Ice-Out on Lake Windermere

Only a thin layer of ice remains on the south end of Lake Windermere. Looking close you can see the ice breaking up. The ice is about midway in the lakes 12 mile length.

Incredibly mild weather for December. +6°c, rain and a stiff south wind. The ice on about half of Lake Windermere has gone out. In the sixty, some odd, years I have been observing the lake I cannot remember it doing so in December.

The ice was late forming this winter with only a thin skim by the end of November. I am usually skating on the lake by the end of November. This year I went for a swim instead.

Standing at the north end of the Lake near dark. The ice in the foreground has been blown to the shore.

In the early 2000’s, when I was with the newspaper, I can remember writing an editorial mid December to be careful on the lake ice as it could be unsafe. It had been mild that year. The point of the article was to warn tourists and second home owners to be mindful as they may have been used to driving on it in December. The way it looks this year the tourists and vacation home owners could be putting their jet boats back in for the Christmas holidays.

The lake in winter has always been a special place for me. Skating, skiing, driving and fishing. There is nothing like being out there in the cold and quiet. Whenever I have had to endure pain I’ve always thought of the lake and the silent white surroundings while standing in the middle to get me through. It is what I imagine heaven to look like. It truly is a remarkable place.

We are expecting more warm weather. If so I can only guess the rest of the ice will break up and flow down the Columbia.

If my old friend Ray was still alive, he passed a few years ago at 103, I’d ask him if he’d ever seen this before. I would bet he would say no and be equally surprised. As I’m sure my Dad would have been. Christ, I’m an old-timer now and I’ve never seen Lake Windermere open in December.

Slip Slide & Away

The Milky Way above the Fairmont Range. The Dark Horse Nebula can be seen to the right of the central bulge of the Milky Way.

Willow and I were up early. The moon was due to go down at about 4:30am. Our goal was to catch a bit of the Milky Way before the coming sun started to wash it.

We were off for the end of the lake. The pick-up slid in the mud. It has been clear and warm during the day, but chilly at night. We broke through the ice skimmed over the mud holes, churning this way and that trying to stay out of the ruts.

Just about at our parking spot, damn near level with the lake, I underestimated a strip of mud, letting the truck slide deeper and we were stuck.

There was no going forward or back. We were already in four wheel drive. I shifted the beast into 4 low and it still wouldn’t budge.

I got out and surveyed the situation. It is usually a foot and a half step to the ground out of the truck. This morning the step was just about level with the mud. We were stuck. It was dark. There was only one thing to do. Go looking for the Milky Way.

Willow looked at me sideways as if to say, this is where we are going to park?

We walked up the hills overlooking the lake. Willow stayed close with the coyotes yipping.

The moon was down in the west. The Milky Way stretched east to south. Antares, the heart of Scorpius was well up above the horizon. The Prancing Horse whinnied as if chuckling at our predicament.

We walked to the waters edge. The geese were at it, establishing territory, gearing up for flight. Once it started to get light we headed back to the truck.

I laid some broken branches in a corduroy fashion, shovelled mud and water and did some rocking, lots of rocking. Finally, like a stubborn tooth, the muck let loose and the ship sailed onto solid ground.

The only way out was forward, so I had to turn around and go back through the cranky puddle. Fortunately, I had realized the err of my ways and picked a more favourable route without incident.

Once home it was like Lisa knew I had got stuck. It could have been we were later than usual or the mud soaked up to my knees. She reminded me I wasn’t thirty anymore. I assured her we weren’t stuck, just parked for a while.

Interesting morning.

Return

Willow and I were first in the mountains then down the lake, on the west side, anticipating the return of the galactic centre. Willow barked at the coyotes yipping. An owl started up somewhere behind us, then was quiet, maybe busy filling it’s belly with an unlucky vole.

The Milky Way curved from north to south. The stinger of Scorpius glowed red, a smear of greenish northern lights, turning magenta over the Giant Chief Nutmuq¢in.

An imagined glacier under foot. Even Willow bought into my tall tail, and gave me the cautious look of, let’s not fall through. You worry to much old hound, just the same, there is coffee an’ a muffin waiting. Plus we had our proof, spring is really on its way.

This and That

The local newspaper reported the current School District 6 (Rocky Mountain) Superintendent has left their position. In usual School District fashion the reason for leaving or if severance was paid was not disclosed.

The local School District has operated behind closed doors with very little public access to information for many years now. In the past, information on use of pesticides on school grounds, wage hikes for administration staff, staffing issues, school space inadequacies and allegations of abuse have always been restricted regardless of the public’s interest and right to know.

Of course it doesn’t help that local media has become bare-boned and unable to pursue and report on these issues. The days of strong local journalism is long gone. . . Replaced by Facebook. . . Lord help us!

***

CBC reported on a study done by the RCMP examining coming threats that could affect policing. They included world affairs such as wars, environmental issues, economy, political polarization and extremist movements. The report painted a bleak future to say the least.

It made me think how, in our small community, how unprepared we are for these coming obstacles.

I don’t believe we will be helped by local government. Unless it involves development or tourism they are uninterested. Environment, homelessness, climate change and health and welfare of common citizens are not exactly their strong suit.

