April 26th Road Rock Update

Good Morning all.

Here's the latest communications with Forestry. On March 16, I phoned, visited and sent pictures to Forestry to let them know that the road was blocked. I received this back.



"Kris, a professional engineer from the regional office will be brought in to assess the site for safety before any removal of debris can take place however, the area must be free of snow. This project will be given high priority once the snow leaves so if you're out there from time to time, an update on snow conditions would be appreciated. "



I drove up a few times to check conditions and received reports from a few people that had also been there. I dreamed of a lot of different ways to move it and received offers of help from ticketed blasters and some other ideas... the only one that was legal was to let Forestry look after their own road. We are happy that they have said that it will be a "high priority" instead of saying that they didn't need access yet so would look at it when they need access.



On April 13, I sent pictures of the area clear of snow to Forestry and got this reply on April 21.



"Thanks Kris for the update. I just got back today from being out of town and will forward this to James to update him on conditions as well as organizing our regional PEng to review the site to ensure its safe to work around the area. I will keep you posted once I hear more definitive information."



I'm pretty sure that they want to have it cleared up as soon as possible as it not only affects the Camp, but it affects recreation access in the area and is blocking the Trans Canada Trail.

Funny thing, I took this picture on April 18th at the Canso Causeway going up to Cape Breton. (Information travels fast sometimes!)

You can click on the picture to make it readable. (I did take the note back down again as I'm sure it will be clear before I get back to Cape Breton!)

Thanks for the update Pic.

Thanks Lou & Shelly for the update pic taken Easter Sunday! I have e-mailed this pic to Forestry as I promised that I would let them know as soon as the snow is gone for safe assessment of the slope above and safety to work below! A little more warm weather and rain will melt the last of the snow in the 1st valley before the rock slide.

Spring work day postponed.

Only the 2nd time in 25 years that we have had to redate the spring work day. Last Spring there was still too much snow to drive in a car or 2 wheel drive on the Friday- (By Sunday, it was driveable) Some still came in with 4x4's and there was a small group of about 15 people.

This picture was taken in March, 1990 when there was 3 avalanches over the road. We thought that we were going to have to cancel work day, but the Government found money in their budget to clear the road for an environmental study group to monitor the speed of spotted slugs. (or something like that!) - We were thankful for their concern.

As soon as the snow is gone, Forestry will be making it a high priority to blast and remove the rocks that are blocking the road at the 1.1 Km point. If anyone has a chance to drive up there in the next 2 or 3 weeks, please send me a note and / or some pictures. I won't get a chance to go up there for the next 3 weeks or so as I am being sent back east to work.

Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Some groups have said that "Clear or not, we're going in by boat, hiking or float plane." From 1948 to 1965, those were the only choices. Hiking was more difficult than the others. One guy missed the boat, so he paddled down the lake on a log! (My brother Kerry!)

This picture of a "CB' was taken in the late 1940's. Note there is no propeller.... didn't work too well as a glider. That's why if you stand at the end of the dock and look left (South), the big rock on the point is called "Propeller Rock". The propeller is still down there somewhere. The plane nosed into the lake and stopped very suddenly! They towed it back to camp, brought in a new prop and flew it out again!

See the dents while being towed in.