Category: Community Blog

When Harold and Penny Edwards learned that their great nephew Trevor Okino was scheduled to play a hockey game against the 100 Mile House Wranglers, they realized it was an ideal opportunity to invite family to cheer him on.

For the Nov. 27 game against the Chase Heat, Harold invited Trevor’s mother Stacey Okino from Ladner, and grandmother Lynn Turner from Tsawwassen for a visit to his Lac des Roches home, which included a trip to the game in 100 Mile House.

Whether the extra cheering contributed to the win is debatable, but Trevor’s team enjoyed a 4-3 victory that night.

Early ice

The night of Dec. 4 was calm and cold.

With the air temperature dipping down to -28 C, conditions were ideal for Lac des Roches to completely ice over. By daybreak, the new ice was covered with tiny frost flowers, so many, in fact, the lake was completely white, like it had been blanketed with a layer of snow.

In less than a week, the ice thickness measured six to eight inches, able to support most winter activities. Outdoor enthusiasts arriving for winter holidays will be delighted to find a near perfectly smooth layer of ice under the protective cover of snow and frost although the many cracks in the ice are a natural tripping hazard.

Waterways survey

A surveyor contractor was out checking and marking property boundaries and topography details on several lots below the rest stop.

According to Michelle Schilling of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, their work is a key component to a drainage study that is underway. Water runoff is a known problem on several lots with underground streams and ditch overflow causing concern to both private property and Boultbee Road.

The study will ensure the water flow can be redirected to the lake from private property to available Crown land.

Residents who have questions about this project are invited to contact Schilling at 250-395-8948.

Sledding advice

The accumulation of early snow is very attractive to local snowmobilers although frigid temperatures will prevent many sledders from venturing out.

Again this year, Wavey Lake Forest Service Road is being cleared of snow to support active logging. Snowplowing goes beyond 205 Road, to the new road extension just beyond the Jim Creek Bridge.

Riders can avoid much of the road by exiting at 201 Road, although regulations regarding driver’s licences and liability insurance requirements apply to all sledders using any portion of forestry roads. Sledders are also requested to stick to established trails around residences.

Lot owners, who allow their neighbours to access Crown land through their fields, should not have to contend with the noise and damage from playful sledders when there are hundreds of kilometres of trails nearby.

Lights aglow

Despite a relatively sparse winter population, the community looks very festive.

Thank you goes to all the residents who have lit up their yards and houses to celebrate the holiday season.

Avoid tracks

In a few days, the area will be bustling with neighbours and friend up for the holidays. On the lake especially, please be mindful of the effort taken by Nordic skiers to set their tracks for cross-country skiing.

It would be greatly appreciated if all other traffic, sledders and walkers particularly, would avoid travelling directly on ski paths.

Glad tidings

For the residents of the community and their friends and family, I wish to extend my heartfelt good wishes to all for a joyous Christmas and a safe holiday season.

I hope it is an enjoyable and event-filled winter for all.

Despite the allure of open and calm water in late November, cold air and water temperatures kept even the hardiest sportsman off Lac des Roches.

On the other hand, early ice on the lake, due to the same cold temperatures, is a welcome winter bonus for many. Little Lac des Roches has been iced over for two weeks with ice depths exceeding five inches around the shore. A hockey rink has already appeared in anticipation of hours of play.

Ice travel by any means on these lakes requires caution due to thin ice and holes, which form above the many underwater springs, particularly in the shallower areas.

Potluck poultry

The grouse population at Lac des Roches has increased considerably since summer, that is, until last week when two spruce grouse ended up in a resident’s stew pot.

One grouse flew into the glass panel on a residential balcony. The other was surprised by a hiker and in its flurry to fly into the trees for safety, glanced off the shoulder of the hiker and flew into a tree. For both birds, the impact was fatal resulting in a delicious feed of grouse – with very little effort – for one lucky resident.

Winter hazards

Last winter’s snow and weather conditions were quite rare and the lack of daytime warm weather and sunshine through much of the winter prevented the snow from sliding off many of the low-pitched roofs.

