Despite the extra effort to trailer snowmobiles closer to snow-filled trails, the last weekend of sledding for most of the local riders proved to be very rewarding with the excellent spring riding conditions enjoyed over the Easter long weekend. Several spouses, who opted out of sledding, organized their own all-terrain vehicle outing on the lake. Equipped with carafes of tea and coffee and some home-baked goodies, several ladies enjoyed a wildlife viewing ride around the entire lake. Several sets of fresh moose and wolf tracks were observed as well as an encounter with the ice golfers on Little Lac des Roches. The ladies politely declined the offer of a round of golf and chose to stick to their scheduled travelling tea party.
Fish science enjoyed
A presentation on the biology of trout, their habits and habitat might create a vision of a somber group of people absorbing information on a relatively dry topic. That is definitely not the case when the presenter is Steven Maricle from Ministry of Environment, expert biologist and avid fisherman – with an obvious passion for the sport and science of fishing. Add Steve’s sense of humor to the mix and you will get an enthusiastic discussion with an attentive and thoroughly entertained audience. Thirty-four people attended the Lac des Roches fishery presentation at the Bridge Lake Community School on April 18. Steve was pleased to share his knowledge of fish management in the entire watershed and it was apparent some of the well-seasoned anglers attending were surprised at some of the facts and implications water quality, spawning channels and hatchery fish stocking on sport fishing success. Thanks go out to Gord and Wendy Marshall with the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake for hosting this event and offering it to the public.
Unsafe ice
Lake ice has become unstable and unsafe and is not recommended for any activity. Although many access points are still frozen, large natural holes can be seen forming under what is now very thin ice.
Ice a playground
Lakeside Bed and Breakfast of Gerald Crescent hosted its third annual ice golf tournament on the frozen water of Little Lac des Roches on the Easter weekend. The ice conditions were ideal for the 12 participants who travelled from as far as the Lower Mainland for the event. Everyone enjoyed barbequed food served out on the ice, several rounds of golf and beautiful Cariboo spring weather.
Early birds abundant
April birding expeditions have been great successes according to organizer Wendy Marshall. The list of species sightings is ong and varied. Spring is a particularly rewarding time for birding since our area is a popular stop-over for birds migrating further to the north. The weather has been cooperating and has provided excellent conditions for early morning walks. The group typically meets at the Bridge Lake School at 7:30 a.m. and is back by noon. Future walks are planned for May 3, 10, 24, 31 and June 14 and 28 so mark your calendars.
Deadline passes
Surveys sent out by Canada Post to Bridge Lake clients were to be returned (faxed, mail or email) “no later than April 23. ” However, if the deadline was missed, residents are encouraged to respond anyways. The nearest potential locations, under consideration by Canada Post, and noted on the survey letter, are Sheridan Lake Store, Interlakes Business Corner and Mountain Café on Opax Road.