, Sophia Margret Maria, was born. Tighe says both of his girls are doing well. Congratulations to all. ‘

Concert coming

Please note on your calendars that Dec. 17 is the date of the upcoming Bridge Lake School Christmas dinner and concert. It is always nice to see so many neighbours attending and encouraging the creative talents of several children from our community who attend the school and perform in the concert as well as a show of appreciation for the efforts of the parents and staff who make it all possible.

Proud Lac des Roches residents Tony and Marguerite Neill will see a lot more of their daughter, Sandra, since her recent relocation to Kamloops with the RCMP. After many years of working throughout the Cariboo as a biologist in the forest industry, Sandra switched careers four years ago and graduated from the RCMP’s Regina Depot in August 2005. Const. Neill’s initial four-year assignment to the small town of Chetwynd in northern British Columbia, where she received "good experience," ended last month when she assumed her general duties much closer to home. Now, if only Tony and Margueritecould convince their son, Scott, who resides in Australia, to move his wife, Becky, and baby son, Finn, a little closer to Lac des Roches.

Winter gardening

Wendy Marshall advises there are still plenty of garden tasks remaining despite the snow we’ve had. Late root crops of carrots and parsnips must be pulled from the damp soil, dried and stored. Apparently, autumn is the best time to plant spinach seeds and garlic gloves for the following growing season. It may be necessary to scrape away snow, but if the soil is not frozen, seeds and cloves can still be sown and bone meal added to a six-inch deep hole — best for garlic. Both spinach and garlic will often sprout under the snow, she says, so when the snow melts, a new vegetable crop is right there to welcome the warmer days of spring.

Fishing trip

For many years, longtime resident Bill Jollymore and his wife, Loraine, have enjoyed fishing the pools along the Margaree, a Canadian heritage river on Cape Breton Island, N.S. Their 65-day, 22,300-km, round-trip drive was made even more enjoyable this year when neighbours Gordon and Wendy Marshall flew out to join them for some world-famous Atlantic salmon fishing. The Margaree Salmon Association honoured Bill this year for his many years of generous support and conservation efforts for the river. He has this prestigious award and his stunning pictures to add to his collection of souvenirs from these trips to Canada’s east coast. It was the first trip to Cape Breton Island for Gord and Wendy, and they added a drive along the nearby scenic Cabot Trail to their adventure. Wendy says the changing colours on the different trees were breathtaking. As with any fishing trip, weather is a key factor and a rainstorm, which lasted several days, resulted in muddy waters and poor results for our local fishers and the 50 other fishers out on the river. Gord’s response to the fishing conditions was his familiar adage: "The fishing was great — the catching was lousy. " All four agree — their trips were fantastic.

Hazardous hill

Two traffic accidents on Highway 24 at the west end of Lac des Roches on Oct. 25 have renewed concern among area residents about construction of an access just east of the hill. Slippery conditions, resulting from the shaded pavement, steep slope and sharp bend of the road, are notorious for surprising even the most experienced drivers. Residents are particularly concerned slow or stopped vehicles using the new access could compound the danger on this stretch of the road. They are quick to urge neighbours and friends to drive with extra caution on this hill, especially during the winter months.

The Thanksgiving weekend was a busy time for the 40 players and many observers who endured the chilly weather to participate in the 21st Annual Boultbee Road Horseshoe Tourn-ament. The teams consisted mostly of residents with family and friends filling the empty spots. The winning team of Kelly Raby and Keith Lefebvre was no surprise as Kelly was on the winning team in 2008. Honourable mention was earned by Ume, a visiting exchange student from Japan, who stepped in for a slightly injured player. While almost doing the impossible by hitting herself with her own toss, she played very well for a beginner. Since there was a shortage of women for the mandatory mixed teams, special thanks goes to Steve “Stephanie” Martin who volunteered to “play like a girl,” complete with painted fingernails. For the cost of $10 a person, the participants received a day and a half of good-natured competition, barbecued hamburgers and, of course, George Martin’s famous – and delicious – French fries. Patty Brenton, one of this year’s organizers, says she hopes to attract more residents for next year’s tournament and invites neighbours to contact her in August at cpbrenton@telus.net.

Wildlife signs

Deer sightings of both mule and white-tailed deer have increased significantly all around the lake and have some residence on edge as they cross the roads at all times of the day and night. Fresh black bear sign is abundant at the east end of Boultbee Road. Two trumpeter swans stopped over at the McCarthy Bay last week, a sure sign that migration is underway. The mother bald eagle is still fishing from the trees hanging over Carlos’ Point. Two otters, elusive throughout the summer months, were observed along the Boultbee shoreline, to the delight of visitors visiting during Thanksgiving long weekend.

