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.