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.

Winter has set in

A calm morning at -17 C.

 Well it is a bitterly cold morning here at Columbia Ridge. The sun is shining, the ice crystals are sparkling and the temperature is biting. It is a very pretty morning mind you and the lake looks calm and peaceful. Peaceful except for the grumbling and groans that the ice is making. I thought at first it was a jet overhead but there was nothing in the sky.

Terrified of falling through ice I only stepped out onto it a few steps but it feels very solid along the shoreline. Still, I like to wait until I see vehicles out there before I go out too far.

Every year at this time I start looking at different ways to get out and play on the lake. This looks like fun don't you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7PH9ktkLY

Maybe this will be the year to give it a try.

Autumn

Well it has been quite some time since I last posted. Holidays, the end of Summer and other things all got in the way. Now that fall has settled nicely into the valley I thought a quick blurb on some up and coming internet changes was due. First, a shot of fall colours to brighten what is a dreary, rainy day outside.

Aspen Trees

There we go. Some sunshine and yellow leaves while I type.

If you haven't heard, there is going to be a new web page for Columbia Ridge Estates. It is currently being developed and should be up and running......sometime soon. It promises to be a bit more than a blog with more information about the community and things to do and see. Plus, all the political ongoings with the board should be available at our fingertips when everything is in place. I am looking forward to working on it with the rest of the crew and hopefully you find it useful and a go to spot for all things Columbia Ridge (realistically, where else are you going to go?). 

The Thanksgiving long weekend is just around the corner and the weather is looking okay for it. Okay in the sense that there is sunshine in the forecast with temps in the teens. Low teens but teens none the less.

It has been very quiet out here lately but I imagine people will be out this weekend to get their houses ready for what will hopefully be a really nice, white winter.

May your turkeys be juicy and tender.

Devil's Club

What is wrong with this picture?

 Or should it be...what is right with this picture?

Or is it just the dog days of summer showing their true colours. Here we are, heading into the last week of August and the place is deserted. It has been very relaxing to head down to the beach after work and literally share it with almost no one. It almost seems a shame to see the landscape void of human activity yet at the same time, pretty darned nice.

I am guessing that is going to change for the next few weekends with awesome weather continuing for the next week at the very least. Get out and enjoy. May the lake be glassy in the morning for all of the boaters and breezy in the afternoon for the sailors.

Watermelon vs Beans

I mean really, if you had to choose, which would you choose first? Watermelon of course. Nothing quite beats biting into a big chunk of watermelon on a hot summer's evening. Beans? They are kind of chewy with a weird texture and of course we all know what happens when they go through your system.

This train of thought is brought to you by the battle of the most awesome salads at the BBQ this past weekend. Apparently, my describing of the awesome watermelon salad I was planning to bring spurred Sandy to come in with her even more awesome bean salad. Who was the ultimate winner?

I think everyone was. It was quite a feast with a huge smorgasbord of salads and desserts that kept people coming back for more.  As far as bean vs watermelon, there was a fair bit of watermelon salad left over. I can only attribute that to it having been placed so far down the table that plates were full by the time people reached it. Undoubtedly an evil ploy, cleverly crafted by Sandy herself. Of course the picture below tells the true tale as Sandy prepares for a flavour sensation.

Mmm. Yummy Watermelon

Special thanks to all of the cooks who slaved away making the burgers while we all filled our faces.

Craig monitors the burgers

Russ and Donna getting ready to cook.

The big bouncy dragon castle was a big hit with the kids. I know I sure wanted to go in and bounce around.  Of course the bigger kids made it look more like a slam dancing mosh pit. All it was missing was a bit of punk rock music to make the slam fest complete. Fortunately, alternating big kids and small kept the carnage to a minimum.

Big bouncy fun.

And what BBQ wouldn't be complete without a bunch of cute kids dancing around and looking adorable.

The next Dancing with the Stars stars.

Older and taller, the girl of my dreams!

Special thanks to everyone who made this BBQ a success. There was a great turnout from everyone in the community and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. Cheers.

Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh No!

Just a note that a cougar was spotted north of Columbia Ridge traveling through the corridor between Spirits Reach and here. So if it isn't bears its cats. It was no doubt just down getting a drink from the lake and is back in the boonies once again. Just be careful out there.

Big BBQ Weekend

Where does the time go? Here it is, already Thursday with another weekend just around the corner. It looks like the weather is going to hold with nothing but sunshine in the forecast and warm temperatures. It has been clouding over here in the afternoon (coinciding with when I get off work it seems) but the winds haven't been as nasty (or awesome depending on your point of view) as they were this past weekend.

The BBQ Bash is on course for Saturday night. I am making a frigging awesome watermelon salad that is so darned yummy I could eat it all myself. Of course, now that I hyped it up, it won't live up to expectations! Hope you enjoy it anyways.

