Logging is definitely big business around Lac des Roches.
All winter, we have listened to the equipment working beyond the south hills and down Machete Road. Sledders have limited their travel on Wavey Lake Road due to active logging, which now seems to be completed, as the road is no longer being plowed.
The expected logging near Phinetta Lake, east of Lac des Roches is underway and most of the work is clearly visible from Highway 24.
Ice is good
Ice conditions on Lac des Roches appear to be safe for winter activities.
There are places where the layer of slush under the snow is deep, but the ice below averages 12 inches of thickness. There is plenty of snow on the lake for sledding, snowshoeing and skiing.
Several ice fishers have been spotted trying their luck on both lakes, but success rates are quite typical - lots of bites - few landed fish.
Cutting and chipping
Thousands of dead trees, which could potentially take down hydro lines, are being cut and chipped this winter in the South Cariboo.
Crew members working on Boultbee Road in February explained that branches less than six inches in diameter are chipped on the spot and larger diameter trees are cut up into short lengths and left in yards for cleanup and disposal by property owners.
Out and about
Several Lac des Roches residents are volunteering with the Bridge Lake Community School Society and would like to invite neighbours to enjoy some upcoming fun.
The Cabin Fever "all you can eat spaghetti dinner" on March 4 is a popular event. Adults eat for $10; children eat for free. Several local residents are expected to perform after dinner.
On March 6, a three-hour snowshoe excursion, near the school, could be the first of several outings in 2011 if the weather co-operates. Meet at the school with shoes, poles and a snack by 10 a.m.
March 12 will be the first get-together for pole walkers, as an hour-long trek will be held near the school. This could also become a regular event if there is adequate interest. Meet at the school by 10 a.m. with appropriate footwear, poles and a beverage.
Auction slated
The Interlakes Community Hall at Roe Lake is the new venue for the big fundraising auction for the local gymnastics team, which has been rescheduled for March 26.
Proceeds from the auction and a portion of beverage and food sales will be used to help our ladies and girls join the Canadian team and perform at the 2011 World Gymnaestrada in Switzerland in July. Please come out and support these enthusiastic athletes.
Beverages and food are available starting at 5:30 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7.
Book club
The next meeting of the Bridge Lake Book Club will be held at Sharron's house, March 5.
As always, we can expect a lively discussion among this eclectic group when they discuss Lionel Shriver's novel, We Need to Talk about Kevin.
Wildlife revealed
The increased sightings of moose and deer may be attributed to longer days, colder temperatures or deep snow in the hills, but regardless of the reason, residents are thrilled to see the return of so many animals to the neighbourhood.
The frequent snow storms and subsequent critter tracks have revealed the most popular driveway culverts the local fox and coyotes have been using as dens this winter. By all reports, human encounters with wildlife this winter have been without incident.