Kukagami Summer News

Kukagami Environment Watch                  Area News

kewatch.blogspot.com                             Summer 2014

 Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time

            ~John Lubbock, "Recreation," The Use of Life, 1894 

Full Moon Rising   Long summer days just beg an opportunity to get out in the boat...whether it be a canoe, kayak, outboard, or pontoon boat.  Everyone is welcome to gather on the evening before the moon is full.  The moon rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west.  On Kukagami, come to the mid-point of the big lake.

A great opportunity to meet new people!

Dates and times to meet for this summer are:

  July 11 at 8 pm.  August 9 at 7:30 pm.

 

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.

 

Roads Board Update:  Crushing began on June 17th at the MTO pit on Kukagami Lake Road.  The gravel will be put down within the next 2 weeks followed by the laying down of calcium. The new contractor for the next 2 years is Gaudette Contracting from Warren.

 

Logging Update:  Goulard Lumber resumed work mid-June in the same area as last year, east of Kukagami Road at the old tracks, South and South-East of Crerar. Currently, only harvesting and road building crews are in. Hauling will start anytime now. The plan is for them to spend the Summer in that area.
     Goulard has pine allocations in the Wolf Lake area, but there are no current plans to head up there in the next few months. If plans change we will send an update.

     Future Wood will be resuming their commercial thinning of red pine plantations along Kukagami lake road. They are expected to resume activities this week, finishing the block they started around the near the start of the road. They will be in the area for the better part of the Summer.
     For Silvaculture, there is an aerial spraying block planned for North of Doon Lake and West of Kettyle Lake. This normally occurs in early September.

    Goulard's recent cut in the Bassfin lake area, West side of McLaren was planted with Jack Pine this Spring. A total of 210,000 trees were planted in this block.

 

Taoist Tai Chi classes will begin a new session in September.  Watch for notices of date and time.  There is a class from 9:30 to 11:30 on Tuesdays at the Lodge, starting on July 8th.

 

For Sale: A paddle boat, asking $100.00 (worth $500.00) barely used; along with Step 2 kid's slide for $25.00 (worth $100).   If interested call Micheline at 853-0368.

                                                          

Ageing Exercises                                        by Vicki Thurlow

     As we age, doctors, gerontologists & fitness gurus all seem to agree that seniors need to remain active & keep their weight down.  Like many in my age group, I'm carrying around a few extra pounds.  Except for a couple of temporary, extra pounds gained while on a cruise or during the holiday season, my weight hasn't changed for the last ten years or so.   Those couple of pounds come & go at will like a beloved family member.  During the winter months we head south & keep active with walking the dog, walking with friends, swimming at the pool or beach, & dancing at the clubhouse.  We need to do these activities as we seem to eat out more often, have many parties which always seem to involve food, & entertain much more during these months.

     Well, judging by the activity I have been involved in over the last three weeks, I should have lost at least a few of the extra pounds I carry around with the familiarity of a long-time friend.  That theory is not working!

     Anyone who knows me well can tell you that the only thing that freaks me out more than spiders are blackflies & mosquitoes.

     We've had few blackflies but mosquitoes have been a whole new experience!  I'm known as "Flash" this time of year as just about the only glimpse of me is a quick flash as I race like a mad fool from back door to the car, or vice versa, in an attempt to drive to town to get away from the invasion of these @#*%&*)^ bugs.

     But, it is while I'm in the house that I truly get my exercise........& I have exercised to exhaustion these last two weeks or so, with no end in sight.  We are currently housing two dogs who bark to go outside, whether they need to or not, many times during the day.  Not long after they go out, they bark or scratch to come back in.  My guess would be that the mosquitoes are biting them too, as they come prancing in the door bringing hundreds of the buzzing, blood thirsty suckers on their coats.  It would be just my luck to not let the dogs out on demand & find myself the recipient of a smelly deposit on the floor, so I continue with the revolving door routine.

 

     Add to that a hubby who smokes but, as that is not allowed in the house, he must also go out.........numerous times a day.  Of course, he also heads in & out during the day to putter around, fix something etc. & then come back in for a drink, a meal, a bathroom break.  Each time this happens hundreds more of the mini buzz-saws fly in like they own the place.  

     We've also discovered that it is a myth that they are attracted to dark colors as there are always thousands on the white garage doors.  Indoors, they love white ceilings, doors, cupboards, lamp shades & best of all.........skin!  MY skin in particular!

