Friday, September 29, 2023
Purden Ski Village owner Keith Buchanan killed in helicopter crash - BC News
Purden Ski Village owner Keith Buchanan killed in helicopter crash - BC News: Craig Evanoff knew Keith Buchanan from the time they were 10-year-olds, ski racing together on the slopes of Purden Mountain.
Not unprecedented............
I'm usually still camping at this time of year.
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| This date, 2019 |
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| This date, 2018 |
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October 1, 2017
Quite the storm...........
I had friends from the valley warn me around supper time last night - they said it looked really black our way. We had thunder, hail, graupel, and snow. I'm hoping for a little help from the sun in the next couple of days.
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| I have dried wildflower seeds to plant at the clumps of bunch grass, cut alder to pick up, and there are pieces of mesh under there that are part of the project to close the "squirrel hotel" in my tool shed roof. |
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| I started getting the hoses ready to put away....... |
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Thank-you - the rest of the transfer station was cleaned up while I was in town..........
It would have been a wet messy job for the truck driver who brought the new bin to the transfer station today. A lot was picked up, but there was enough debris that I was planning to do a clean up Thursday morning, and asked Hilary to post it on one of the Baldy Facebook pages. I just drove through now in the dark, and it looks like someone cleaned it up while I was in town.
Thank-you!
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
As the day progressed.................
Thanks Chris for the images from later in the day. So disgusting. Wonder if the RDKB would try to find identifying info in this mess. I have notified our RDKB Director.
Will see what the trucker does when they come up - may need a group down there with pick-up tools.
Fire Danger Rating
I guess the Grizzly EXT station north of us hasn't received as much moisture as we have - they still show us at a 2 today.
Greenworks 80V Chainsaw
2017 80V Greenworks 18 "Chainsaw with one 2amp battery, charger, two chains, and hard case. Half the price of new. Shop around for extra battery - 4amp now available for longer run time. Low hours.
$250
Will consider selling as a package with 2021 16inch line trimmer, with light brush attachment and another battery - $550
No Brains..........
This was on my way to town - more stuffed when I came back. I called the RD landfill guy and reported it.
Weather, the way the weather guessers say we need it................
A bit at a time is what is apparently needed to have the dry soil properly absorb what comes. It is working that way up here, wet first thing, some more falling now. Good for the drought, good for the trees, not so good for the guys to work on the lifts.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Roads are Slick
The fog has delivered the right amount of moisture to the dirt road surface to create slippery conditions. Thanks R for the heads up.
F.O.G. was yesterday................
The Festival of the Grape was yesterday, but we have the real fog today - don't mind at all.
Grateful for all the extra help on the wood yesterday.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023
South Okanagan hospital emergency room closing overnight due to staffing - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan hospital emergency room closing overnight due to staffing - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Temporary service interruptions are once again closing down the South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department overnight.
Fall
We officially shifted into fall yesterday afternoon, and the forecast for the next 5 days is in line with that, with possible snow on Wednesday. Hopefully that is short lived if it happens - we have people building on Cougar who want to get the roof on before winter.
Hiring
BMR has a high retention rate this year, so you will see lots of familiar faces. They are currently hiring for some positions.
Friday, September 22, 2023
The night drives are never boring............
I broke my own rule tonight - dinner with family in the valley at a time that put me on the road home after 9:00pm.
- North of Osoyoos, AIM truck blocking a lane - couldn't see any reason other than possibly dealing with an animal on the road
- Above McCuddy Creek Ranch - "campfire" outside an RV - decided it was probably a propane pit set a little high, as the property owners would be careful on that one
- Above Mica Creek Road - "stuff" at the side of the road
- in the canyon "stuff" at the side of the road
- near the top on the Baldy end of the canyon - a truck and trailer driver side wheels on the road, passenger side wheels over the edge
- Guy with headlamp smoking in the middle of the road - I only dropped my window enough to speak to him, I asked twice, and he did not want me to make a call for him
- he's waiting down there for a 4x4 with a chain to come along - I didn't get out of the truck, but it looked to me like a more challenging recovery
- He said the contents of his storage locker was in the truck and trailer - I told him some of his stuff was on the road
- He has enough "stuff" and it was 10C down there, so he won't get too cold sitting there all night
Busy Weekend in Oliver
If you have money to spend and a designated driver, there are major events in Oliver this weekend.
