Knee-deep powder snow being enjoyed around the lake has transitioned outdoor work to winter play. Snow shoes and skis are enjoyable ways to get around the neighbourhood and a necessary accessory even on the secondary roads, between snow plow runs. The deep snow is acting as an insulator on the thin lake ice and holes, under the snow, are developing above the many underwater springs that feed Lac des Roches. Residents are urged to stay clear of the lake until they have checked for both adequate thickness and the absence of holes.
Astounding fire tale
One neighbour shared this story about the hazard of oven mitts. Last month, at her home in Kamloops, our neighbour removed a hot pan from her oven using oven mitts with the very common “metallic look” fabric. She placed the dish on the counter, removed her mitts, put them together and placed them in the drawer next to her oven. Over the next 45 minutes, the smell and eventual build up of smoke in her house resulted in a response from the fire department. Evidently, the 400 F heat from the hot pan transferred within seconds to the mitts and was further insulated by the mitts being placed together in the drawer. The heated mitts started to melt and smoulder and eventually a wooden spoon in the drawer started to smoulder. The fire chief indicated this is a known hazard and often the cause of house fires. He recommended never storing oven mitts right away but to let them cool in the air first. Most of the ladies were astounded by this story and all agreed to review and revise their procedures using oven mitts.
Birding reminder
The Christmas Bird Count is on for tomorrow (Jan. 3). Residents and their guests may join this significant event. Call Wendy at 250-593-2327 for more information.
Hazardous trees
Wind and heavy snow have taken their toll on many trees in the neighbourhood since mid-December. Several residents have witnessed even the healthiest looking trees crashing to the ground in the severe wind gusts and often hitting power lines and telephone cables in their path. Be sure to take care out there.
Cariboo winter gym
Many residents use the start of a new calendar year as an opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions – more exercise being a common theme. Although we are relatively remote from organized facilities, there are many ways to get more active by considering manual alternatives in our own back yards. While weather and personal fitness levels will dictate the appropriate level of intensity, here are several suggestions. Carry firewood from the woodshed to the stove, one or a few pieces at a time. Shovel all or a portion of the driveway or walk paths by hand rather than with motorized units. Snowshoe with trekking poles along walk paths to pack down new snow is an alternative to shovelling and is great for exercising the whole body and encouraging healthy deep breathing. Walking short distances rather than driving has its obvious benefits and is further enhanced by the use of walking poles to increase the level of exercise and safety with the added bonus of fresh air. Using a manual auger to drill holes in the ice for checking ice depths or ice fishing can be an intense workout for even the most fit residents and makes the hours of sitting idly on the ice, anticipating the possible catch of a trout or burbot, well worth the effort.