VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 2 PUBLISHED BY THE WHITESHELL COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION INC. • WWW.WHITESHELLCOTTAGERS.COM JUNE 2015

President’s Report

By Daniel Klass, WCA President ednesday, April 22 ily lake tradition, just as I did Wmarked the exit of the after my mother and father Winnipeg Jets from the 2015 died. Almost every family in NHL playoffs. The fans could the Whiteshell has their ver- have worn black, but in a show sion of this rite of passage. Ol- of spirit, and in hope of be�er ive Zimmerman’s and Anne days to come, they dressed Co�’s History and Folklore of Now The Water’s Too Low! in white. There was another the Whiteshell Park South and With last year’s high water levels a boat could barely make “white-out” event that same North, published in 1991, is a it under the bridge at Nutimik. Now there’s the risk of a vessel scraping bottom to make the passage. Photo is from Kerri night, but in this case, the wonderful collection of sto- Pleskach at Nutimik Lake. See all the Lake Reports pages 18-30. “white” was the predominant ries and photographs of fam- hair color of the a�endees ily co�aging in the Whiteshell West Ontario. What would disinterested statistician: the at the 63rd Annual General that brings a simple message Mr. Mackintosh’s response be average total income of all Meeting of the Whiteshell home. The family co�age is to a 750 per cent increase to Manitoba-based Whiteshell Co�agers Association. far more than just a physical his co�age-related tax to help co�agers is the same as that the Ontario government over- of the Manitoba population The NDP is sticking to its plan to tax many come its massive deficit? as a whole. (This study, from By all indications the NDP Laurentian University in Sud- elderly, fixed income co�agers out of existence. is sticking to its plan to tax bury, will be described in many elderly, fixed income greater detail in a future issue co�agers out of existence. of the Echo.) A�endance at the meeting space; to many of us it is a ref- The former Minister has And being seniors, we vote. was good, well over 500 peo- uge, a family gathering place, a�empted to depict Co�ag- Since most of us live in or ple, despite the competing an idea and a place that binds ers as if they are all part of around the city of Winnipeg, a�raction, but from the per- generations of friends and the privileged few in the we will be voting in the up- spective of the podium, one family together with memo- provinces...”the likes of the coming election in some of could not help but notice the ries of the past and promises Nygaards” is exactly what he the most hotly contested rid- demographic of our member- for the future. claimed, in what turns out to ings in the Province. The NDP ship. The image was that of a Which makes the current ef- be an outrageous slander. The can rest assured we won’t be distinctly older group, largely forts of the NDP government NDP will learn to their regret voting for the party that runs retired and, therefore, largely to force many co�agers out of who Manitoba co�agers in roughshod over our vision fixed income. the Park all the more astound- reality are; ordinary Manito- of family co�aging. And just As a member of that cat- ing. The former Minister him- ban’s, older and retired, and like for the Winnipeg Jets, egory myself, I am aware of self, Gord Mackintosh, was of fixed, modest incomes. this “white-out” crowd won’t a generational change, with, eloquent in the Legislature Here are some facts we have soon be going away. in my case, four children about his own feelings toward gathered with the help of a eligible to carry on our fam- his family co�age in North Now is IN THIS ISSUE ...

the time ENVIRONMENT CONTEST 4 to join DRIVERS! GIVE EMERGENCY VEHICLES ROOM 5 RESPONSIBLE BOAT OWNERSHIP 6 the WCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 8 See Page 4 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 12 2015 PHOTO CONTEST 15 for LAKE REPORTS 18-30 details WHAT’S COOKING? BBQ BURGERS AND SEAFOOD 22-23 Publication Agreement No. 40009463 2 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

21 JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 3

FALCON-WEST HAWK HIGHWAY CLEANUP JUNE 27

Road Clean-up Saturday, June 27, Trans-Canada Highway between Falcon and West Hawk. Volunteers from Caddy, Star, Barren, Falcon and West Hawk are requested to meet at the Conservation Office at Falcon Lake at 9 a.m. so as we can assemble the necessary items re- quired. Lunch to follow. Please call and register with Richard Babyak at either 204-475-4996 or 204-349-8406.

BETULA HIGHWAY CLEANUP JUNE 6, SEE PAGE 21

TRANSFER STATION HOURS

North Whiteshell Transfer Stations

Jessica Transfer Station

May 1 - Sept. 30 Thursday - Monday 10 am to 6 pm Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Friday - Sunday 10 am - 4:30 pm Nov. 1 - Mar 31 Sat. 10 am to 4:30 pm April 1 - April 30 Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Nutimik Transfer Station

May 1 - Sept. 30 Thursday-Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 Friday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1 - Mar. 31 Sunday 10 a.m - 4:30 p.m. April 1 - April 30 Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Whitemouth –Reynolds-North Whiteshell Waste Management Facility

May 1 to September 30

Mon, Tues 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs, Fri, Sat 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

October 1 to April 30

Tues, Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri, Sat 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information contact 204-348-2125.

Ser�ing the Whiteshell and sur�ounding areas 4 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

Turn in 35 2015 Poachers — Report Forest Fires — Call 1-800 782- 0076 www.whiteshellcottagers.com

The Whiteshell Echo is published by the Whiteshell Cottagers Association Incorporated The WCA Environment Committee

President Contest Daniel Klass

President Elect For June Ronald S. Smith Question: Vice President Garry Kennedy aggressive driving only Treasurer Tom Cutts saves 2.5 minutes per hour in busy conditions, but can increase your gas consumption Past President Tom Walker by as much as ____%

2015 Membership Fee $2535 (Hint: The answer appears somewhere in this Send address changes to 1975 Corydon Ave. issue of the Whiteshell Echo.) Suite 2D Winnipeg, MB R3P 0R1 Phone/Fax Prize for the winner is A 1 (204) 487-0556 Email [email protected] 0 Canadian Tire gift card (see form above) $5

Echo Committee Bruce Wagg Co-chair E-MAIL YOUR ANSWER TO Sharon Philp Co-chair Glenda Peacock [email protected] Teresa Lopata Margaret Kent Ida Reichardt OR MAIL IT TO: Karen Kaplen Dawne Kepron WHITESHELL COTTAGERS ASSOCIATION Joann Shields Tom Walker 2D-1975 CORYDON AVE. Articles in the Echo are not official statements of the WCA WINNIPEG, MB unless indicated. The Echo is published five times a year and mailed in the first R3P 0R1 week of April, June, August, October and December. One name will be drawn from those Next Issue entries with correct answers. You must June 2015 be a current WCA member to win. Contest closes June 30, 2015 at 10 P.M. Deadline: May 1, 2015 Editor All entries must include your full name, address and telephone number James Buchok as well as your Phone: (204) 831-7274 lake, block and lot number. Email: [email protected] Winner agrees to have his or her name published in the next edition of www.whiteshellcottagers.com The Whiteshell Echo. Publication Agreement 40009463 JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 5 Manitobans Failing To Slow Down And Move Over For Emergency Vehicles: CAA

s many Manitobans flock observed did not move over at Ato their co�ages on Mani- CAA Manitoba and the RCMP have observed all. toba roads this summer, CAA hundreds of drivers not obeying the new Highway ● Four out of five drivers ob- Manitoba and the RCMP are served did move over to the next reminding motorists to slow Traffic Act regulation which is punishable by a lane, but of those, only one per down and move over for emer- $300 fine and two demerits. cent slowed down to 60 km/h. gency vehicles after observing ● One motorcycle passing the many drivers who did not. law.” and the citizens they are assist- scene did not move over while On May 13, CAA Manitoba The legislation requires driv- ing.” travelling at 123 km/h. and the RCMP watched 316 ve- ers to slow down to 40 km/h Highlights from the assess- ● A semi failing to slow down hicles drive by a staged scene when the posted speed limit is ment include: and move over was doing 107 where a tow truck was pulled less than 79 km/h, and down to ● Nearly 11 per cent of drivers km/h over at the side of the Trans- 60 km/h when the posted Canada Highway near St. Fran- speed limit is 80 km/h or cois Xavier with its beacons, set higher while moving to a to assist a stalled vehicle. traffic lane farthest from the Almost 99 per cent of these emergency vehicle whenev- drivers failed to slow down and er and wherever possible. move over as they passed the “It’s so important that scene, an action punishable by drivers slow down and a $300 fine and two demerits, move over for all emergency though no tickets were handed workers, like law enforce- out during the assessment. ment, fire paramedics and “Tow trucks drivers, like oth- tow trucks,” says Inspector er emergency workers, deserve Joanne Keeping, officer in a safe space to work,” says Mike charge of Traffic Services Mager, president and CEO of with the Manitoba RCMP. CAA Manitoba. “We’ve lobbied “It only takes a few mo- for this legislation for six years, ments to do so, but can be but it means nothing if drivers the difference between life aren’t following the le�er of the and death for these workers

