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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Unplanned Day Off
Normally I thoroughly enjoy having a day off work, at least when it is planned. Un-planned days off are just a pain in the neck.
Today was one of those days. When my work day ended yesterday I had planned on booting up the computer tuesday morning and doing it all over again. This was not the case. I have learned that computers do not work without electricity. Last night we were sitting in the front yard having dinner. Shortly after we had finished eating Kendra (a young girl from down the street) mentioned to me that telephone pole was smoking. Lyndsay and I had assumed that she had simply seen some steam and that it was really nothing. I decided to take a look anyways just for the heck of it... well, it actually was smoke. I went for a closer look and saw that it was smouldering pretty good, and that a large portion of the pole had been eaten away by the fire. It looked as if there were a hot wire touching the pole that likely started the fire. I went back home and called the operator (couldnt remember the fire department's number). They forwarded me to the fire department and there was no answer, and just a strange beep. The operator was still on the line and then forwarded the call to the RCMP, who then contacted the right people and got the ball rolling. Before extinguishing the fire they had to contact BC Hydro to have the power shut off, which turned out to be a bigger deal than one might imagine. It started with the satelite phones not getting a good enough reception. Eventually they went to a neighboring house and called from there. Due to union issues the person on duty in Smithers was unable to shut off the power, but due to it being an emergency they finally agreed and power to the entire town was shut off. About an hour or so later, after the fire was good and out, they returned power to part of the town, however, our street, and some neighboring ones were without power through the night and for most of today. Wed to wait for a Hydro crew from Smithers (7-8 hours south) to come to replace the pole. So, a day without electricity is a day without work, at least when you rely on computers and an active internet connection. The morning was interesting. Instead of my usual check email and work routine, I dropped Lyndsay off at the school, came home, gathered my things, and went out to try to get some fish. Drove out to Gnat Pass (20k south) hoping to get some rainbow trout. The pass was incredibly windy and cold, so I ditched it and headed to Alan Lake instad. I didnt catch anything but I sure did enjoy sitting at the side of the lake, a line in the water, and only the sounds of nature. There were two loons nearby and I managed to get a decent photo of them (see the updates in the photos section). Overall it turned out to be a pretty good day, although quite unproductive. The power was returned sometime around 1:00 and I did manage to get some work done, but not quite what I had planned... I guess tommorow through friday will be busier than planned... guess that is alright. I have posted a couple photos of the burning pole on the 'Around Town' page, and one of the loons on the 'Wildlife' page. There is also a new photos page for the community garden which has been added. This page will be updated throughout the summer as things start to grow and the garden takes shape. Check back often. << Return to Blog << Return to DeaseLake.net |
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