     What does this have to do with exercise you ask?  Well, ALL my waking hours are spent tracking & killing these vampires. Believe me it is a full time job. I have never done so much bending, twisting, and swinging my arms, in my life.  And dance moves such as you have never seen, (& likely wouldn't want to), well, I have those in spades.  The palms of my hands are like raw meat from angry mosquito squishing, I'm on the second set of batteries for "The Executioner" & every exposed inch of me has been bitten at least once.

     In my spare time, I can be observed doing hand & finger exercises.....as I scratch like a dog with a flea infestation.  I have made moves I never knew existed & are guaranteed "one of a kind".  I am close to becoming double jointed as I twist to swat at the #$*^% dive bombers.  I frantically run to get "The Executioner" as I spot another victim ripe for the killing, only to discover that she has decided to play hide & seek.  In the evening I do sit-ups......I get into bed after thoroughly scouting out the bedroom for any AWOL critters, turn out the light & BINGO!   The *&^%$ little s^%&s are buzzing the runway so I do a sit-up, flick on the light & the dance begins......again!  

     All of the above mentioned activities are repeated, in sets, continually, for 18 to 24 hours /day.  I should be skinny as the proverbial rake, right? Hah!  Someone needs to come up with some new weight loss exercises.  In the meantime, does anyone know a good exterminator?  How about a dance teacher?  Maybe Kijiji has a buyer for thousands of mosquito carcasses?  SHHH, I hear a buzzer, I'm off on the hunt again!

 

KEW neighbours send a special Thank You to Vicki for luring the mosquitoes to her part of the lake.  Especially this year, the worst bug season ever.

 

Nature Notes:  This issue:  Snappers!  Starting this summer, a full page peek at nature will be attached to the newsletter.  Let KEW know if this fits well into your email box, and if you have suggestions for content.

 

 

 

Website and Newsletter:  The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. Submit photos and news items to our email – listed 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.

 

 This air photo is centered on "The Gut".

 The low area provides a shortcut to the North End in summer and winter.

   On the right is the long "Outlet Arm".

   The top left corner show some of the islands in the North End.

Nature Notes

How to process a 45-pound snapping turtle in 10 (not so) easy steps.

by Megan Anevich, from Ontario Nature blog  June 5, 2014

Step 1.    Scoop the turtle into your net.

Step 2.    Lift the turtle into your canoe. Word of warning – this is easier said than done. Be prepared to need the strength of two people, and bend at the knees so you don't put your back out.

Step 3.    Paddle back to shore as fast as possible. The turtle will be angry that you have interrupted its leisurely swim and will therefore be snapping at you. You may need to use your paddle to fend off its attacks.

Step 4.    Pull the canoe out of water and tip it to get the turtle out. There is no point trying to lift that sucker again – your back will protest if you do.

Step 5.    Awkwardly dance around the turtle, aiming to land at its back end. It will keep trying to turn and face you. Make sure that doesn't happen.

Step 6.    Grab the turtle at the base of its shell and flip it on its back so that you can measure its plastron.

Step 7.    Flip the turtle on the side to measure its dome height. It really hates this one so move quickly. Flip it back over and measure the carapace length and width – all the while keeping-up your awkward dance.

Step 8.    Time to weigh the turtle. Don't have a bag big enough to put the turtle in? Buckle it up in a life jacket and hook the scale onto the straps. You'll need both arms to lift all 45 pounds.

Step 9.    Notch a unique identifier into its shell. Good luck with this struggle. Try for a notch on one or two of its back scutes. Be prepared for scratches. (Note: Only do this if you have a permit.)

Step 10. Take a picture of the turtle for your research files – and to remember the fabulous time you spent together.

Now you can release the turtle, take a breather, and book a chiropractor appointment. You'll need one.

Megan Anevich, who joined Ontario Nature in spring 2012, helps coordinate management of the organization's 24 nature reserves. She spends a lot of time at these properties looking for turtles and snakes, attempting to identify plants, and falling into wetlands.

Register with the Herpetofaunal Atlas program to receive e-mail newsletters, event notifications, and other important updates about the Herpetofaunal Atlas project as it develops. Visit their website to see how you can participate.

http://www.ontarionature.org/herpetofaunal_atlas.html

Did you know?

·      The Snapping Turtle spends so much time underwater that algae grow on its shell. This helps them blend in with their surroundings.

