Many Lac des Roches residents chose to stay close to home during the holidays this year. This seems to have been a very wise decision with the extreme cold temperatures, fierce winds and untimely power outage. Although many of us holed up for hours at a time in our warm houses, there was no shortage of invitations into the homes around the neighbourhood. Many residents ventured out short distances to celebrate Christmas and the New Year within the community. More than one neighbour has mentioned to me that they felt a stronger sense of community this year, than previous years and it seems we all like it that way. Cheers to our friendly community!
Recycle those ashes
One thrifty resident has revealed an excellent method of dealing with the slippery conditions on our roads and driveways, resulting from December’s ice storm. In addition to putting sand down where vehicles need extra traction, he saves buckets of ashes for sprinkling on the tires of a vehicle for extra traction. It seems cold ashes will adhere to rubber and offer immediate traction. Ashes that remain on the snow or ice will attract heat from the sun — even in frigid temperatures — and sink into the snow and ice much faster than sand. This usually means it will remain on the ground through the next snowfall and plowing session. What a clever way to provide needed traction and dispose of waste ashes.
Sleds on the lake
By Jan. 1, ice thickness 30 feet from shore measured between 10 and 12 inches thick. There were several slushy areas on the lake due to water seeping through cracks where the weight of drifting snow forces the ice downward. Although significant winds have swept away much of the snow and left shallow drifts along the entire length of the lake, snowmobiles have been using the big lake since the end of December.
Caring for our canine
The recent cold snap prompted our decision to insist on protective booties for our aging canine pal. Thanks to a pattern found on the Internet, a little Velcro and convincing my husband that he no longer needed his 1970s suede jacket (yes, the Starsky & Hutch styled one), my little pal got her first set of custom-made doggie boots. What a difference they make to our walks when it is below -20 C. Now if I could only teach her not to lick the snow off of cold metal. Yes, her tongue was momentarily stuck to the shock absorber on a visiting snowmobile last week. Yikes.
Active logging
The logging was still ongoing up Wavey Lake Forest Service Road between Christmas and New Years, evidenced by the freshly plowed road. Snowmobilers must use caution when travelling to the trails which are accessed from this busy road.
The last word
This is the last time I will mention the stray cattle that have wandered around Lac des Roches since the livestock hauler accident in October. It seems that the last animal was hauled away before Christmas, thanks to many members of the community pitching in to capture it. Between setting up a pen, providing food and water, reporting its location and locking the pen gate, almost a dozen area residents can be credited for the end of this ordeal.