Area News                                            Spring 2016

 

  

Spring is… "the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine..."  Frances Hodgson Burnett

 How's the Lake?

     When will the ice go out?  On April 22, there was still a lot of ice on the lake. About 11 inches total, but only half of that is clear ice. Fairly cool temperatures over the next week are likely to keep the ice around a bit longer. Chances are good that the ice will be gone by the end of April.

 

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 surely shows it. Potholes galore!  But no sucking mud…yet. The Roads Board section was graded last week. Hopefully the city will grade the rest of the road soon.

 

Spring Cleaning   - -   Tipping Fee Holiday

     The Greater City of Sudbury Spring clean-up / tipping fee holiday is from May 2^nd to 7^th.

Kukagami area residents are advised to deliver their solid non-hazardous waste to the Sudbury Site (Hwy 17 East, about 2 km past Mid-North Motors, across from the Chateau Guay Motel - Moonlight Avenue intersection). Click here to go to the city website with details.

 

Forestry Update: 

    The only logging currently scheduled will occur around Ashigami Lake this summer. You can see the planning maps here. Click on Sudbury Forest, then go to Annual Work Schedule, Maps, then Operations. Look for Operations 5305160 for Ashigami, and Operations 5305170 for Kukagami (there is no logging planned around Kukagami Lake, but the map is interesting.)    Vermillion Forest Management staff are available to do field trips with us this spring or

summer. Contact KEWatch@gmail.com if you would like to participate.

     There may be some aerial herbicide spraying … KEW will send info on this if it is planned.

     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 8^th, 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!

 

Sky Watch  Mars is getting bright! Here's why…

Earth will pass between Mars and the sun about a month from now, on May 22. Mars is bright when it and Earth are on the same side of the sun. It's faint when it and Earth are on opposite sides of the sun. The best months for Mars viewing in 2016 are May and June. But the planet remains bright throughout the summer of 2016. Watch for it in the evening sky!

     Bonus! This week, the moon is near the planet Saturn. Find them both near the moon in the predawn sky on April 25th.

Snowbird Report            Vicki Thurlow

     Living in two different locations didn't seem to faze me too much the first couple of years but as I age things change...and I don't just mean the usual bagging, sagging & nagging. Packing to head south for the winter, or head north for the summer, never seemed to be such a chore. I know I'm supposed to pack "light" as we travel both ways with relatives & so must be considerate of the other couple. The dog comes along as well but he is never a problem, just say "car ride, Winston" & the old boy jumps for joy, barks like crazy, then flops down on his blanket & promptly falls asleep. As long as he is with his Mom & Dad, he's happy....actually he's usually comatose in the comfort of the car.

     I used to be too but I'm wondering if either age or lack of time has changed my view point. Little things that I laughed at before have suddenly become annoying. I feel slighted & rushed as I'm told to "pack light", "don't bring anything unnecessary" & "really? You will actually need/use this?"  It takes me about 2 hours to pack up the suitcases to head in any direction so I figure I do well. This past winter our Xmas/45th anniversary/birthday/Mothers' & Fathers' Day gifts were all rolled into one, a cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. That of course meant packing formal wear, dress shoes, jewelry, evening bags etc. NO DEAR...THE DINING ROOM WILL NOT LET YOU WEAR SHORTS TO DINNER!  I can't count the number of times I heard "I'll never get this all in the car". Once in the car, I felt crowded in my seat, no room to move, the dog insisted on sitting in my lap BOTH WAYS, north & south. Our beloved aunt & uncle brought all their usual baggage, coolers, boxes, briefcase, shoes etc. & assortment of junk food for the trips. Getting out of the car at rest stops was an adventure. By the time I managed to get the dog over into the seat vacated by auntie, drop his pillow & blanket on top of him, undo my seat belt, root around until I found his leash under shoes, purses, junk food bags, tablets, cameras etc. & then try to find the poop bag...the other three were heading back to the car, anxious to hit the road again. Hey, wait a minute; I'm not going to make it to the next rest stop unless I hit the ladies room NOW!  It seemed no matter where we stopped, they were always waiting for me.