Residents are reminded to take care for their own safety and that of their families, pets and guests who might be unaware of the hazard of sliding snow or falling icicles from overhead structures.

Warm weather following the surprising wet snowfall earlier this season cleared most structures of their snow with no reported incidents or close calls but residents must be cautious if the temperatures continue to fluctuate.

Unexpected critters

Abundant tracks in the snow are once again proving the area is either packed with thousands of critters on the move or perhaps only dozens of animals that can’t keep still.

Among the expected tracks of deer and coyote in the fields and grouse and chipmunks among the trees, cougar tracks near the boat launch and otter tracks near the rest stop were a little out of the ordinary.

One resident was in the right place at the right time to witness an otter making its way down the slope, across Boultbee Road, toward the lake.

Night noises

Active logging is still underway in the hills south of Lac des Roches.

The drone of equipment is heard late into the night and early in the morning.

Residents speculate that the contractor may be working around the clock during the week to keep expensive equipment utilized but no one can confirm that as few are willing to stay up through the night.

One resident walking his dog at different times of the late evening notes that on several occasions, the howls from distant wolves are loud enough to momentarily drown out the sounds of the logging equipment.

Early sledding

The third week of November is very early for snowmobilers to take their machines out, but there is enough snow for enthusiastic neighbours to do just that.

Tracks indicate the first ride occurred on Nov. 23 and there have been several since.

Bird watching

The Christmas bird count has been scheduled for Jan. 4.

As always, Wendy Marshall will lead the group to popular local observation points. Everyone is welcome to join this entertaining and informative excursion. Call 250-593-2327 for more information.

The ladies of Boultbee Road gathered for tea and coffee on Nov. 10. The group always finds several reasons to turn their routine gatherings into a party.

While the ladies are always happy to share good news about their families, particularly grandchildren, over beverages and home baked treats the group celebrated both a recent marriage and a teaching contract beginning in China.

First snowfall

No one expected the first snowfall of the season on Nov. 2 to last longer than 24 hours and leave almost a foot of wet snow on everything.  Many trees bent right to the ground under the weight of the snow and several trees uprooted and landed on overhead lines.  These trees may account for the many power blips and the five-hour power outage in the area on Nov. 3.

Power blips continue to plague the area with many residents having given up on resetting their blinking clocks.

Wild weather

Terrific wind gusts throughout the day and into the night of Nov. 11 were the hot topic around the neighbourhood the following day.

White caps on the lake appeared to be over three feet high.  Residents were amazed that there was no power outage considering how many trees blew down.

On one lot a grove of large aspen trees snapped off and resembled a stack of pick-up-sticks.  The wind, which was surprisingly warm during the night, lapped up about 10 inches of snow in the exposed fields during a 24-hour period. Warm temperatures for the next few days proceeded to melt the rest of the exposed snow.

Mediocre meters

It seems the new electric meters are not so smart after all.

Individual residential meters readings are not reaching the central receiving router at McCarthy Road so BC Hydro is not aware of household electricity consumption nor are they automatically aware of power outages in the area.

Residents may have noticed that their last BC Hydro bill was estimated, evidence that the system is not fully operational.  All smart meters around the lake were being tested by a Corix technician in early November.

He indicated that the infrastructure should be fully working within two months. Outages should still be reported to BC Hydro at 1-888-769-3766.

High flyers

Flocks of migrating birds have been observed the last few weeks.  On Nov. 2, during the snow storm, three large flocks of geese were seen going east and north – nowhere near the southern direction expected.

Residents presumed the geese were looking for quiet open water to sit out the storm.  Many different ducks have been sighted with one resident surprised to see a golden eye and mallard apparently paired up and travelling together.

A pair of swans was seen on Nov. 11 and observant residents are likely to glimpse or hear more as there are often several pairs and small flocks of trumpeter swans that overnight on our lake during their migration.

Wolves confirmed

Several residents have been out driving and hiking the back roads in both Regions 3 and 5 that surround our area during the current hunting season.

Although deer and moose sightings are few, the blanket of fresh snow provided considerable evidence of just how plentiful the wolves are this year.

