Several Lac des Roches women traded their walking poles for halter reins when they ventured out on a trail ride at nearby Crystal Waters Guest Ranch on a beautiful fall day. Led by Luke, their knowledgeable and entertaining guide, the horses were well behaved and perfectly suited to the varied skill levels of their riders: Shelley Lambert, Maureen Stannus, Rena Todd and this writer.
Rest stop improvements
New barriers at the McDonald rest stop, overlooking Lac des Roches, are big news in a little community. Interior Roads Ltd. employees were busy setting the heavy concrete pieces in place earlier this month, and it’s a considerable improvement to this popular lookout. The barriers will keep vehicles off adjacent private property while providing a handy seat for the thousands of travellers who stop to enjoy the pristine view of the lake and Crown land beyond.
Bear sighting
"Biggest, fattest, blackest, most beautiful bear I have ever seen". That was how two neighbours described their separate sightings of what had to be the same black bear, a few miles apart. The first sighting was in Wendy Marshall’s driveway, from the safety of her vehicle, near Access 7. The second sighting was six days later, a few kilometers up the Wavey Lake Forest Service Road. Be aware, the bears are still out there.
Frolicking foxes
The pair of relatively tame red foxes has been entertaining residents every day for weeks with their playful antics and inquisitive gestures. Reported sightings span the east end of Boultbee Road to Access 7. Although these animals are not exhibiting aggressive behavior even toward the cats and dogs along the road, they are wild and should be treated accordingly.
Public input
The deadline for public input on the application for acquisition of waterfront Crown land on Muddy Lake is Oct. 8. All information for application file number 5407566 can be found through an advanced search on http://www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/indes.jsp.
Sharing passions
Several Lac des Roches residents regularly share their skills and knowledge with the community by hosting instruction sessions for the Bridge Lake Community School Society. Several newer residents have agreed to donate their time and offer some different courses this fall. Residents are encouraged to consider attending the following sessions; crocheted slippers on Oct. 6; silk painting on Oct. 17; and thought field therapy (tapping) on Oct. 24. Call Wendy Dubbin for course details and registration at 250-593-4538.
Horseshoe toss
Many Lac des Roches residents will make their last trip to the lake this year for the upcoming 22nd annual Thanksgiving weekend horseshoe tournament on Boultbee Road. The event is open to all road residents regardless of ability but there is a limit to total number of players. Reports indicate that spectators usually have just as much fun as the players. Call Sharron at 250-593-0041 for contact information of the organizers.
Best wishes
Happy anniversary to my walking pal Elsie Clarkson and her husband, John, celebrating 49 years together on Sept. 30.