Consistent 6 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

RESPONSIBLE BOAT OWNERSHIP

From Transport Canada

hen you start to Wconsider buying a boat, plan carefully. This is the time to bud- get and to find out what you will need to begin your boating adventure, in terms of documenta- tion, insurance, training and safety equipment. And, while it is the first stage of boat own- ership, the planning stage is also the time to start thinking about what you’ll do when the adventure ends — sell the boat or dispose of it responsibly. License or register your boat Congratulations on becoming a boat owner! Make sure to license or register your boat. While these words mean one thing when we talk about owning and driving a car, they mean different things Guide Don’t let your boat when we talk about Commercial Fisher- become a wreck boats. Pleasure craft owners must license men: Transport Cana- This will save you time da’s Small Fishing Ves- and money. Options for Pleasure craft owners or register all boats with a 10 horse- must license or register sel Safety Manual disposing of your boat all boats with a 10 horse- power (7.5 kilowa�s) or more engine. Dispose of your boat vary across Canada: power (7.5 kilowa�s) or Note: If your boat is required to be There comes a time Find a boat recy- more engine. Note: If in every boat owner’s cling facility in your your boat is required to licensed and it is not, you may be life when they no lon- area. be licensed and it is not, subject to a $250 fine. ger want or need their Search for charities you may be subject to a boat. or companies in your $250 fine. If the boat is still in region that may want A pleasure craft li- good condition, you your boat. serves as proof of own- Have the proper cense is free. It gives may choose to sell it. If Ask the nearest ership inside and out- safety equipment on you a unique license you do, make sure that landfill operator if they side of Canada. board; number that you must the ownership docu- accept old boats. You must register a Have a proof of display above the wa- ments and the license Ask local boat re- commercial vessel if it is competency or certifica- terline on both sides or registration are tailers if they take old powered with a motor of tion; of the boat’s bow. This properly transferred. boats in trade. 10 HP/7.5 kW or more or Know and follow number helps law en- Note: Many people Abandoned or is a commercial river raft. safe boating practices; forcement and search who sell registered wrecked boats Note: If your vessel is re- and, and rescue officials in boats do not know are dangerous quired to be registered Respect the envi- an emergency. Note: that, if the new owner Keep your boat in and it is not, you may be ronment. You must carry your does not complete the good condition now subject to a fine of up to Resources that will license document with transfer of ownership and recycle or dispose $10,000 per day. help you learn more in- you when using your as specified in Part 2 of of it responsibly later. You must ensure that clude: boat. the Canada Shipping Abandoned boats and your license or registra- Pleasure Craft Own- Registration Act, 2001, the regis- wrecks can cause ma- tion information is up ers: Transport Canada’s has a cost tered owner could still rine navigation hazards, to date. Safe Boating Guide Registering your boat be liable for the ves- public safety risks, envi- Your vessel must meet Small Commercial gives you a unique sel. ronmental threats, and all safety requirements. Vessel Owners: Small name and official num- If the boat is in poor can result in significant Responsible boat Vessel Compliance Pro- ber. This number helps condition or no longer costs for communities. owners: gram and Transport law enforcement and runs, you should plan Keep their boat in Canada’s Small Com- search and rescue offi- for responsible dis- Continued on page 8 good condition; mercial Vessel Safety cials in an emergency. It posal. JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 7 8 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

responsible boat ownership (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6)

To increase awareness of responsible boat owner- ship, Transport Canada recently launched a new webpage that outlines boat owner responsi- bilities, impacts of aban- doned boats, end-of-life boat management op- tions, and key contact information. Hazards posed by abandoned boats and wrecks Abandoned boats and wrecks may interfere with safe boating, put public safety at risk and harm the environment. They are not a pre�y sight. For example: Leaks may pollute the water and harm peo- ple and the marine envi- ronment. Abandoned boats or wrecks near public areas can pose safety risks. Boaters may not see them in time to avoid a crash. Other boats may be blocked from a passage. Board of Directors Whiteshell Cottagers Association Inc. 2015-2016

Barren Lake Brereton Lake (cont’d) Falcon Lake Jessica Lake Brereton Lake (cont’d) Don Sleeva Al Bezak Neil McMillan Home (204) 237-3081 Sharon Philp [email protected] (204) 896-0584 Bob Morrison Lake (204) 349-8982 Cell (204) 771-7297 Cell (204) 669-3430 [email protected] Home (204) 453-1153 [email protected] Lake (204) 349-2369 Betula Lake Cheryl Bryant Nutimik Lake Kerry Davies Lorna Spencer [email protected] Sandra Kline Dan Myk (204) 663-6313 Home (204) 254-8137 (204) 588-7007 Lake (204) 348-2888 Home (204) 889-4561 Lake (204) 369-5702 Lake (204) 349-8320 Tom Cutts Randall Kinley Brenda Trach [email protected] Home (204) 837-5049 Caddy Lake [email protected] Cell: (204) 510-3911 Lake (204) 348-7290 Joel Kettner Cell (204) 228-6507 [email protected] Alan Roberts Home (204) 475-3492 Home: (204) 888-9578 Gaeline Delmarque Lake (204) 349-2089 Garry Parker Red Rock Lake Lake: (204) 349-2361 Home (204) 489-3016 [email protected] [email protected] Rick Emslie [email protected] Lake (204) 348-7796 Lake (204) 349-2763 Home (204) 227-4694 Robert Stalker White Lake Big Whiteshell Lake (204) 349-8676 Jo-Ann Shields David McNeil Gary Kennedy Jacques Nault [email protected] Home (204) 489-3508 (204) 254-2300 [email protected] Dorothy Lake Lake (Cell) (204) 299-4528 Lake (204) 348-7510 (204) 348-7440 Stan Pogorzelec [email protected] Brereton Lake Home (204) 668-8153 Ronald Smith Star Lake Annette Berard Lake (204) 348-3282 ronaldssmith@hotmail. Tom Walker Deborah Seguin Lake (204) 369-5402 com Home (204) 269-5988 (204) 772-0647 [email protected] Eleanor Lake Lake (204) 349-8804 [email protected] [email protected] Ed Enns Doug Moberg (204) 334-8318 Florence Lake West Hawk Lake HONOURARY Home (204) 269-4511 [email protected] Kristin Pingatore Richard Babyak DIRECTORS Lake (204) 369-5515 Home (204) 803-9464 Home (204) 475-4996 John Biglow Lake (204) 349-8406 Harry Meneer Nicola Panchysak Nora Lake Ed Wilson Lake (204) 369-5217 Angela Hogan Daniel Klass [email protected] Home: (204) 866-4398 Lake (204) 349-2606 [email protected] [email protected] JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 9 Letter to Falcon Lake Golf Course Alice and William The Editor Ladies League

n the May 7th issue Fun league play on Iof The Carillon Mr. R. Lemieux’s article men- Tuesday mornings for tions how the NDP “lis- tens to industry, labor, all levels. Tee times start educators and finally you”. at 9:00a.m. in June and What a pile of manure. 8:00a.m. in July/Aug. His party not only re- lice and William (Bill) Kaplan celebrated fuse to meet with the League fee $25.00 or Atheir 70th Wedding Anniversary on Decem- Whiteshell Co�age As- ber 18th, 2014, with a family dinner at their home. sociation over the NDP $50.00 includes optional This awesome couple live as an inspiration to us exorbitant Lease Fee in- R.C.G.A. membership. all. They had two sons, Bill, Junior (now deceased), creases but also refuses and Allen Kaplen, four grandchildren and five to listen. Who is he try- Fees cover year end great grandchildren. In the mid 1950’s Alice and ing to fool. Bill, built a co�age at Nutimik Lake, Block 1, Lot flight prizes. For more 45. In 2004 they sold their co�age to their son and Warren Barnard daughter-in-law, to carry on the family tradition Falcon Lake info please email of enjoying co�age life. Alice and Bill continue to [email protected] travel out to the lake each summer. — Karen Kaplen

