Property Patrols

Property Patrol Report May 2009

 Break up 2009 will certainly be one to remember. 

 April arrived with warm temperatures which opened up the ice near shores, shoals, boathouses and docks – anywhere the sun’s heat could radiate out from a solid object.  This was followed by a cold spell with more snow that delayed the ice melt by a couple of weeks leaving two feet of ice still hard packed over the lake.  Accordingly extremely strong winds from the south and west on April 27, some say a strong as 100 km per hour, drove this solid ice pack ahead of it.  The resulting ice movement, according to some witnesses it was 20 feet in about 15 minutes, was enough to destroy the TLA dock and countless others.

 To make matter worse the ice was still there when a few days later a strong north wind drove it towards shorelines resulting in further damage to docks exposed on the north side of islands including my own.

 The first week of May is certainly the best here for lake travel.  Warm days with little wind, no boat traffic, mating loons and ducks and a sense that you are the first visitor of the season to most islands makes this a special time to check cottages for members.  The water is cold however and there are no people around to help if one has boat trouble so it is with caution that I travel at this time of year alone but with a spare motor just in case.

 There were surprisingly few large trees down considering the afore mentioned winds of late April and no new break ins to report since the last check of cottages.  Beaver continue to take down small deciduous trees near cottages that have no protection around them.  I have yet to see one down that has a wire mesh around the base.

 If you have not heard from me already it appears that all is well on your property.

 Summer is not far away.

 Peter Healy

 Chief and only, patrolman

April 3, 2009

 Dear Member

 Property Patrols were done this year in late March and early April on a lake that is almost clear of snow making travel very easy and fast.  Too fast in fact as I found on the first day travelling on the Northeast Arm.  All was ok until when as usual I entered a puddle of partially frozen water over the ice.  Normally these are covering only a little area and are a few inches deep.  Not the case this time.  After about 100 feet and in two feet of water I realized too late that this was unusual and of course the snowmobile died at that point. Standing on a snow machine, in the middle of a few hundred feet of water, with no help in site is not a good feeling.  Nothing to do but walk out, walk a few miles to the landing and warm up in the truck.  You can see the situation and subsequent recovery on our website at www.tla-temagami.org under Photos.  All ended well however with transportation again by the end of the day.

 Other than the above traveling on the lake in March is very good resulting in a lot of car and truck traffic to all arms as contractors take advantage of easy travel to deliver building materials for the upcoming season. 

 Fortunately there were few break ins found this winter and those that were found seemed to be a quick search for liquor or gasoline.  Once again the cost of damage to doors and windows seems greater that the property stolen.

 If you have not yet heard from me already your property appears to be secure at this time. 

 Your next property check will be in early May if you have selected the A or C Property Patrol service on your renewal form.  I you have not contact me to get on the list.

 Remember to check our website for some very amateur winter photos.

 I saw a robin this week.  Can summer be far behind?

 Cheers from Temagami

 Peter

(chief and only patrolman)

January 12, 2009

 Dear Member

  Lake Temagami had a great freeze up this year – we actually were able to travel to our Island in mid December.  Heavy snows early however quickly disappeared as a thaw and lots of rain cleared the snow off roofs as well as lake ice making travelling excellent over the holiday period.

 In early January with a nice covering of approximately six inches of the white stuff on more than 10 inches of ice it was time to start the property patrol season for the TLA with over 120 member properties to visit. 

 It is clear that high wind conditions over the past couple of months have resulted in many trees and branches down but no serious damage as a result was observed.  Beaver are taking more trees down however with birch and poplar favourite targets near shore. 

 Traveling in the every Arm was spectacular with lots of snow and an almost eerie absence of others.  It is possible to travel throughout the lake in early January and not see or hear anyone for many hours.  Perhaps it was the negative 25 degree C temperatures that kept people home.

 All in all things look good on most Islands this month with only two break ins that I am aware of.  Our next patrol will take place in late March.  Rest assured if you have not already been contacted all is well in your little part of what we here call paradise.

 Have a great winter.

  Cheers from Island 981 overlooking the North Arm

 Peter

Chief and only patrolman