·      Snapping Turtles are believed to live well over 100 years!

·       The sex of hatchlings varies depending on the incubation temperature . Eggs that are kept at a temperature of 23-28°C hatch male turtles. Eggs incubated at other temperatures hatch into females.

                       from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Spring 2014

Kukagami Environment Watch                               Area News             

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another.  The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.  ~Henry Van Dyke

Snow, snow, SNOW!  More here at the lake than you have anywhere else!  It’s really quite beautiful.  Much like the winters we had so long ago....

   Ice falls on Donald Lake cliffs Spring 2014

Total Eclipse of the Moon April 15^th at 3:45 a.m.

      You will have to get up pretty early in the morning to see this one!  Or stay up way late?  Hope for a clear sky.  Here are the times:

     Partial umbral eclipse begins: 1:58 a.m. EDT on April 15
     Total eclipse begins: 3:07 a.m. EDT
     Greatest eclipse: 3:46 a.m. EDT
     Total eclipse ends: 4:25 a.m. EDT
     Partial eclipse ends: 5:33 a.m. EDT

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 rough.  And that is putting is nicely.  As the snow melts, huge puddles are held in place by huge snowbanks.  As the frost comes out of the roadbed, bumps and holes get bigger.  On warmer days, expect mud…sometimes very deep, sucking mud.  Think of the worst potholes in Sudbury, multiply that by 30 kilometers, and that’s life on Kukagami Road.  Enjoy!

How’s the Lake?

     When will the ice go out?  Not soon for sure.  The snow on top is melting quickly and will likely be gone by the weekend.  Under that is a lot of slush.  Under that is a lot of frozen slush.  Under that is perhaps a foot of clear blue ice. 

     The water level of the lake was exceptionally low in the fall.  It is even lower now.  Already, the shallow rocks are poking through the snow on the lake.  By the time all this past winter’s snow is melted the water will hopefully rise to normal spring levels. Meanwhile, if you have a rock crib holding up your dock, it is probably going to come apart. Expect to see a lot of docks floating around the lake in early May!

Logging Update

     Goulard Lumber plans on returning to the area they were working in last Fall to resume operations as soon as they can this Spring (which will not be any time soon!) They are working South of the rail bed and East of Kukagami lake road. The wood will be coming out through Kukagami Road to the highway, same as last Fall.

     As well, there is a Forest Management Plan (FMP) Open House scheduled for the afternoon and evening of April 26 and the morning of April 27 at the Holiday Inn on Regent St.   This is to view any changes that are proposed at the mid-point of the 2010-2020 FMP. 

Maps!

     You can download maps from the Forest Management Planning Website.  Click on the map in the Sudbury area, scroll down to click on Annual Work Schedule 2014-2015.  Then click on Maps, then Operations, then Operations 530517o for the Kukagami Map.  Look around the site for lots of maps, with lots of information!

Airplanes on the Lake!

     The last weekend in March was a busy one with four airplanes dropping in for a visit with friends.  We hope to have a link to a film of this event for this to share soon.

Spring Road Clean-up

     Once the snow finally melts away, KEW will host the annual spring Road Clean up! Between now and May 11^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!**

     You also need to sign a waiver.  Please wear a bright orange vest while working, and keep yourself safe!

Water Watcher - Keeping Our Lake Water Clean

…tips from Earthcare Sudbury

Here are some quick tips on how you can live in harmony with your lake:

1. Educate yourself about lake ecology and your lake's health.
2. Start a buffer strip by leaving some vegetation uncut near the water's edge.
3. Use organic compost on your lawn, flower beds, and in your garden instead of fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Use phosphate free detergents and soaps.
5. Replace your turf lawn with hardy drought resistant grass mixtures.
6. Retain or plant native shoreline vegetation adjacent to the water to protect your shoreline and filter pollution.
7. Direct the run-off from rooftops, driveways and patios away from the lake.
8. Maintain your septic system – have it inspected every two years and pumped out regularly.
9. Learn to identify non-native invasive aquatic animals and plants; check your boat and motor for invaders.
10. Do not feed geese, ducks or other wildlife.
11. Pick up after your pet; keep your shoreline free of pet waste.

Road Rash                                                                                      by the Road Runner...beep beep

Is the road getting you down?

Has your car colour gone from dark blue to a dusty taupe?