FIRE WORKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN WHITESHELL PROV. PARK AND ALL OF MB’S PARKS AT ALL TIMES

To Report Fires Call 1-800 782-0076 10 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 How to Access WCA Member Content On the WCA Website

CA Members are eligible to register for an account membership. You will be asked to create a username Won the WCA website and access content such as and password. Once your information has been submit- a PDF version of the Whiteshell Echo, member notices, ted, a website administrator will confirm you are a cur- and lake director contact information. A member creates rent member and approve your registration. Then you an account by submitting the form at: http://whiteshell- will be able to log in with the username and password cottagers.com/member-registration you created. Use the same information you used to register for your Please note that website administrators are volunteers. They will make every attempt to confirm your informa- tion and open your website account in a timely manner (1 to 4 days). JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 11 Next Whiteshell Echo Deadline Is July 1 For the Aug. Issue Contact The Editor At (204) 831-7274 12 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

Whiteshell Cottagers Association 2015 Annual General Meeting Pictures by Teresa Lopata

The 2015 Whiteshell Co�agers Association Annual General Meeting was held April 22 at Club Regent in Transcona, and for the first time, in the new Club Regent Event Centre theatre. Well over 500 WCA mem- bers a�ended to participate in the govern- ing of their association. Before and after the formal meeting, Whiteshell merchants, including many Whiteshell Echo advertis- ers, displayed their goods and services in the theatre lobby. Many door prizes were won including the grand prize of a propane barbecue donated by Lumber One. JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 13 Tools to Address Some Cottager-Wildlife Conflicts

Janine Stewart Human-Wildlife Conflict Biologist Conservation and Water Stewardship

eavers (Castor ca- Bnadensis) are well- known for the ecological services they provide. The construction of bea- ver dams can result in ponds, wetlands and meadows that increase biodiversity and im- prove environmental quality. Beavers are an important prey species for wolves and a valu- A�ach the mesh to posts sis) from loitering on reducing o�er messing continue filling their eco- able fur-bearing species installed around the your dock and leaving of docks. logical niche and co�ag- for trappers. Although trees/plants to be pro- a mess of scat and food Room For Everynone ers are able to enjoy wit- there are many benefits tected. Ensure the mesh remains behind. Com- When co�agers do their nessing these amazing to the presence of beaver is about 1.5 metres high mercially available non- part to prevent and re- creatures in their natural on the landscape, their and that it is anchored to toxic cat and dog repel- duce conflicts with wild- habitat. activities can also result the ground with no gaps lents are also reportedly life, everyone benefits: in conflicts with people. between the mesh and somewhat effective in wild animals are able to Co�ager-beaver con- the ground that the bea- flicts can result when vers can exploit for dig- beavers cut down trees ging underneath. or consume vegetation Abrasive Tree Paint that the co�agers would Generally considered prefer to remain intact. less effective than tree The creation of beaver wrapping or fencing, an dens in boathouses is alternative method of in- another form of co�ager- dividual tree protection beaver conflict. A variety is the use of abrasive tree of options are available paint. This technique can to prevent and mitigate be used on mature trees unwanted beaver dam- but is not effective on age. saplings. Mix exterior Protective Wire Mesh latex paint with mason To protect individual sand at a ratio of 120 ml trees from being cut of mason sand to 1 litre of down by beavers, the paint. Paint this mixture base of the trees can be on the base of the tree to Beavers can pose safety risks to a community because they can interfere with and damage flood control and drainage systems. wrapped with 2” x 4” a height of 1.5 m. galvanized wire mesh. A Beavers in the height of about 1.5 me- Boathouse tres is generally recom- The discovery of a bea- mended. Be sure to leave ver taking up residence 8 to 15 cm between the in your boathouse should tree trunk and the wire be reported to the local mesh to allow for tree Manitoba Conservation growth. If the ground is and Water Stewardship sloped, the mesh can be district office. The use of cut along the bo�om to a radio set up on a timer accommodate the slope may be effective in deter- and protect any exposed ring beavers from inhab- tree roots. Anchor the iting boathouses, par- mesh to the ground to ticularly in combination prevent shifting or lifting. with motion-activated A group of trees or other lighting. Alternatively, vegetation can similarly the use of motion-acti- be protected using wire vated sound (alarm) and mesh fencing materials. light-emi�ing devices The beaver’s main purpose is to gnaw at the tree and try to knock it down so it can get to the For this approach, the can assist. Motion-acti- younger branches and shoots at the top of the tree. Beavers eat the inner bark, or the cambium, vated devices may also and they want to get to the soft green part on the inside, but the cambium isn’t as tender and same 2” x 4” galvanized nutritious on the bottom of the tree as it is on the top. wire mesh can be used. be effective in deterring o�ers (Lontra canaden- 14 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

The Benefits of Camp

experience for kids who By Peter Bergs feel like they are on the Camp Director, fringes of most groups. Camp Nutimik Some kids will make life- long friends, or be influ- ith development enced by a special adult Wrestrictions in through their week at place in many areas of camp. Armed with the Whiteshell Park, and idea that she be valued noisy, inconvenient chil- and is important to oth- dren’s camps occupying ers, a young girl can large blocks of prime real change her negative per- estate, it is easy for some spective of herself and to wonder whether camp walk more boldly with- properties couldn’t be in her school and peer put to be�er use in other group. Camps create a ways. What benefits do context where everyone camps offer their partici- can feel valued and ac- pants that can’t be had in cepted. other ways? It is when we feel valu- A growing body of able and powerful that scholarly research sup- we can take the risk of ports what most people opening ourselves up to who have spent time at relationships and even summer camps have al- to contribute to others ways said about the expe- and care for them. The rience: Camp is a special camp experience is built place, filled with great around teaching posi- people living in a com- tive social values. Reli- munity we seldom find gious groups have long elsewhere. The nature of used camps to pass on the camp experience cre- the values of their com- ates positive outcomes munities to children in a for campers that make positive way, and social- them be�er able to live ly-oriented groups try to their lives as individuals teach campers to value and in groups. each other and follow Camp se�ings are some code of ethics and similar in many ways. responsibility for each First they bring a group other. The research sug- of people together, and gests that camp is very place them in close quar- effective in this regard. ters in cooperative activ- At Camp Nutimik this ity for an extended pe- summer, we’re using the riod of time. The group’s themes of the recent Di- shared emotional expe- vergent movie and book rience brings them close to challenge our campers together as a communi- to avoid pursuing nar- ty. Caring leaders build row definitions of what a sense of belonging and makes a person valuable, personal value in each and to instead pursue the camper. This support- life we are meant to live. ive community makes And we can think of no campers feel safe to try be�er place to teach this new activities, face new than the environment challenges, and take the are living them. created by camp. risk of trusting others in cept as well. Sometimes confidence that he can Camps also use the If you are interested in relationships. co�age life can be hairy, meet other, unrelated camp culture and en- reading more about the While the formula- such as when enter- challenges. A child who vironment to help kids benefits of the camp ex- tions are slightly differ- taining large groups of can survive and thrive on achieve success in learn- perience for kids, look ent, at least four com- guests. The reason peo- a week-long canoe trip ing different skills or up the Canadian Camp- mon themes are found in ple buy co�ages is most views new challenges as pursuing activities. ing Associations research camp research. First, the often to get away from something that they can When a child is success- page at h�p://www. idea that camp allows a the busyness of modern overcome rather than ful at something, it in- ccamping.org/research/ space for people to with- life and spend time in the something that might stills in them a feeling of research-papers/, or con- draw from their lives for outdoors. The time al- overcome them. competence. The child tact your favourite camp reflection. Co�agers and lows us a pause to reflect A feeling of belong- is powerful and able to and ask them about what wilderness travelers are on our lives and make ing to a group is a mov- accomplish things. This they do for kids! familiar with this con- adjustments to how we ing and empowering in turn gives him or her JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 15

