Adams Lake

Jannie and I went to Adams Lake to recon it for a possible canoe camp program. The lake is about 40 minutes to the northwest of Salmon Arm. It is a long lake and very very deep, that runs north and south. It sure looked good as a location for a canoe program.

I located various camp areas that would work out for a day paddle in a canoe, and then camp. We figure on a maximum of 20km paddle for a day, on flat water. After a day like that, you sleep really well. :)

After doing the homework, we had to conclude that

this location would not work for the summer canoe program. We aren't the only ones that know of the beauty of Adams Lake. Every camp area we checked was filled to capasity. It wasn't surprising, but it was disappointing. I guess I kept hoping that 80km of bad forest service road, with holes, big rocks and dusty dry, would discourage 95% of other people. Not only are others not discouraged, but they even haul in hard shell camping trailers! The sports/camping enthusiasts of British Columbia are hardcore.

So, if we use this site, we will have to wait until the off season. Until then, enjoy the pictures!

Kayaks

I recently returned from a trip to Vancouver Island. I went there to visit a friend and colleague with NAIM. We have been working at building a kayaking program to serve the people of Kuper Island. The first year, we did open water paddling between Kuper and Valdez Islands. The second year, we explored Valdez Island more to the north and camped over night. With each trip, we learned more of what to do and what not to do. I learned to follow my friend, even though it is the long way, and NOT attempt to walk through a field of stinging nettles. We learned more about tides, wind patterns, and the wild life on Valdez Island.

This year, we camped for two nights at Valdez Is. [N49 02'43.02", W123 38'44.46"] and worked on learning more about the natural foods available all around us. We had a feast our first evening of rice and oysters. Believe it or not, I found a pearl in one oyster! Even more incredible, my friend found three!

We arrived at the time of peak berry harvest. Black berries and thimble berries were every where. The raccoons that were all over the place last year, were now scarce as they had an abundance of berries to eat. We saw a couple of small coastal deer. A young seal swam under my kayak, so I reached out and touched it as it swam past. That was fun.

We scouted more to the north of the island and located another good place to camp, [N49 3'21.59", W123 39'23.29"]. This new place could accommodate a group of 6-8 campers. Nearby we found a nice area that would serve well to practice archery. So, we returned with a lot more information.

Next year, we hope to hold our first camp on Valdez Island. We have done enough homework. We are hoping to borrow a row boat with motor to haul the equipment to the camp location. The motorized boat would also serve well in the case of a medical emergency. Have to start praying about that.

An Appointment Not to Miss

Some appointments might as well be pencilled in. They are made so far in advance that by the time they come around, that half get cancelled and re-made. (That reminds me to call the dentist and reschedule an appointment.)
We got a telephone call at 3:30 in the morning today. The voice on the other end of the line was choked with tears as she said, "Mum has taken a turn for the worse...can you come?" Within minutes, we were on our way to the hospital. Traffic isn't a problem at 3:45am in Salmon Arm. Compared to some of the cities I have lived in, traffic is never a problem in Salmon Arm, with its five stop lights.
On the way, I wondered if this was going to be a false alarm. I responded to a hospital visit like this one and the person held on for two months. So, I wondered.....
When we arrived, most of the family were in the room, surrounding their dear mother. The dear old woman had fought a tough battle against cancer, and now, she appeared to be struggling, and loosing the struggle. How could it be, I wondered. I had seen her and talked with her just a week ago. Yesterday, she had been outside in the wheelchair looking at the flowers. Was it true, that she was close to depart this world?
I read some Scripture and prayed. Jannie and I sang a song, "What a Day That Will Be" as the family gathered close to their precious mother. Shortly after dawn, and not two hours from the time we arrived, we knew this was indeed the last moments for our friend.
Hebrews 9:27 says, "It is appointed unto man to die, and after that the judgement." I was reminded of that verse. There is an appointment made by my Creator for me. An appointment that is not pencilled in. It is an appointment that each and every one of us, if the Lord tarries, will keep. Indeed, our time here on earth is brief. Like the flowers that bloom and then so soon are withered and gone. So, also, from God's view, are our days. Seeing that we all will certainly make our appointments with God, how then ought we live?