Every year the volunteer firefighters put on fireworks displays around the lake. For the July long weekend, Dorset does the honours, launching from a barge out in the middle of Trading Bay. This is a perfect location, whether viewers are coming by land or by water.
And this year, Saturday, with it a perfect temperature to ensure not a fly in the sky, not too cold, clear skies under a full moon, Brian declared the display one of the very best he's ever seen.
The August long weekend will see the Dwight firefighters pull out all the stops. Their display shines over Dwight Bay, again launched from a barge, so there is plenty of viewing area, and complemented by an onshore performance of the Northern Lights Steel Drum Band. Both these displays should be pencilled in on everyone's calendars. And if you can't get to Dorset, the July long weekend is also celebrated by the Baysville firefighters -- the best fireworks display by a dam site.
The fireworks weren't all happening in mid-air this time, however. On the way to Dorset, a black bear came barreling out of the bush and ran smack into the side of the car. Brian saw him coming, and did all he could to swerve, but the bear was determined, and collided with the wheel well. Mike, casually text messaging in the passenger seat, looked up when he heard the thud and saw the bear go skimming past his window. The closest he has ever been to a bear, he reports, at approximately 3 inches.
The bear? Well, seeing that he hit the car ( and not the other way around) spun in a circle, got up, shook himself, and scooted back into the bush. Probably less dented than the car. Certainly in better shape than Brian's nerves!
Brian is feeling a little beset by wildlife this week. Cutting down a dead tree on one of our trails, he disturbed a sleeping porcupine, who landed at his feet, quite indignant, shaking his quills and stomping off, muttering something about chainsaws.
And on Sunday, biking to the Oxtongue Craft Cabin, a deer casually walked out in front of his bike, and refused to yield until he actually gave it a shove with his foot. Deer, looking quite afronted with such bad manners, stamped off the road with one long rearward look.
We don't need to say anything about his fourth animal encounter, except to mention that his truck has this faint, lingering odour about it...
We don't need to say anything about his fourth animal encounter, except to mention that his truck has this faint, lingering odour about it...
You are so funny! This is how my husband talks to/with/about the wildlife here! You are gifted.
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