5

5

6 5 16 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 17 18 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

Otter Falls

By Diane Dreikluft

ur spring seemed Oto arrive earlier this year with warmer tem- peratures to melt the snow that had accumu- lated over the winter. Spring never seems to come too early does it? There certainly was far less snow than last year! Even before mid-April, we saw a couple of rob- ins, and we became snacks for the very early mosquitoes. Low water levels The water is astonish- ingly low, in direct con- trast to last year, making Photo above by D. B. Robbie of Dorothy Lake was the Third Prize winner in the Nature Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For details and entry form for this year’s contest, with more us wonder how much than $700 in prizes, see page 15. (Original prize winning photo was submitted in colour.) trouble it will present when we are ready to take the boat out. tage lots, especially with left from last year so our WCA Annual efit of every co�ager and Several of our younger the significant increases work is cut out for us. General Meeting they could use our co- trees did not survive the in lease fees and service As spring returns How many of you at- operation and support. high water conditions last fees? It is nice to see our mal- tended the Whiteshell The meeting was ad- year, so it looks like we Beach lard couple made it safe- Co�agers Association journed in time for the will be short seven ever- As I write this in late ly back to the lake. The Annual General Meeting majority of Jets fans to greens. How did the rest April, we have about male accompanies his April 22? For any co�ag- make it back home in of you fare? It sure was twenty feet of beach mate to our dock where ers who have not yet be- time for the opening not good for the shore- which is something we we toss pieces of whole come members, I would period. Great job fel- line, resulting in more can’t recall in over twen- grain bread. As she eats, like to encourage you lows! erosion. Can nothing be ty years! However, there he stays nearby, watch- to join. The association Until next time, keep done to protect the cot- is quite a bit of debris ing protectively. works hard for the ben- safe and well.

Next Echo You Deadline is can write July1, 2015, for the for the Whiteshell Echo Aug., 2015 We welcome contributors issue from across Contact Whiteshell Park The Editor — students to seniors at Contact the editor at [email protected] [email protected] JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 19

West Hawk Lake Yacht Club

Falcon Lake Yacht Club

By Jean Trottier with members from lake, sailing and enjoy- modore’s Cup are set der the co�age or bur- co�ages as well as ing being with family for August 22 and 23. ied in the boathouse he Falcon Lake weekend campers and and friends. Over the The Club’s popular are encouraged to dust TYacht Club sea- day trippers. years the club has ac- Learn to Sail program off the cobwebs, gather son officially started In 1965, land next quired a fleet of Opti- for youth is set to go up the bits and pieces with the first club race to Faloma Beach and mist sail boats, Bytes, a from July 27 to 31. The and come on over to the on May 30. We have adjacent to Hamilton CL 16, Albacore, Laser program will use the club. Falcon remains been looking forward Creek was leased from and Laser II for mem- child friendly Optimist one of the few clubs to ge�ing back out on the Provincial Govern- ber use. sailboats and a quali- with regular adult the water for another ment. A modest club- In addition to the reg- fied instructor from dinghy racing activi- season of great events, house was constructed ular Saturday and Sun- Sail Manitoba. An ties and club members weekend sailing and in 1968 and a Learn to day “round the buoys” adult White Sail course are famously helpful family barbecues. Sail Program was in- activities, the club (beginners to interme- to folks who haven’t The Yacht Club is in troduced in 1972. An will host some unique diate sailors) will also raced before or have its 52nd year of opera- additional modern events including the be held on July 25-26 been out of the boat for tion on the lake. It was clubhouse with a pan- annual Ice Cream Cup subject to sufficient a while. The club owns started in 1963 with oramic view of the lake Pursuit and Keel Boat sign up. a number of boats that a dozen or so sailors was built in 1980. To “round-the-isle” Chal- All interested sailors members may use for from Winnipeg who this day members have lenge on July 11 and and wannabe sailors racing and training. gathered on weekends continued the tradition 12 to test the me�le of are welcome to come For more information at the public dock off of ongoing improve- seasoned veterans and out on the weekends at check out our website Faloma Beach. The ments to the facilities neophyte sailors alike. 1 pm to join in the on at: falconyachtclub.ca club has a long history to enhance the expe- The ever-popular Pok- water fun. Co�agers See you at the lake! of family participation rience of being at the er Derby and the Com- with boats hidden un- 20 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

Nutimik Lake

By Kerri Pleskach New Water Station at Nutimik elcome back cot- If anyone has been Wtagers and camp- wondering about the ers, spring is here! We new building that was have been spoiled with built over winter at all this nice weather first beach boat launch, we have been having it is a bulk fill water this spring. The snow station. I called Mani- melted and it warmed toba Conservation and up in March, which they said that it should seemed too good to be probably, hopefully true, but I still put the be open by the end of winter jackets away. June, but nothing is Mother Nature thought wri�en in stone. This that as well, as we re- will be a coin operated ceived one more dump system (the cost for a of snow, so the win- certain amount of wa- ter jackets came back ter is still to be deter- out. Then it warmed mined) and the water The high water levels at the first beach bridge in 2014. up again, the winter will be drinking wa- jackets were put away, ter. then the temperatures Nutimik store opens dropped….and you Nutimik store updat- know the cycle. I now ed the highway sign have the winter jack- by welcoming back ets on stand-by, just all the campers. They in case. After all these also had their opening years, I should know weekend on the first be�er to at least keep weekend of camping. the jackets out until af- My kids were so excit- ter the May long week- ed to see the open sign end, as it has snowed shining in the window on the long weekend when we drove by as in the past, but, like this only meant one many of you, I was be- thing, that their dad ing hopeful that the will be buying them warm weather was treats and ice cream! I here to stay. Let’s just was informed that the hope this warm weath- Creekside Restaurant The low water levels at the first beach bridge in 2015. er continues for the will be opening for rest of spring and into weekends in June and summer. they will be open every Low water levels day starting in July. What extreme wa- Seasonal campers ter levels we have had are back here at Nutimik. Last Nutimik was buzzing year the water was so with many familiar fac- high that you couldn’t es and some new faces fit a boat under the first on opening weekend. beach bridge and this Many seasonal camp- year the water is so low, ers were moving in the bo�om of your boat opening weekend and may scratch the sand or se�ing up their camp- rocks as you drive un- ers and sites. The ‘Nu- der the bridge. With timik family” is back, these low water levels, and it was great catch- the downside is that ing up with everyone. there may be more rocks Nutimik Lake has to potentially hit out on increased by two! The Page twins and their parents Morgan and Greg. the lakes and the other Russell and Carol boat launches will have Page are excited to an- ents are Greg and Mor- Send Me Your News at [email protected] line-ups for another nounce the arrival of gan Motkaluk. Amma If you have any infor- or stop by our cabin at year. On the bright side, the first Page grand- and Afi are excited to mation, news, events, block 4, lot 15. we won’t know what to children. Twins, Paul see the third genera- pictures or stories of See you on the do with all the space on Magnus and Soley tion grow up, spend- your time at the cabin beach! our huge beaches this Nadia were born on ing time at the family that you would like to summer! March 25. Proud par- cabin. share, please email me JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 21 Betula Lake

