Another Thunderstorm Watch

So far we have had some moisture, and we can hear the thunder off in the distance. 

Lightning Strike - labeled Mount Underdown

New start, north and west of us. Currently showing as a spot fire, "out of control"

No "response" noted on the app - guessing late detection, and early morning action. 

A busy day on the mountain..........

So much going on today, that I didn't have time to check in with the BMR team.

Two milestone pours for new cabins in the village today. I got to play with concrete with Tom, and Dan got soaked in the storm at the end of his footing pour. 

I haven't watched a full job of a pumper truck before. Those guys sure know how to set up and maneuver the boom. Tom pours like a pro. The timing of the cement trucks was perfect.  Osoyoos Redi Mix. I went to school with owner John Vieira, and I think owner Manuel Vieira went to school with Katlin's Mom.

There were surveyors around - Pendergraft. A pioneer family, Brock now taking over from his Dad Brad. Brad skis here, and in my teens I worked at Uncle Paul Fairweather's hardware store in Osoyoos where Brock's Grandmother worked in the office. 

The Siya forestry crew was just packing up for the day when I went to town. They are working on the prescription for the tree spacing along the Baldy Road.

There was a telecommunications crew working up top today. They were packed up and headed down before the storm hit.

Windy and Smoky in Town

Very strong winds in Oliver late this afternoon, and a strong wood smoke smell when I stopped at the mailbox. CBC was reporting that the smoke was coming from stateside fires, The wind was definitely out of the south. 

Thank-you BCWF for a quick response - Gregoire Creek Fire now "Under Control"

A wildfire start earlier this evening is suspected as being lightning caused - named the Gregoire Creek Fire. If you zoom in on the map, it is in the "high fire danger" zone just outside our "moderate fire danger "  zone. 

I made a quick trip to town and looked back to see what may have been one of the strikes in that area,. On the way back up, I saw a low flying helicopter with snorkle over the ranch at McCuddy Creek. My guess is he was looking for water in a reservoir which is now empty.

One initial attack crew and one helicopter got the fire under control fairly quickly.

The BCFW flagging was at the intersection of the old 201/Baldy FSR.

It was interesting to see known squatters loading up large containers of water at the actual creek.

Possible Thunderstorms This Afternoon

https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/564320/Thunderstorm-watch-issued-for-entire-Okanagan#564320

New wildfire North of Greenwood, possibly linked to thunderstorm a few days ago.

Really Nice Family selling across the street from me.

The neighbours across the street have plans for new adventures, and their cabin is for sale by owner. I hate to see them go. It has been fun watching the kids grow, and they have kindly delivered turkey dinner to me on special occasions. Nice neighbours arrive to a cleared walkway on Friday nights.

You can find the listing on the Facebook Page Baldy Mountain Resort BC Community Board.

Looking from Porcupine is deceiving, there are two more levels on the Blue Jay side. Road access on two sides.

They have done a fair bit of FireSmart work, and will be shelling out more money next week as they have a contractor falling 13 dead trees. (Sorry folks, Gerald and I have spoken for the Firewood.)

Busy Day on the Mountain

Pumper truck and several concrete trucks coming up today. Pour closest to the lodge is at 11:00. I haven't heard the pumper yet, but not sure if the footing pour below the "Pink Palace" is before or after. If you are leaving the village, you can avoid most of the congestion by using Porcupine.

Dump truck traffic in the village. May be related to the dirt work for the addition to a cabin on Porcupine. The load of gravel pit crush that has been sitting on Porcupine since last week disappeared, so I guess it wasn't for resurfacing.

Roofing contractor across the street, not obstructing traffic.

There is that old expression about one not being afraid of getting their hands dirty.................

This Contractor/Journeyman wasn't afraid to get his boots muddy today. Those feet had skis on them when he was a little guy - probably not long after he could stand. 

RCMP

RCMP were up here for a bit very early this morning. Reason unknown.