Areas previously known for concentrated deer and moose population show tracks of wolves only, some the size of a man’s hand, and more typical of tracks seen hundreds of miles to the north.

Residents who spend a lot of time outdoors will continue to hear the wolves’ howling in the hills all around the lake.

The end of October traditionally signifies changes to the demographics around the lake. Seasonal residents have winterized their cabins and said their goodbyes until the spring. Year-round residents are winding down their fall projects and preparing for the winter season of rest, relaxation, discretionary projects and – of course – winter play. For those absent homeowners, there is considerable comfort knowing the many retired residents, by their presence alone, provide a level of security during the quiet winter season with their watchfulness of unfamiliar vehicles and pedestrians on local roads.
Roaming bear
The big black bear continues to seek out food along Boultbee Road, with both evidence of his presence and non-confrontational sightings occurring almost daily. His focus seems to be on garbage cans and bird feeders, all of which he has found empty, thanks to thoughtful neighbours. Although there are still plenty of rose hips in the area, it is hoped the bear will soon give up his local search for food and head into the mountains with hibernation on his mind.
Falling trees
The contractor working for BC Hydro is continuing his work around the lake, taking down trees that could potentially fall on electrical lines. The BC Hydro arborist pointed out the current focus in on aspen trees that show signs of age or disease. Years of infestation by the leaf miner has taken its toll on the deciduous forest and residents can attest to the fact that even the healthiest-looking tree will fall over unexpectedly and reveal a bulb-like base which has no remaining root structure to support it. Trees felled on private property are cut into firewood or eight foot lengths and left for the owner to dispose of while limbs are processed immediately with a wood chipper.
Beaver sightings
Evidence of increased beaver activity around the lake has been observed during the last month. One resident has enjoyed watching one, and sometimes two, large beavers swimming by the front of her house daily. While the eating habits of beavers are annoying to property owners losing saplings along their shore, beavers’ destructive behaviour can be much more serious. New beaver dams near the outlet of Gold Pan Creek are putting a developed house lot at risk of flooding. The homeowner has, once again, enlisted the help of a local trapper to eradicate the beaver family before the water level reaches his ancillary buildings.
Plentiful predators
Residents still wondering “where the animals are?” need to be reminded of the presence of wolves and cougars, which are keeping many of the moose and deer away from the area. While actual sightings of these predators are rare, there have been many stories of encounters by neighbours all year and the sound of wolves howling at all hours has become quite commonplace. Nature’s life cycle is expected to run its course, and as the predators move to new locations in search of plentiful prey, the ungulate population should be restored. In the meantime, residents spotting deer, moose and other wild critters in their yards should enjoy the rare view.
Testing complete
Water quality testing of the four lakes in the Lac des Roches chain is completed for the year. During the past 24 weeks and in ice-off conditions, volunteers have collected data at least 12 times, which will be sent into the BC Lake Stewardship Society for analysis and historical environmental reports by the Ministry of Environment. Once again thanks go to the dedicated volunteers who take the time and use their own resources for this valuable and appreciated exercise.

The ladies of Boultbee Road never have to look too hard for a reason to get together for a travelling tea party. Oct. 6 proved to be a good day to gather as the group included four ladies from the road who had never attended before. A small cake with candles was presented to the youngest attendee celebrating her birthday, although several other ladies insisted they were also 29. No doubt their claim referred to their state of mind and not their actual age. The hostess, Dale Yeager, used the opportunity to have the ladies sign a huge card for her son-in-law, Todd Obermire who is battling pancreatic cancer. Well wishes and messages of hope from the neighbourhood where Todd has enjoyed many hours of recreational activities are sure to provide positive inspiration for him and his wife during this difficult time. The ladies generously contributed $150 towards Dale’s fundraising efforts for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Tossing tournament

It was another successful year at the Boultbee Road annual horseshoe tournament, with 48 participants joining in on the action. According to several participants, weather on the Thanksgiving weekend was “just about the best” they had experienced during the 25-year running of the neighbourhood event. Participants and spectators enjoyed the sunny day without having to huddle around a burning barrel for warmth. Congratulations to the winning team of neighbours Kelly Raby and Steve Gillett and a big thank-you is extended to the team of residents who helped with organizing and cooking. Invitations for next year’s tournament are sent out to previous participants; however, others interested in joining in on the fun can have their names added to the waiting list. Contact the writer for more information.

