The sun is shining and the ice on the lake has disappeared. I think everyone agrees that it is about time that the repeated freezing and melting of this past winter comes to an end, and that the grass finally starts to turn green.
At least we had snow in Alberta this year. It wasn’t four feet deep on the Resort like in the past, but it was enough to safely burn the big Wood Waste pile. We once again have lots of room for tree cuttings and used lumber. As the name implies, this pile is not for plastic, metal, concrete, or glass because our regular fire is not hot enough to burn these items cleanly. It is also not for garbage, loose cardboard or paper, which would either attract bears or just get blown away once we light the fire. These items can all be dropped off at the Smith Waste Transfer Station (no charge, Wednesdays & Weekends until 5.30pm). Cold ashes, dirt, leaves and lawn clippings should be put in the Yard Waste pile which is right on the Resort. Both piles are identified with signs and are located on Fern Trail near the Archery Range.
You may have noticed that some carpentry work was recently completed at the Resort. My wife and I were happy to see that our son William was able to spend more time at the lake last summer than in the past, and that he used this time to address some of these more complicated projects. He hopes to be at the lake quite bit again this season, so you can expect to see him working on various projects and learning more about all of the things that need to be done at the Resort.
The power work that took place on the Resort last season will continue again this summer. In an attempt to complete it before school is out, work began in late March through the snow. Once this project is done, most of the power lines will be in a protective pipe to help them better handle the wet ground and our harsh winters. Announcements about planned power outages will be made when necessary.
To make the power system even more robust, there are new rules regarding the connection of a lot to its meter pedestal. For example, each lot may permanently use only one of the four power sources (15amp, 30amp, 50amp or 100amp), and all power cords must be rated for both the power source being used and the consumption it may be supplying. If you regularly have more than one power cord connected, then you must change your setup to use just one source without a power splitter. It is advised that you use the correct power source for your RV and connect any additional cords to an external outlet on your RV or cabin. Some people find it is better to put a 100amp electrical panel in a shed and then plug everything into that.
I am often reminded that some of the main attractions at the Resort are the quiet, the darkness, and the natural beauty of the area. These are things that can only be experienced once a person gets out of the crowded city. When you have guests on your lot or even just an extra RV, you are temporarily reducing this natural experience for your neighbors. That is why the Campers Club is allowed to collect a nightly guest fee to be put towards making life at the lake better. Please remember that guest fees apply to an extra living unit whether it is being used or not, and are to be paid the first morning after the guest arrives. More information is available on the Camper Club page of the Resort website.
The Swim Raft has proven to be a favorite among kids of all ages at the Swimming Beach. Unfortunately, it is also favored by the gulls and other birds as a place to hangout. If you want to use the raft but find that it needs a cleaning, then you can borrow a scrub brush & bucket from the store. Each spring and fall, six to eight strong individuals are needed to carry the raft to and from its storage place, as well one single brave swimmer to actually take it to and from its anchor. If anyone is willing to volunteer just 5 minutes of their time to get either of these jobs done for the kids, please contact the Campers Club.
Once again the Resort Store will be operated by Dawn of lot 74. I know that she really enjoys the chance to meet people from all parts of the Resort as they come in for ice cream and candy, as well as for those miscellaneous groceries that often need to be urgently replaced. She also hopes to be stocking more camping gear this year. I know that last summer we all enjoyed her special weekend treat of homemade cinnamon buns. Thank you Dawn for providing these services to our community.
The Annual Meeting will be held May 18 at 1.00pm at the Beach Shack (by the Swimming Beach). Everyone is welcome, but bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather. This season we have several new Annual Campers to meet. I am looking forward to this, as well as to completing the power work, and to getting a little more fishing in this season. I expect that you are looking forward to this new season too.
See you at the Lake