Weather, snow and ice conditions could not have been better for the residents who were able to enjoy so many different activities at the lake during the last weeks of March.
Residents say they can’t remember seeing so many people, pets and animals on the frozen lake at once.
Moose, deer, coyotes and wolves were observed several times travelling on the ice, usually along the south shore.
While picnics on the islands and sunbathing on the shores were common pastimes, many families took advantage of some more active opportunities available out here on the edge of the wilderness.
Snow golf
Jamie and Jacquie Moberg of Lakeside Bed and Breakfast hosted another spring golf tournament on Little Lac des Roches for 10 of their friends and neighbours. Pools of water on the lake provided natural hazards for their games, but it was the melting and thin ice along the shore line that made access to the golf course extra challenging for players and their dogs.
Downhill speeders
The sloped yards offered plenty of fun for those who had the need for speed on skis, boards and sleighs.
One grandpa in the neighbourhood spent many hours of his time and many litres of fuel, using his snowmobile as a mobile tow lift for his visiting grandsons to practise their downhill and jumping techniques. The flat expanse of lake ice provided a safe and lengthy backstop.
Ice fishing
Several neighbours tried their hand at catching rainbow trout during the day and burbot during the night from under the foot-thick ice on the lake.
Initial reports indicated that few fish were detected – let alone caught – but that did not deter the anglers from enjoying the hot sunny days and mild clear nights throughout the entire spring break.
Easter egg hunt
At least one family with grandchildren was seen searching their snow-covered yard enjoying a traditional Easter egg hunt.
The soft snow provided plenty of clues for the young sleuths as to where the size 13 booted Easter bunny hid his sweet treasures on Easter eve.
Sparse skiing
The protective south shore provided several kilometres of shallow snow drifts for spring Nordic skiing.
In order to bypass the slick wind-blown ice, several skiers were shuttled back-and-forth across the lake by friends on ATVs. By the end of the Easter weekend, most of the snow had melted and, therefore, for most, skis have been stored away for next year.
Wild skating
While many families enjoyed cleared areas on the ice for skating and pond hockey, several residents discovered the sport of Nordic skating.
The heat of the afternoons slowly melted the remaining snow on the lake into pools of shallow water which froze during chilly nights. This typical spring weather pattern provided the perfect conditions for touring the entire lake on ice skates, aided with balancing poles for the rough sections.
Rocky roads
Load restrictions on provincial roads have shut down logging activity on Wavey Lake Road.
While the road is clear of industrial traffic, there is also the absence of snow for the first few kilometres. Snowmobilers can only access local trails from 202 Road and must trailer their sleds to that unloading point, but are rewarded with excellent snow at higher elevations.
Heavily-used access trails are badly worn down to rocks and dirt. They will be beaten down and without new snow, and will hamper future excursions.
Wildlife warning
The sound of nearby yipping coyotes and howling wolves heard throughout the nights for the last few weeks is an excellent reminder to be cautious.