Bear incident

Sadly, two bears were hit on Highway 24 during the evening on Oct. 14. A large sow and her cub both died at the scene. There is little doubt these were two of the bears observed roaming through yards on a daily basis during the past month. Residents should continue to be cautious as there could easily be more bears in the area.

Shoreline cleanup

Frost, ice and strong winds have prompted residents to put their boats and docks safely away for winter. Some docks have been moved to protected bays around the lake while many are pulled up onto the shore. Residents are reminded that public accesses are used during the winter for travelling to the lake for recreational and standby emergency water purposes and should never be blocked.

Family reunion

Congratulations to Don St. Hilaire of Boultbee Road for his milestone birthday in October. Don waited until his entire family came home from Edmonton for Thanksgiving to celebrate. While Don claimed “the best birthday present ever” was to be surrounded by his family, the fact that everyone pitched in to split and stack his winter supply of firewood was an added bonus and just in time for the fast-approaching winter.

Friends meet

A small group of members attended the annual general meeting of the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake on Sept. 30 at the Lac des Roches Resort. The executive remains the same and names are posted on the society’s website. For the benefit of new members present, the group’s involvement with water stewardship, wildlife and environmental monitoring was explained. Residents are encouraged to renew their memberships as a show of support for the society’s initiatives and to benefit from their quarterly newsletters.

The calm and mild weather on the last day of summer provided ideal conditions for an intimate wedding held Sept. 21 at Rock Island Ranch, on the shores of Lac des Roches. In the presence of their immediate family, two good friends as witnesses and a local marriage commissioner, Dan Braithwaite and Gina Santiago exchanged vows at their lakeside cabin. All the attendees contributed to the wedding traditions from decorating to catering and cleanup, making the entire day special for the happy couple. The groom was all smiles when his beautiful bride surprised him by arriving to the wedding on the lake, aboard a pontoon boat. One of the groom’s creative daughters made a boutonniere for her dad from three bright orange rose hips, matching the bride’s bouquet perfectly. Dan and Gina had their honeymoon at the cabin and plan to reside at the lake full time in 2014.

Holiday horseshoes

Neighbours are invited to enjoy the fun at the upcoming annual Thanksgiving weekend Boultbee Road horseshoe tournament. While the team participant list is full, there is no limit for the number of spectators and this is a chance to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new neighbours. In fact, the more bodies squeezed together on the wooden bleachers, the warmer it will be for everyone. The action begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 12) and runs all day Sunday. Organizer Kelly Raby advises she has planned food for the participants only, so spectators should bring their own lunch, favourite beverage and warm clothes.

Family unites

While their son-in-law, Todd Obermire, battles pancreatic cancer, Boultbee Road residents Mike and Dale Yeager have committed to support Todd and their daughter, Kerry, in the fight. Research of the disease and its treatments are areas that desperately need funding, so Mike and Dale have set a financial goal and are actively fundraising. The two novice runners are currently training for a five-kilometre run on Nov. 3 in Seattle to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network through their web page at www.purplestride.kintera.org/pugetsound/mdyeager?faf=1&e=7169188437. They have several initiatives in mind over the next few months to provide opportunities for the entire community to support their cause. Best wishes go to the entire family.

Bear awareness

Black bears have been busy in the neighbourhood, foraging in yards for easy edibles. Their current diet is old duck eggs, rose hips, wasp nests and berries. Unfortunately, they have damaged several Mountain Ash trees where the residences are vacant. Although these bears are a minor nuisance, there have been no reported hostile encounters, and if residents are mindful of their presence and keep their yards bear-proof, the animals will soon be moving into the forest and hibernating for the winter.