    We are like gypsies this time of year. At the time of writing this, we have been in Whitby to drop off the aunt & uncle & are now currently in Ottawa visiting our oldest son. Gorgeous weather here & have not seen any snow since leaving Kukagami in November. That too is a change as on last year's trip home we saw patches of snow from Michigan all the way up to Sudbury. Temperatures have been great, lots of people in shorts. So why is it that our neighbors tell us it will be another week to 10 days before we can hope to get into our driveway?  In a couple of days we'll leave here to "visit" with our other son as our gypsy ways continue, thanks to Mother Nature.

     Time already seems to be speeding by & as we pack & unpack at two homes, twice a year it seems to go even faster. While not all change is welcomed, I certainly should not complain as I am fortunate enough to enjoy mine so much, no matter where I am.

    Don't sweat the small stuff. Welcome each & every day that you have left & take joy in what each has to offer!

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 July: kewatch@gmail.com .

  

 Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com.

** If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.**

Winter News!

Kukagami Environment Watch                                                        Area News

http://www.kewatch.blogspot.com                                                            Winter 2015/16

 

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.... In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity.

                                                                                                                                      ~John Burroughs, "The Snow-Walkers," 1866

 

Winter has arrived!

    Really?  Did you see people out there in canoes this last week of December?  Well, why not?  If we can't skate, might as well paddle.  The snow came with a brisk east wind, which kept the waters open on most of the lake.  When that wind died Tuesday night, a very thin sheet of ice covered many parts of the lake.  Now we wait and watch.

 

Wild Wind

     In the wee hours of December 24, our area was whipped with winds that brought down dozens of trees along the roads.  The power was out all day, returning around 8:30 pm.  Most of the falling trees were in open areas.  If you are a seasonal resident and concerned about your camp, let us know and we can have a look for you.  kewatch@gmail.com

                                                                                   

Logging Update 

     In contrast to a year ago, there is not much happening in the way of logging in the Kukagami area this winter.  There has been some talk about picking up the skidder tires that were abandoned on one of the clear-cut sites, as well as doing some work to deal with the slash left on site from the logging.

     There are some interesting maps associated with the logging plans.  Click here to find the map of Kukagami Lake.  Go to "Maps" then "Operations" then to "Operations 5305170".  Find maps labeled    "Index C" to get a view of a larger area.

 

Loving Winter                                                                                     

     If you want to love winter, try getting outside! We are fortunate to have lots of winter activities at our doorstep here at the lake.  Please respect all users of the various trails! The ski trails in particular can be destroyed by skidoos, snowshoes, walkers and ATVs. Respect is the key. 

    Sudbury Trail Plan on Kukagami will be a few weeks away while we wait for enough ice and snow.

     Cross-country ski trails begin by the big white pine at the north entrance to Sportsman's Lodge. Still waiting for more snow before grooming begins. When conditions are good, the track-setter will also put a ski trail along the shore of the lake in front of Sportsman's Lodge and north. Please don't drive on these trails during snow season! 

    Snowshoe trails The joy of snowshoeing is that you can go anywhere...trails are not required!   However, there is a lovely walk that 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 trail to the lookout is about a kilometre each way.

    Skating on the lake can be great. But not any time soon. Some folks 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 people walk along the road each day. When the conditions are good, walking on the lake is another great way to enjoy the beauty of winter.

 

Tai Chi classes continue in January

   Taoist tai chi classes have been ongoing since May 2013. Each Tuesday morning, people get together to learn and practice. The classes have been a great way for us to rebuild our strength, balance and flexibility. Beginners are welcome to join the new classes at any time. 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.

Tuesdays at 9:30 at Sportsman's Lodge.

   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!

