After a very cool and wet June, July began with the coldest July 1 in 40 years and ended with a week of mid-30s weather, peaking at 37. Took a trip early in the month to Whistler, which had just re-opened to visitors, and Vancouver. Whistler was food and hiking, including to a site where a train wrecked 60 years ago and the wrecked cars are covered in graffiti. Vancouver was Japanese food and groceries, staying at the Pan Pacific at a super rate (it also had just re-opened), and taking Taisho for walks along the waterfront.
Next up was the neighborhood sip and sup, with social distancing measures, plastic plates and cups, and hand sanitizer in abundance. First opportunity to try out the new patio. An eclectic bunch.
Sister, BinLaw and nephew came for a visit and we fit in a day of wine tasting around Oliver. New rules mean one must reserve a time but that allows for a much greater exploration of the winery and its wines.
The Marmots this year are active and abundant. We have 4 live traps set (borrowed from the neighbors) and have caught 6 so far. However, we also caught a skunk in the trap. I was able to let it out, only for it to go into another trap two nights later. When I tried to free it, I got sprayed a bit on my legs. Rather unpleasant.
Went to a local show n shine car show with 2 neighbors who have some classic old vehicles – rode there in a 1941 1 ton truck. Show has been going for past 12 years every week through the summer.
We decided to pave the parking area and where the driveway meets the road. The crew of 7 graded the area, placed and rolled 6 truck loads of recycled asphalt, and put down 2 3/8″ of new asphalt, about 2,700 sq ft (250 sq metres). It was 37 that day, and sunny. It needs to cure for a couple of days but we are rather thrilled with it; it feels very civilized. Gravel and dust have their charms, but asphalt is truly a beautiful thing.
I have been particularly busy this month with trees. A neighbor gave me 120 really healthy seedlings: high altitude spruce, lodgepole pine, and a few larch. Although we have lots of trees, I couldn’t say no. I have planted 105 so far, mostly in the lower part of the property where there is no readily accessible water. The remaining 15 having been potted and will be planted in the fall. Planting involved digging a hole, banking up the sides, placing rocks and mulch around it, and putting up cages for some of the trees. As these seedlings arrived in mid-July, I have had to water them almost daily due to the heat. This involves filling up 5 gallon pails by the house, driving the water to the trees with the ATV, pouring the pails into a watering can, and repeating several times. The trees are too spread out to develop an irrigation system for them but they should be self-sufficient by the fall. They are doing really well so far (have not been eaten by voles or deer). In about 10 years, we should have a lifetime supply of Christmas trees.