You cannot decide which side of the road has the least number of shallowest ruts?

Are you tired of the city roads or roads board sections not grading its section?

Do you think the swamp at the Matagamasi turn is going to flood?

When will half load come in?

Why there are 6 different plow companies gobbling up our tax money?

Do you like to walk along and break the “glass” ice puddles in the morning?

Why do different mud sections come up every spring?

Are all these questions getting you down?

Does April drive you crazy?

STOP - we have the solution !

Next year , let’s get away from the road – get away from the rage .

We will all go to Vegas   and skip these ugly road days .

Imagine the Kukagami Kampers loose in Vegas - cavorting in the fountains, pigging out at the buffets, hiking  the Grand Canyon, and beating all the dealers at their own game!

So – your advice for this spring ..

Don’t drive on the crappy roads.

Save your gas money  ‘cause we are all going to Vegas next spring ..

where THE ROADS ARE PAVED !

Snowbird Report

I sit here contemplating what I'm missing back home as the grandkids complain they had to go to school today.  They were apparently anticipating a snow day.  The phone rings, or Skype calls come in along with emails, as everyone back home tells us they've had enough of the $%*@ white stuff!  Secretly I'm hoping there will be some left when we get back after Easter so that I can have my fix for the year.  I have been assured by one & all that my fix is guaranteed unless something drastic happens to the weather patterns.

Last winter we sat in the carport with a (long ago) former Kukagami-ite, who is our neighbor down here, while we heard tales of what it was like in winter long before we even knew that Kukagami existed.  Cars & people stranded in deep snow drifts with crying kids, cold cabins sheltering families as parents got the old woodstoves fired up, lots of laughs, parties, good times & wonderful memories.  I think I would have enjoyed all that.....in my youth!

Now, while I truly miss the snow, I'm also very fortunate to be able to while away the days of winter doing scrap booking projects, searching out estate & yard sales, dumpster diving, swimming outdoors at eleven p.m. under a full moon, walking the beaches & the malls, dancing with friends, carport parties & scrumptious dinners cooked by fellow mobile park neighbors & enjoyed by 250 friends at the Club House.  We eagerly await the annual Splash Party, Golf Club bar-b-que & the Hawaiian Luau dinner & dance that mark the end of the season down here.  We'll be across the border in less than month.  It seems that we just got here, where did the time go?  We say the same thing when we pack up & make the return trip down in the fall.  Time is just too short!  Enjoy each day no matter what it brings because you never what lies ahead.  In the meantime, save me some of the $%*@ white stuff.

                                                                                                            Vicki Thurlow

Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. The Website is updated randomly through the year – so check for new information and photos! Submit photos and news items to our email – listed 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.

Beginner Tai Chi class starts March 4th

Join us at Sportsman's Lodge at 9:30 on Tuesdays, starting on March 4th to start the new session of beginning Taoist Tai Chi class.

Clippings from www.taoist.org

 Taoist Tai Chi™Arts 

Taoist Tai Chi™ arts are founded upon a rich tradition of Taoist training. They are intended to return both body and mind to their original nature. According to Taoist teachings body and mind cannot be separated. Each step in the training is intended to help the mind return to stillness, clarity and wisdom, and the body to a balanced, relaxed and healthy state.

Transform body & mind: the balanced approach

Can you benefit from the regular practice of the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts? Well, first answer this question. Do you have stress in your life? If you answered “yes”- and really, who didn’t? – we’d like to introduce you to a form of exercise and personal development that both promotes health and relieves stress. We call it “internal alchemy” or “internal transformation” of both body and mind.

The Taoist Tai Chi™ arts have their origin in the tradition of Taoist internal alchemy. Alchemy in Taoism is a process of changing and transforming the body to the original healthy state. This starts with the transformation of the physical body. When the physical body is healthy and strong and the mind is quiet, the transformation of internal energies can occur.

How slow and steady wins the race to better health

There are a few misconceptions that we’d like to clear up. First, that Tai Chi is too slow to do you any good. While we agree that this art is about gentle turning and stretching, our form of Tai Chi is also specifically designed to improve health. So the significant and impactful degree of turning and stretching in each of the movements contributes to better balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, and calmness and peace of mind. The second myth is that Tai Chi is exclusively for the elderly. Pay a visit to one of our classes and you’ll see people of all ages benefiting from the healing movements of this ancient art form.
 