 

Kukagami Pioneers – Remembering Stan Nowak                                                      by Greg Nowak

     Stan came to Kukagami in 1957. He was the first camper on the bay.

     I remember going to the lot as a kid and staying in a vapour barrier tent. We ate hot boiled canned chicken off a table made of boards nailed together between two birch trees. As a kid it was an adventure; for Stan it was a labour of love to build a cottage on the lake for his upcoming family.

     Poupoure Lumber was logging in the area at the time. Stan and others on the lake made a deal with Poupoure to use the logging road. If they met a truck they had to pull over, even if it meant going into the ditch. The trucks didn't have the gears or the power they have now. If stopped on the upward run on a hill they didn't have the power to get going again.  Stan and the other campers organized a local Roads Board for the unorganized township, (Stan being a director for many years). It acted like a municipal government to deal with province for funding for road construction and maintenances.

     Until the road was extended, we would go to the south end of the lake and borrow a boat to get to the lot. At times while Stan was building the camp, we stayed at Loney's on the sand bar and walked into the lot. The land was cleared, and although it was level, there were still three-foot diameter logs left by loggers 50 years earlier that had to be moved. Lumber was difficult to get into the lake, so instead trees were felled, debarked, and used for the foundation and rafters of the camp.

     Stan found a deal for used propane refrigerators. He cleaned them up and offered them to other campers at cost. Prior to this, the ice for the iceboxes was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Loney, who kept it buried under saw dust in the ice house to insulate it from the summer heat.

     Being a qualified electrical engineer, Stan had credibility with Ontario Hydro. He gathered enough interested camper names to present to Ontario Hydro for them to put a power line to the lake and then to the camps, some by pole line and some submerged. This power line not only served the lake but mines along the way. Once the pole line came in, the telephone came next. Having electrical power allowed kitchen appliances, lighting, entertainment, power tools, and made possible water for kitchen and bathrooms.

     Stan first came with his family to Kukagami over 60 years ago. During his time at the lake, he enjoyed growing garden vegetables, planting flowers every spring, trying to keep his roses over the harsh winter, blueberry picking, fishing, clearing trails, and visiting with his neighbours.

     He passed away on August 3rd, 2015, at the age of 94, at his home with all his family around him. He had said "Family is the love of my life".

 

The older we get, the more important we know it is to be aware of and understand the past.

KEW welcomes stories of Kukagami Past and Present to share with neighbours. 

 

Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person.

Submit photos and news items to the email address below.

If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com. If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.

KEW Mid-Summer Note

Blue-green Algae Alert!  It is already in Penage Lake...could it happen to Kukagami?

     Blue-green algae blooms thrive in lakes with high phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Warm shallow bays are most susceptible, especially where there is high cottage density and lawns.

    Waterfront property owners can reduce the probability of a toxic blue green algae bloom by:

• ensuring that septic tank/waste water systems are well maintained

• eliminating the use of fertilizers on lawns

• restoring natural shoreline vegetation to reduce soil erosion and to absorb nutrients from the lawn and septic field.

 

Blue Moon Gathering Reminder

     July 31^st marks the only blue moon for 2015. Neighbours will gather at the Bald Rock, just north of the Lion's Head to see it happen. The sun sets a little before 9 pm, just as the moon rises in the east. Meet at 8:30 to share stories and snacks while we watch the blue moon rising.

 

 

KEW celebrates 10 years!

The Introduction to KEW from the 2005 initial newsletter…
_______________________________________________________

Kukagami Environment Watch

     Dedicated to the well being of the lands and waters surrounding Kukagami Lake   

We welcome participation of anyone interested in the Kukagami Lake area in all our activities. If you have an event you would like to have published in the newsletter, please send it to kewatch@gmail.com.

Kukagami Environment Watch Mandate:

KEW is dedicated to the well being of the lands and waters surrounding Kukagami Lake.
     -KEW will gather and verify information of interest from reliable sources
     -KEW will share facts with any interested parties
     -KEW will monitor lands, water and wild life
     -KEW will initiate and support projects that encourage the careful use of our environment.

