Believed to be a failed shut-off valve - at the bottom of the driveway of 175 Porcupine. Water operator has been notified - monitoring over night, will be dug up Monday.
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Water Leak - Porcupine Road
Believed to be a failed shut-off valve - at the bottom of the driveway of 175 Porcupine. Water operator has been notified - monitoring over night, will be dug up Monday.
Lost and Found
Phone owner found. Thanks Janet - owner says - "that would never happen in Kelowna"
Found mitt on an alder twig lower Tin-Horn
White/grey thick, leather mittens, sz. Large I think. I lost them 2 weeks ago:( just received for Christmas. Best ones I’ve ever had lol. I can’t remember the brand name but from somewhere in Europe.
If you have found the mitts, please contact Robyn and Wapiti Creek Lodge.
Highway 3 near Hedley has re-opened
Multi-vehicle crash near Hedley closes Highway 3 Sunday morning - BC News: A multi-vehicle crash has closed Highway 3 east of Hedley Sunday morning.
UPDATE - road now open.
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Friday, February 25, 2022
Winemakers Cup Saturday
Lots of work to prep, but a great event to watch, and brings new people to the mountain, (and some old timer's too.) There is a pedestrian fence/walkway from the bottom of the Lump to the finish area.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Firesmart - We don't want to lose our homes.........
Two things happened yesterday that made me even more motivated to work on Firesmart. As educational materials were being put together for the community, I saw part of a video clip of the raging fire jumping the fireguard on the way to Baldy last summer. The intensity is shocking.
There was a catastrophic house fire in Oliver last night. Cause to be determined, but started in the garage. The house belongs to a friend of mine and her husband. I've known this friend since 1973 - we went to school together, and worked together for decades.
The couple were out of town visiting grandkids, and their son was in the house - thankfully alerted by a passerby.
The video and photos on line are hard to look at. There is the old saying that no one was injured, but it is hard not to think about the big chunk of their life memories that went up in smoke, and the trauma to the whole family.
From cute images with the grandkids a few days ago, to the horror and mess they are coming home to, I can't image how horrible it is to lose one's home.
From an earlier Firesmart Board meeting, an emergency management official told us it is likely to take 10 years to bring back Lytton.
I took my photograph collection off the mountain during the fire last summer. I still haven't compiled photos for the Westbridge family who lost theirs in 2015, now I will add the search to sort photos for the friend who lost hers last night.
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Snow sleds blew away in the wind............
The gusty winds have moved things around this year - I'm curious to see where my tarp ended up when the snow melts.
Two sleds blew away from the Tin Horn Lodge. If they ended up at your place, or you happen to find them, please let Deb know.
 |
| Ice spider like this is blueish. |
 |
| Snow Boogie like this is blue and white. |
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
50th Anniversary for Troll
I have never skied Troll, but would like to - and not just for the cinnamon buns. More info and photos on the CWSAA Facebook Page. I had the honour of meeting Hildur's parents at a managers reception years ago at the CWSAA Spring meetings.
Bob Bell - speaker at the event - great guy, and very helpful to Borderline Ski Club. He was the lift inspector here in those days, and helped us with solutions to keep the old T-bar going.
I stopped at Troll in the summer once - somewhere I have a photo of the warning sign for hikers - watch out for Grizzly Bears!
Monday, February 21, 2022
Challenges of climate change focus of B.C. government's budget, says finance minister - BC News
Challenges of climate change focus of B.C. government's budget, says finance minister - BC News: B.C. Finance Minister Selina Robinson says making sure communities have the resources they need to deal with the effects of climate change will be a focal point of her budget when it is released on Tuesday.
Can you help out Saturday February 26th - Wine Maker's Cup
The Mt. Baldy Alpine Club is once again providing equipment and resources for the Winemaker's Cup. This is a fun event to watch, and there will be a donation to the Alpine Club for the assistance. Please contact Paul asap if you can help. paul@okaped.com .
Wine Industry networking starts Friday night in the valley, participants do the ski race and lunch here, then reconvene for more fun in the valley in the evening.
The Mt. Baldy Alpine Club knows how to put on a top notch race, and the wine industry people know how to have fun.
There are already 100 participants signed up.
Volunteering for this event will be entertaining.
Google it - lots of fun videos.
Firesmart Colouring Book for Kids
https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/embers-colouring-book/
This came up as a Family Day suggestion, but good anytime to get the kids interested in raking pine needles when the snow has gone......... 😉
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Owners
Owners, please advise your guests and tenants on an appropriate way to get back to the cabin. Today I had someone breach the snow fencing that is there to keep people from striking hidden utilities and a steep drop off to the road at one side of my place.
Up over the bank and down through my neighbour's yard - then they saw my fence.
Well at least they didn't knock the fence down, they went through the tree well beside it. I pay taxes on that line.......they were to the right of the sewer clean-out - I haven't been to the bank to see if they hit the water shut-offs.
