Category: Community Blog

In 2010, Lac des Roches residents opted for post office boxes at Bridge Lake Store rather than a rural route out of Lone Butte, but that option is no longer available effective June 2012. Mailbox users have been notified the existing outlet will be closed and that Canada Post is looking for an alternate business to contract the full-range of postal services for the Bridge Lake area. The criteria for a dealer appears to be relatively restrictive for the type of businesses available in the area, but residents are hopeful a suitable alternative is found that provides the same security and convenience enjoyed for many years at the Bridge Lake Store.

Power interruptions

Short power outages in January are due to changing fuse links at most of the transformers. Evidently old porcelain links will deteriorate over time and fail, so BC Hydro is upgrading them. A failed fuse link was the likely the cause of a mysterious residential power outage earlier this winter when no other cause for the tripped link was evident. It is the fuse links near the top of the power pole that provide evidence of where a power failure has occurred. A tripped or hanging link at a transformer feeding a residence indicates no power going to the residence. A hanging link on the mainline, or at the beginning of a rural road, is evidence that something has shorted out the line along that road. This can be valuable information to the repair crew when reporting a power outage.

Wonky weather

Updating folks on ice and snow conditions this year has been less than helpful. With temperatures jumping from record highs to normal lows in a day, the effect on snow and ice changes rapidly. Generally, the snow conditions in the surrounding hills are good for snowmobiling although more snow is required before the more daring riders will venture into the stump-filled cut blocks. Ice conditions are good and supporting all normal winter activities and providing pathways for sledders. Some smaller lakes and large lake bays are loaded down with snow, which is creating deep slush as the water is forced up through cracks in the ice. Slush on lakes is not impassible, but it’s not enjoyed by many sledders.

Abundant birds

Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) throughout North America have been well publicized in the last few weeks. Our local naturalist group conducted its annual CBC on Dec. 17, and 10 observers counted 17 species. Wendy Marshall of Lac des Roches will submit the detailed numbers of white-winged crossbills, common redpolls, pine grosbeaks and evening grosbeaks. Woodpeckers, gray jays, American crows, common ravens were also counted in addition to three different chickadees — black-capped, mountain and boreal. Red-breasted nuthatches, brown creepers, American dippers and a soaring bald eagle over Bridge Lake topped off the count and made for an excellent birding day.

Signs of spring

Several residents have commented they have noticed the squirrels around the lake exhibiting spring mating behaviour — in January. The hope is the frolicking critters are only reacting to several mild nights and is not an indication of an early spring. There are many residents planning to enjoy several more months of snow and ice activities.

Birthday wishes

Several residents share Jan. 20 with my mom’s birthday. To all of you, special best wishes for that day and for the rest of the community.

Several activities are planned around Lac des Roches to ring in the new year. Drop-in pond hockey, snowshoeing and organized sled rides will be the popular daytime fun, and the night skies will light up with several firework displays at house parties. Local events are a safer alternative to driving on the highway this time of year, so to those staying close to home and those venturing on the highway, have a safe and happy new year!

New year perspective

Since most of the area residents are enjoying their senior years, there tends to be very few new year resolutions discussed. It is apparent each person who has chosen to live in this a relatively remote and wilderness area has pretty well made a long-term resolution to live an active lifestyle. Pond hockey, skiing, chopping firewood, shovelling snow and snowmobiling are just a few of the ways residents keep off of the couch, especially during the winter. For those that do resolve to change a habit or behaviour, best of luck to you, and for the rest, enjoy another active and healthy year.

Winter playground

As expected, the fantastic ice conditions changed overnight when we got our first big snowfall in mid-December. Most of the ice rinks required some flooding once the snow was cleared. There are many slushy spots on both lakes where the water has seeped up through the cracks in the ice. Driving through these areas on a sled is unnerving and skiing or snowshoeing through them is annoying. For a year that was predicted to be below-normal temperatures, we are certainly experiences some of our mildest winter days and nights in recent years.

