December 8, 2024

WINTER WONDERLAND EMERGES FROM DEPTHS OF EMERGENCY

MUSKOKA — How do we like winter so far?

For those catching their breath you can only hope the worst is behind.

Alas don’t bet on it. And who’s wishing for a green Christmas. Don’t bet on that either.

The tonic for a winter hangover? Egg nog, a hot pack and positive attitude.

Shawn Couchuyt and his dogs were eager to get out of Beaver Ridge. Bella, left, is half husky and great Pyrenees. Sadie is a golden retriever. Both are rescue dogs he got 14 and 3 years ago. Photos Mark Clairmont

Still, Sunday was warmer at 5 degrees at one point with no snow flurries. Tomorrow looks a bit the same, but a tad cooler with the possible threat of freezing rain in the afternoon — if you trust the forecast.

For some white is might — an opportunity. To snowmobile, make money shovelling roofs and dig out the toboggan early on school grounds.

Flat roofs have seen a lot of attention with removal companies coming up from the south to help grocers.

Cars have been left buried in parking lots. And be careful on side and roads where despite best efforts plows can’t always get to them as fast as the snow falls.

**As the clean up continues some cars are still buried and the YIG in Gravenhurst and Sobeys cross town had to bring in crews to lighten the loads on their roof.**

An important safety note drivers and pedestrians.

While sidewalks are being plowed, a lot of people taking to the streets literally. Which makes for treacherous conditions as most are dressed in dark clothing and edging out in to traffic to avoid banks. Reflector clothing would help.

And risking getting hit by vehicles trying to navigating themselves to avoid snowy ruts.

Just a few words of caution.

Share the road!

Or do the decent thing by offering a lift someone without wheels like I did.

The same goes for motorists driving by people clearing driveways. Give way — don’t splash them as it gets wet the next few days.

**Former pastor Dave Nancekivill was glad to get his car back at the Alexander Muskoka Residence after his son borrowed if. Even if he to shovel it off.**

It’s been a good week for good Samaritans, who have stopped to push stuck cars — many at a time.

Be extra patient with CAA calls.

Clearing snow is great exercise and a jump on a New Year’s resolution. However paramedics may find it more difficult to reach you in cardiac emergencies.

**Will and Corban Nudd wasted no time getting up on roofs with their shovels in Gravenhurst. They’re ready, willing and able to work. Call them.**

Meanwhile, Santa had to call in his elves to dig out his Village in Bracebridge so he could get to Friday night’s snowy parade downtown where hundreds enjoyed the night lights.

Also shout out to district chair Jeff Lehman who responded to a call at Lofty Pines in Gravenhurst, which was without power for days. And for arranging food and heat from Muskoka’s community services department at their housing at the north end of town. Where he also paid a long visit. As well to Pizzaville for providing hot pies.

Also to Sobey’s for delivering water to stuck truckers in addition to others who ventured out on the close Hwy. 11 last weekend.

Stories that warm hearts and will live on in local lore as a new week dawns with winter’s first taste like sticking your tongue on a frozen pole. It will stick with you.

Let’s think about climate change as the cleanup continues.

On a more upbeat note, get out to support Christmas concerts and shows in the days ahead. A cookie bought is for a good cause somewhere.