It is difficult to forget during the height of the Covid pandemic, when federal and provincial medical officials were recommending not to travel, our small town officials went on Alberta media telling tourists the Columbia Valley was open for business and to come and visit.

It was that kind of thinking that resulted in many low paid service employees getting sick, including fifteen people who I knew personally. Some of them got sicker than others. Luckily everyone got through it, but the severity of Covid was not known at the time. It was dangerous for our politicians to ignore the best scientific advice at the time to assure cash registers kept ringing.

It makes me think that it will be up to the citizenship to band together in the future to fight coming threats mentioned in the RCMP report. It may not be possible to rely on government and certainly not local government.

I believe the larger the government the less effect it has on our lives. For instance, our Federal MLA is a man who has rarely, if ever, stepped foot in Invermere. He is a long time party back bencher, and for all intents and purposes ineffectual and all but invisible to his constituents. He certainly doesn’t dictate policy that influences lives in his riding.

Our Provincial MLA is much the same. However, we do see him more often and he can bring forward concerns in the Provincial House. Still, his ability to change anything is limited at best and nonexistent at worst.

But our local governments, Mayors and council members can make a big difference, good and bad, to the lives of the people they are said to serve. It is interesting to note these members, although paid well, are paid substantially less than their Federal and Provincial counterparts. Regardless, they are often awarded in other ways due to their control of local policy, thus you often see wealthy businessmen such as realtors, business owners and developers in these positions.

I think history has shown, one can’t depend on politicians, regardless of stripe or office, to do the right thing for the majority of people. The best we can hope is that what is good for them is also good for the majority. Most of the time it is.

Who knows what the future holds.

A Quick Dip

An old walrus wallows away the day in the icy waters.

Jumped in the lake today at the Annual Polar Plunge. The event is hosted by RAD Recreation Adapted Society, with funds raised going towards purchasing fitness equipment for people who have had paralyzing injuries.

It was great to support the event and a dip in the cold water is always refreshing.

Skating

Look out! Scarlett skates with her hockey stick in one hand and a snowball in the other.

There is nothing like a fine day of skating. And to enjoy it with grandchildren makes the day even more satisfying.

A game of keep away. The old man succumbs to the energy of youth.

Under Swansea on the ice of Lake Windermere. Showing off our gap toothed hockey smiles!

Mt Nelson Place

Mt. Nelson Place is a 24/7 staffed residential home for adults with developmental disabilities. Lisa and I have known many of the residents since we were youngsters. My Mother Isabelle was on the board that used to manage the facility many years ago.

We had not met Ed before. He turned out to be quite a joker. He was also a fan of hockey. His favourite teams are The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers.

Over the years, Lisa and I have been asked to take pictures of the people who live at Mt. Nelson Place.

Lisa and Edith worked together for several years at the bakery. They had a good laugh talking about how they didn’t miss it.

The residents are kind, gentle people. It is an exciting day for them with a beautician coming to their home to do their hair and get them ready for the portraits.

Edith is a long time resident. She enjoyed getting ready and was happy to pose for Lisa.

Lisa is exceptional at taking portraits, because she connects with people and makes them feel comfortable. She was the same when we used to photograph weddings and family events. I was always the 2nd shooter and my job was easy as the subjects were always at ease due to Lisa’s banter.

Jarett enjoyed getting out in the fresh fall air.

Isabelle, was also a wonderful photographer and she also had the knack of gaining people’s trust. So important when taking portraits.

Although we didn’t know Marlene when we started to take her photo, we became fast friends with this lovely lady over the course of the session.

The portraits of the residents will be sent to family and friends all over Canada and beyond. It is nice to be able to be part of this special project and always an honour to take photos of these wonderful people.

Lorie found it a little chilly outside, but had plenty of smiles. This is a photo captured while she waited for the other residents to join her for a group photo.

Solitude

The quieter days, darker evenings and lower temperatures have been a relief from a busy summer that saw hordes of tourists; many of them rude and overbearing, also fires that raged nearby and long hours at work that seemed to get the better of me.

I feel tired and in need of quiet. This past week I have made a point of seeking solitude after work for at least a few hours. It is what I need and what I value right now. I have let being alone, walking in the bush or along the river escape me for many years now. It was something I used to do often and had done so since I was a child. I have always enjoyed being alone. This past week has reminded me how important it is to my sanity. During the day at work it is what I look forward to and it gets me through.

***

I hiked on a trail last weekend that is maintained by, Summit Trail Makers Society. They maintain eleven popular hiking destinations by clearing the trails, putting up signage and publicizing the locations and themselves on social media.

The trails they have taken over were always popular, now however, due to increased awareness are incredibly busy with locals and especially tourists.

To hike one of these trails is the equivalent of playing a game of golf, either you are approaching another group or being overtaken by one. They do, however, serve a valuable purpose and the Society should be commended.

When The Village of Radium Hot Springs started to develop 2nd and 3rd homes for our Alberta neighbours, many of these dwellings were placed on a hill where the old drive-in theatre use to stand. To locals they were hideous abominations. An old-timer put it into perspective for me and made me accept it a little better. He said, “The Albertans and their city condos may as well be all grouped together overlooking the Radium sewer lagoons then spread throughout the valley.”