Best wishes

Late birthday wishes to Judi Stacey who just barely qualifies for official senior’s discounts. She is well known for the volunteer work she does alongside her husband, Ed, for the Interlakes Lions Club, Bridge Lake Community School and Citizens on Patrol. Best wishes Judi for many more birthdays and good health. Late anniversary wishes to John and Elsie Clarkson for 48 years together. A few years ago, they considered a move closer to the city, but plans changed and they stayed. “Long” John remains the self-appointed “Mayor” of Boultbee Road and is doing a fine job. Continued health and happiness to you both. Happy birthday Madeline Kerr. With her husband Bryson, Madeline makes Lac des Roches her home for six months of the year while fulfilling many volunteer commitments for her hometown of Delta. Through telecommuting, Madeline organizes three book sales for the Delta Friends of the Library, co-ordinates a fundraising campaign for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. ; leads a sorority group and assists with the Delta Triathlon. Although it’s not without its challenges, this honourable work can be done from her lake office.

Good news

Among the residents of Lac des Roches, there are abundant accomplishments. I hope to discover more about our neighbours, their families and friends, and share their stories to entertain and inspire us all.

There is much more that falls at Lac des Roches these days than orange leaves from the trees. The autumn windstorms have begun and neighbours should use caution with several outdoor activities. The wind from the southeast will take its toll on dead or weak trees, but it is the short and extreme gusts from the northwest that seem to do the most damage, taking down even the healthiest trees. The trees get stirred up, do a type of circular hula dance, and then snap — the direction of the falling piece totally unpredictable. Even if the trees survive these gusts, yards can be littered with branches. Luckily, yard cleanup work is an excellent form of exercise in the fresh fall air. While outdoor burning bans have been lifted, the area is still very dry and the sudden wind gusts and their unpredictable direction can surprise even the most prudent neighbour. If you do burn your yard waste, keeping your fire small and feeding it gradually will provide both a good physical workout and a warm way to spend a chilly day.

Frogs for friends

Frogs don’t have teeth – I get that now. They were not the late season nibblers in my garden as suspected. Thank you to the readers who explained frogs are excellent for a garden as they eat – without chewing – a variety of bug-like pests that do have teeth and will happily chomp on zucchini and strawberries. My apologies to the frogs; they are welcome to live in my garden every year.

Deer, oh dear

Since the arrival of cooler weather, the sightings of deer in the area, especially those crossing Highway 24, have increased. Several mule deer families, frequenting the yards around Lac des Roches have neighbours talking. Two young does, likely siblings, have displayed very white tails as they bound through the fields to the safety of the trees. Most locals are pretty certain that despite their tails, they are definitely mule and not whitetail deer. A cautious and obviously attentive mother is leading three healthy fawns around. Three offspring is a relatively rare sight for deer and unexpected if they are crossing the highway. It serves as an excellent reminder that drivers should slow down for a deer that has crossed the highway, as there is a very good chance it is being closely followed by a companion or an interested buck.

Ground hazards

Neighbours are reminded there are many hazards in the surrounding forests and grasslands that have been supporting ranching for many years. It is not uncommon to find a piece of wire – often barbed – amid the grass and trees. Whether it got there by abandonment, was dropped by accident or dragged by an animal, it poses a hazard to humans, livestock and wildlife and should be retrieved and disposed of appropriately. Although the lodging grasses this time of year will often reveal the existence of an otherwise invisible wire fence, it is usually a tug at one’s boot or pant leg that reveals these hidden hazards on the ground. Recently, on a popular animal trial near our fence, I tripped over what I thought was a root, but it turned out to be four abandoned telephone cables, originally snipped off at ground level, but now poking out of the ground as the surrounding dirt is steadily packed down by the animal’s hooves. With a bit of digging and pruning shears, the hazard has been mitigated although not entirely removed. We must do what we can.

It is easy to take the Lac des Roche’s loons for granted as we normally enjoy their sounds for six months of the year. City visitors at the lake last week were surprised and delighted to hear the calls of several loons, so a phone call the next day to local birding enthusiast Wendy Marshall, resulted in some interesting information on loons in our area for this time of the year. While the Loon Survey recording continues for Bird Studies of Canada, the young and adult loons are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from one another since the breeding plumage of the adult bird changes from the distinct black and white patterns to a more brownish winter plumage, similar to that of the younger bird. Adult loons usually leave our lakes in October with the young departing a few weeks later. Chances are fairly good our next visitors from the city, expected in late October, will still be able to enjoy the musical sounds of the loons. Wendy added the two eaglets that spent the spring squawking from a nest near her home and spent a good portion of the summer screaming from the treetops all around the west end of the big lake, have now left. Presumably, they have moved to a river where a spawning salmon make an easy meal for a young bald eagle. The mother eagle is still hunting around the lakeshore but her dives in the clear water provide feed that she can enjoy entirely to herself. She rarely makes a sound these days although she creates quite a disturbance when she is in flight near the many noisy kingfishers she shares the lake with.

