Upon completing under ice training exercises at Lac des Roches, the United States Coast Guard Dive Team members got a special treat on their last day Feb. 2. On a short layover from demonstrating Yamaha snowmobiles, Jamie Moberg offered sled rides around the lake to the members of the team, several of whom have never experienced snow and lake ice, let alone cruising perched atop state-of-the-art sleds. Several team members also strapped on borrowed skates and enjoyed some pond hockey on Jamie’s rink. One member said, “This was two more items off his ‘bucket list’. "
Cougars and critters
A small cougar had been sighted at the front doors of residences at the west end of Lac des Roches with tracks to the McDonald rest stop. Two separate sightings of a bobcat or Canadian lynx on the Wavey Lake Road were reported. One sledder thought he was approaching a dropped backpack on the trail until it suddenly rose on four legs and scurried into the bushes.
Cruising cranes
Wendy Marshall reports cranes have been spotted near Bridge Lake and Kamloops and says, "This is very early; our first sightings are normally in early April, occasionally in late March. " She would like to hear from residents who may enjoy a similar encounter.
Substantial snow
The weight of the heavy snow on the lakes is causing the water to seep up through cracks and holes, creating a hidden layer of slush between the ice and the snow on top. Snow covers all the trails and field in the area with depths ranging from a few inches to several metres where the wind has built magnificent snow drifts. Snow and the plowing and shovelling of it has become a popular exercise once again and the topic of most neighbourhood conversation.
Being prepared
Residents are encouraged by Cariboo Regional District Area L Director Bruce Rattray to complete the personal survey offered on the CRD website www.cariboord.bc.ca for emergency planning purposes.
Burbot fishing
Ice fishing is a sure cure for cabin fever at Lac des Roches. While fishing for trout can be productive, night fishing for burbot is particularly pleasant if you enjoy the quiet and solitude that comes with bundling up for chilly temperatures and sitting in the dark. I recently got the notion to try burbot fishing and I’m definitely hooked on this perfect pastime. Armed with suggestions from neighbours and advice from the local sporting goods store staff, I’ve been out almost every night since, dangling my line in a hole in front of my house. A newcomer to the burbot test, I have told neighbours about daily of the sights and sounds I enjoy for a few hours each night. I’ve watched the stars and the international space station move across the clear sky, witnessed countless satellites, shooting stars and a fantastic display of the northern lights. I’ve sat through wind, hail and snow storms, keeping warm with double layers of down feathers and hot coffee; been visited twice by a fox; and heard several owls that close enough to be heard over the din of some weekend revelers. Best of all, I have heard the sounds of trees falling in the forest after a squall of wet snow. It provides some exercise, particularly when a vital piece of equipment, such as the fishing rod, is forgotten. I’ve been assured it will be even more enjoyable when I finally catch a burbot. With its mild white meat, when prepared like halibut, it tastes like halibut, but when prepared like lobster, it is an excellent imitation. Until then, "It is all about the fishing – not the fish."