Today, for the second time, someone has come around my fence line and container and over the bank into my driveway. They are very lucky as a short time before, I was backing up my driveway. They did encounter the sand I had put out, and later came down the same way carrying skis. I did not recognize the person on my surveillance camera.
I will be looking for that ski suit on the hill tomorrow.
 |
| I doubt if the tape will do anything, but they had at least one pole sink a long way down when they passed my log pile, there is more sand in the driveway, and the truck is parked at an angle. |
For those who may not be aware, the "lane" behind my place is not strata common property, it is private property. The adjacent property owners agreed to create a summer access to the back of our properties. We don't mind when our neighbours ski out that way, but please respect that it is private property. The many boot holes in recent days make it more challenging for us to get home along the path.
Trust me, you don't want me to put up snow fencing on my property line.
I hope the sand I just spread wrecked your skis...........will be going to get more sand
First time looked like a mistake. You are so darned lucky that I had parked the truck shortly before you cut through my yard and down my driveway.
I guess I have fencing to put back up on the other side.......
Coquihalla saw 25 cm since Saturday, another 20 cm expected - BC News
Coquihalla saw 25 cm since Saturday, another 20 cm expected - BC News: Snow continues to fall on the Coquihalla Highway and other Interior mountain passes Sunday morning, after the highways saw significant accumulation overnight.
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Big White Ski Resort issues weather warning due to high winds and heavy snow - Kelowna News
Big White Ski Resort issues weather warning due to high winds and heavy snow - Kelowna News: Big White Ski Resort issued a weather warning as of 3 p.m. on Saturday, due to the high winds and heavy snow currently falling in and around the resort.
Looks like the first wave was north of us - radar shows we could be getting hit later.
Ski Tracks - Day Three
I had some runs with and old friend today - skiing more like we did when we were kids. We didn't agree on who was pushing who, but my peak speed topped 75kmh today. The average speed is down a bit - wonder if they count all the time spent standing around and talking.
Almost three-quarters of British Columbians don't know how to ride chairlifts properly - BC News
Almost three-quarters of British Columbians don't know how to ride chairlifts properly - BC News: According to a new survey, almost three-quarters of British Columbians don't know how to ride a chairlift properly.
It always amazes me when people don't use the safety bar.
Friday, February 18, 2022
Risk of snow squalls and thundersnow in B.C. Southern Interior this weekend - Vernon News
Risk of snow squalls and thundersnow in B.C. Southern Interior this weekend - Vernon News: UPDATE 5:15 p.m. Environment Canada now says there is a risk of snow squalls and thundersnow in parts of the Southern Interior this weekend.
Friday - Family Day Weekend
I enjoy family day weekend . I could actually stand at the bottom of the lifts and talk and take photographs all day. Today there were many adults that I have known since they were little kids, lots of old friends and acquaintances, grandchildren of cabin owners..... lots of people enjoying the sunshine.
A fellow I spotted from the chair is an Oliver raised pilot who has had an amazing career, most notably as an air tanker pilot and an in demand trainer who has travelled the world training pilots to fly firefighting aircraft. I always think of Tim in the summer when I watch the tankers and skimmers.
I remember Molly as a baby - so much fun to watch her work with two young students on the Lump this afternoon.
Thursday, February 17, 2022
Ski Tracks
Nice afternoon on the slopes - not too windy. I was a holdout with a flip phone for a long time, but recently found a smart phone deal that works for me. I bought the $1.69 Ski Tracks app today - and I just might be hooked. I don't count my runs anymore, but it is fun to see all the stats including speed - need to wax my skis.
On the hill report
The 65-87 crowd appreciates the on hill updates provided by the 9:00am guys. The groomers are good with about an inch of new on them now with the snow falling. Off the groomers you can feel the crunch.
Variable gusty winds.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Firesmart
I ramped up my Firesmart work after this summer's fire - at least 3 of these trees are already gone - and I got back my view of the Lump.
Monday, February 14, 2022
Thank-you Mother Nature
The sun was nice, but we were all happy to see fresh snow falling today. Still snowing. I was beginning to think I would have to liberate my Mother's wooden skis from the bar and sacrifice them to Ullr.
Not a big number on my measuring spot, but enough to do short radius powder turns on the road without hitting the stuff underneath.
In my news feed this morning - "Why we wear helmets"............
A friend had a "hard spill" at another mountain yesterday - he still got a concussion, but the helmet did take some of the punishment.
Other reasons I wear a helmet - comfort, warmth, no toque itch!
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Missing Onesie
Wondering if anyone picked up a mustard yellow coloured MEC onesie sz. 3 on the bunny hill on Saturday?
Leave message for owner with Robyn at Wapiti Creek Lodge.