Great neighbours

Earlier this month, while Mother Nature provided the hot, dry weather, family, friends and neighbours provided the necessary additional manpower to assist the owner with a roof replacement project on Boultbee Road residence. I had the opportunity to listen to the steady stream of banter among the work crew. While it was entertaining, I could have sworn it was the same chatter and kidding I had heard when many of this same generous group of fellows assisted with our concrete pouring, five years earlier. What a great community we live in!

Don’t feed wildlife

It is harvest and cleanup time for the local hobby gardeners. Several neighbours have lamented over the amount of food their gardens supply to the local wildlife and critters. Deer can be particularly destructive and can wipe out a string of peas in one night — this I now know. One resident says her garden is too small to share with the bugs and the local wildlife, so she has installed a low-voltage electric fence, which has successfully deterred the hungry deer. Judging by the nibbling that continues on my zucchinis and strawberries — yes, our strawberries are still flowering and producing fruit in late September — I wonder if it isn’t the many frogs, which come out of their burrows after dark, that are helping themselves to our food?

Fish stories

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, wishes to thank all the participants who submitted crewel reports for the 2009 summer fishing season. These records of stocked fish caught in Lac des Roches are used by the Ministry of Environment to determine the success of past stocking practices and potential changes to the program for the future. To collect data next year contact them at www.lacdesroches.org.

For the last two years, gusting winds at Lac des Roches have kept the South Cariboo Rowing club from including this lake in their three-day lake tour. On Aug. 29, calm weather conditions resulted in a visual treat for travellers stopped at the highway rest stop and residents who happened to be watching the lake. Four long rowing shells with a total of 20 rowers from all over southern BC, accompanied by a motor-powered safety boat, set out from the public boat launch to tour the eight-mile long lake. In the afternoon, they carefully maneuvered through the narrow channel to Little Lac des Roches where they rewarded themselves with refreshments from the local resort. Their outing included excursions for the following two days on nearby Canim and Bridge Lakes. When asked about any notable sightings during their journey, local rower Jack Jenkins only mentioned observing a nude sunbather in a boat; but we’ll not mention the specifics, to protect the identity of the local sun worshipper.

Fall descends

It sounds like fall on the shores of Lac des Roches. After hearing this comment from several residents, I set out to figure out what fall sounded like and I think I have pinned it down to a few discernable sounds: the strong easterly wind blows through drier leaves on the Aspen and Cottonwood trees making a much louder and crisper noise as they flutter against one another. Gone is the silent summer greenery, replaced by the parched grass, dried limbs and dying flower stems that crunch and snap loudly underfoot. Lower water levels mean that the waves that reach the undercut banks exposed along the shoreline make a hollow "kafflub" sound that wasn’t heard during the summer The absence of familiar summer sounds like lawnmowers, motorcycles, robins and hungry baby crows are further contributors to the subtle but distinct changing sounds that indicate fall is definitely here!

Wary wildlife

Other than the small rodents that burrow in the fields and managed to destroy several of my peas and one zucchini plant, local wild animal sightings are still far and few between this year. Most residents concur that the extreme weather this summer likely affected normal wildlife activity. Just as some lucky residents were getting used to the recent return of daily visits by several does and the young bucks, these cautious animals will no doubt resort to their elusive behaviour. Now that hunting season has returned, they will be wary of the unmistakable sound of gunfire in the surrounding south Cariboo wilderness.

Groovy highway

The highway along the north side of Lac des Roches may be a little safer now that centerline grooves have been added. In 2008, new paving at the west end of the lake included centerline grooves. In August, grooves were extended on the eastern portion of Highway 24, which is in the Thompson-Nicola regional district. Drivers who drift over the centerline will immediately be warned by the vibration they will feel on their tires. Residents will also know of drifting drivers as the resulting distinct rumble sounds echo off the southern slopes and usually reverberate along the whole length of the lake!

Membership renewal

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, has produced its quarterly update for members that is posted on their website, www.lacdesroches.org. It includes a reminder that annual family membership fees of $10 are due. New "friends" are always welcome and you do not have to be a resident to belong to this active group.

Distribution of a boating etiquette flyer, a joint solution between the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Society and the Lac des Roches Resort owner, seems to be having a positive influence on visiting boaters to the lake. One large recreational boat in particular recently displayed exceptional courtesy to a small sailboat and respect of the provincial speed limit of 10 km/h within 30 meters of shore, while towing a tuber the long distance in and out of the popular access #7 boat launch area. Several residents witnessed this exemplary behaviour and wanted to share this "good boating story" with interested readers, especially due to the recently published accounts of "bad behaviour. " Lake users who may want a copy of the Safe Boating Guide and boating etiquette suggestions can obtain a free copy of both through the society’s e-mail, contactus@lacdesroches.org.

