Kukagami Environment Watch December 2010
WINTER NIGHT ON KUKAGAMI
Snowflakes fall from the starlit sky,
Gently to earth, but not to die.
They settle on boughs of pine-scented trees,
I sniff the air and let out a LOUD sneeze!
It's crisp and cool, actually quite nippy,
My bare toes hit the water, it's hot oh yippee!
I lower my aching bones in the steamy night,
Lamppost winking, dressed in a red bow...a delight.
Not a creature is stirring, well.... maybe a mouse!
Christmas lights glowing and twinkling around the house.
So peaceful and quiet out here in the bush,
Just sitting in the hot tub, warming my tush!
Snowflakes fall from the starlit sky,
Gently to earth, but not to die.
They settle on boughs of pine-scented trees,
I sniff the air and let out a LOUD sneeze!
It's crisp and cool, actually quite nippy,
My bare toes hit the water, it's hot oh yippee!
I lower my aching bones in the steamy night,
Lamppost winking, dressed in a red bow...a delight.
Not a creature is stirring, well.... maybe a mouse!
Christmas lights glowing and twinkling around the house.
So peaceful and quiet out here in the bush,
Just sitting in the hot tub, warming my tush!
by Vicki Thurlow
Kukagami Ice!
YES! The lake is all tucked in for the winter. Freeze-up began in early December. Most of the lake froze over once the 5-day northwest wind finally died down on December 9th. But two big holes remained. Another 4 days of wind made the open water spaces bigger. That wind died down on December 15th, and the biggest hole froze over with clear beautiful ice! The last open water was seen on December 17th, near the southwest end of the lake in association with pressure ridges that rippled the ice.
And then came snow….
Kukagami Lake December 16, 2010
International Year of Biodiversity A year of celebration, action, and hope.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species in our region. From the tiniest snowflea to the largest forest mammal, the moose, all species play a part in the health of our ecosystems.
Living by Water: Winter Edition This link has great information! Be sure to protect your investment at the lake and our environment with these great tips from Nature Canada's Living by Water Seasonal Guide.
Remember that we too are an integral part if the biodiversity of our planet. We can preserve it, not only for ourselves and our future generations, but also for all other species with which we share this planet.
Communications Update
Here's a breakdown of comparative costs for connecting to the internet in our remote location. Over the past few years, several residents have invested in satellite technology. This past year Bell and Rogers have introduced a new option called the "Hub" that works off the cell phone towers. (This is not a stick that plugs into the computer.)
Which is better, satellite or Hub?
Like most internet and phone "plans", it can be very difficult to compare one to another because they offer slightly different options. This chart is a simplification.
Satellite (Xplornet)
$199 includes equipment and installation. Surcharge for driving to the location. $99 activation fee Two year contract. $50 to $60/month limited to 200 to 350 mb per day 30 day return policy |
The monthly plan chosen determines the speed of the connection. It is not fast enough to download movies. |
New Technology is coming "soon" that will speed up the connection. New rates will be based on use. (perhaps $5/gb). Current subscribers will be able to tap into this. |
Phone service is available through VOIP (voice over internet protocol), but you can't be on the computer at the same time. Moderate quality. |
The satellite dish needs a clear southwest exposure. Must be installed by a professional. A separate router is required for wireless connections. |
Hub Rogers or Bell |
$149 for the basic "Hub" (no installation required, it plugs into the wall) $35 activation fee Two year contract. $35/month for up to 3 gb $45/month for up to 5 gb $60/month for up to 10 gb 13 or 15 day return policy (Bell/Rogers) |
Fast enough to download movies, but because the rate is based on use, this could become very expensive. |
This system is currently in use at various locations on Kukagami. Some need an antenna to boost the signal, and some don't. |
Phone service available for $15 (Rogers) to $20 (Bell) a month. Includes call answer, call waiting, etc. Excellent quality. |
The Hub is about the size of a paperback book and plugs into the wall. (Simple!) It automatically makes a wireless internet connection...if there is a good signal from the nearest cell phone tower. If there is not a good signal, you can attach an antenna to your roof to improve the signal. The antenna along with requisite cables and connectors cost about $225. Call a Rogers or Bell dealer in Sudbury for more details. The best deal on the antenna is through http://www.nerdsonsite.com/ , (877-696-3737) because they have a longer and heavier cable for the antenna than is available in Sudbury. Can be easily moved between camp/town. |
In summary, the Hub is less expensive if you don't do massive downloading. Satellite is complicated to install, and a slower connection. Some people have had to replace the modem for the satellite, which is more expensive than the original installation. The Hub has been in use here since March 2010, and users note it is faster than the satellite.
If you have more information on internet at the lake, drop a note to kewatch@gmail.com and we'll pass it along to our Kukagami neighbours.
Blog from the cranberry bog!!
Cranberries
Yup – I'm combining blog memories from the fall and Christmas. I just pulled another quart of cranberries (not metric when it comes to cooking) from the freezer to make loaves which still leaves me with enough for my cranberry sauce to go with the "bird' on December 25th. This year cranberries were best the weekend before Thanksgiving. Cranberries are to be found in many swamps and shores of the lakes and often grow right into the water. It is great fun trying to find them –the program is to put on your rubber boots and wander down to your nearest swamp, crouch down, lift a few tendrils and then low and behold – a few jewel-red berries that lurk underneath will suddenly jump out at you. Once you find a few, then they seem to magically appear under every mini vine. Cranberries are easier to pick than blueberries as they are 5x the size. Locations of fishing holes and cranberry bogs however, are on the "then I'll have to kill you" list – so don't ask where they are!
Freeze-up
The main part of Kukagami lay open for most of the week of Dec 10th as the wind north wind howled down the lake keeping ice from forming while smaller bays and Klondike were frozen over. It was getting consistently colder and the water was getting "supercooled". The wind finally stopped the night of 14th and by the next morning –the main part of the lake was frozen over with clear, smooth black ice. Now – a week later with over 4" of "glass" and a fine dusting of snow the skating is superb.
In Ottawa –where they skate on the Rideau Canal they have invented the 'canal blade'. It consists of a long blade 15" that is mounted with cross country ski bindings. Consequently you can wear your cross country ski boots –so your feet don't end up killing you. My perverse little mind loves to go skating with others on regular skates as I can take one or two strides for every 4-5 of theirs! Ha! –
Trees
Did you get your Christmas tree yet? Balsam fir is the best when it comes to long lasting. I put up my 12 foot tree Nov 30 and have not lost a needle!! (a few marbles maybe but no needles)
Have a safe and happy Christmas
...from cranberry blogger who may get into some grog! (aka MW)
Website and Newsletter
The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. Paper copies can be provided to residents upon request. Drop a note to Kukagami Environment Watch, 432 Fox Road, Wahnapitae, ON, P0M 3C0.
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