Healthy harvest

Area gardens have been touched by early frost as the summer growing season comes to an end. One keen vegetable gardener managed to raise sweet corn although the ears are a little under-sized. Our area usually does not support vegetables requiring a long growing season, but milder temperatures are changing some of the traditional crops and depending on location and exposure to sunlight, crops such as pumpkins and corn are now possible.

Postal changes

Changes to postal service are imminent for those box holders at Bridge Lake store. A community group has formed to lobby area residents and Canada Post to consider the use of community names such as Bridge Lake, Sheridan Lake and Deka Lake rather than calling the entire area “Lone Butte.” The benefits, details of changes and status will be available soon on a website at www.lonebuttepostalchange.wordpress.com.

China dishes may be the traditional gift for a 20th wedding anniversary, but many married couples are opting to celebrate milestone anniversaries by renewing or reaffirming their marriage vows. For her upcoming 20th anniversary, Dale Yeager got the idea to renew her marriage vows with her husband, Mike, when she saw a notice at her favourite Bed and Breakfast in Hope, which is owned and operated by an ordained minister and his wife. Months of anticipation ended in late August when Dale and Mike, accompanied by Dale’s daughter Kerry Obermire and son-in-law Todd Obermire of Puyallup, Washington, officially renewed their marriage vows at an intimate outdoor ceremony. Following the formalities, the foursome enjoyed a salmon dinner, prepared especially for them at a popular Hope restaurant. They are back in the Cariboo, enjoying their favourite pastimes – Dale kayaking and Mike fishing. Their “honeymoon” was a fall fishing trip, exploring lakes in the Chilcotin. Congratulations Dale and Mike on their 20 happy years together and many more to come.

Winter preparation

Since the dissolving of the Bridge Lake Bushwackers Snowmobile Club and the loss of their warming hut, snowmobilers using the Wavey Lake mountain trails have converged on Cow Camp for a reprieve from the chilly weather. Although the old structures continue to show their age, a little annual maintenance on the cabin and grounds keeps the camp relatively hospitable for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lac des Roches cleanup crew, which has prepared the cabin for another year of winter use, suggests that visitors assist in driving out the packrats by resetting traps and keeping the area free of any garbage.

Shots fired

Every September, the sound of nearby gunshots advises residents that regular hunting season has begun. Both Crown and private land can be hunted although there are restrictions regarding discharge near occupied buildings and highways. Since many of the nearby recreational trails are in permitted hunting areas, residents are reminded to be wary of both animals and hunters and to make their presence known in the forest.

Road hazards

Any construction project that involves removal of an old structure can be cause for concern as tires have been punctured over the years by roofing and framing nails dislodged from the beds of pickups and utility trailers heading for the landfill. The walkers on Boultbee Road have been watching for hazards following a cabin demolition and are happy to report no debris or nails. The contractor deserves significant credit for his diligence on securing the outgoing loads of debris.

Surround sound

While the logging on the south hill has moved eastward, out of earshot, evidence of logging to the north, on 201 Road can be seen from the lake. Like the logging in the south, the cut blocks are out of view but trees removed at the top of the mountain have altered the horizon. The logging planned in the eastern hills will be visible from several properties even though the cut blocks were altered to mitigate the visual impact from some key public viewpoints at the request of members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake.

Wonderful wildlife

A small black bear was observed at noon in several yards on Sept. 9 and bear sightings have continued throughout the month. One resident saw “the biggest black bear [he’s] ever seen” in his yard, so there may be several bears in the area accounting for the evidence along the entire north shore of the lake.

Meeting reminder

The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake annual general meeting is on Sept. 30 at Lac des Roches Resort, beginning at 7 p.m.

August is typically a challenging month for trout fishing at Lac des Roches. Warm water makes the fish lethargic or stay down deep while the abundance of natural feed in the lake offers a satisfying menu over the foreign flies, worms and spinners the fishers use as lures. Statistics don’t keep residents and their guests from trying their luck on the tempting shoals. Andy Fochuk, a longtime visitor to the lake, fishes regularly in the rivers around his home in Fort St. John where he claims to “throw in anything brown and fuzzy and catch a fish right away. ” With a little extra advice from family and neighbours this summer, Andy successfully landed his first rainbow trout on Aug. 31. Local fishers claim the trout fishing will pick up in the cooler days of autumn, which have already begun lowering the temperature of the lake.

