Summer?

I realize that, once again, I have been a very bad blogger. In my defense, I was encouraging Keith to fill a page with the inner workings of his brain (only what pertains to the roost)but the plans grew too big for our limited free time. Suffice to say, you missed out on something great. Maybe once things slow down at our little piece of paradise, he will be able to bless you with his ramblings and photographic styling. Until then, you're stuck with me. Spoiler Alert - his post may or may not involve some costume changes as well as an uncooperative Chihuahua and a black lab.

Lots has happened since our last post in June. We've installed automatic exit gates (entrance coming soon), hosted 10 days of Dog Agility Trials and training camps at the park, enjoyed Billy Barker Days (from a distance), had a pleasant visit with our exchange student from China (we do apologize to his parents if he arrives back home a little more warped than when he left), completed a LOT of painting at the park, said goodbye for the season to our wonderful work campers - Zane & Donna, and spent many days inside reading while the rain drizzled/poured down outside. The weather did not lend itself to many days spent lounging outside in the sun, but it was a perfect year to plant any type of vegetation and have it thrive.

September brought the sun though, and it's been wonderful. I has been hotter in the last few days than it has been all summer and I plan on enjoying every minute of it!

Until next time.... - R.

The re-location & re-assignment of Trailer #3

For a lot of our customers who have spent years in trailer three down on the point, I am posting some pictures of a project that was undertaken in April of this year.

Trailer 3 is an older trailer that does not have the benefit of any air conditioning. It sat right down on the point where it received the full brunt of the hot afternoon sun. And, due to it's age, was not the nicest trailer for everyone to look at all year long!

After much debating, we decided to de-commission the trailer and move it to site #1 where it is right beside our front gate. This is a nice shady site and is a prime location for either a new office location or for a night security person.

The first set of pictures is a collage of 'moving day'. Keith had just gotten home from the oil fields in Alberta, so his truck was a little filthier than usual!

From this:



To this (note the nice new paint job? Now it blends right in and I don't even see it!)

Spring...

Although I typed the title a little tentatively, I think spring is finally here. In the Cariboo, spring is much more than just a date on the calendar, and usually has its own ideas as to when it will truly arrive.

Last night the sound the nesting birds were making was incredible. It could not be described as anything other than a cacaphony, but it was still beautiful to fall asleep to. And, although there is still a chill in the air, when the sun makes an appearance during the day it is downright glorious! Spring flowering bulbs have started poking up in the gardens and grass is starting to green up in areas. Most importantly, the ice is slowly retreating from our shores.

As I type this post there are a few hardy campers sitting around a nice warm campfire, enjoying the late night symphony that can only be heard on a lake in spring. The tinkle of shifting ice, a late night breeze though the dried cattails, and birds.... Lots and lots of birds!

Even though it is still cold at night, Keith could not wait any longer for camping season to start and has turned on water to the sites. Today was our first official day open for 2011.

Let the games begin!

Turn out the Lights

Help symbolically express your concern for the earth by turning off your lights at 8:30.

Several restaurants in town are helping out by having 'dinner by candlelight' events, but Hannah and I have opted to stay home. After much thought, we have decided that nothing would be better than lighting our first campfire of the year and roasting hotdogs (veggie for Hannah) and marshmallows.

What are your plans for the evening?

Ice Fishing

Huts are popping up all over the lake and ice fishing has started with a vengeance. Thickness of the ice is about 5", and yesterday, my dad caught a fish so big, he almost couldn't get it out of the hole!

The bonus to ice fishing on Dragon Lake - the fish aren't muddy at this time of year, and you can still catch the big lunkers!

Snow and Swans

Winter is officially here. Last night we had our first snow fall of the season, and although it is already melting, I know that more is on the way.

We were paid our annual pre-winter visit by the swans yesterday. Even though their visit often coincides with snow, it's always nice to see them as they scare away the geese. I know that swans are just as, if not more, aggressive as geese - but there are also only four of them and about 100 geese. They also don't wear out their welcome as they are often only here for a few days at the most.

It's very cool to watch the four swans swimming towards the geese to temporarily claim the lake shore. The geese try to act tough for as long as they can, but fly away when the geese get to about 100 feet away. There is plenty of posturing on both sides during the confrontation and it's almost like two gangs meeting on the street.

Plans for today include: staying off the roads until the snow is completely gone, lighting the wood stove, making a batch of Chai tea and getting some homework done while I watch life unfold out my kitchen window.- R

Remembrance Day

Tomorrow the kids and I will head down to the Cenotaph downtown. We will remember those who have fallen while protecting our country and the liberty of others.

I will think of my great grandpa, whom I never got to meet, as well as all the hardships that were endured by the loved ones who survived.

We will think of those who are still sacrificing their lives for the freedom we enjoy.

Tomorrow, at eleven o'clock, please make sure you take a few minutes to remember.