See you on Saturday!

Summer in July

Wow. I must say that today was pretty much what summer is supposed to be all about. The day broke with crystal clear skies and dead calm waters, perfect for the boaters keen to get out and crank some arcs on the skiis and wakeboards. Of course just bouncing along on a tube works just as well. 

I went for a paddle down to Columere in the morning. The water was like a pastel painting as the undulating wake from passing boats passed in front of my board and flickered and danced in the light. Sometimes beauty is on a smaller scale and goes unnoticed amid the larger picture.

After lunch, a bit of a breeze came up and it was nice to see the sailboats hit the water, tacking back and forth. It seemed that everyone was enjoying themselves out there today.

Heather cruising on the Cat.

Sand good.

Enjoying the big bouncy floaty thingee

And that of course is the precursor to the long weekend next week. Lets hope the weather is just as nice. Long range forecast so far is looking good.

Bears and Weather

First the bears.

Apparently there is a bear roaming about the neighbourhood. I haven't seen it but I haven't been around that much lately to see anything. I think it is a black bear and if we keep our garbage in check I am sure it will meander away as bears are oppourtunistic feeders and won't stick around just because the view is nice.

Black bears do tend to be more predatory than grizzlies are so if it thinks it can take you down without getting hurt you might be in trouble. Make lots of noise if you see it and if you get attacked, fight back. Travel in packs and don't let your kids wander off without you.

This all sounds much worse than it probably ever will be. I have worked in the forest pretty much my whole life and have never had a serious encounter with black or grizzly bears. They generally keep a wide path from humans and will bolt at the first sight of you.

So take precautions but don't stay huddled in the house for fear of a bear hiding on the porch waiting to get you as soon as you step outside.

Now the weather.

All I have to say about that lately is Ugh. Rain, hail, sun, rain, cloud, wind, rain, cloud. That pretty much sums it up this past week. We had a nasty storm on Tuesday afternoon that left piles of hail stones beneath gutter drains and eroded river channels down people's driveways. At least the grass is green.

The weather for the weekend is looking mighty promising so far with nothing but sun and warm temperatures from Saturday through to Monday. What the wind will do is beyond me so either it will be good for me (windy) or good for you (calm). No doubt, given the way the summer has gone, it will be bad for all of us with baby whitecaps and breezes.

But whatever. Enjoy it anyways. Go for a run or a bike ride or just laze about on the deck if the surface of the water isn't to your liking. It is summer and that is what summers are for.

Have a safe weekend.

Updates for this week from Denise

Summer has arrived at the lake!  Just a quick note with a couple updates and reminders:

Gate Code

The combination to the gate going down to the beach will be changed on July 31.  Please ensure your community dues are up to date and you will receive the code prior to the 31^st.  This will be sent to you as a separate email.

Lake / Railway Wooden Gate

If using the wooden gate to cross the tracks (when accessing the lake) please ensure it is closed behind you.  We need your help to keep our littlest community members safely away from the railway tracks.

Community Safety and Property

Columbia Ridge has been victim to both vandalism and theft in the recent months.  We are asking all community members to raise their attention and focus on any activities that seem suspect or threaten the safety and property of our community members.  This is especially true of the vandalism that has occurred down at the lake, where vandalism and mis-use of community property has occurred repeatedly over the past month.

Annual BBQ – Saturday August 6^th  (6 to 11pm)

We invite you to come out and meet new and catch up with old neighbors.

Thank you to Dave and Donna Rae for lending the use of the rec centre, to Ian and Heather Adair and Canada Safeway who are once again generously supporting our BBQ by supplying the burgers and hotdogs, to community member Yi-Nei Kao has kindly offered or organize crafts for the children.  We have many other volunteers as well making this year’s BBQ another one you won’t want to miss.  We’ll even have dancing on the outdoor dance floor under the big white tents.  (and of course, a cash donation bar!)

Cost:  $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 5 years and older.

Please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible to cathy dot cornfield at shaw dot ca and indicate the following:

- number of people in your party attending?

- your choice of hotdog, smokie, hamburger, chicken, or veggie burger?

- can you bring a casserole, salad or dessert?

- number of children and ages of participating in crafts?

- are you able to volunteer (e.g. set-up, clean-up, barbequeing, bartending)?

Thank you and see you all at the BBQ!

Top of the World Provincial Park

Well summer has arrived in the valley and the weather the past few days has been stunning. We took advantage of the fine weather to visit Top of the World provincial park. It is located south of Columbia Lake, 50 km up the Whiteswan and Lussier forest service roads. There was talk that the road was impassible but when we went it was fine. I wouldn't recommend driving a sports car up there but a SUV or Subaru styled car would make it no problem.