Getting better through the Taoist Tai Chi™ arts

We offer “health recovery programs”, which are specialized workshops and classes for people with chronic illnesses or those recovering from injuries. These arts have proven very effective as complementary therapy in aiding and speeding recovery. Movements can be adapted for people with reduced mobility.

And we’ve found most people can do the Tai Chi set regardless of handicaps or ailments. In fact, many conditions have shown to improve with the regular practice of this art, including  high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, low spirits, joint immobility, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, the long term consequences of trauma or stroke, aging and fibromyalgia.

Taoist Tai Chi winter 2014

On Tuesday, January 7th the new session of tai chi classes will begin. Come to Sportsman's Lodge at 10 on Tuesdays in January to find out how Taoist Tai Chi can improve your health.

 

Beginner Taoist Tai Chi class starts on   

TUESDAY, January 7th, 2014

   10:00 to 12:00 AM

at Sportsman's Lodge

 Cost will be $120/person for seniors*. 

 For more information call 705-853-1571

                  email kukagami@gmail.com

 or simply come to the lodge on any Tuesday in Janaury at 10 am.

www.taoist.org

 * Registration at this location allows students to attend classes in Sudbury and all other Taoist Tai Chi centres across Canada and around the world!  Classes run to the end of April.

 Registered Charity #118934371RR0001

KEW Winter Newsletter

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 12^th.  After 4 days of extremely cold temperatures, the first snowmachine crossed the lake on December 16^th.

 

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.

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.

 

Area news Autumn 2013

Kukagami Environment Watch                                                       Area News

http://www.kewatch.blogspot.com/                                        Autumn 2013

 “Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” ― Lauren DeStefano

 Community Events

Neighbours are encouraged to share local events.  These are a few that are coming up this autumn.  If you have an event you would like to share with neighbours, send a note to KEWatch@gmail.com

 Harvest Moon Gathering

            People will be gathering at the mid-point of Kukagami Lake (near the Big Island, see map below) on the evening of Friday, September 20^th, if the sky is clear.  Everyone is welcome!  

            Be there at 7:15 to watch the sun set in the west just as the full moon rises in the east.  Boats will raft up as they arrive, and will drift along in the early autumn breeze.  If you don’t see anyone when you get there, look downwind!

            Taoist Tai Chi classes began a new session on September 10^th.  The beginner’s class meets from 10 to 12 on Tuesdays at the Lodge.  New students are welcome to join at any time.  Taoist tai chi focuses on restoring and strengthening health.  Check out this link: http://www.taoist.org/transform-body-and-mind/.

 

Mushroom Walk  September 22, 2 pm.

            The fourth annual mushroom walk will be this coming Sunday, rain or shine.  This is an hour long walk through the forest.  You will learn what to look for and what to avoid.  You must pre-register for this event. Send a note with your phone number or email address to kewatch@gmail.com to get the information regarding meeting time and place.

Due to the cold spell we had in August, the honey mushrooms were out a month earlier than they should have been.  This is our best local edible, and they will not appear again until next year.  This year’s walk will focus on the beauty and ecology of our local fungi.

Road Clean-up  October 5 to 20

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

            There’s always room for more volunteers!  Contact KEW if you would like to have a section of road to call your own.   

Logging Update

Red pine thinning continues near the start of the road.

Goulard lumber is currently working South of the rail-bed east of Kukagami Road. About 2 kms east from where they were working in Summer 2012. They will likely be working there until approximately November.

The area East of McLaren Creek is scheduled to be harvested later this Fall and early Winter.

Slash Pile Burning

            Two years ago, much of the western side of McLaren creek was logged.  The slash from the McLaren cut has been piled, and it will likely be burned late this fall.  The logging company is hoping to see a lot of natural regeneration in the area over the next few years.  If all goes well, they will only need to do a little ‘fill-in’ planting after that.

 

Brown Birch Leaves?

            You have likely noticed that many of the birch leaves have gone straight from green to brown this year.  Normally, birches turn bright yellow in September.  This year they went brown in August.  What caused this to happen?

 Chris Blomme explained the problem in a letter to Northern Life earlier this month.  You can read the full story here.

The Birch Borer is a tiny moth that lays its eggs on birch leaves.  The miniscule caterpillars feed on the leaves.  If you park your car under a birch tree, you will have noticed an icky, sticky residue.  Fortunately, it washes off easily. 