The Village is closed early at 4pm today and doors open at 5pm to ticket holders for the Wine Capital Weekend Kick-Off Party!!
Saturday - Oliver Fire Department Fundraiser by donation.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Not the year for fall photos...........
The BC Drought Map was updated today, and we are now showing as drought level 5. The nearest monitoring stations are at lower elevations in the region.
It has been evident for some time now that the vegetation is suffering from the heat and lack of moisture. There will be no spectacular photos of deciduous trees along the road this year.
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| I take a photo of this bush most years - it is colourful today, but not the best. |
Canada showcases tragic wildfire season to promote carbon pricing initiative at UN - West Kelowna News
Canada showcases tragic wildfire season to promote carbon pricing initiative at UN - West Kelowna News: The federal government is hoping Canada's devastating wildfire season sparks momentum for carbon pricing at the United Nations.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Impressive Pile of Debris
Thanks to all of the community members who have reduced the forest fuels from their properties.
Black bears destroyed after attacking woman and dog on shores of Osoyoos Lake - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Black bears destroyed after attacking woman and dog on shores of Osoyoos Lake - Oliver/Osoyoos News: A lazy afternoon relaxing on the shores of Osoyoos Lake turned into sheer terror when a sow black bear attacked a woman and her dog this weekend.
Temperature not encouraging me to go outside.......
Rob caught the Northern Lights on camera last night, and snowflakes in the air this morning. He has photographic proof - I stayed inside.
Monday, September 18, 2023
A little hesitation when these two met on Saturday
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| Completely understandable Wally - he has changed a little............ |
Possibility of snow for Okanagan Connector Tuesday - West Kelowna News
Possibility of snow for Okanagan Connector Tuesday - West Kelowna News: The first snowfall of the season could be just a day away.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Legends of Ski Teaching at Baldy
Rick was a racer and a coach, but the ski instructors of Baldy past were out in full force on Saturday.
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Dave Doumont taught at Baldy in the opening season, 1968-69 - he is a 50 year member of the CSIA. Here he discusses a new kind of pole with instructor Mary Anne Day.  Wally and Mary Anne Day came to Baldy and formed the ski school in 1969, after teaching at Apex and Mt. Baker. They were PNSIA certified instructors, and Wally encouraged us to get our CSIA certifications, as well as the training he provided.  Michael poses with Shelley and Shannon Day - both taught skiing at Baldy, and followed their Mom into nursing careers. In the middle beside Michael is his sister Sylvia, who was Level 11 certified, and along with Sieglinde, looked after the mid-week lessons. Mother and son Level 11's Leslie and Todd Potter were also in attendance, as well as Pam Crowson Franks and Mark Davison. So many learned to ski and enjoy Baldy with the guidance of these instructors. My skiing style?
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Honouring Rick Crowson
Well “Ricky Racer”, you would have loved the gathering in
your honour on Saturday.
You of course were the ultimate emcee and public speaker.
You would have been impressed and proud of your family and friends at the
podium.
Pam and Shayne spoke from the heart about the great
relationships you had with your sister and nephew. Diane let us in on a little
of the magic in your marriage, and your friends had lots of stories to tell. Listening
to your friends from Arizona speak, I thought – I wonder if they have any idea
that so many in that room date back to the early decades of your life. Your Dad spoke too.
You are missed Rick, gone too soon, never forgotten.
The Vandals/Opportunists are around..............
Saturday the hatch and hood were open.
Today the hood is open and the hatch is partly closed.
The green vehicle farther up I believe belongs to someone living on my street. I thought it was "unscathed" with plates and windows intact - however some days the hood is open, and sometimes it is closed.
The Air
The air was fine when I woke up in Westbridge this morning, but as I drove west on Hwy 3, it was progressively more smoky. From the Canyon Bridge, the mountain wasn't much more than an outline. Up here it is a little hazy, but not too bad.
Saturday, September 16, 2023
South Okanagan hospital emergency room closing again due to staffing issues - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan hospital emergency room closing again due to staffing issues - Oliver/Osoyoos News: For the sixth night in a week, Interior Health has announced the emergency room at South Okanagan General Hospital will be closed.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Danger Rating
We're holding at a "3" - couple more warm days before a significant temperature change.
West Kelowna lobbying for more provincial money for wildfire mitigation - West Kelowna News
West Kelowna lobbying for more provincial money for wildfire mitigation - West Kelowna News: Evacuation Orders have ended for the remaining sections of Bear Creek Road North.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Drought Conditions
Water users received a letter today indicating Stage 5 drought conditions, and asking for limited outdoor watering.