Sunday
Feels like Spring Break. Enjoy the vitamin D, and don't forget the sunscreen . Today I am going with Accuweather - it is showing a storm in our future this week.
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Friday, February 11, 2022
Alf Gruhl and Willi Tenning
The gentlemen who got people interested in skiing in the area. When Alf and Willi turned 65, they were honoured with free season passes.
Willi Tenning, Irene Fairweather, and Alf Gruhl.
Suse and Alfred Gruhl walking back from "Gruhl's Pool"
Photos above - Paul Fairweather.
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Sunshine Thursday
There was nothing groomed this morning, so the runs were rather firm to start the day. Some nice corn snow later in the day.
Reminds me of spring skiing before the invention of the tiller. Thirty years ago, the ski club acquired a "powder maker" - free - just had to pay the freight. We had compactor bars, but the powder maker gave us another option. It was a set of three expanded metal rollers, pulled behind the cat. It had wooden bearings, and was given to the McKinney Nordic Club.
Prior to compactor bars, the cat pulled a culvert that rolled behind to pack the snow.
 |
| Paul Fairweather photo. |
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Rock fall closes Highway 3 at Christina Lake - BC News
Rock fall closes Highway 3 at Christina Lake - BC News: Highway 3 is closed near Christina Lake due to a rock fall.
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Mt. Baldy Local Honey
Kamal, new owner of the Cooper cabin has a sign in his driveway for honey. He has "Fireweed Honey" that was produced on the mountain, and other honey from his bees at the coast. Sherry and I have his phone number.
New Listing on Services / Contact information page
They live here, they have clients here and in the valley.
Not a surprise - snowpack numbers are down
We've thrived in the sunshine for too many days now - time for Mother Nature to give us new snow.
Craig Gray
If you knew Craig, you knew how hard he worked as a volunteer on this mountain, and you heard his stories, and remember the smile. If you didn't know Craig, you may well have cursed whoever fired up the grader too early in the morning to clear the village roads.
Craig lit the wood furnace in the lodge at 5:00am daily, and I remember one day when I was the manager here - he knocked on my back door........"Sam, give me something to do, or I'll have to go to town and mow my kids lawns or something."
Craig, Donna, and Joan Begg were a source of lots of laughs on Ore-House Road, and they were great friends.
For one of our spring events. Craig showed up in Donna's housecoat with a wig.
Bernice and the late Ken Balmes with Craig.
That day was well remembered, so when there was a party in the lodge honouring Craig for his volunteer work, many of the guys showed up with wigs.
 |
| Duane Jordan, Wayne Radies, Mike Randle, Craig, Mark Davison, and the late Pat Reiter and Gale Potter. |
This photo is from that party.
 |
| I believe that is a Leslie Potter painting. |
That was a fun day with the family, and lots of laughs.
Monday, February 7, 2022
Rest in Peace Craig Gray
Our thoughts are with Donna, and all of the family. Craig is at rest, and will be missed. Below is the official stuff - more to come on Craig's volunteer work at Baldy, and some funny stories too. We missed Craig and Donna when they moved back to the valley. As soon as I find the photos I am looking for, I will post more.
REMEMBERING
Craig Gray January 13, 1935 - February 4, 2022
Gray, Craig Edward (Fritzy) was born in Marwayne, Alberta on January 13th 1935 to Eddy and Millie Gray. The Gray's including Craig's 2 sisters Pat married (Alex Skelton) and Arlene married (Herb Fischer) moved to Pitt Meadows in the 1940's.
As a teen, Craig took up the sport of boxing where he competed in many Golden Glove championships over the next decade…..Craig loved to share his memories of boxing with his kids and grandkids.
As a teenager, Craig got a job with CP Rail….a job he was very proud of and another endeavor he loved to share his memories of. Craig met the love of his life, Donna (nee Fry) while he was working on the railroad and she was a Nursing student at Essendale. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in January of this year.
Craig and Donna had 5 children, Sheryl (Brad Fossett), Debbie (Ken Collinge), Keith (Linda Antunes), Ron (Deanne Woods) and Scott (Sandra Allen and now engaged to Cindy Hodgson). Craig and Donna moved to Oliver in 1980 along with the 2 youngest boys and bought a cherry orchard, which they farmed until they retired in 1993 and moved to Mount Baldy.
Craig and Donna really enjoyed their time at Mount Baldy and met numerous friends who not only provided a lot of great memories, but also brought them a lot of comic relief (Joanie)!
Both the girls and their oldest son eventually followed their parents to the Okanagan, where the families continued to grow…. Craig and Donna were blessed with 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Craig was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Sandra (2016), sister Pat (2019) and his daughter Debbie (2020).
Unfortunately, Craig suffered with dementia in his last few years and was moved into Sunnybank in April 2021, where he succumbed to his disease on February 4th…with family by his side!
Forever in our hearts and Forever in our memories… Fritzy you will be missed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)