Along the shores of Lac des Roches, spruce trees are dying. Trees show the tell-tale signs of an insect attack when the needles on the limbs change colour from green to brown, sometimes within a few weeks. Depending on the travel direction of the insects on each tree, the limbs will show signs of death from the top down or the bottom up. Like the beetle-killed pine trees, these dead spruce trees are a falling hazard in a very short time. Many residents are having these trees removed to protect their property. A number of residents have lamented about the cost and the effort required to remove these trees since they find the heating value of the spruce far less than that of the abundant pine for wood heating. The one positive side, however, is that in most cases the removed tress have provided a better view of the lake and the lush shores along the south side of the lake. There is always something to see on the lake, even if this year it is just the tracks that show up in the morning from those elusive animals.
Animals moving
Despite the recent frigid temperatures, the animals are indicating more movement whenever the nights are milder. Snow tracks indicate more movement of rabbits, ermine and coyotes along the lake shores and fields overlooking the lake. One Boultbee Road resident played host to a moose bedding down for several nights in late February near her dock, which her dogs were quick to point out every morning!
Snow piling
Everywhere I look, I see we are running out of places to push plowed snow. The secondary roads around the lake are getting very narrow as there is only so much space between the road and the banks on either side to pile the snow. Snow piles on the edges of driveways and accesses are getting so high, gates and fences are no longer visible from a distance. We have been looking at our own yard, and the piles of snow that we have accumulated since December, and are now getting a little concerned about where all that melting snow is going to go before it makes its way down to the lake. This will definitely be a year to watch drains and culverts closely for freezing and perhaps digging some temporary trenches for water runoff where possible in the frozen ground.
Warming up
Thanks to the neighbour who told me about the product available for better music enjoyment while working and playing outdoors. Some wise entrepreneur has designed toques and earmuffs with built in headphones that are comfortable, warm and provide quality sound. They plug into your favourite electronic device such as iPod or cassette player and can be a great companion when enjoying the great outdoors on colder days. Enjoy our great outdoors!