We Are Moving!

Yes, the time has come to move to a different web location. www.columbiaridge.com is pretty much ready to go so this blog has officially moved from this site to that one. Over time the new site should provide you with a lot more information than what you have found here so head on over there and check it out. The new website is as much about you so if you have any comments, concerns please lets us know and we will see what we can do to accommodate that. Like I mentioned, it isn’t 100% yet but if we waited for 100% we would never see it released. Consider it a free beta version that is still better than Windows Vista which you had to pay for. See you there.

Ice on Columbia Lake

It has been a cold week here in the valley. Nothing like on the other side of the Rockies but with a north wind blowing all week, cold enough to make you want to stay inside. It was a dramatic change from last week where it felt more like spring than the dead of winter. With that warm air, Columbia Lake experienced some melting and there were large open sections of water at the provincial park in Canal Flats and under the microwave tower.

When the temperature snapped down to the minus teens and twenties I thought for sure this open water would glass right over and provide some great ice for skating. Driving home from work I would look across the lake and see this black smooth patch where the open water was. It contrasted dramatically against the rest of the lake that was covered with wind swept snow and rough, pebbly ice. I imagined I could feel the smooth ice below my skates and the effortless glides as I pushed against the blade. A few more days of -20 and it should be thick enough to skate on again.

At lunch yesterday, I decided to drive down to the lake to check on the condition of the ice. A cold wind blew from the north and the picnic tables at the park had developed long, angular, snow drifts behind them. My gaze went to the lake, expecting to see the glass like surface of newly frozen ice but I was shocked at what I saw.

Open water.

Open water at the South end of the Lake - Jan 19

The wind bit at my cheeks as I walked towards the edge of the lake. Steam rising from the water froze on the vegetation along the shore turning it into thin, lumpy sculptures of snow. The water almost rippled into whitecaps with the strong wind. Down the lake, below the microwave tower, steam rose up from the open water.  I did not expect to see open water after the past week’s temperatures. Was it the wind? Did the warm weather force some warm water springs into the lake that have kept the surface free of ice. With all the steam rising I almost felt like I was in Fairmont at the hot springs. Maybe I should have gone for a dip.

I haven’t been down to the Columbia Ridge beach yet but if you are going out onto the ice, make sure it is thick enough everywhere you go. It has been a weird winter and open water when it is -20 is a major red flag that the ice may not always be what you think it is.

Waiting for Santa

In anticipation that Santa Claus will drop off some new water toys this Christmas, Jim prepares to make his chimney opening just a little bit larger. I just hope Jim put up some non skid as well so that the reindeer don't slide off the roof.

Photo by Ernie Guenther

Don't forget about the final Columbia Ridge Christmas Craft fair this Saturday from 10 till 2 at the community hall. You might find that something special that you couldn't find anywhere else. Tom and I have been busy in the pottery studio and plan to show our wares at the fair so come on out and check it out.

Teapot and mugs

Sunshine in the Valley

Today was an incredibly stunning day. A sneak snowstorm had laid a blanket of snow down overnight turning the valley into a postcard moment by morning. Only 2 cm fell but it was enough to turn the greys and browns into crisp blues and whites. I tried to get out in the morning and capture it on film but wasn't too successful. What I was successful at was just getting out period. I enjoyed watching the sun come up over the mountain as I pedaled around the neighbourhood. 

Self portrait taken south of the neighbourhood

Canfor purchases Tembec's BC sawmills

As rumours will no doubt be flying about, they officially released yesterday that Canfor will purchase the Canal Flats and Elko sawmills and adjoining 1.1million cubic metres of timber rights. The pulp mill will stay with Tembec but an agreement has been made that will have Canfor supplying chips to the facility. A partnership so to speak.

Canfor, which currently owns the sawmill in Radium and others in central BC, will establish it as the largest producer of softwood lumber in BC.

What does this mean to the employees of Tembec who live in the valley? That part is still a bit unclear but the agreement says that no employees will be displaced as a result of the venture. Everyone will still have a job with competitive wages.

The deal has yet to be finalized and it isn't expected that Canfor will take control until sometime in the new year. 

Columbia Ridge Christmas Market

Looking for that something special for your loved ones at Christmas? Need some cookies or baked goods to go with your coffee or tea in front of the fire on those cool December evenings? Well then, look no further and check out the Columbia Ridge Christmas Market that is taking place every Saturday until the 10th of December.

It is set up in the Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you will find wonderfully crafted quilts, fresh baking, Christmas decorations and more. If we get our stuff rolling, Tom and I should have some pottery ready to go for the last market on the 10th.

Invermere is also hosting a Christmas Craft fair at the Invermere Community Hall on Friday Dec 2nd and Saturday December 3rd if you find yourself in the area.

Both of these are great opportunities to explore the creativity of the local artisans in the area many of the small businesses that abound in the valley.

Rain Rain Rain

One minute it is -17 celsius, the next it is above freezing and pouring outside. The highways in the area this morning were an absolute glassy nightmare made worse by a layer of snowy slop on top. A good day to stay inside. This bought of ugly weather is supposed to stick with us for at least a few days so any snow we have will no doubt be gone. The high country is getting dumped on though so if you ski or snowmobile, you can be sure the snowpack is building.