Wolves to the north

Several nearby wolf sightings have been reported by residents. On Aug. 31 at the junction of 201 Road and Wavey Lake Forest Service Road at Rabbit Meadow, a local family observed a pack of three wolves for several minutes until at least two more wolves, which had been out of sight, started to howl and they all disappeared into the woods. The group also discovered remnants of a wolf-killed moose. With reports of cougars in the vicinity of Bridge Lake, residents must never forget the many wildlife hazards when living out on the edge of the wilderness.

Logging underway

The active logging just south of Lac des Roches may be out of sight but the distinctive sound of a feller buncher sawing its way through the forest definitely disrupted the tranquility of early mornings at the lake for many visitors. Nylon tents and fibreglass trailers dotted throughout the neighbourhood housing sleepy campers during the Labour Day weekend offered little in the way of sound buffers from the heavy equipment working early in the mornings. Several visitors were actually looking forward to return to the quiet mornings they claimed they would find back home in the city.

AGM planned

The annual general meeting for the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will be held on Sept. 30 at the Lac des Roches Resort, starting at 7 p.m. All are welcome but only members can vote. The $10 biennial family membership can be purchased at the meeting.

Shallow water

Water levels continue to drop, despite the many rain showers we have enjoyed during the last month. While the channel is passable, extreme caution must be exercised to avoid the many sunken logs. The rock shoal near the west end of Eagle Island is partially exposed but well marked with buoys. Bays that are now only covered by inches of water are perfect hunting grounds for the many Great Blue Herons that fish there regularly.

Critter watch

Ground squirrels have hibernated and hummingbirds have flown south. While it is too early for the Canada geese to migrate, they have relocated from the lawns in the McCarthy subdivision, and that is a welcome reprieve to those residents who must clean up after them. Deer have returned to the residential areas, although sparsely and families of otters are fishing with the loons on the south shores of the lake. A moose crossing the lake was a treat for one resident, as she followed its progress through the deep water then through the tangled underbrush of the south shore. There is evidence of fresh beaver activity at the west end of Boultbee Road.

Wasps and the many varieties of stinging insects are a big problem this year, at Lac des Roches and many surrounding communities. Many residents have reported encounters with these annoying and sometimes dangerous pests. Reactions to insect stings are varied and can range from an annoying stinging sensation and minor swelling to full cardiac arrest. Residents have been sharing their suggestions for remedies and avoidance. Foremost is to inspect the area for the source of attraction, which is likely a nest. Removal and disposal can be dangerous but is necessary. Installing wasp attractors or feeders to a different location can be effective. Having anti-histamines drugs, such as Benadryl, nearby can provide relief to adults and pets with the proper dosage advice. Extreme allergic reactions require medical attention, but known sufferers are usually equipped with an epinephrine injector. Suggested topical remedies are plantain poultice or under arm deodorant. Screened tents or gazebos are gaining popularity, as they offer the outdoor experience without any of the annoying insects, and with so few weeks of summer weather left, no one wants to be forced indoors. Electronic bug zappers, installed or hand held, can be effective but the old-fashioned fly swatter or rolled up Free Press newspaper are a cheap and great way to maintain or improve hand-eye co-ordination for the swatter of any age group.

Fair enjoyed

Several residents have suggested the organizers of the Bridge Lake Fall Fair receive a mention for a job well done this year. Several car loads of neighbours spent a good portion of their day enjoying the exhibits and entertainment offered at the fair. The avid quilters from our area are still talking about the wonderful needlework displays. Congratulations go to the organizers and the participants for another successful year.

Land development

Several residents attended last week’s public hearing for the proposed residential development at the end of Lee Road, which involves an Official Community Plan text amendment and rezoning. While Lac des Roches property owners are likely not directly impacted by the proposed changes, residents of our area have witnessed development of strata-owned subdivisions in a rural and agricultural setting and have opinions that are worthy of note. Neighbours contributing to important community processes are to be commended for their participation.