Also known as the birch skeletonizer, we saw a little of its work last summer. Hopefully, it has peaked this year so by next fall we will be able to enjoy the brilliant autumn yellow of the birches.

Where on the Lake is that?

            KEW is in the process of developing a map of our area with local name places.    Do you have place names that you would like to share with Kukagami neighbours?  Send the information to kewatch@gmail.com, and send along a story if there is one. 

 

 

The Joys of Autumn   by V. Thurlow

I have a definite love/hate relationship with fall.  On the one hand it is my second favorite time of year (Xmas tops my list) but is also, in some regards, the one time of year I dread the most.

Last September my younger sister, Susie, flew in from Calgary for her first fall visit in over 20 years.  She commented on how much she missed the gorgeous show put on by the oaks, birch, aspen but most of all the stately maples.  Our beloved Aunt Mimi, 82 years old, gamely followed us around snapping pictures as we drove up Matagamasi Road, Bushey Bay Road and all around the Kukagami area.  We gamboled over rocks and fallen trees like a couple of giddy, chubby, graceful gazelles.  Well maybe we were more gambling than gamboling, chubby & giddy for sure but graceful gazelles might be a stretch........a very big stretch........of anyone's imagination!  We shrieked with laughter, shuffling through mounds of crisp leaves covering the forest floor.  (Kind of reminded me of the bedroom floor back in the days when I had a very messy roommate in teachers college.......you could never quite see the actual floor for all the discarded clothes.)  

I love the show fall puts on and truly enjoy walks in the cool, crisp fall air.

Unfortunately, this peaceful idyll does not last long.  Two things mar the tranquility and I can't control either.  One is the annual fall hunting season.  The guns go off regularly with no warning and I cringe as I imagine some poor dumb partridge falling over in a bloody mess of squawking feathers; a cute, silent bunny twitching on the side of the road; or a majestic moose or deer felled by a triumphant, grinning hunter.

The second disturbance is even worse!  As soon as the leaves start to fall, my husband is on a mission to blow every single leaf he can eyeball into a pile to be gathered & later dumped into a large clearing at the end of the drive-way.

 The method used is a gas powered leaf blower and it has become the most hated piece of "man toy" that I have seen...or heard...to date.  Hubby straps this contraption on early in the morning and, after gassing up, is set to go until nightfall.

He puts the Eveready Bunny to shame!  Across the front and side lawns, down to the lakeside deck, all the way up the steps and across the front and side decks, over to the rock wall, flower beds and the patch of grass over the field bed before heading up to the driveway and down to the main road.  Of course the boathouse roof and all eave troughs must be done as well.  Put a white hazard suit on hubby and he can start his own chapter of Ghostbusters when he has that @#(*^& contraption strapped on his back!  I will scream with delight if he ever runs out of gas to power my nemesis!  It will be a much more elated scream than the ones you will likely hear, probably by the end of the week, when I predict the dreaded leaf blower will make its debut for this season!

 

Hey, give me a break; I'm hurrying along as fast as I can!  Let me catch my breath.

Just a few moments ago the lake was shimmering in the bright sunlight with occasional puffs of wind ruffling the surface.  What a glorious fall day!  My friends & I were so happy to be wearing our new fall colors, hot reds, bright oranges, sunny yellows.

Soon I grew tired then felt my stomach do a somersault as I turned head over heels & floated & swirled my way to the cold, unrelentingly hard ground.  That sure knocked the wind out of my sails!

As I lay there trying to catch my breath, I saw the family dog frantically pawing at the patio door in a frenzy of barks.  The sky darkened as a cloud covered the sun...no wait; it was a flock of birds in a big flurry of flapping wings heading out of sight.

All of a sudden the peaceful, tranquil calm was shattered by a loud cacophony of ear splitting proportions.  Some overzealous, leaf-hating human with an outlandish contraption strapped to his body, was blowing every leaf in sight into little piles.  From the midst of my pile I watched as the number of piles continued to grow.  

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the noise mercifully stopped leaving throbbing echoes in its wake.  

Thankfully the piles were gathered together & unceremoniously dumped into a clearing off the driveway.  I was happy to snuggle in amongst my friends in peace & quiet as the footsteps faded away.  

Rumor has it that the process will repeat itself for many more days until the leaf-hater leaves for the winter.  Winter can't come soon enough for me!  

Website and Newsletter

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