Our area of concern includes the lands and waters on and around Kukagami Lake, including Portage, Donald, Doon and other small lakes nearby.

Kukagami Environment Watch                                Summer 2015 Newsletter 

Blue Moon Gathering

July 31^st marks the only blue moon for 2015. Neighbours will gather at the Bald Rock, just north of the Lion’s Head to see it happen. The sun sets just before 9 pm, just as the moon rises in the east. Meet at 8:30 to share stories and snacks while we wait for the blue moon rising.

Lakewater: Our Most Important Asset

     Greater Sudbury is the "City of Lakes" and many people living on waterfront properties are dedicated to protecting the water quality around their homes. Recently, several lakes in the Sudbury area have developed blue/green algae blooms affecting drinking water and closing beaches. Some of the causes of algae blooms are faulty septic systems, and increased levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. Many of the area cottages and camps are still owned by one of the original family members or one of their descendants. Because most of these “older family cottages” were intended for seasonal use and not designed for shower and laundry facilities, the existing septic/greywater handling systems on the properties may be outdated and ineffective.

     Greywater – The Silent Invader   Long gone are the days when grandpa used to scoop-up buckets of fresh camp water from the end of the dock so grandma could boil water in a stove top kettle to wash the dishes. The evolution of the piston water pump eliminated grandpa’s daily water-fetching trip to the lake however he had to retrofit grandma’s kitchen with a new sink and plumb an outside water outlet for her new wringer washing machine. With the advent of running water came the need to build a drainage pit (usually consisting of a couple of methodically punctured 45-gallon drums) directly adjacent to the cabin. Now-a-days, a high-capacity jet pump complete with reservoir sits where the old piston pump once was and is usually accompanied by a high efficiency hot water tank. More often than not, a warm shower has replaced the refreshing morning swim. We have gone from using 8 to 10 litres of water per day per person to 10 times that volume simply because it’s become so much more convenient. Have you asked yourself recently…where does all that soapy waste water go? Chances are that unless you have upgraded grandpa’s old drainage pit in recent years, much of this greywater may be finding its way to your shoreline and ultimately into the lake.

    Excerpts from Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance booklet. Download the document for solutions.

Danger on Donald Lake  

     Beware of the newly named “Red Ant Point” - formerly known as Ward King’s old cabin on Donald Lake. We were up that way earlier this week on a canoe trip and stopped to camp. While we were setting up we got a few bites here and there. It was starting to get annoying. By the time we were settled in the bug tent, it was unbearable. We were screeching, howling and slapping as the little red ants would sneak up on us and take a chunk out of our skin. “Ouch” was only one of the words that came out of our mouths. 

     We had no choice – we had to move. I have never seen anything like this, but in talking with other canoe trippers, I discovered this does happen at the odd campsite throughout the north.

      So, to avoid chomping nasty little red biters, “STAY AWAY from RED ANT POINT”.

Logging Plans

     No logging is planned for the Kukagami area this Summer. The slash from last Fall / Winter's operations will be dealt with late this Summer / early Fall. Some roads will also be decommissioned at that time.
     There has been some tree planting done in the block South of the rail bed. All of the area that was site prepared last Summer has now been planted.
     There were also issues with the harvesting that was done along the road reserve in the Bassfin lake area last Fall. Residual basal area was a bit too low and MNRF asked for the area to be planted. A total of 13,000 Jack pine have been planted in that area.
     If any plans change we will let you know.
     We are looking to schedule a summer date for a field trip into the clearcut areas along Kukagami Road, sometime in the middle of August. Contact KEWatch@gmail.com if you are interested. Let us know which dates work best for you.

Citizens on Patrol

     The Kukagami Unit of COPS are like the crows....we leave late Fall, return early Spring.