By Angel Bozyk Betula Lake ife is so good! Let me Highway Lcount the ways: fresh Clean Up air, the sound of the birds, freshly picked blueber- and BBQ ries, laughter, kids in June 6 the sand; sand on the floor; plunging into the n Sat., June lake’s cool depths, shafts O6, the Betula of sunlight in the silent, Lake Directors of shadowy world beneath; the Whiteshell Cot- leaning back into that Photo above by Kim Zacharias of Jessica Lake was the Second Prize winner in the Action tagers Association, comfy chair with a cold, Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. For details and in conjunction with entry form for this year’s contest, with more than $700 in prizes, see page 15. (Original the Betula Lake Cot- cold beer. Watching the prize winning photo was submitted in colour.) fisherman cast his line. tager’s Association The peace. The quiet. will be conducting I believe that, in spite of thing about being up ing just that. Summer is doing one more load of their Annual High- our differences, co�ag- early at the co�age, the finally here. Now what guest-created laundry, way 307 clean up. ers still share a common aroma of fresh brewed to do... keeping your co�age Starting on Satur- ideal. We are drawn like coffee drawing people in Owning a co�age well maintained is an day at 10 a.m., vol- moths to the bright flame from their various bed- is relaxing ongoing chore—and it’s unteers will meet at at the heart of the debate rooms, not because we The Myth: You’ll be one that’s never really the Cook Shack to – the thing we ache for need to be up, but be- spending your weekends done. form teams of two in and would miss the most cause we want to be. at the co�age sleeping in, You’d think a building order to cover desig- – the indomitable spirit We get up to enjoy the si�ing on the deck read- that’s unoccupied for nated routes. The of our lakes: clear, cold peace, drink our coffee ing, and recharging from much of the week (and Clean Up will begin rivers, pines, beautiful at our leisure, and be all the work you have to potentially all winter) east of the Blocks 5- beaches or dark forests one with the morning. do in the city all week. would take less work, 6-7 Block Road/ Boat hemming endless fresh- Whether we take it on The Reality: Life at the but, in fact, the opposite Launch Sign and water lakes. the dock, on the beach, or co�age can be relaxing is true. But once we get proceed west up to As co�agers, even in on the deck, coffee at the — if you get your dose everything done, then and including the our most civilized guis- co�age is its own special of serenity by spending we can take time to enjoy Petro Forms Park- es, we cling to a romantic entity, entirely different your weekends pu�er- the co�age. ing lot on Highway notion of the wilderness. from our cups of Tim’s ing around doing main- Now that another sea- 307. Depending on That’s why we leave the or Starbucks on the way tenance. Whether it’s son of fun in the sun is the number of vol- city. And most of us still to work. At the co�age, ge�ing the dock in the upon us let’s all make unteers, each team live for those moments coffee isn’t for shaking water, sealing the deck, some new memories of should be able to when we forget ourselves off the sleep; it’s a cel- ge�ing the boat in the our time at the lake. cover 2 – 3 kms and in the presence of nature ebration of being awake water, clearing the shed take no more than a – shrink to insignificance to enjoy the morning. of squirrels and a win- Angel Bozyk couple of hours. under the vastness of a I’m sure as someone is ter’s worth of acorns, aka Donna Betula At the end of the starry night sky, or swell reading this they’re do- trimming the weeds, or day, a barbecue with overwhelming joy hosted by the WCA at the clean beauty of a will be held at Tom sunny afternoon, when and Arlene’s co�age the water sparkles like for all volunteers brilliant diamonds. and their families. Our culture has Subject to weather changed over time, but conditions a tenta- most of us still seek that tive rain date has essence of co�aging as been set for Sunday, ardently as we did years June 7. Same time, ago. Only now we need same place. a common resolve to protect the frailty of our Tom Cu�s, common ideal. We need Director Betula Lake to make sure that, 20 years from now, we can Gaelene Delmarque, still dive into pristine cot- Director, Betula Lake tage lakes. Life should be so good. Kerry Davies, Waking up Director, Betula Lake at the co�age Well, now that I’ve spo- Photo above by Monique LaBossiere of Falcon Lake was the Second Prize winner (Contact numbers are in the Youth Category of the 2014 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Photo Contest. found on page 8) ken my piece, let’s talk For details and entry form for this year’s contest, with more than $700 in prizes, see about waking up at the page 15. (Original prize winning photo was submitted in colour.) co�age. There’s some- 22 WHITESHELL ECHO • JUNE 2015 WHAT’S COOKING? BURGERS ON THE BARBECUE

Juiciest Hamburgers Ever Bacon and Roquefort Stuffed Burgers Makes 8 Servings Makes 4 Burgers

Ingredients Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 2 pounds ground beef 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons evaporated milk 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 ounces Roquefort or other blue cheese, crumbled 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted Directions 1 tomato, sliced 1 red onion, sliced 1. Preheat grill for high heat. 4 leaves lettuce 2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, evap- orated milk, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic Directions using your hands. Form the mixture into 8 hamburger patties. 1. In a large bowl, lightly mix the ground beef, Worcestershire 3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill patties 5 minutes per side, or until sauce, mustard and pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions and flat- well done. ten each one into 1/4 inch thick patty. In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, Roquefort cheese and thyme. Place an equal Whiskey Hamburgers portion of the bacon mixture onto 4 of the patties. Top with the remaining 4 patties, pressing the edges together to enclose the Makes 6 Servings filling. 2. Preheat a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate. Ingredients 3. Grill the patties for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until cooked 1 1/2 pounds ground beef through. Serve immediately on toasted buns, topped with tomato, 1/4 cup beer (such as Sam Adams) onion and lettuce. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger whiskey (such as Jack Daniel’s) 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder Chili Burgers 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Makes 8 Servings

Directions Ingredients 1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil the 1 1/2 pounds ground beef grate. 1/2 pound Italian sausage 2. Combine the ground beef, beer, Worcestershire sauce, whiskey, 1/3 cup tomato-based chili sauce garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix until salt and pepper to taste evenly combined. Shape the mixture into 6 patties. 3. Cook on the preheated grill until the burgers are cooked to your Directions desired degree of doneness, 5 to 8 minutes per side for well done. 1. Preheat a grill for high heat. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read grate. 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian sau- sage, chili sauce, salt and pepper. Form 8 balls out of the meat, and flatten into patties. 3. Grill patties for 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Serve on Jalapeno-Blue Cheese Burgers buns with your favorite toppings. Makes 4 Large Burgers Pineapple Burgers Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef Makes 4 Servings 6 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped 8 ounces crumbled blue cheese Ingredients 2 tablespoons onion powder 1 pound lean ground beef 2 tablespoons garlic powder 4 pineapple rings 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce 1/2 cup ketchup 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste 1/2 cup brown sugar 4 slices Swiss cheese 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard 4 hamburger buns, split Directions Directions 1. Preheat a grill for high heat. 1. Preheat a grill for high heat. 2. Divide the ground beef into four portions, and form patties 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, jalapeno peppers, around pineapple rings so that none of the pineapple is showing. blue cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, tamari and salt. Mix In a small saucepan, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and well using your hands. Pat lightly into 4 large fat patties. mustard. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 3. Place patties on the grill, and cook for about 8 minutes per side, 3. Place burgers on the grill, and cook for about 5 minutes per or until well done. Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, side, or until well done. Spoon some of the brown sugar sauce and cover the grill until the cheese melts. Serve on buns with your over the burgers before serving. favorite toppings. JUNE 2015 • WHITESHELL ECHO 23

