Destruction of property and health and safety concerns has prompted one Lac des Roches resident to initiate taking control of the population of beavers on the big lake.
Evidently, changed weather patterns and high water levels this year allowed the beaver population to multiply to an unhealthy level for many of the lakes in the entire Bridge Lake area.
A local trapper has agreed to set traps which should reduce the local colony.
Apparently, eight beavers were taken from near Boultbee Road a decade ago, a year when the beaver population flourished. The bait-free traps are set in water at a remote location on the lake and there is no chance of harm to domestic animals kept in control by their owners.
Several beavers have already been successfully removed from the lake this fall.
Smoke and fire
A smoky haze over Lac des Roches this fall is a sharp contrast to the brilliant clear blue skies we enjoyed during the five-month burning ban earlier this year.
Extensive slash burning in the logged hills at both ends of Lac des Roches are the source of the majority of smoke, although there are several people in the neighbourhood catching up on their yard burning.
High tea
A traditional English tea party at the Iron Horse Pub in Lone Butte was a fun way to wind down a summer of socializing for a handful of women on Oct. 19.
Throughout the summer months, the ladies of Boultbee Road combine their daily walk with socializing and travelling tea parties to different residences whenever there is an event worthy of a party. Saying goodbye for the winter to several seasonal residents and celebrating Elsie Clarkson's 50 years with her husband, John, were adequate reasons for a party in October.
Fog and frost
Strong and relentless winds have resulted in minimal recreational use of the lake during October, although the wind often keeps the air stirred up and temperatures above zero.
On the few calm mornings, heavy frost and thick fog at the lake level has kept most users inside their cozy homes.
For those hardy fishers and paddlers seen braving the morning chill, hand warmers and fur-lined boots are a necessity this time of year, as they break through the thin layer of ice now occasionally appearing around the lake's shore and in the connecting channel.
Wildlife sightings
On Nov. 1, seven Trumpeter swans noisily flew the length of the lake to the appreciation of several residents.
A bald eagle grabbed something from the lake that same day and had a dozen mallard ducks taking cover under a pylon dock while he perched at Carlos' Point, munching his catch.
Skater honoured
Congratulations to the very talented Georgia Lanzoni.
Georgia's rigorous figure skating training schedule in both 100 Mile House and Kamloops has resulted in excellent competition results for this energetic skater. We will have to keep an eye on this rising young star.
Nifty nineties
Gerardine and Borre van Doorninck relocated from Webb Lake to North Vancouver a year ago and are remembered often, as they and their two sons developed deep roots in our community.
Both celebrated their 90th birthdays this year, Borre in April and Gerardine in September. They are healthy, and with their dog Romeo, have adjusted well to metropolitan life.