Geocaching, a worldwide recreational treasure hunt using GPS (global positioning satellite) technology and written clues, is a popular pastime. Caches, or treasures, placed in the Lac des Roches area attract seekers from everywhere, often using the search as an excuse for both local and long-distance family outings. The Fochuk family of Fort St. John stopped at the McDonald rest stop on its search for local geocaches and Jack, 5, and Julia, 9, were monitoring their hand-held GPS units to provide directional guidance to their parents, Andy and Allison. Andy, who works in mapping, noted that 10 years ago, there was one geocache within 500 miles of Fort St John. "Now, there are 20 sites in the city itself. " Information, clues and site co-ordinates can be found on the Internet by searching "geocaching. "
Firewood permits
Residents still bringing in their winter supply of firewood for heating require free firewood cutting permits available online for both the 100 Mile and nearby Kamloops forest districts. Permits for 100 Mile are now valid for a full year, expiring on Dec. 31. Kamloops permits are valid for a year from the date inserted by the holder. Their websites are www.for.gov.bc.ca/dmh (permits and forms) and www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/firewoodpermit.htm.
Abundant veggies
Vegetable gardens are flourishing during the late summer heat wave. Creative cooking using summer squash is a popular topic and recipe sharing for monster-sized zucchini is routine. Stir-fried Swiss chard and baked kale chips are popular uses of these two abundant and healthy veggies.
Signs of fall
Shorter days and longer nights of late summer attract many residents otherwise bothered by flies that frequent the area during warm summer days and night. Lake temperatures have been dropping steadily and while discouraging some of the more sensitive swimmers, likely account for the slight improvement of trout fishing success. Lawns and grass fields have only just started to turn to colours other than the lush green we have enjoyed all summer.
Celebration savvy
High spirits of guests to a wedding at the lake on the Labour Day weekend were not deterred by the cool and moist Saturday. Residents have learned over the years that tents and outdoor heaters are a wise choice no matter which month a celebration is planned for at our high altitude.
Hats off to MOTI
Many thanks go out to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) for notable improvements to the area. The McDonald rest stop garbage cans have been well maintained this summer even with the significant traffic and abuse that follows most long weekends. Additional highway hazard signs installed this year seem to account for the decreased occurrence of "close calls" noticed by residents during the summer. Thank you to all those persons responsible for the improvements.
Saddened by berry loss
After losing Saskatoon berries to wildlife this year, it is disheartening to learn the huckleberry crop is also very poor. Berry plants seem to be suffering from some kind of stress as few are lush and healthy looking and some entire patches have little or no berries to offer. We may be forced to harvest those delicate and messy thimbleberries after all.
Doggy duty
Thanks to the anonymous environmentalist who has donated much needed doggie bag dispensers at strategic locations around the lake. The problem of unsightly dog deposits on rural roads and at the rest stop seemed to be growing out of control this summer. This gesture may prompt dog owners to do the right thing and clean up after their pets.