As a full time resident of the mountain, what I have observed is watering well within the recommended 3-4 hours per week.
The water operator has spoken to one owner, and I talked to him about a timer that I am responsible for. I determined that the timer had been tampered with, and he had shut off the tap.
The latest drought map provided by the BC Government was September 7th, and showed us within drought Stage 4. There are no official monitoring stations very close to us, but even the one on the West Kettle, although low. is within Stage 4.
Anecdotal evidence from recent weeks has the fish-less lakes still having water, although they only get filled during snow melt. Other wet observations out on the trails.
Yes we have to be careful, but we are better off than others.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Tuesday
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| Duh.......... |
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| Welcoming Committee |
Monday, September 11, 2023
Monday's Oliver Fire
Human caused, declared held just after 3:00pm. On the hillside above and below Oliver's water tanks.
OFD, BCWF ground crews, and two helicopters responded. Bird Dog flew around and one tanker passed by, but did not drop. Second heli did not stay too long.
B.C. Premier David Eby set to visit Kamloops, Salmon Arm amid devastating wildfires - Kamloops News
B.C. Premier David Eby set to visit Kamloops, Salmon Arm amid devastating wildfires - Kamloops News: UPDATE: 9:53 a.m. British Columbia Premier David Eby says he's launching an expert task force into wildfires, drought and heat emergencies that have hammered the province.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Emergency room at South Okanagan General Hospital closed for second night - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Emergency room at South Okanagan General Hospital closed for second night - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The Emergency Room will be closed for a second night in a row at South Okanagan General Hospital, and for much of the day Monday.
Back up to a three.......
After several days at a Danger level 2, we have now had two days at level 3.
Saturday, September 9, 2023
South Okanagan General Hospital ER to close overnight due to staffing challenges - Oliver/Osoyoos News
South Okanagan General Hospital ER to close overnight due to staffing challenges - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Interior Health says the emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will be closed over Saturday night, citing “unexpected limited physician availability.”
Friday, September 8, 2023
Rosie on the Webster Trail
International crust, Baldy grown basil, and it tastes so much better without a certain person poking her finger in the bubbles.
Lift Operator John, Drag'n scoop skidsteer services Ltd
John is selling firewood. dragnscoop@outlook.com (604) 302-5760
Will deliver to Baldy. Larch photos on Facebook pages that I am not following.
He has also added equipment - skid steer, excavator, and dump box trailer
Interesting new "grapple bucket" would like to see that pulling alder.
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Senior hiker in South Okanagan backcountry safe after major search and rescue deployment - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Senior hiker in South Okanagan backcountry safe after major search and rescue deployment - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Search and rescue crews from around the South Okanagan joined together in a lengthy search for an elderly hiker and his dogs, which ended in good news.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Today's reminder from FireSmart
Dry leaves and low-hanging branches are a significant wildfire risk within your control. To increase the fire resilience of your property, regularly prune branches within 2 metres of the ground and remove all fallen debris (leaves, branches, and needles) from under each tree.
Learn how to protect your property: https://begins-at-home-guide.firesmartbc.ca/
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Thought for today................
Wildfire personnel who were here in 2021 and in Kelowna this year .......crossed paths with a Baldy local......and asked the question.........."Have you guys got your tree problem dealt with yet?..........."
Monday, September 4, 2023
Temporary service interruption at South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department, again - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Temporary service interruption at South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department, again - Oliver/Osoyoos News: Interior Health has announced the unexpected and temporary closure of the South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department in Oliver due to a doctor shortage.
Sunday, September 3, 2023
All pets accounted for?
Sometime after 9:00pm last night there was a horrible feline "scream" out behind my place. I'm not sure a domesticated cat is capable of such a sound, but Bentley is tight lipped about what kind of creatures he barked at last night to chase them out of his territory.
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Sunday - Last Day of Summer BBQ
I had a chicken burger last weekend - moist, perfectly grilled chicken breast.
Annual ski swap shop coming up to support Apex and Baldy mountains' volunteer ski patrol teams - Penticton News
Annual ski swap shop coming up to support Apex and Baldy mountains' volunteer ski patrol teams - Penticton News: It might still be summer, but the annual Apex Ski Patrol Ski and Board Swap is fast approaching in the anticipation of another season on the hills.
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