Follow the leader

With snow, some natural and man-made private property boundaries are obliterated. Often outdoor enthusiasts will follow the tracks of previous excursionists, whether on sleds, skis, snowshoes or foot, but these do not imply public access. Please remind your guests that all of the cleared land around the lakes is private and should be respected. There are miles of frozen lakes, roads and trails around to be enjoyed by all. Public roads are not playgrounds, but when used for access to wilderness areas, must be used sensibly.

Wonderful wildlife

The otters are leaving their distinctive ruts in the snow along the shores and have been observed accessing the water through a hole in the ice near Access #7. The absence of deer sightings had most residents thinking the deer had migrated down off the plateau to lower elevations and milder temperatures until a small herd of mule deer meandered through yards just before Christmas. Since then, fresh tracks in the snow are evidence of their daily nibbling routine throughout the area. Fresh coyote and fox tracks show up after every snowfall and the fox has visited several neighbours during the day. The badgers have obviously been digging and clearing out underground dens near Boultbee Road. Local snowshoers unknowingly trekked within feet of the dens in December, but it was likely the noisy snowmobiles on the same trail that roused these typically dormant critters during the holidays. This is probably a good thing, as the trekker with the young puppy will detour around the dens in the future.

Active trapping

Beaver trapping at the east end of Boultbee Road is done for now, but there is active trapping in the area. Traps are often accessed by sled and foot so human tracks leading off into the bush are often evidence of a trap set nearby and should be avoided.

As unbelievable as it sounds, apparently no two snowflakes are alike. Such is the case for the ice conditions on Lac des Roches from year to year. Every winter, the wind, temperature, lake level, sunshine, snowfall and humidity contribute to the way the ice forms. Throughout the winter, the ice characteristics can change overnight. So far this month, the ice on the big lake is perfect for ice-skating although some skaters may find it a little disconcerting. Except for a few rough cracks and snow-covered patches, the ice is as smooth and clear as a pane of glass. In the shallows, the lake’s bottom can be seen, as it would appear on a calm day in the summer, including the odd fish swimming by. In addition to the weeds and air bubbles frozen in the ice, there are thousands of cracks below the surface and the crystal-like formations around them provide a constant picture show under the surface. It is like skating on a piece of endless artwork. The depth of the ice, between four and 12 inches, is easily seen by the depth of the cracks. This provides reassurance for some skaters but can be a bit eerie for others. The cracks have been forming for several weeks while the big lake has slowly iced over. The noises caused by the cracking ice – as temperatures change throughout the day and night – have been some of the loudest and strangest residents have heard for many years. Enjoy the lake, especially for skating, but be cautious out there.

Opposition voiced

A resident has been advised by BC Hydro about the planned installation of a device near Access #7, which will collect the data from the wireless smart meters to be installed soon for Lac des Roches customers. This has initiated a petition against the smart meters for citizens to consider and it is available at the Bridge Lake store. There is considerable information available online, which further explains the smart meter program, its benefits and risks.

Artistic display

Among his many passions, Barry Reid enjoys working with rocks. His home on Lac des Roches is landscaped with interesting geological finds from his trips all over North America. His related hobby of creating Inukshuk sculptures from polished and cut rocks is featured at the community showcase in the Bridge Lake library this month and is definitely worth a look.

Bright lights

Residents are displaying colourful outdoor lights to celebrate Christmas, and the neighbourhood is looking very festive. The lights on the path at the Lac des Roches Resort are particularly beautiful as their warm yellow glow reflects off the ice and snow across the entire width of the lake. It is an inviting sight and is enjoyed by both residents and travellers using Highway 24

Seasonal suggestion

I would like to send out best wishes to the community for a wonderful Christmas and safe holiday with friends and family. There are so many events that occur in December due to the holidays and the wind up of the year. I like to remind those closest to me there are often many events that can be put off until January, after the hectic and stressful days in December. Years ago a good friend started sending out her Christmas cards in January so she could write a family letter that included all the fun her family had during that holiday season. I call it time management versus procrastination. Merry Christmas!

