Discussions among Lac des Roches residents are centred on preparing for the short, dark and cold days of winter. Some wise suggestions mentioned by several neighbours, worth repeating, may be helpful to other Cariboo residents.
Eliminate slips and falls
Our sloped terrain means most yards pose a high risk of slips and falls in winter. Most residents have several pairs of boots with different sole rubber compounds for changing weather conditions throughout the winter. Slip on shoes and sneakers with little or no tread should be stored away to avoid accidental use. Ice grippers, which are easily pulled onto and removed from boots, seem to be the safest way to prevent slips and falls outdoors. Several residents keep a spare pair of grippers in their vehicles for icy conditions encountered away from home.
Pets bring hazards
Winter brings several challenges for pet owners. Pebbles and ice balls brought into the house on the paws of cats and dogs can be a hazard to family members. Confining pets for a few minutes in a mud room or foyer covered with absorbent mats will eliminate the problem.
Keep pets comfortable
Some pets will be bothered by ice build-up between the pads of their feet, but trimming long hairs between animal’s toes will lessen and possibly eliminate their discomfort. Simple fleece booties will prevent ice build-up, but some pets struggle with wearing protective footwear.
Prepare for darkness
One resident finds his evening dog walks are done in complete darkness and reminds owners they should know the colour of their pet’s eyes when reflected by a flashlight. He recalls his experience of calling his dog in the dark and talking to the bright yellow eyes that reflected back at him on the trail ahead, only to have his dog rub up against his leg and look up intently with its very green eyes.
Be mindful of thin ice
Ice is starting to form in the protected bays and thin ice is a concern. Children and pets can be lured onto the ice by small animals or wayward toys. Play and walks near the lake shore this time of year should be closely monitored.
Keep floors dry
To mitigate the annoyance of wet boots in the house, plastic boot trays at each entranceway is a must. One neighbour suggests placing a set of cloth placemats on the floor inside every door. A quick errand in the house will not require removal of snowy or wet boots if the wearer can simply step on the mats and shuffle throughout the house. Step off the mats when exiting at the door and the mats are ready and in place for the next trip into the house. Boot booties serve a similar purpose, but not all outdoorsmen will take the necessary time to pull on and take off these handy accessories.
Enjoy fresh veggies
Local gardens and greenhouses are cleaned out with fall’s harvest either preserved or put into cold storage. Residents are turning to various indoor gardening techniques. Sprouts are popular, easy and quick to grow and require minimal investment although commercially made units are very effective. Salad greens will grow nicely indoors, but require some artificial sunlight as our short days do not provide quite enough.
Winter means play
The onset of winter is also the time to pull out winter toys and hobby gear. Snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes and toboggans are coming out of storage. For those "inside" days, out come the crochet hooks, knitting needles, paint brushes and woodworking tools that will all be put to good use.