Kukagami Environment Watch Area News http://www.kewatch.blogspot.com/ Spring 2015
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams
Lunar Eclipse Saturday Morning
Partial eclipse begins: 6:16 a.m. EDT, but the moon will set before the start of total eclipse here at Kukagami. "The total eclipse of the full moon on April 4, 2015 will last less than five minutes, making it the shortest total lunar eclipse of the 21st century. It's perfect for short attention spans! The total lunar eclipse will be visible from western North America, eastern Asia, the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. At North American time zones, that means the greatest eclipse happens before sunrise on April 4 – the morning of April 4, not the evening." from http://earthsky.org
How's the Road?
A common topic of conversation around the lake, the condition of the road is even more popular than the weather. Spring is here indeed, and the road is beginning to thaw. Then the temperature drops and it all freezes again. Just in time for another snowfall. Warm and sunny days work to melt it all away again. Sometimes gravel shows through, sometimes it is ice.
The annual spring mucky road has not yet arrived, but it could come suddenly any day now.
How's the Lake?
When will the ice go out? Not soon for sure. Lots of snow this winter and no mid-winter thaw made for slushy lake travel in March. At least 18 inches of solid ice near shore is going to take some time to melt away. Conditions are colder than this time last year. Expect to see the ice go out in early May.
Forestry Update:
Logging operations were carried out along Kukagami Road from just north of the gravel pit to just north of the dump. When you travel the road, you will see that some individual trees, and some patches of forest were not cut. These standing trees are important for wild life species, and for recovery of the land.
Please do not cut any standing trees in the logged areas.
Firewood may be gathered from the sites, but only wood that has already been cut at the side of the dirt roads. You will need to contact Bert Gauthier at 705-564-7853 at MNRF to purchase a permit. The permits are very inexpensive.
Spring Road Clean-up
Once the snow finally melts away, KEW will host the annual spring Road Clean up! Between now and May 10th, you can sign up to clear the litter from a section of Kukagami and Fox Roads. To register for your section of the road, drop a line here at kewatch@gmail.com .
Bring a friend – it's a fine way to spend a spring day while at camp.
**Please note! The City wants us to sort the roadside trash into separate bags of recyclables and garbage. We have clear bags for the recyclables, and black bags for the garbage. Please let us know if you need these supplies!**
Please wear a bright orange vest while working, and keep yourself safe!
Tai Chi classes Tuesdays at 9:30 at Sportsman's Lodge.
For nearly two years now, neighbours at the lake have been getting together to learn and practice tai chi at Sportsman's Lodge on Tuesday mornings. The classes have been a great way for us to rebuild our strength, balance and flexibility. Beginners are welcome to join the new classes this spring. Folks who have taken classes in the past are encouraged to join in once again. Drop a note to kukagami@gmail.com for more information. Go to www.taoist.org for detailed information about the tremendous health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi.
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!
Snowbird Report
Wow, what a very different winter this has been, both in the Kukagami community & down here in Florida!
We have heard of & seen pictures via Skype of the extreme cold back home, frozen water lines etc. The grandkids wished they were down here for March Break as they've had enough of first the cold, then the slush, then back to the cold.
While Florida hasn't had anywhere near the same range of temperatures, it has been our coolest winter in many years according to the long-time locals & snowbirds. While we managed to harvest over two dozen Bell oranges from our backyard tree, they were not as sweet as last year & we worry that the tree may not be around to greet us next fall with any fruit. There are fewer blooms & the blight that started affecting citrus trees a couple of years ago is still very present all over the state.
The last two weeks have finally brought warmer weather with temperatures hitting in the 80's with a couple of 90's for good measure. Walking in the evening is heaven when we hit the pockets where the orange trees are in bloom. They smell so sweet & fragrant. We are so fortunate to be able to experience these wonderful gifts.
Kukagami & other area lake communities have experienced a very different winter as well, but sadly the consequences will mean a vastly changed dynamic. So many families have suffered the loss of a loved one. These men & women built camps & future homes in the bush, raised families & taught them to embrace the stunning beauty of their surroundings. Every get together has an "I remember when" story from days past when these pioneers first started trekking in on sometimes non-existent roads to clear the land, put in access roads, & build camps & saunas. Many lifelong friendships & family ties began on the shores of Kukagami & the other area lakes & now too many have been taken away. We mourn the losses & they will now become part of the "I remember when" legends told around future campfires. Like the buds of springtime leaves, their children & grandchildren will blossom & keep growing their love for our little bit of heaven. Those who have passed have taught them well. "Treasure the memories for the memories are the treasures". Vicki Thurlow
In Memory:
Vaino A. Koski passed away July 20, 2014. In 1956, he bought 300 feet on the sandy north shore of Klondike Bay and built the cottage in 1957. Vaino and Margaret enjoyed the camp well into their late 70's. Vaino leaves the property to his family as his legacy to his daughters Donna and Susan and their families.
Stories Requested!
A great many young people bought Kukagami lakeshore properties in the late 1950's. Now, far too many of these aging men and women are passing away. Their children and grandchildren now enjoy life at Kukagami, simply because we were lucky enough to have parents and grandparents who forged the way. KEW would like to encourage all generations to send stories, memories, events for future issues of this newsletter.
Submissions for the Summer issue need to arrive by early June to: kewatch@gmail.com
Remembering Bill McDonald
"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson
March 2015, Kukagami shores echo with the sounds of voices telling stories of moments spent with Bill; each tale ends with a smile, a giggle, a burst of laughter, followed by a quiet moment, as each neighbour accepts the loss of his presence. His success in living is a pattern we can all follow; recognize our happiness and share it with everyone we meet.
His accomplishments are visible wherever he spent time. His communities, his church, nature, neighbours' homes, ski trails. If Bill was near and recognized a need, he smiled and got the job done. The McDonald clan not only benefitted from his help, they quickly learned to step up and enjoy another project. His family reflects the joy of his presence in their lives.
Three neighbours share stories about time spent with everyone's friend, Bill.
Several decades ago, before the days of hydro, a young Henry needed to put a very heavy fireplace in his camp. He wondered if his floor could hold up such weight. As usual, hard won experience could be found on our shores. Bill came to give his advice; the strength of a laminated wood beam was required. Of course, Bill saw a job that needed doing. He built the beam and helped Henry install it. The building still stands, Bill's kindness and generosity still touches Henry's heart.
A few years ago, Louise invited Kukagami neighbours over for an evening of drinks, food and the usual friendly chatter about life on the lake, the horrors of our road, the unusual weather, and stories about how life at camp has disappeared since the good old days. Bottles of beer, glasses filled with favorite drinks on ice, and of course, tall glasses of white or red wine were passed around to the ever more cheerful group. Eventually, a glass dropped and red wine spread on Louise's pale carpet. The culprit, Bill, was a very upset offering endless apologies and advice on removing the stain. Of course, Bill did not let the accident spoil the party. Even after Rollande left, her happy hubby remained. Every hour or so, he checked on the condition of the stained carpet. The next day and every so often in the following weeks, Bill would check with Louise to be certain all was well.
During one of the many ice fishing adventures to Donald Lake, Bob joined Bill and Don at their ice hut. The day advanced as they sat peacefully jigging and waiting for the exciting pull on the line. The sun would go down quickly on this winter day. Bob asked, "Bill, did you think about what time you want to leave?" A smiling, content fisherman looked up and answered, "When the ice goes out."
He won't be forgotten. Monique Taylor
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