The sound of chainsaws and plumes of smoke after a windstorm are sure signs of tree damage. Several large trees went down on private properties during the Nov. 21 windstorm. One neighbour lost three large green spruce trees, one putting an end to the useful life of a boat that was in dry storage. While we hear about extreme weather occurring around the globe, it seems we are not immune to our own shifts in weather patterns. Most residents agree that our area seems to be experiencing more frequent and severe windstorms.

Bridge replaced

Plowed snow on Wavey Lake Forestry Service Road in mid-November sparked the curiosity of several residents. A morning’s drive up the road put an end to the speculation of what activity was underway. A damaged wooden bridge above cow camp was being replaced with a concrete structure. Three excavators worked on both sides of the ravine to lift and set the precast pieces in place. Workers explained the replacement is necessary to support the equipment that will be logging in the area.

Icy waters

Despite strong winds, many of the small lakes in our area froze over when the temperatures dipped to well below zero in mid-November. Little Lac des Roches was iced over on Nov. 19 after a particularly cold and calm night. The waves caused by steady wind and the occasional mild temperatures have taken out most of the ice that had formed on the big lake. Pockets of established ice on the shores of the big lake – more than four inches thick – are preventing access to the open water for any recreational use, as are the chilly air and water temperatures that are normal for this time of year.

Fallen tree takes out power

Although no one witnessed the impact or the fire, the charred bark and limbs provided the evidence the spruce tree resting on the power lines at the end of Boultbee Road shorted out and caused the power outage on Nov. 21. The tree must have burned for some time before extinguishing itself. There were several residents around to report the outage to BC Hydro?, which is so important when the outage is isolated to a small, remote area, particularly one so close to the end of the power grid. The tripped breaker at the beginning of the road is always an indicator of how localized the problem is.

Welcoming winter

Freezing followed by thawing, which are typical weather patterns in November and December, can make enjoying certain winter activities challenging. It may be too soon to set out ice candles, but there is plenty to do in the outdoors. Residents are pulling out their snow boots, ice cleats and walking poles to continue their daily walks around the neighbourhood. While skiing and skating are a bit iffy, there is adequate snow on roads, trails and grassy fields to enjoy early season snowshoeing. Snowmobilers have been observed enjoying the nearby mountain trails although sleds must be trailered for several kilometres to avoid excess gravel and rocks on access roads.

Trail hospitality

The Bridge Lake Bushwhackers Snowmobile Club has placed its warming hut up near cow camp on Wavey Lake Road. The warming hut is available for all trail users and courtesy, and respect for this private property is expected. Club membership information is available in the hut.

Feathered friends

Birders are reminded of the Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 17. Call Wendy at 250-593-2327 for details.

Over the past few years, the beetle-infested pine trees in the area have filled the forest with the red hue of dead needles. Following that, the fallen needles leave bare branches, which have changed the look of our forest and left dead scraggly trees where dark lush conifers once stood. It was a pleasant surprise this autumn, to see a driveway on Boultbee Road, lined with non-native Larch trees (also known as Tamarack), planted by the owner, to have its needles turn brilliant orange and then yellow before falling off the branches. Unlike the dead pine, this is a natural process for this species and new soft green needles will reappear in the spring and summer to be enjoyed for another year.

Waiting for winter

Most of the permanent residents on the lake live here because they like the winter season and all that it offers. Whether enjoying winter sports outdoors or the guilt-free days of hours spent indoors during the cold and dark hours of winter, it seems the wait is over and winter has arrived. Lake ice, early sunsets and the silence that comes with the season are the first indicators that winter is here. Snow and all the equipment we use to control snow is the second indicator. Residents are pulling out snow shovels and snow blowers, as well as mounting blades on ATVs in preparation of snow removal. The state of the frozen ground, under the first snow falls is always a popular topic of conversation this time of year as the unwittingly removal of driveway gravel is not usually the intention with the first snow removal passes early in the season. So far, relentless high winds have blown most of the snow away, although one must wonder if “away” isn’t just the next door neighbour’s driveway.

