There is a temporary "rock island" on the ice at Little Lac des Roches, and as part of a fun community guessing game, residents are guessing when it will sink through the melting ice.
Ice-off dates for the last two years were a month apart, so when the structure will sink is hard to predict, but guesses currently range between April 22 and May 22. One would hope the ice is gone by May 23 (Victoria Day), but only Mother Nature really knows.
The attached float will identify its location for retrieval; however if that should fail, it is in the area used by the naval divers when they train under the ice, so they could be called upon for retrieval next January if necessary.
Young resident Piper Loft is the official day-time monitor, as she travels to and from school on the bus, and Luca Lanzoni from the Lac des Roches Resort will monitor the island at night.
Slow melt
Except for some overflow on Boultbee Road due to a frozen culvert, the slow pace this year's snow and ice are melting is causing no apparent damage around the lake.
Some years, shovels and picks are not adequate for managing the trenches and temporary ditches required to divert high volumes of runoff water to more suitable paths. The cooler temperatures during the day and mild temperatures at night are melting the snow and thawing the ground at about the same rate, so the ground is able to absorb most of the water.
Last year, residents were raking the gravel off the lawns in April and burning winter's debris as early as January. This year, the start of yard work will likely have to wait until late spring or early summer.
Ice stable
There is subtle melting along the shore in shallow bays and through the channel, but the majority of the ice is still very solid and deep, supporting both walkers and sledders.
After all the damage to docks last year, property owners would certainly welcome a year of slow melting, stable ice on the lake.
Book club
The Bridge Lake Book Club met at Wendy Marshall's home on April 2 to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
The book has been translated from French and is worth the read if a copy can be tracked down.
The next meeting has been changed to May 14 and will be held at Wendy Dubbin's home on Bridge Lake to discuss Curiosity, which is available through the local library, by Joan Thomas.
Garage sale
Word has been sent out to residents about possibly holding a community garage sale on the May long weekend.
Since we are the furthest South Cariboo community southeast of 100 Mile House, it makes sense to make the trip worthwhile to prospective shoppers. Residents interested in using this timeframe for a garage sale should call Sharron at 250-593-0041, so advertising can reflect this as a community event.
Pole walkers
Saturday morning pole walkers will now meet at the Bridge Lake School rather than the Cottonwood Corner.
Everyone is invited to this free, one-hour trek around the neighbourhood for excellent exercise and good conversation.