Lower lake level

Lake levels dropped very quickly in August and continue to drop due to the returning heat wave and rare gravel "beaches" have appeared all around the shores of the lake. Rock shoals and underwater snags are closer to the surface now and will do significant damage to boats if not avoided. Many of the snags move with the shifting ice and high winds in the spring so their locations are unpredictable, unknown and unmarked.

Rural road rage

With only one more long weekend to go this summer, the abuse of the local roads will soon, thankfully, come to an end. ATVs, motorcycles and dune buggies will no longer tear up and down Boultbee, McCarthy and Cottage Country roads, creating noise, dust and safety hazards. Despite being located on the edge of the wilderness, we are not located in the wilds of backcountry BC as some visitors seem to think. A resident’s comment, worth repeating, was that these roads are the front streets to our homes and these riders would certainly not put up with such conduct in front of their homes, in their neighbourhood! Hmmm.

Closure continues

The province’s voluntary closure of forests, urging "all persons to stay out of backcountry areas," is still in effect as evidenced by the posted sign at the Lac des Roches rest stop. Forestry workers and a fire warden patrolling the area indicated that visitors to the area are respecting the open fire ban, despite the near freezing night-time temperatures we have been experiencing over the last few weeks. The closure is affecting typical late summer activities for some residents, like blueberry picking and firewood gathering, but it is more important that residents remain diligent and observant for evidence of wild fires while the area continues to be so dry.

Executives elected

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, held its AGM on Aug. 20. All expired executive positions were renewed by acclamation of the incumbents. Board member and society information is on their website, www.lacdesroches.org.

Great gardens

What a great year to take up recreational gardening in the South Cariboo! In spite of the many critters that have been munching on chives, carrot tops and kohl- rabi leaves, we have vegetables galore! Not the calibre of the ones I viewed at the Bridge Lake Fair, but tasty just the same. On the advice of my thoughtful neighbour, I am journaling my failures and successes. My biggest boo-boo yet was planting the entire package of zucchini seeds for just two of us — although I have been experimenting with our food dehydrator and found I really like dried zucchini chips.

The hot days of the August long weekend attracted several careless boaters to Lac des Roches. Despite posted speed restrictions and the provincial speed restriction of 10 km/h within 30 meters of shore, several boats were operated in unsafe and unlawful manners. It was not surprising to witness a small rowboat capsize and see there were only two lifejackets among the six adults who ended up in the water. Thankfully, all occupants made it to shore with the assistance of other boaters in the area. An all-to-often disturbing scene was a dog, swimming out from shore, in search of its family which had set off for a boat ride. Despite being natural swimmers, dogs can suffer exhaustion and end their frantic search in disaster — for the entire family. This too had a happy ending as a boater convinced the dog to return to shore. Restraining a dog left alone on shore is the best means of ensuring its safety.

Season short

Cooler air temperatures last week seem to have kept many boaters away but the water was still very pleasant for swimming — for several reasons. Water temperature in one shallow bay registered 18 C although it fell a few degrees further out in the deeper water. Swimming certainly feels safer during boating lulls as so many boaters seem unfamiliar with popular swimming areas. There is a much better chance of encountering loons with fewer boats around as the loons will often pop up, out of nowhere, on their long underwater dives in search of food fish. We had cause to grab the binoculars for a closer look when the splashes turned out to be the steady strokes of an ambitious swimmer who crossed the entire width of lake back!

New pavement

I am sending another thank you to the ministry for the new pavement on Highway 24, which removed so many bumps. It has now passed our official tool test. The test occurred when a small screwdriver was inadvertently left on the bumper of our vehicle after minor maintenance. After a road check trip to Interlakes corner, the tool was still on the bumper — a passing grade to the smooth road and the smooth driver!

Friends to meet

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, hosts its annual general meeting Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Bridge Lake School. All are welcome.

Lost and found

Recently, my nephew lost his wallet between Williams Lake and our house. Phone calls to the gas station and police produced no wallet and the enjoyment of his road trip was dwindling fast. It was delightful to receive a call that night from the 100 Mile House RCMP to say his wallet had been turned in and find the contents in tact. A good end to a lost and found story!
Well, earlier this month, while walking around the yard, I found a golf-ball sized black knob on the lawn and placed it on a table near our picnic area. I learned that the knob had been missing from our lawn mower for a couple of weeks, so I was quite pleased that I had found it. Imagine my dismay when, two days later, the knob vanished from the table. I suspect, like the hard boiled eggs that were stolen from our deck by the raven, a hungry bird mistook the knob for an edible tidbit and it is now lost forever. A bad end to a found and lost story!