Saskatoon berry picking excursions were a disappointment this year. Cool and wet summer weather prevented the many bushes that dot our southern slopes from producing their usual abundant tasty berries. Where last year the bushes thrived with berries to satisfy the household, cedar waxwings and the bears, this year, it was first come, first served only. A tall thicket near Boultbee Road went entirely to a bear, in what appears to be one frenzied feeding as he broke many of the taller bushes to reach the few berries far from the ground. The berries were so slow to ripen that we noticed the leaves turning from green to yellow, sooner than many of the berries ripened from red to purple. The weather conditions did seem to help the wild raspberries thrive this year. Raspberry bushes have cropped up in places we have never had them before and they had plenty of ripe berries. To the delight of our granddaughter, the berries were delicious and apparently just the right picking height for a 5-year-old!
Grizzly bear may be on the prowl
Neighbours are talking about a reported sighting of a Grizzly bear in the hills north of Lac des Roches, up the Wavey Lake Forest Service Road. Rumor has it that "beyond cow camp," which is 17 km from the start of the road at Highway 24, is where the bear was sighted. Although unable to confirm this sighting at the time of writing, it seemed that it is most certainly worth mentioning and urging caution out there since so many of our community members enjoy recreational activities in the surrounding hills this time of year. Although sightings of black bear have been rare this summer, any bear out there may be hungry since the berry crops have been so poor and outdoor enthusiasts should be mindful of them as well.
Canoes thwarted by high winds
On Aug. 23, we watched the lake throughout the day, aniticipating the South Cariboo Rowing Club travelling along our shores as noted earlier this summer in the 100 Mile Free Press. The article in the Sep. 3 edition, picturing the rowing enthusiasts enjoying Bridge Lake, confirmed our suspicion that for the second year in a row, the club was unable to launch their canoes onto Lac des Roches due to high winds and whitecap waves. Brenda Jenkins reported that the rowers drove to the rest stop overlooking the lake, to see what they might have enjoyed, then headed for Bridge Lake where they had a wonderful time. It is not uncommon for fierce winds to stir up the waters at Lac des Roches while the surrounding lakes on both sides of us are calm. Jack Jenkins confirmed that the club will try Lac des Roches again next year and hopefully have better luck with the weather.
Non-resident voting requirements
Some non-resident neighbours were disappointed to find out that they were unable to vote in the Fire Services referendum on Sep. 3. For property owners that live permanently elsewhere, there are special criteria that must be met on voting day. For the referendum, residents needed to obtain a voter registration certificate from the Cariboo Regional District, which provides them with the right to vote on this and future referendums in this region. The legislation has just been modified and the requirements have changed. Non-residents should contact Alice Walters at the Cariboo Regional District (1-800-665-1636) for further clarification on what is required for future voting privileges.