     Some people may have noticed our return, driving a white cruiser with the COPS logo on the side panel and wondered who we are and what we are doing. We are part of the Greater Sudbury Police Citizens on Patrol program with our unit specifically patrolling the 5 lakes in our vicinity and surrounding areas while following a random schedule. 

     The program itself is a unique and innovative crime prevention program that involves trained volunteers who conduct mobile observations of their areas while on patrol. We drive a specifically marked vehicle and report suspicious or concerning behaviour to Sudbury Regional Police for follow-up via mobile radio. It is like a Neighbourhood Watch on wheels and it allows for an extra set of eyes and ears in our area.

     Who Can Volunteer ? Our volunteer base consists of people from various ages and occupations, ranging from students to married couples to retirees. The Program is looking for community-minded individuals who are 18 years of age or older, will pass a police background check and who can commit to 12 hours per month to the program. If you are interested in the Program, please call the Volunteer Co-ordinator of the Greater Sudbury Police Services at 705-675-9171, ext 2335.

Geography Lessons

     Here is a very cool website with geotours of Sudbury and other northern places, including our area. http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/mines-and-minerals/geology/geoscience-topics/geotours-northern-ontario

Graffiti

     “This past week we enjoyed several boat trips on Kukagami Lake. We were disappointed at two different locations where paint graffiti has recently been applied to rocks. Is there any way we as a group can express our dissatisfaction with this type of behavior?” 

     The paint will soon be removed from the bare rocks, with great effort from volunteers. Care must be taken to prevent the paint and paint remover from entering the lake.

     As a community, we are fortunate to have the beauty of nature all around us. Learn about the rocks and their natural beauty. Respect the land that nurtures us.

     Please continue to report environmental degradation to Kukagami Environment Watch. We will follow up on all correspondence.

Road Clean-up. 

    Thanks to the many neighbours who took extra time to pick up litter from our roadsides this spring.  For many people this is not just a twice a year event.  The busy parts of the road are tended to frequently. 

     Summer is a good time to clean up lakeshores too!  If you are out and about in a boat, take a few minutes to gather in the junk that's washed up on shore.

A Quick Guide to Tree Cavities

     The most prolific cavity-makers in the woods are pileated woodpeckers, since they are the only woodpecker in the region that excavates sizeable cavities for feeding. These large birds generally make large oblong or rectangular cavities, looking for carpenter ants or wood-boring beetles deep in the wood. They also excavate deep cavities for their nests which are re-used by many owls, ducks, and other animals. Pileated woodpeckers reached very low numbers a few decades ago as many of the remaining old forests were logged or cleared for other reasons. Lately their numbers have been rebounding somewhat, and they may be adapting to younger forests.

     Although they don’t make cavities for feeding, hairy and downy woodpeckers, and sapsuckers excavate small, deep, perfectly round cavities for their nests. Active nests show very fresh wood. Older cavities may be taken over by a variety of other creatures, such as wrens, nuthatches, or flying squirrels.

     Medium-sized cavities 5-10 cm in diameter are excavated by northern flickers, and three-toed, black-backed, or red-headed woodpeckers. These can be re-used by wood ducks, and a variety of owls, among others.

     If your favourite tree has a woodpecker poking holes in it, the tree is already bug infested. These birds are simply the messenger! 

Life at the Lake                                                                                                      by Vicki Thurlow

     Grab a beverage & a comfy seat.....this could take a while & has a surprise ending....

Returning home from our winter sojourn in sunny Florida started off very promising with that wonderful feeling of relief experienced when you successfully cross the border & are once again back on home soil. So pleased to arrive back at Kukagami & find our home had been well taken care of by super neighbors with no issues to contend with...at first glance anyway.