Terrific tomatoes

In addition to this fall’s wonderful zucchini crop, the late summer growing spurt had local gardeners enjoying an abundant harvest of tomatoes. Plants grown outside, as well as those grown in backyard greenhouses, did very well and prompted a lot of discussion on what to do with boxes and boxes of green and red tomatoes. Neighbours shared ideas and techniques for ripening green tomatoes and swapped recipes for green tomato chutney, relish, salsa and, of course, the very popular fried green tomato. Vast quantities of red tomatoes were shared throughout the neighbourhood to be eaten fresh and preserved by canning, freezing and dehydrating. Despite the slow start to the growing season this year and fending off the over abundance of deer, most residents are still talking about their wonderful gardening success this year and planning how they will improve soil performance of next year’s beds.

Wonderful wildlife

Several delighted resident enjoyed the playful antics of otters for about 20 minutes last week in a quiet bay on the big lake. The trouble was, even though the otters were out of the water on a floating dock several times, their constant movement made an accurate head count very challenging. Possibly five, and maybe six, otters make up this family. The group has been spotted several times in the past month and it turns out, no one is quite sure how many otters there are, but all agree they are tremendously entertaining.

Book club

The next Bridge Lake book club meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3 at a home on Lac des Roches. The discussion will be focused on Terry Fallis’ novel, The Best Laid Plans, which is a light read and humourous tale incorporating Canadian federal politics. For more information, call Wendy Dubbin at 593-4538.

Destruction of property and health and safety concerns has prompted one Lac des Roches resident to initiate taking control of the population of beavers on the big lake. Evidently, changed weather patterns and high water levels this year allowed the beaver population to multiply to an unhealthy level for many of the lakes in the entire Bridge Lake area. A local trapper has agreed to set traps which should reduce the local colony. Apparently, eight beavers were taken from near Boultbee Road a decade ago, a year when the beaver population flourished. The bait-free traps are set in water at a remote location on the lake and there is no chance of harm to domestic animals kept in control by their owners. Several beavers have already been successfully removed from the lake this fall.

Smoke and fire

A smoky haze over Lac des Roches this fall is a sharp contrast to the brilliant clear blue skies we enjoyed during the five-month burning ban earlier this year. Extensive slash burning in the logged hills at both ends of Lac des Roches are the source of the majority of smoke, although there are several people in the neighbourhood catching up on their yard burning.

High tea

A traditional English tea party at the Iron Horse Pub in Lone Butte was a fun way to wind down a summer of socializing for a handful of women on Oct. 19. Throughout the summer months, the ladies of Boultbee Road combine their daily walk with socializing and travelling tea parties to different residences whenever there is an event worthy of a party. Saying goodbye for the winter to several seasonal residents and celebrating Elsie Clarkson’s 50 years with her husband, John, were adequate reasons for a party in October.

Fog and frost

Strong and relentless winds have resulted in minimal recreational use of the lake during October, although the wind often keeps the air stirred up and temperatures above zero. On the few calm mornings, heavy frost and thick fog at the lake level has kept most users inside their cozy homes. For those hardy fishers and paddlers seen braving the morning chill, hand warmers and fur-lined boots are a necessity this time of year, as they break through the thin layer of ice now occasionally appearing around the lake’s shore and in the connecting channel.

Wildlife sightings

On Nov. 1, seven Trumpeter swans noisily flew the length of the lake to the appreciation of several residents. A bald eagle grabbed something from the lake that same day and had a dozen mallard ducks taking cover under a pylon dock while he perched at Carlos’ Point, munching his catch.

Skater honoured

Congratulations to the very talented Georgia Lanzoni. Georgia’s rigorous figure skating training schedule in both 100 Mile House and Kamloops has resulted in excellent competition results for this energetic skater. We will have to keep an eye on this rising young star.

