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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. Thursday, May 25, 2006
Camping at Meziadin
For the May long weekend, as well as our 2nd anniversary, Lyndsay and I went south to Meziadin Lake for a couple nights camping. (Meziadin Lake is about 3 hours south of Dease Lake, about a half km south of Meziadin Junction).
The weather was terrific. On the first night, the Saturday, the wind was intense. We had to tie our tarp down in 8 spots, and at one point the wind gusted so strong it ripped the reinforced corner of the tarp right off. It rained a little that night, but by morning the sun was shining, the wind was gone, and things were looking pretty good. The rest of the weekend, Sunday & Monday, the weather was beautiful, warm, and sunny. We also took a drive out to Stewart BC, and Hyder Alaska, about a 45 drive West. The glacier and scenery along Highway 37a is incredible. Bears everywhere, and beaver damns all over the place. The mountains are beautiful. Hyder is small, about 130 people. Much smaller than Dease Lake, with all dirt roads. It was like stepping back in time. I felt out of place without a horse and buggy. It was nice to smell the ocean again though. Its been a while since we have seen salt water. While we love Dease Lake it was nice to get out of town for a couple days. Our campsite was right on the lake which was great. I'm sure we will be heading back there for a night or two later on in the summer. The next camping trip will be for 3 nights at Liard Hotsprings, about 6 hours North. We are looking forward to this trip - Liard was rated the best hotsprings in Canada by Readers Digest this month. I'll be sure to write about it here once we get back. Wednesday, May 17, 2006
DeaseLake.net Redone!
Since the initial launch of the DeaseLake.net site, I have wanted to redesign it. I have never been entirely happy with its look. Today I unveil the latest design! Let me know your thoughts on this new look! Visit our Contact page and let me know what you think!
There are also two new sections being added. The FREE Classifieds, and Community areas. The Free Classifieds will be just that, FREE Classifieds. If the site picks up considerably in traffic this may not be free forever, but for now it is. The community section is also a place where you can post community events etc, for Free! Be sure to keep checking back as things are changing and growing here at DeaseLake.net! Thursday, May 11, 2006
Will it ever end?
We thought that we had seen the end of it last week, but we were wrong. Last night - more snow! About an inch and a half of snow felt sometime last night. This snow will be all gone by later today, but its still strage to see the white stuff this time of year. It is on the otherhand, nice as the snow cleans up everything and gives a nice fresh look.
Here's a photo of our house, this morning.  Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The First Mosquito...
It came out of nowhere! The first mosquito of the season - and it bit my cheek! Stupid bugger.
We had gone out to a garage sale on saturday and while walking around Sueann pointed out to me that there was a mosquito on my cheek (I hadn't even noticed!) I swatted it off and saw it fly away - it was bloody huge! The size of a vampire bat, or perhaps even a bit bigger! The little pest must have taken 2 pints of my blood at least! It will be interesting to see just what happens with the bugs over the next couple months - I hope I am ready for it! Its beginning to look a lot like Chri... Summer??
Well, this is the strangest weather I have ever seen. Over the past few weeks the temperature has been just above freezing with the occasional spike around 9 degrees or so. Its now may however, and we still get the odd bit of snow. Last week we had three mornings where we woke up to a fresh snow cover. All the new snow is gone by the end of the day, along with some of the old snow, but its still weird to see it falling this time of year.
Today was quite nice, for the most part. Nearly all of the snow is finally melted. Its about time! Dont get me wrong, I love the snow, but I am now ready for Summer. Curious just what summer will be like this year. We hear it gets to around 25 degrees, but normally hovers around the 20 mark. If its not too windy, that would be just fine with me. We've started to plan our trip to the island this summer. Originally we had figured we leave for 2 weeks, but after careful consideration, if I work from Comox on the laptop we can actually take 3 weeks, and by extending it, I actually end up missing 2 days less of work. (this is mostly because the trip home will now be on the weekend, instead of during the week.) We're really starting to look forward to the trip, although our exact plans are still to be worked out. Ive been getting pretty lazy when it comes to updating this blog. I am going to try to post at least once a week from here on, but who knows. We'll see how it goes. :) Monday, May 01, 2006
Here comes the sun... Snow... Sun... Snow...
It's May in Dease Lake. The last 3 days we have woken up to snow! SNOW! Apparantly it is rare to see this much snow this time of year. The averate temperate us supposed to be around 10 degrees, not the 3 to -3 range that we are used to right now.
Hopefully, with any luck, summer will be here soon. While I love the snow, I am ready for some warmer weather... bring on the mosquitoes! |
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