WHAT’S COOKING? GRILLED SEAFOOD

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Grilled Teriyaki Tuna

Makes 6 Servings Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients Ingredients 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup teriyaki sauce 1/3 cup olive oil 3/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup tomato sauce 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 4 (4 ounce) fillets yellowfin tuna 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the teriyaki sauce, skewers oil, garlic, and pepper. Place the tuna fillets in the bag. Seal the bag with as little air in it as possible. Give the mix a good shake, to Directions ensure the tuna fillets are well coated. Marinate for 30 minutes in 1. In a large bowl, stir together the garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, the refrigerator. and red wine vinegar. Season with basil, salt, and cayenne pep- 2. Meanwhile, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil per. Add shrimp to the bowl, and stir until evenly coated. Cover, grate. and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once or twice. 3. Remove tuna from marinade, and place on grill. For rare tuna, 2. Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. For medium, grill 5 to 8 min- piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard mari- utes per side. For well done, grill for 8 to 10 minutes per side. nade. 3. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp on preheated grill for 2 to 3 Note: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the minutes per side, or until opaque. fillets and the heat of the grill. Check the doneness of the fish by making an incision with a knife and checking the color in the middle. Grilled Yellowfin Tuna with Marinade Barbequed Rainbow Trout Makes 4 Steaks Makes 2 Pounds Ingredients 4 (6 ounce) yellowfin tuna steaks Ingredients 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 pounds steelhead trout fillets 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 cup barbeque sauce 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel Directions 1 clove garlic, crushed 1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the 4 wedges lemon, for garnish grate. 2. Arrange the trout fillets on large piece of aluminum foil. Whisk Directions together the butter, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper; 1. Prick tuna steaks all over with a fork and place in shallow glass brush the mixture onto the fillets. dish. 3. Cook on the preheated grill until the fish flakes easily with a 2. Whisk oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, lemon peel, fork, about 10 minutes; brush the fillets with the barbeque sauce; and garlic together in a bowl; pour over the tuna steaks. Cover cook another 2 minutes. dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 to 3 hours. 3. Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 4. Remove tuna from the marinade. Shake excess moisture from the steaks. Grilled Rock Lobster Tails 5. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook marinade at a simmer for Makes 2 Servings 10 minutes. 6. Cook tuna on preheated grill, basting with boiled marinade, until Ingredients cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Serve with lemon wedg- 1 tablespoon lemon juice es. 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon paprika 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 2 (10 ounce) rock lobster tails

Directions 1. Preheat grill for high heat. 2. Squeeze lemon juice into a small bowl, and slowly whisk in olive oil. Whisk in salt, paprika, white pepper, and garlic powder. Split lobster tails lengthwise with a large knife, and brush flesh side of tail with marinade. 3. Lightly oil grill grate. Place tails, flesh side down, on preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, and basting fre- quently with marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Lobster is done when opaque and firm to the touch. 24 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 Barrier Bay

as well. There was a Whiteshell Provincial By Linda Vosper rollover just past Bar- Park year round also rier Bay Lot 14. The pay a $500 ‘voluntary’ ope all you snow driver lost control on permanent resident fee. Hbirds returned the slippery roads go- Now what I have diffi- home safely from your ing over the hill there. culty understanding is winter retreats. We Luckily there were no why permanent resi- look forward to seeing injuries but a scary dents are required to all of our neighbours. It time for those in the pay for an annual pass? will be good to see you car. Please drive care- In years past these park all again. fully no ma�er what passes were given to Although a lot of the driving conditions the co�agers once their work, it is exciting to as our roads are not in leasing fees were paid. open up the co�age in the best of conditions Now on top of a 30 per the spring. Opening with their uneven sur- cent increase in leas- up the windows to air faces and the potholes ing fees and a yearly out the co�age, clean- that can swallow a car. $500 permanent resi- ing out the cobwebs Eagel Nest Gone dent fee, I have to pay and booting out cri�ers The eagles nest be- $40 per car to enter my Above, Bill Nitzsche starting the “Burrowing Owls” carv- ing, and below the completed “Burrowing Owls” carving. that got free lodging tween Barrier Bay place of residence. I’m over the winter. When Block 3 and Opapis- sure asking residents all is the work is done, kaw Campground, on of Island Lake or Roy- it is down to the deck the Trans Canada Trail alwood subdivisions to have that first beer is gone. It must have in Winnipeg to pay an to celebrate, in antici- blown down in the entrance fee to access pation, the upcoming wind over the winter. I their properties would summer. don’t think the nest has not be a popular move. Water Levels Down been lived in these past Now I feel be�er that I Water levels are very few years. It was very have that issue off my low this spring. What a special to walk by the chest! dramatic change from nest and have the eagle Thanks to last year. I hope that the looking down at you. Winter Workers water levels go up a bit To be so close to such A few words of ap- as I know some of you a majestic bird of prey preciation to those who readers have docks that was such a treat. worked hard over the are resting on rocks, not Our Local winter months. Al- days would be a bit water. We just can’t be our summer is drier Champion Carver though the snowmo- than last year although more idyllic. But who satisfied, can we? Once again our very bile season was very really cares when life is Back from the UK we could use some rain talented Barrier Bay short, thanks to Parks (weekdays only and at much be�er at the lake! I returned from the resident Bill Ni�sche for keeping our trails Take care everyone. UK in time again this night). won numerous awards groomed and safe. With the dry condi- Looking forward to see- year to witness the an- in the Prairie Canada A big thank you to ing everyone over the nual spring thaw, much tions we would hope Carving Competition. all the volunteers from that the ‘mosqies’ (and summer. If you have to my enjoyment. The His Burrowing Owl COPP, for their moni- any news you want to river opening up, ea- I’m not talking about carving won 1st in the toring and surveil- fish) will not be as big share please email me gles, geese and ducks Open Category and 3rd lance of all the block at [email protected] si�ing on the ice’s edge an issue as last year. in Best of Show. This roads in the northern Now if we could only and the icebergs float- carving started with Whiteshell. Your Roving Reporter ing down the river in control the horseflies a chainsaw and a 120 Well, here is hoping and fishflies, our July Linda Vosper all shapes and sizes. lb log of Box Alder or The landscape changes ‘Manitoba Maple.’ His from day to day and Moose Antlers won 1st the thaw is different ev- in Best of Division and ery year. 1st in the Open Cat- It was a quick thaw egory. Congratulations this year as we had Bill. some warm tempera- Lease Fee Increases tures and there wasn’t I feel like ge�ing a the usual amount of bit political here, much snow. And just when to the chagrin of my we thought that we had husband. As you all the last of the snow, are very much aware, fickle Mother Nature our lease fees have in- brought us some cold creased 20-30 per cent snowy days in mid this past year with April. further increases in With the ever chang- the future. On top of ing weather, road con- our leasing fees, those ditions quickly change of us that live in the The Moose Antler Carving. JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECH0 25