Nifty nineties

Gerardine and Borre van Doorninck relocated from Webb Lake to North Vancouver a year ago and are remembered often, as they and their two sons developed deep roots in our community. Both celebrated their 90th birthdays this year, Borre in April and Gerardine in September. They are healthy, and with their dog Romeo, have adjusted well to metropolitan life.

The annual Thanksgiving horseshoe tournament on Boultbee Road attracted 20, two-person teams. Warm, dry weather, not usually experienced in previous tournaments, and the addition of well-placed bleachers resulted in more than 40 spectators enjoying the fun throughout the holiday weekend. The winning team of Marlen Laine and Steve and Vicki Gillett’s daughter, Katie, was declared after a tie-breaking toss-off at the end of the playoffs. Once again, an injury-free good time was had by all, including good-hearted Justin Lutz, grandson of John and Elsie Clarkson, who was promoted to “Justeen” in order to meet the required number of females for the “boy/girl” mixed teams.

Waning wildlife

Fewer animal and waterfowl sightings are a clear indication of how close we are to winter. The loons on the big lake may have left mid-October, as they have not been heard or seen since Oct. 15. No geese are residing here but there are plenty stopping in for a break on their journey south. The skies are periodically filled with the distinctive squawking of huge flocks heading south for the winter. A lone bat was observed feeding on a late sedge hatch in the late afternoon on Oct. 14 – a very rare sight, as bats are well known for their nocturnal habits. Coyotes are up to something, as their distinct evening and morning howls from the northern slope of the lake have been echoing through the valley since early October. Squirrels are everywhere, loudly defending their territories and guarding their caches of seed cones.

Trick or treat

One resident found a surprise in her pumpkin patch this year. A wild critter, possibly the resident fox of Boultbee Road, gnawed in several places on a small pumpkin. The marks closely resemble a face of a jack-o-lantern. Imagine not just reveling in the success of growing a pumpkin in our short season, but to grow one that develops a lopsided grin – thanks to local wildlife – just in time for Halloween.

Otter hit by truck

According to a local wildlife expert, otters are on the move, searching for their ideal winter home. That may explain the rare and deadly encounter on Oct. 17, between an otter and a vehicle near Gerald Crescent on Highway 24. Unfortunately, the otter’s timing to dash across the highway coincided with that of the vehicle, and the otter did not survive. Who would have thought that lake otters are another hazard to be aware of when travelling our wilderness roads?

Book club

The next meeting of the Bridge Lake Book Club will be held at Lac des Roches on Nov. 5. The novel White Oleander by Janet Fitch will be discussed over beverages and snacks. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 for meeting details.

Friends AGM

Lac des Roches Resort owners, Luca and Laura Lanzoni, were the perfect hosts for the 13 participants of the annual general meeting of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake on Oct. 12. The executive positions have shuffled a bit but the society, with approximately 90 members, is still actively watching over the lakes and surrounding watershed. The executive appreciates the annual fees and generous donations from members that keep the society solvent and reinforce the support from the community of the group’s stewardship objectives.

The combination of high winds and fierce waves over the last few weeks took their toll on some waterfront properties around Lac des Roches and Birch Lake. Several trees were lost on both private property and Crown land, particularly around Birch lake where there was substantial logging done in the early spring. A boat was swamped and floating docks and ramps were shifted but no serious or permanent damage was evident except for one travel trailer which took a direct hit from a falling tree at Birch Lake.

Women stay active

Women’s exercise and dance is back on Monday nights at the Bridge Lake School. Marisa Peter, founder of Club Excel rhythmic gymnastics, has put her retirement from coaching on hold and has resumed these fun-filled classes for 2011. For several Lac des Roches resident, these past exercise classes developed into an incredible opportunity to partake in the World Gymnaestrada in Switzerland this past July. While the 2015 Gymnaestrada in Finland is a possible long term goal, the immediate plan for the group is to meet weekly for an hour of variable level aerobics and stretching to upbeat dance music followed by another hour to develop a group dance routine for fun and possibly performance at local venues. This class is for any age group with any fitness and flexibility level. If you’re not sure, come out to the Monday night class and try it out. Call Wendy Dubbin at 250-593-4538 for more information.

