Dear Canimites,
The Canim Lake fishery is still batting zero at the time of writing, as ice conditions are dangerously poor.
There are two inches of hard ice over much of the western end of the lake, but it is overlain with snow and slush, with possible holes due to the lake’s currents. Wise folk are keeping to the shore — fast ice.
As for the eastern leg, it is still wide open. The smaller lakes, however, are reportedly giving up a great catch of rainbows.
Friendship
renewed
Gordon Kellett had a welcome visit from Arline and Tom Clapham.
Arline was a child when her mom and dad, Art and Betty Kerns, and her brother and sister, moved to a homestead behind Eagle Island on Canim Lake in the late 1950s. In those days, the road ended at Dumaresq’s property, and the only way to the Kern’s land was by boat in the summer and sleigh in the winter.
Gordon’s parents ran the Shangri-La Resort and General Store in those days. The two families became friends.
By 1960, Gordon and Arline were attending the 100 Mile Senior Secondary School. They always sat together in the front seat of the bus. A special and close friendship developed through those hours on the long ride to town.
Soon after graduation, Arline married Tom, and their life rapidly took them to distant places.
Gordon last saw her in 1967, so it was with some great excitement that 44 years later, he would welcome her and Tom back to Canim Lake. Gordon says the visit ended “with a lot of hugs and laughter and a promise of many more to come.”
Community Club
Margo Wagner and Leona Hurrell now have the 2011 events calendar ready.
They will distribute them at club functions, or people could arrange with either of them for a pickup.
The next Community Club dinner will be at the Happy Landing Restaurant on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.
Ralph Fossum will be visiting at Margo’s Cabin on March 17 to give interested members a talk on wills and estates.
There will be questions from some on powers of attorney and other measures necessary to assist aging family members. Time to be announced later.
The 3C’s group is making quilted shopping bags for sale at the Plant and Crafts Sale on the last Saturday in May. They meet every week and newcomers are most welcome. Call Margo for details at 250-397-0016.
Mahood Lake
There are nine families wintering at the lake this year, 18 people in all.
A crafts group meets each Thursday to work and lunch together from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ladies walk together most days at 1 p.m., and the men gather for bull sessions whenever the mood takes them.
It’s impressive to hear the ways in which the families share and help each other.
This stands in the sharpest possible contrast to the chaos overtaking the people of Egypt. It reminds us how precious is our own peace, and how necessary it is that we treat each of our neighbours with respect and care.
People news
• Art Dumaresq celebrated his 65th recently with his family over a Chinese-food dinner. Looking his usual youthful self, Art did not appear to be taking the gravity of the situation seriously.
• Lady Luck abandoned Doug McGregor at crib last week when his record run of 16 wins collapsed in dramatic style. Doug was left to ponder mortality and relax in the warm after-glow of past glory.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.