Craft your own Whiteshell Experiences

nock Point Petroforms – a sa- By Adam Collicutt cred site of Anishinabe rock Senior Park Interpreter formations. The Museum also holds a special collection hen was the last time of animal specimens. you paddled along with W If fishing is your forte, be the haunting call of a Com- sure to visit the Whiteshell mon Loon on a backcountry Fish Hatchery. Here you can lake, followed the tracks of see how Manitoba Fisheries a pine marten along a trail, raises thousands of fish and made a historical discovery stock the many waters of the at a museum, or joined in on province with your favourite an interpretive wolf howl? catch. The hatchery’s inter- Whiteshell Provincial Park pretive centre is the perfect is filled with awe-inspiring place to discover where to moments, waiting for you to fish in the park and angling unearth these hidden gems regulations. Don’t forget that and rediscover old favourites. Family Fishing Weekend is Whether it’s lying on the June 13-14 (no license is re- beach, casting a lure into the quired this weekend!) Park lake or camping through the Interpreters will have spe- boreal shield, the Whiteshell cial tours of the hatchery this offers a plethora of opportu- weekend to celebrate. nities for everyone. As your Discover the historical and new Senior Park Interpreter, I cultural importance of trap- invite you to venture through ping and furs at the Whiteshell the park and craft your own Trappers Museum. Speak to Whiteshell experience this an honest to goodness trap- summer. per on how trapping practices For the adventurer types, have evolved over the years there are endless hiking and and the different furbearing paddling opportunities. The species in the Whiteshell. Be Whiteshell is blessed with sure to join the trappers and dozens of backcountry canoe- Park Interpreters for the Fur ing options, with portages Heritage Event on September and campsites on nearly ev- 12. ery major lake. A trip into the Don’t forget to flock with the Mantario Wilderness Zone family to the Visitor Centre at will reward the paddler or the Alfred Hole Goose Sanc- hiker with scenic views and tuary. Here you can see Gi- natural health. You may even Visitor Centre at the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary ant Canada Geese and other have the rare opportunity to wildlife up close in the cozy spot a moose. comfort of the Visitor Cen- If you want to hike for just tre. Discover Alf’s legacy and an hour, an afternoon or a how this unique man ensured full day, the Whiteshell offers the survival of a species once numerous self-guiding trails thought to be extinct! with interpretive signs and Did you know West Hawk brochures to guide you along. Lake was created by a meteor- Discover the boreal forest at ite? If you’re taking in Meteor Pine Point or Foresters Foot- Fest the weekend of July 11- steps trails, lake and river 12, join a Park Interpreter for ecology at McGillivray Falls, a guided hike of the Dragon the importance of nature on Fire Trail and listen in to the Amisk Trail, or geology on tales of astronomical origins Falcon Creek, Dragon Fire of the Whiteshell. and Whiteshell River trails. These are just a few of my For the history buff, plan to highlights in the summer sea- spend a day at the Whiteshell son. Whiteshell Provincial Natural History Museum at Park is filled with awe-inspir- Nutimik Lake. Interpreters ing moments, waiting for you Bannock Point Petroforms. are there to guide you through to unearth these hidden gems unique exhibits of the park’s and rediscover old favourites. email Adam.Collicu�@gov. interpretive centres/muse- historical and cultural heri- For help crafting your own mb.ca. Be sure to visit a park ums. You can also follow us tage resources. While you’re Whiteshell experience this office or go online at mani- on Twi�er @MBGovParks for there, you can find out more summer, drop by an inter- tobaparks.com for listings of park related news, events and information on the guided pretive centre in the park, or upcoming interpretive pro- activities. interpretive tours of the Ban- contact me at 204-369-3157 or grams and open hours for 26 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 Big Whiteshell Lake

By Pat Fulcher

ello again Big Whiteshell Hco�agers. ‘Tis the season to celebrate the awakening of the trees and to welcome spring and the newness it brings. After a bi�erly cold February, March showed promise of an early spring with warm sun- shine and an early melt. The ice was off the lake by April 18 and Bill of Crow Duck Lake was seen motoring across the lake in his boat. How’s that for be- ing first on the lake!? Li�le Snow, Water Low With li�le snow this year the water level of the lake at present is very low. You will notice the rivers and ponds as you drive out to be almost dry in some areas. Wayne Hinkel of Block 1 shared with a group that there had been a huge beaver dam Rosemary and Chris out for a walk May 2. blocking a waterway. Appar- Yurts that they are propos- WCA AGM ently this beaver dam had to tive has a strategic plan to ad- ing for the campgrounds. It The Whiteshell Co�agers’ As- be removed. Hopefully we will dress these concerns with the would be nice to see evidence sociation held its Annual Gen- see the levels of the lake rise a government. Your support is of a few of those extra tax dol- eral Meeting on April 22. There bit. I am sure the government is needed. All information can lars we have paid this year go were quite a few Big Whiteshell well aware of this problem and be seen on the WCA website. to something ‘concrete’ at our Lake co�agers in a�endance. are doing everything in their Talk to your neighbours, join lake. We have an executive and power to ensure that co�agers the WCA (only $35.00), ask Road Conditions volunteers from various lakes, are able to have access to their questions, do not be compla- Concrete? Yes, I must men- who are working tirelessly docks and boat houses with ac- cent. The WCA wants your tion once again the roads. Yikes! on your behalf to ensure that ceptable water levels. As to date co�age, your family co�age Potholes, dips in the roads, etc. the government is transpar- we have not had much rain and to be affordable for you to en- Yes, on 307, the government has ent and accountable for the tax the danger of fire is very high. joy for a long time! Jacques put up a sign warning Surface increases and continued pro- No Burn Orders Nault is our lake director. He Breaks. Firstly, I am concerned posed increases. Increase in The first weekend in May saw is knowledgeable, and tireless about co�agers safety and sec- taxes are inevitable, however Meditation Road and Lone Is- in the work he is doing on our ondly, my vehicle hates these it would seem fair to match land Road closed with No Burn behalf. Please do not hesitate bumps and holes. Please drive the use of services to the fees. restrictions. Please make your- to contact him if you have any carefully so that you can make The government plans to raise self aware of the fire restric- question, or wish to join him tions and adhere to them as the it out to your co�age to enjoy your taxes 750 per cent by the park is extremely dry. The risk your piece of paradise. year 2022. The WCA execu- Continued next page of forest fires is very high! This warm spring has brought many co�agers out even earlier to take advantage of ‘lake time’. The fishing crew was out in full force preparing boats and equipment for the start of the fishing season on May 9. Boat Launch Buckled Boaters should be fore- warned that the boat launch on the north shore has buck- led badly, with exposed metal pieces evident. Caution should be used (my husband said he would never put our boat in at the north shore as it could cause damage to the trailer or our truck!). Hopefully the gov- ernment will see to the fixing of the boat launch as a priority over the Wifi and additional Low water by the docks. JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECH0 27

Big Whiteshell Lake continued from page 26 as a director for our lake. Our sincerest thanks go out to Aldo and Donna Pape�i for spending hours picking up bags of garbage along the south shore road all the way to 309. Erroll and Helen Doemer also spend the summertime clean- ing garbage left behind by oth- ers. Their efforts help to keep your lake beautiful as well as protect the wildlife. We can all do our part to help. For the nature lovers, have you heard of the Narcisse snake pits? Well Rosemary Torch of Block 4 has her own mini snake pit in her backyard. It is truly a marvel to see. Rosemary in- vites you to take a peek. The kids would love it! Her sign Buckled north shore boat launch. reads ‘Torch’s Terrace’. Thanks Rosemary. We offer condolences to the Pape�i family on the loss of Donna’s father. Donna’s dad was a long time Big Whiteshell co�age owner who instilled the love of the lake with his family. He will be fondly remembered by many. As the sunshine continues to warm the earth the excite- ment of ge�ing out to the lake heightens. Blueberry pickers, hikers, kayakers, canoers, ski- ers, beach goers, just relaxing on the deck, all alike, ready to embrace the season. Happy days, see you at the lake. Mini snake pit at Rosemary Torch’s. Photo provide by Rosemary. Star Lake Poker Derby Set For Aug. 1

he Annual Star Lake Pok- Ter Derby & Family Pic- nic will be held on Saturday August 1, 2015. Jen Rodrigue and family will be organizing the Poker Derby this year so if you would like to volunteer the use of your dock, please contact Jen at 204-253-7197 (home) or 204-803-5781 (cell). It would be much appreci- ated if some new families would volunteer their dock this year. Above and right, Poker Derbies past. Fun for everyone. Gayle Roy will be organiz- ing the raffle prizes this year Walker cabin (Block 6 Lot 23). sales and set-up/clean-up. If so if you are able to donate a We are always looking you would like to help out prize please contact Gayle at for other volunteers to help in any capacity, please con- 204-712-6884 (home) or drop with raffle ticket sales, cloth- tact Donna Meyer by email at off the prize in July at the ing sales, poker derby hand [email protected]. 28 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 Dorothy Lake