Tom and Brenda en route to Fish Lake

From the trailhead it is an easy six km hike to Fish Lake, a subalpine lake nestled into the surrounding mountains and forest. There are numerous, very nice camp spots along with a cabin for overnighters but we just did an in and out. An overnight stay would be cool as you could then explore the surrounding countryside and visit neat little spots like Sparkle Lake which sits above Fish Lake in a small, rocky basin.

Fish Lake and surrounding scenery

The park is very quiet. We saw no one other than the ranger on our entire hike so if a quiet getaway is what you need, head on out to it. All it needs now are some comfy foamies on the wharf for a more restful nap!

Nap time at Fish Lake

Wall of Voodoo

If you are in the 45 - 55 year old age demographic you might remember an American band from Los Angeles called Wall of Voodoo. Their one hit wonder was Mexican Radio but their name is what resonates with me still to this day. The reason for that is that it describes a Columbia Lake phenomenon that I first encountered over twenty years ago when learning to windsurf at the park in Canal Flats.

Most windy days at Columbia Lake start with a southerly flow that generally picks up as the day progresses. The winds are fairly consistent for a BC lake and that day, twenty something years ago we were having a blast learning to windsurf and just enjoying the sunshine.  That is when we saw it.

Phil noticed it first and pointed to the north end of the lake where a thin line of white was slowly moving down the lake. Being the most experienced windsurfer in the group he started to jump up and down and raced to his truck to start rigging down to a smaller sail size. The wind was still blowing in from the south but he recognized the line as a wall of white caps that was moving rapidly down from the north. It was coming and it was coming on strong.

Being a windsurfer and watching a wall of strong wind move down the lake sets you in a panic. You know within a few minutes that all hell is going to break loose and you want to be ready for it. While I was rigging a smaller sail the song Mexican Radio started playing on the stereo. "It's a Wall of Voodoo," Phil cried out, "A Wall of Voodoo."

Before the wind shifts from the south to the north there is a brief period of unusual calm. The water goes flat and everything goes still. When the northerly pushes in, you will be met with strong gusty winds and if you are a windsurfer, you will be raging with a big smile across your face.


Walls of Voodoo are quite common at Columbia Lake. Some stronger than others but all come about in a matter of minutes and can strike those not ready for them. If you are out on a boat or battling a southerly headwind on a personal water craft and the wind suddenly goes still, look over your shoulder for something coming from the other direction. You might be in for an unpleasant surprise.

A powerful Wall of Voodoo hit today when I was down at the lake. I was rigging for a southerly when all went flat. I thought the day was done but low and behold, I could see the wall way down by Columere. It never lasted long and it was pouring rain for half of it but I got a session in that had me holding on tight. 

On a side note, the water is surprisingly warm. I was just wearing a shorty wetsuit and when I fell in, the shock I was expecting never came! So enjoy the lake this coming long weekend and if the wind dies and the song Mexican Radio starts up in your head, look for the Wall of Voodoo and race to shore!

The Wall of Voodoo trashing the shorefront today.We are going to need some bigger rocks in front of the down ramp.

Walls of Voodoo and Windsurfers make good companions.

Extremely High Water Levels at the Lake

If you are down at the lake this weekend, please be careful as the water levels are extremely high. John Morrison says he hasn’t seen it this high in years and is concerned that there could be significant damage to the docks and shoreline if the winds come up and start bashing things around. He has added additional tie downs to the boat dock to keep it in place.

If you are out on your boat this weekend mind the wake when close to shore as it can cause as much damage to the shoreline as the wind can. And, remember to tie up any personal watercraft that you might use as it will go for a trip if left unattended. There is virtually no beach at the moment.

I don’t think water levels have peaked yet either. If we get a few warm days we could see another jump in the lake level.

If you see damage to any of the existing structures please let us know so that it can be fixed before it gets worse.

Thanks and have a safe weekend.

Blue Lake Summer Kids Camp

Got kids? Want to get rid of them for a few days while you enjoy the peace and serenity of the Columbia Lake with your significant other? Why not send them to camp? That sounds awful doesn't it. Lets try this...

Kids clammering all over you wanting to go to summer camp to get away from their parents boring dinner parties and bocce games? Why not give them what they want with a week at Blue Lake?

Blue Lake Summer Camp is located behind the big mountain to the west of Columbia Ridge, about 30 km from the highway. They have just gone through a big revamp with new cabins, upgraded dining hall, wash houses and lodge.  Their programs are designed for kids ranging from 7 to 18 years of age with programs for a few days or for full weeks.

If you are interested, I have brochures at my place or just go to their web page for way more information than I am giving you here. Here is the link:

http://www.bluelakecentre.com/

It is a beautiful little spot with top notch facilities that I am sure any kid would love.

Not just for kids either. They rent the lodge out for parties, weddings, business retreats and other assorted adult like activities.

The reason for this shameless plug? I am on the board!

Check it out.