     Don't mice have sweet little faces? & I mean literally!  The first cupboard I opened was full of mouse poop!  (They had escaped the dreaded sticky traps that hubby loves to set out but which I think should be banned as they are so cruel. I think the house was so cold that the sticky stuff gelled hard enough for mice to walk on without getting stuck.)  Mice had chewed through a plastic container lid to get at some semi-sweet chocolate chips & you would think they would die of "Death by Chocolate" but no, they weren't finished yet. They found an unopened bag of Twistos on a shelf at the back of the cupboard & nestled under it was a handful of rice in a plastic bag. They cleverly opened up the Twistos & then filled the bag up with the rice. Nowhere was there any evidence that any of the chocolate had survived their onslaught & gone into storage.

     I have now cleaned all kitchen cupboards as well as bedroom closets & the linen closet so it is obvious that chocolate Easter Bunnies now have some competition...chocolate mice!

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love mice & in fact collect Xmas mice but my "mice love" was certainly tested to the max as I emptied & scrubbed each drawer & cupboard & washed the contents.

     I guess the theme here is the letter "M" as my next complaint is the dreaded MOSQUITOES! This year's plague is certainly out to surpass last year's infestation, & I'm just talking about the ones that make it into the house. Did I say "ones"?  I meant thousands!  And how do they get in?  Boy can I answer that!

     Our dog, Winston, constantly wants to go out. He spends hours on the front deck & hates to come in except to eat or drink. Hubby insists that Winston is the one bringing in the army of buzzing bug#*^s on his fur every time he comes in & out. Of course the worse the mosquitoes get, the more often Winston comes in for relief from the relentless bloodsuckers. I hotly dispute his role in this as I totally smother him in a towel as he comes charging through the door.

     On the other hand...hubby is a whole different story. His daily routine is get up, put the coffee pot on & then head outside for a smoke. Once that's done, come back in to get the coffee & go back out. Half hour later it's back in for cup of java #2 & then right back out to work. A little while later it's back in for breakfast then back out until it's time for a potty break. Back out again until it's time to come in & check out the stock market. Out the door again & before you know it...lunch time. Back out after lunch, in for a drink of something cold & back out, in again to check the stock market & have a short nap before heading out again. Back in again for potty breaks, check BNN stock market ticker, & finally time to knock off the outside work for the day. Several smoke breaks later it's finally time for bed. You do the math!  

     I don't smother him in a towel every time he comes in but I sure do get my exercise running around the house zapping thousands mosquitoes all my waking hours. I'm sure I can now be officially classified as a mass murderer!  

     The floors are littered with dead carcasses & I go to bed with the sounds of buzzing & zapping in my head. Sleep is constantly interrupted with a well-placed but useless slap at the ones that get away. If they get so annoying that my sanity is threatened then the lights go on. The hunt is on to the death.

     All's well that ends well, right?  Well I'm now eating my words!  

     Winston also has a daily routine. He awakens, yawns, stretches & whines to get off the bed & head outside to relieve himself...about 6:00 a.m.!  I'm a night owl, often up until 1:00 a.m. or later & so consequently I'm not at my best that early in the a.m. Following his morning ritual (I had been up late writing this story), I let him out, smothered him in a towel when he came back in & he ran back to the bedroom, anxious to get back to the business of sleeping. I was right behind him. 

     Hubby quietly gets up about an hour later, closes the bedroom door & is off to start his day. Seconds later I hear bellowing & the air turns blue with words suitable for a men's locker room. He's back in the bedroom with the question "Did you let Winston out this a.m. & if so when?"

     I answered in the affirmative & said "About an hour ago." to which he replied (are you sitting down?) "Well the back was wide open when I got up & there are thousands of mosquitoes in the house!"  Never moved so fast in all my life!!! We spent an hour & a half zapping & vacuuming up mosquitoes while madly slapping ourselves silly. I've done the math & now have to reluctantly claim dubious "bragging" rights as to the number of mosquitoes I let in the house. Hubby & Winston are off the hook!   

Have a Super Summer!

If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to KEWatch@gmail.com.  If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.

Kukagami Spring Newsletter

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 10^th, 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

 

 

 Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person.

If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com.

** If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.**

Kukagami Spring Newsletter

Kukagami Spring Newsletter