its round, white cheek By Inge Scholte spot, and its “whistling” wings. arious readers have April 2 brought the first Vcommented on the old seagulls. On April 10 and 11 heron nests I wrote about in we had a single snow bun- the April issue. While rid- ting in the yard, unusual ing the snowmobile trails only because we see them in winter, they have spot- all winter in flocks along ted those nests, wondering Hwy 307, their white wing about them. Since then I patches flashing through learned that the great blue the air as they narrowly heron is monogamous, but avoid the windshield. It may not nest every year. took a moment to identify Nesting does occur in a it as one, probably part of a breeding colony, where larger flock heading to the females make a loose plat- tundra for nesting. form of twigs and sticks, April 13 marked the first lined with leaves, brought robin on the block (we’re by the male. Usually high always behind the city by a week or so; the birds must A number of readers have commented on the small section of an old heron nesting site in ash up in trees or shrubs, rarely trees at Otter Falls, reported on in the April Echo. on the ground, these nest- know it’s colder out here, ing sites form a ‘rookery.’ next to the still icy waters). Noisy with squawks or By mid-April there were croaks, the birds in these numerous flocks of juncos colonies are very sensitive migrating, stopping to for- to human intrusion, and age on the ground, hop- are best watched from a ping and scratching for safe distance. seeds. The white tundra Often mislabelled as swans also came through cranes, herons can be rec- in small groups, and we ognized by the folded neck, were glad to hear about the S-shape also visible them and catch them with when flying, while cranes binoculars. fly with outstretched necks. Icy Exit We usually see the great April 18 was a spectacular blue heron as a lone hunter, day. A strong and steady standing motionless and wind started blowing from soundless waiting for its the South and the ice, from prey, which it spears with Dorothy Beach to “Little a lightning thrust of its dag- Beausejour,” let go as one gerlike bill. Since it may for- whole gigantic slab, mov- age far from its nesting site, ing across the lake towards its presence does not signal the island. Then the wind Snow Bunting feeding. that a rookery is close by. veered to the east, deftly Which leaves us to wonder maneouvering the ice about the history of the old westward through the nar- abandoned rookery near rows. It was all out of sight Otter Falls. by the end of the afternoon, April Bird Sightings leaving just some large sliv- In April, every day ers like an icy boardwalk brought new sightings of hanging from the rocks. birds we had missed for so Open water never looked long, and I started marking better! the days of their appear- On the 21st we spotted ance until losing count. more than twenty prairie At the beginning of April crocuses, their petals still a flock of buffleheads had tightly closed, but the buds a brief sojourn on the now bravely sticking their heads opening waters along the above the melting crust of narrows. The bufflehead is the previous night’s snow. a small, plumpish diving On the 25th Henk iden- duck, mostly white with tified another small div- a black back. Its rounded ing duck pair, and how black head is shaped like beautiful they were! a buffalo head and has a bonnetlike white wedge. It Continued next page Snow Bunting seen from above shows its darker parts. is a cousin to our common goldeneye, recognized by JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 29

Dorothy Lake continued from page 28

The male looked like a bufflehead, but the fan on the head changed its shape, looking much larger when raised. The chest was white, and had two black bars on each side. The beak was spike-like and the female had a reddish head with the typical merganser crest. Introducing the Hooded Mergansers! They are still around as I write. The quiet woods have come to life with chirping, twit- tering and singing. The red-winged blackbirds came through in early May, many showing just the white, but not the red wing patch. Now we are awaiting the return of the male hummingbirds, who precede the females. The Cycle Of Life Sophie and Vic de Witt came back early from Florida this year due to the Illness of Sophie’s mom. She and her sister attended to their mother until her passing on March 30. Maria Mukoid was 90 years old. Our condolences go to the family. As often is the case, the de Witt family has also been blessed with the arrival of a new grandchild. Baby Anas- tasia Maria was born on Nov. 16. She is the daughter of The first prairie crocuses warmed by the sun. Catherina Chibeorak and Matthew de Witt who, to their parents’ delight, have lived in St. Andrews for the last two years, which is just a good hour away from the lake. WELCOME BACK to all our neighbors at the lake. With a slow and steady rainfall totalling four inches just before Mother’s Day we hope to be off to a good start of the new cottage season.

The Next Whiteshell Echo Deadline Flower with a golden heart. is July 1, 2015, for the Aug., 2015 issue E-Mail The Editor

at Quiet lake, though the fishing season opened. [email protected] 30 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015 Intrepid Cottager: New Railings Add Safety and Elegance

for durability. No ma�er whether your co�age’s deck is new or old, it can be installed to bring new life to decks of all shapes and sizes. They are easy to install, too. Available in many colours including basic black, white, beige, taupe and yard bronze, installa- tion is quick and simple. First, you install the posts By Greg Nichol by screwing them into your deck with an electric veryone who owns drill; leave them loose so a co�age shares the E you can tip them up to in- same goal. sert top and bo�om rails. That goal? To spend Second, you insert top time enjoying their cot- and bo�om rails into post tage, rather than spend- brackets. You then plumb ing time on maintenance. the posts, use self-tapping The best way to achieve screws to hold posts in that goal is to go the low- Easy-to-install, low-maintenance aluminum railings provide safety, security and privacy, and also place, and then tighten all maintenance route with add a touch of design elegance to your deck. the posts to the deck. Fi- vinyl siding, PVC win- nally, you install the pick- dows and low-mainte- company is over, yet it ets or tempered glass. The Manufacturers are offering aluminum nance PVC, or synthetic won’t block the views of patented lock-in pickets decks. Simply put, those railing products that are not only more the beautiful scenery sur- are easily inserted. materials just stand up to rounding your co�age. If you choose tempered low-maintenance than wood, but that Manitoba’s severe climate If you’re looking to put glass inserts, all you need – over the course of time – retain their be�er than traditional just the right finishing to do is install glass gas- materials such as wood. elegant look for far longer despite being touch on your co�age’s ket inserts into the top You can also add railing deck – old, new or some- and bo�om rails about constantly assaulted by wind, snow, rain – in particular, aluminum where in-between – con- one inch from the edge of railing – to that list of low- and cold and hot temperatures. sider quality aluminum the glass. Lift the glass up, maintenance products. railings. The best makes then slide it onto rubber These days, manufac- are easy to install, and blocks on the bo�om rail. turers are offering alumi- visually pleasing product sion of safety and pri- will add a maintenance- Regardless of which in- num railing products that that comes in five colours vacy. If you have young free elegance to your cot- sert you choose – pickets, are not only more low- – white, driftwood, black, children, railings can help tage that you’ll be able to or tempered glass – they maintenance than wood, tan and warm beige ensure they stay within enjoy for many years to both lock into place with- but that – over the course – these railings look espe- the safe confines of your come. out using screws or bolts. of time – retain their el- cially good because there deck. Done properly, the whole egant look for far longer are no visible fasteners; it Railings can also pro- process should take mere despite being constantly can also be easily a�ached vide just the right amount minutes to complete (but assaulted by wind, snow, to wood or concrete. of enclosure to give you make sure you follow the rain and cold and hot No ma�er which railing the privacy you seek when instructions). temperatures. line you choose, the result Another excellent alu- The best quality alumi- will be the same; it will minum railing product num railings are guaran- improve your co�age’s is one made of a sturdy Answer to teed not to rust or fade appearance by adding an 6063-T5 structural alumi- in any type of climate. extra element of style. num alloy, and is virtu- Environment Contest These are powder-coated At the same time, it will ally maintenance-free. A add a subtle new dimen- Question on page 4: According to www.greenactioncentre.ca aggressive driving can increase your gas consumption by as much as 35% JUNE 2015 WHITESHELL ECHO 31 32 WHITESHELL ECHO JUNE 2015

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