Kukagami Environment Watch Area News Winter 2013/14
www.kewatch.blogspot.com
I love the scents of winter! For me, it's all about the feeling you get when you smell pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread and spruce. Taylor Swift
Winter has arrived!
Ready or not, winter arrived at our doorsteps early this year. The good news is that Kukagami Lake is well frozen over. After a couple of false starts (when most of the lake had a skim of ice, then reopened) it froze again over the next few days. The last open water disappeared overnight on December 12th. After 4 days of extremely cold temperatures, the first snowmachine crossed the lake on December 16th.
Trails, trails, trails!
We are fortunate to have lots of winter activities at our doorstep here are the lake. All of us who spend time here in winter love getting outside, one way or another. Please respect all users of the various trails! The ski trails in particular can be destroyed by skidoos, snowshoes, walkers and ATVs. Freshly groomed skidoo trails are also vulnerable to damage by ATVs.
Respect is the key. Let's all enjoy winter's pleasures.
Sudbury Trail Plan on Kukagami. The skidoo trail was checked on December 16th, and had at least 5 inches of ice everywhere. STP trails on local lakes will be staked soon. Except Lake Wanapitae, of course! It always takes much longer to get ice.
Cross-country ski trails ready for Christmas! Skiers can enjoy the easy 2.5 km trail, or the more challenging 4.5 km trail. Trails begin by the big white pine at the north entrance to Sportsman's Lodge.
When conditions are good, the track-setter will put a ski trail along the shore of the lake in front of Sportsman's Lodge and north. Please avoid driving on top of the tracks!
Snowshoe trails The joy of snowshoeing is that you can go anywhere...trails are not required! But if you don't want to trudge through a ton of snow, try out two nearby trails. A lovely short trail winds through the forest of ancient white pines across the road from Sportsman's Lodge. Please be careful not to step on the ski tracks. The loop goes into the forest at the junction of the ski trail.
Another trail begins beside the tall tower, overlooking Klondike Bay. You can park at the end of the short road that goes east, just north of the dump. The main trail to the lookout is about a kilometre each way. Other trails take off from there, so be sure to have a map if you wander off beyond the lookout.
Skating on the lake was great for a few days in the middle of December, and then came the snow! Some folks here and there make an effort to keep some ice free of snow. If you have a skating area that you would like to share with neighbours, let KEW know and we can pass on the info through the website.
Winter Walks Many winter folks walk along the road each day. When the conditions are good, walking on the lake is a great way to enjoy the beauty of winter.
Tai Chi classes continue in January
Taoist tai chi classes have been ongoing since May. Each Tuesday morning, six to 12 people get together to learn and practice. The classes have been a great way for us older folks to rebuild our strength, balance and flexibility. Young people are welcome too! But mostly our local population is made up of retired folks. Beginners are welcome to join the new classes in January. Drop a note to kukagami@gmail.com for more information. Have a look at www.taoist.org for detailed information about the tremendous health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi.
These classes are also available in Sudbury most days of the week. Join at one location, and go to as many classes as you like...all around Ontario and the world!
2014 Calendar!
October's picture in the Picture Our Lakes contest was taken at Kukagami Lake by Gerri Kusnierczyk. Calendars can be bought at Artists on Elgin in Sudbury.
Logging Update
Logging continues to the east of the old rail-bed. They expect to be finished by the end of December. A mid-term review of the 10 year plan is underway. Watch for notices of an open house expected in April.
Neighbours helping neighbours
Last summer a small, dedicated group of neighbors pitched in & did some much needed brushing along Fox Road. We now have much improved sight lines & some of the wood was recycled into beautiful twig chairs. In addition, many muscles that had lain dormant for some time got a great workout. The group worked well together both collectively & on their own. Many thanks for donating their time, equipment & effort to: Allan Mather, Doug & Jane Hallett, Dennis & Joel Savage, Tootey & Sue Duhamel, Kim Sloan, Vicki & Ivan Thurlow.
From Earthcare Sudbury:
What can you do for our environment this winter?
1. Shovel neighbourhood driveways. Keep active and prevent using gas for trucks or snowblowers.
2. Get outside and play. ("People protect what they love." - Jacques Cousteau) Love the outdoors through sledding, snowshoeing, skiing and skating. You can also make snowmen, snow forts and create snow sculptures. Send in photos of your best snow sculpture to Jennifer Babin-Fenske.
3. Feed the birds. We have many overwintering birds that could use a little extra help, especially after snowstorms.
4. Buy or make environmentally friendly decorations and gifts.
5. Volunteer at your community park/arena to help clear snow, sell hot chocolate and organize events.
Christmas Greetings from the Snowbirds
'Tis the season! Bah, humbug!
As I trim the community Club House tree with 1120 colored lights & red & white poinsettia flowers, sweat beads on my forehead & drips down my back. It is 80+F & feels like closer to 100F with the humidity! As I gaze out the window, I can see my fellow park residents splashing in the pool & soaking up the sun while lounging on deck chairs. Yesterday I decorated the front yard for Christmas. The lighted, animated deer family is grazing under the colorfully lit palm tree in the front yard. Oh how I miss the snow! Despite the cold, snow shovels & frosty mornings I still long for home at this time of year. Christmas is just plain weird without the white stuff.
Christmas Eve will mean the annual decorated bicycle/golf cart parade down to the Club House with cookies & hot chocolate to follow. Hot chocolate.......you've got to be kidding me! Christmas Day most of our neighbors will be down at the Club House enjoying the gorgeous tree I decorated while chowing down on a delicious turkey dinner but....not me!
The family unanimously decided that it isn't Christmas without Mom's turkey, dressing & fixings & Dad's gravy, so guess who gets to stay home & slave in the kitchen all day? We'll be 9 for dinner with another 8 dining across the road at my girlfriend's place. There will be much going back & forth to compare notes on dinner favorites. Afterwards we adjourn to the carport to enjoy dessert, coffee & each other's company.
Kids & grandkids arrive next week so, except for winter conditions like the beauty of snowflakes & icicles, it will be almost a normal Xmas.
As I swim in the pool under the stars (with occasional roar of a plane landing at nearby St Pete's airport), I imagine myself back home, outside on the deck, under a northern sky full of twinkling stars & falling snow, as I relax in the hot tub.
Holiday greetings to all! Have a safe, happy Christmas season.
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