Thistles spreading

Unfortunately, the Canadian and Bull thistles around the lakes have thrived in this year’s odd weather. The seed-carrying dander or fluff from these invasive plants are finding there way into everything. One resident found that every green bean from her garden had to be hand-scraped to remove the fluff that clung to every one of the harvested beans, even those hidden under the broad leaves. The spread of these annoying plants may require some human intervention earlier in the season if they are as prolific next year as witnessed this year.

Scrumptious squash

Evidently a dozen thriving zucchini plants is just the right number to feed the residents of Boultbee Road. The entire neighbourhood got into the spirit of creativity when challenged with ways to utilize these healthy and abundant vegetables. Zucchini recipes included barbequed, deep fried, baked, boiled and microwaved – alone, marinated or stuffed with complimentary seasonings. They have been hidden in omelets, muffins, loaves and a chocolate cake. They have also be served at several gatherings as raw sticks, pickled chips and best of all, dried chips accompanied with a thin slice of sharp cheese. It will be interesting to see what the neighbours do with the bumper crop of spaghetti squash to come.

Solid lines

Thanks to the folks that look after our public roads. The freshly painted reflective lines on Highway 24 are a welcome sight, now that we are heading into fog season and the darkness is falling so early.

Book club

Several Lac des Roches ladies car-pooled into 100 Mile House on Oct. 1 for the monthly book club meeting. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay received mixed reviews from those attending. Next meeting is on Nov. 5 will be held at Lac des Roches to discuss Janet Fitch’s novel, White Oleander.

Friends AGM

The annual general meeting for Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will be held at 7 p.m. on Wed. Oct. 12 at the Lac des Roches Resort.

I know now a dozen zucchini bushes, thriving in a late season growth spurt, are about ten too many for a family of two. Those extra plants however, will quite adequately satisfy a whole neighbourhood. The creativity among the neighbours is amazing as they look for ways to utilize these healthy and abundant vegetables. Zucchinis have been barbequed, deep fried, baked, boiled and nuked – alone, marinated or stuffed with complimentary seasonings. They have been hidden in omelets, muffins, loaves and a chocolate cake. They have been eaten as raw sticks, pickled chips and my favorite, an appetizer made of dried chips sandwiching a thin slice of old cheddar cheese. What a creative lot we are when faced with such a healthy crop of healthy food. Now we just have to find ways to prepare all those spaghetti squash and pumpkins that are growing like mad.

H:Winter storage rule important
D:2011-09-28
As residents secure their homes and cabins for the winter, they should note there are specific regulations governing dock placement. On the big lake especially, damage from shifting ice has many residents pulling wharves up onto the shore or moving them to sheltered areas. Among the many do’s and don’ts, location and number of docks at a private lot are addressed, as well as certain permitting conditions. More information is available at http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/clad/tenure_programs/programs/privatemoorage/reqs_best_mgmt_practices.pdf.

Article clarified

In response to an item in my Sept. 14 column, headlined Emergency response requested, Interlakes Volunteer Fire Depart-ment chief Doug Townsend says it is unnecessary for citizens calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance to ask for a first responder, as was suggested in the column. A call to 9-1-1 for an ambulance automatically results in two actions by the 9-1-1 operators. First, they will call for an ambulance dispatch, and second, they will call for a first responder dispatch. Many factors can affect the response times from either service, particularly the originating location of the ambulance, so a first responder may not always be first on the scene.

Recycling

Residents should learn more about the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) plan for solid waste management. There are changes planned that will affect all property owners in both the service and the funding. One of the several open-house meetings is scheduled for Oct. 18 at the Interlakes Community Hall, where residents can learn about the changes and provide input into several garbage and recycling options being considered. The CRD website www.cariboord.bc.ca is a good resource for rural residents.