By the same token tourists may as well explore, The Summit Trail Maker locations en masse then be spread in every direction. Again, this is not a criticism of the Society or the people who frequent the trails. They are people who love nature and enjoy the sights and exercise these trails provide, however, what they do not value is solitude that the mountains can provide in an ever increasing busy world.

***

Unfortunately now, the 2nd and 3rd vacation homes are not just overlooking the Radium sewer lagoons anymore. They make up the majority of real estate surrounding the lakes and can be found in every nook and cranny stretching from one end of the valley to the other. Soon it will be the same of the recreational enthusiasts, checking off the hikes they find on the internet.

For people who call the valley home; our sense of place, the place we love, where we have laughed and cried, where our children were born, will be stripped of flesh. Soon only scraps will remain.

Early August

Horsethief Fire. Taken in the evening by Lisa.

The valley bottom is thick with smoke. Plenty of fires burning. So far nothing threatening. Just a lot of smoke making it hard to breath for people with lung issues. Plenty of people walking around with masks.

Jimmy says he has to smoke a cigarette just to get some fresh air.

The Resort is busy, as is the valley, on the long weekend. I am on my fourteenth straight day and it will keep up for awhile.

We have been furnishing a house to be made into a BNB. Our job is to put together furniture made in China. It is amazing stuff. You start off with flat box with panels and a freezer bag of assorted hardware. When you open it up and take everything out all you can think is, FUCKKK! But somehow it all goes together. None of it is high quality. The wood is manufactured from sawdust and glue. The veneer has been printed on an inkjet printer and the vinyl fixed to the ‘wood’. It all fits in a flat box that can be stacked miles high in a shipping container. That’s some crafty engineering.

The garden is out in full force. The smoky air acts as a flat filter giving the same light to the bottom of the leaves as the top. It is like the plants are in a green house.

The youngsters at work, from the UK and Ontario, have their belongings in their vehicles just in case they have to make a run for it. They haven’t seen anything like this. I tell them, it is good to be prepared but not to panic. I don’t say it, but it can get a lot worse.

The Albertan tourists and second home owners keep flocking in like nothing is wrong. They bitch that the pool isn’t crystal clear, like they haven’t noticed burnt ash has been falling on it nightly.

It will keep up for awhile like it always does. August has become a bitch.

Putting up a stink

A couple weeks ago I wrote about the District of Invermere (DOI) continued water woes. The water continues to be dirty intermittently, along with this, now DOI is having sewer trouble.

The smell of sewage, especially in the morning, fills the air concerning citizens and District officials.

The waste water lagoons are located in Athalmer beside Toby creek. The water is treated through a series of ponds and then seeps or is discharged into the creek. The water is continually tested at the discharge end to assure it is pure enough not to be harmful to the environment once discharged. This is the way most systems work, waste water is eventually returned to the ecosystem. Done right it works.

When sewage ponds start smelling it means the system is not working. Often it is because the micro organisms that purify the sewage have died. There could be plenty of reasons for this. It could be lack of oxygen. If you have ever seen a sewage lagoon you may have noticed a bubbling in the middle, almost like a fountain. That is a pump oxygenating the water for the bugs.

Of course there are other reasons why a system may stop working. DOI’s response is that the weather has changed and too many people are flushing sanitary wipes, designed to kill germs that are also killing the micro organisms in the wastewater ponds.

This explanation could be true. The result is an awful smell that is getting the attention and ire of residents. However a larger problem than smell may be happening. The waste water currently may not be treated and it is ending up in Toby Creek. If that is not bad enough. During May and June, the creek, during high water, flows backwards into Lake Windermere.

Thirsty?

As mentioned previously regarding the quality of the water, DOI has ignored infrastructure for a long time. Choosing instead to focus on tourism, bringing more people to the valley and supporting business interests. In short, acting more as a chamber of commerce than local government. Our current mayor is a past President of The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and it sometimes seems he doesn’t know the difference between the two positions.

I can’t count the number of times I have been told by DOI officials we need more tourists and second home owners, because they are the ones paying for badly needed infrastructure upgrades. I remember a past Mayor of DOI, standing on my doorstop, telling me he cared less for the people living here and more for the people, they are enticing to the area, for that very reason.

That’s fine. I get it. More tax payers, more services. But it only works if that money is used to upgrade services. In DOI case the extra money has been used to buy land to support more tourism, get more boats on the lake, and promote Invermere as Calgary’s ‘back yard’ where anything goes.

District of Invermere waste water ponds.

So now water and sewer problems are becoming hard to ignore and that can only mean one thing, higher taxes. There is no problem or incompetence money can’t fix.

DOI council has poor leadership, but good minds in supportive rolls. That’s important, weak leadership can always be swayed to do the right thing with proper reinforcement. The trick is to remind leadership what is good for most people is also good for them.

It is time for DOI to stop catering to tourists, second home developments and business interests and start serving residents as promised.

Palliser Pass

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