Water levels

Several seasonal creeks have dried up this year, which may partially account for the dropping lake level although Lac des Roches is mostly fed by underwater springs. Shallow shoals and channels are almost impassable for larger boats and swimmers may experience some tummy tickling from the prolific weeds. Varying lake levels are not an environmental concern, as past lake monitoring records indicate that large changes of several feet is a normal part of the lake’s cycle.

Bear-free berries

Thankfully, this year’s fabulous berry picking season has passed with no reported bear encounters – so far. Last year, bears were attracted to the local Saskatoon bushes and surprise encounters were reported almost daily and several high-producing bushes were completely destroyed by our hungry and clumsy invaders. The remaining out-of-reach berries seem to be attracting only cedar waxwings and crows. Several residents have commented that –what appears to be a bumper crop of rose hips – could still attract the bears to the neighbourhood.

Critter watch

In addition to regular deer sightings this month, residents report otters and beavers around the lake. A surprising number of – what is believed to be – mink have been seen at several locations. These dark brown critters look a lot like a small otter, but move distinctively differently when on the shore.

Dips, curves and unparalleled scenery found along the Fishing Highway 24 makes this road a very popular route for recreational travel. The high volume of summer traffic passing by Lac des Roches consists of transport trucks, slow-moving RV caravans and lone motorcycle rockets. During the tourist season, it seems very few travellers are aware of the hazards associated with interchanges and pullouts common within highway communities. The variable speeds of vehicles slowing to turn off the highway or accelerating after entering the highway are not always recognized by drivers who may be preoccupied taking in a glimpse of the lake. Even the most experienced drivers recount tales of close-calls experienced within a few kilometres of their home. All of our front streets have a “blind” corner from at least one direction of Highway 24. Visitors to the lake, unfamiliar with the hazards in the area, may not be prepared for the common, poor driving habits that residents have come to expect. These include speeding, drifting over the centreline, passing on a double solid yellow line, inappropriate signalling and swerving to avoid small wildlife. Residents are reminded to caution their visitors about the dangers of entering and exiting the highway and to drive as defensively as possible, expecting the inevitable errors made by the other drivers.

Unwanted weeds

Thistles are showing their purple blooms among the maturing weeds and grasses. Spraying and pulling these invasive plants are the two effective ways to rid the fields of these annoying weeds. Residents are reminded there are several other invasive weeds, such as Oxeye Daisy, Burdock, Mullein, Orange Hawkweed and Goat’s Beard, which are growing throughout the area and are targets of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Invasive Plant Committee (CCCIPC). Pineapple weed and plantain grow in most of the lawns and driveways. Plantain is often used as a home remedy for skin irritations and relief from insect bites but can still choke out natural grasses from a pasture and is, therefore, considered invasive.

Bears and berries

It is berry season at Lac des Roches. Residents don’t have to travel further than their own neighbourhood to enjoy some rewarding finds of Saskatoon berries and thimbleberries (or salmon berries). A little further into the forest will reveal blueberries, huckleberries and cranberries. All of these edible delights will attract black bears, a recurring problem last year. Caution should be exercised during any berry picking excursion close to or far from home.

Nitty gritty

Thank you to Interior Roads personnel who responded quickly to residents’ complaints about dusty road conditions on the Cariboo Regional District’s portion of the community. Dust suppression chemicals applied in July have made a huge difference in the enjoyment of our public roads by pedestrians and cyclists.

Wonderful wildlife

Buck, doe and fawn sightings have been reported. No bear or moose encounters have been reported in the past few weeks. A family of five otters was swimming near the south shore. After months of “crazy busy” bird feeders, the early migration of hummingbirds is imminent. Large numbers of recreational boaters may have displaced some of the waterfowl, but the families seem to be getting comfortable again. Many baby birds are just coming out of the nest and may be seen in awkward places. Residents are reminded to leave all baby critters where they are found to allow the parents to care for them. For fending off those annoying black flies that have plagued the area for a few weeks, keep moving or apply bug repellent that contains Deet.