Market closed

Despite the excellent response to the planned tour on Sept. 24 of the new vegetable farm above the rest stop at Lac des Roches, the lack of vegetables not yet harvested forced its postponement until next year’s planting season. The Bridge Lake Community School Society will reschedule a tour and coffee social at the Rosely Farm for next May.

Wood burning

Chimney maintenance should not be overlooked before the wood-heating season is here in full force. The sudden dip in nighttime temperatures during September had most residents firing up their wood burning stoves and furnaces a little earlier than expected. With the return of the warm weather, there is still time to ensure chimneys and vents are free of creosote, vermin nests, dust and ash.

Book review

A dozen women gathered at Lac des Roches on Sept. 10 for snacks and a discussion on the novel for the month, The Last Time I Saw You, by Elizabeth Berg. The next meeting will be in 100 Mile House on Oct. 1 to discuss Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 for more details.

Friends gather

Mark your calendars for Oct. 12 when Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake holds its annual general meeting at the Lac des Roches Resort at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. A $10 annual membership is required to vote on executive positions and other society business.

Anniversary

Special congratulations to our friends and neighbours John and Elsie Clarkson who wed 50 years ago on Sept. 30. The neighbours will help them celebrate in early October.

A slight glitch on a medical emergency 9-1-1 call in August has residents talking about how to ensure they get the emergency services they pay for through their property taxes. The consensus in the Boultbee neighbourhood is residents should ask the 9-1-1 operator to call for a first responder at the time they ask for an ambulance. Several local volunteers with the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department are trained and on-call to provide swift emergency care until the paramedics arrive with the ambulance.

Roadside hazards

Walking or bicycle riding on Highway 24 is a common way to get around the neighbourhood. Often, items found on the edge of the road tell a story of a disaster, a near disaster or the likelihood of a pending disaster. Items, such as tie-down straps, cotter pins and sheared bolts, are some of the disturbing debris observed this summer. It is impossible to guard against all the unknown perils that could arise along the highway. However, it only takes a thorough circle check of our travelling equipment to ensure it is not our safety device that is found lying on the side of the highway.

Permits required

As residents get ready for the coming winter months, they must remember to carry a current free firewood permit for the district they are taking firewood from. Since Lac des Roches residents live so close to the forestry boundary, it is advisable to ensure they carry a permit for both the Kamloops and the 100 Mile House forestry districts. These are available online. For 100 Mile House, Google 100 Mile House Forest District and look at permits and forms. For Kamloops, go to www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/firewoodpermit.htm and go to firewood permits.

Plentiful gardens

So many disappointed neighbours are lamenting over crops that didn’t produce well this year. For some vegetable gardeners, however, their crops are just starting to take off with the late warm weather. Bean, tomato and zucchini bushes are thriving and new pumpkins and squash are trying to form every day. To the delight of one neighbour, a little digging around some late blooming potato plants uncovered several sizable and good looking spuds.

Warmth enjoyed

The beautiful weather on the Labour Day weekend provided everyone around the lake various opportunities to enjoy their last days of summer. Organized ATV rides, family paddle excursions and boating sports were perfect ways to keep cool on the hot days. The exceptionally warm evening breezes, absent for most of the summer, were a pleasant change, especially so late in the season when there are fewer annoying bugs.

Wonderful wildlife

There are still a lot of babies around the lake providing entertainment for the wildlife observers. Several waterfowl hens are escorting their chicks around the lake in search of food. The single eaglet on Kingfisher Lane is out of its nest and squawks constantly at its parents for food. The ground squirrels have hibernated, but are still being hunted by the badgers and the yellow-coloured red fox – quite successfully. Several does are leading their fawns directly into the remaining vegetable gardens. The black bear, hanging around Access 7, will likely start moving along the shore in search of ripening rose hips.

See-through glass

I am sorry for finally getting around to washing my windows. Not even a day had passed since I rid the panes of the buildup of pollen and leaf miner remnants, when several song birds dazed themselves by hitting the unseen glass. If ever there was a good reason to put off housework, "it’s for the birds," is definitely one of them.