The annual Thanksgiving horseshoe tournament on Boultbee Road attracted 20, two-person teams.
Warm, dry weather, not usually experienced in previous tournaments, and the addition of well-placed bleachers resulted in more than 40 spectators enjoying the fun throughout the holiday weekend.
The winning team of Marlen Laine and Steve and Vicki Gillett's daughter, Katie, was declared after a tie-breaking toss-off at the end of the playoffs.
Once again, an injury-free good time was had by all, including good-hearted Justin Lutz, grandson of John and Elsie Clarkson, who was promoted to "Justeen" in order to meet the required number of females for the "boy/girl" mixed teams.
Waning wildlife
Fewer animal and waterfowl sightings are a clear indication of how close we are to winter.
The loons on the big lake may have left mid-October, as they have not been heard or seen since Oct. 15.
No geese are residing here but there are plenty stopping in for a break on their journey south. The skies are periodically filled with the distinctive squawking of huge flocks heading south for the winter.
A lone bat was observed feeding on a late sedge hatch in the late afternoon on Oct. 14 - a very rare sight, as bats are well known for their nocturnal habits.
Coyotes are up to something, as their distinct evening and morning howls from the northern slope of the lake have been echoing through the valley since early October. Squirrels are everywhere, loudly defending their territories and guarding their caches of seed cones.
Trick or treat
One resident found a surprise in her pumpkin patch this year.
A wild critter, possibly the resident fox of Boultbee Road, gnawed in several places on a small pumpkin. The marks closely resemble a face of a jack-o-lantern.
Imagine not just reveling in the success of growing a pumpkin in our short season, but to grow one that develops a lopsided grin - thanks to local wildlife - just in time for Halloween.
Otter hit by truck
According to a local wildlife expert, otters are on the move, searching for their ideal winter home.
That may explain the rare and deadly encounter on Oct. 17, between an otter and a vehicle near Gerald Crescent on Highway 24. Unfortunately, the otter's timing to dash across the highway coincided with that of the vehicle, and the otter did not survive.
Who would have thought that lake otters are another hazard to be aware of when travelling our wilderness roads?
Book club
The next meeting of the Bridge Lake Book Club will be held at Lac des Roches on Nov. 5.
The novel White Oleander by Janet Fitch will be discussed over beverages and snacks. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 for meeting details.
Friends AGM
Lac des Roches Resort owners, Luca and Laura Lanzoni, were the perfect hosts for the 13 participants of the annual general meeting of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake on Oct. 12.
The executive positions have shuffled a bit but the society, with approximately 90 members, is still actively watching over the lakes and surrounding watershed.
The executive appreciates the annual fees and generous donations from members that keep the society solvent and reinforce the support from the community of the group's stewardship objectives.