The country roads issue - Doug White Pages 6 & 7 - Williams Lake
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ISSUE 7.6 | JUNE 2016 | FREE
the country Featuring
Doug White
roads issue Pages 6 & 7
hear
PAGE 2 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
We want to hear from you!
Email craig@thestew.ca
ISSUE 7.6 | JUNE
2016 | FREE
Just a country boy
BY CRAIG SMITH you can say the same. There are
no noises other than the wildlife
John Denver said it best. around you and the wind going
“Country roads take me home to through the trees.
the country
Featuring
Doug White the place I belong.” I’ve always I know some city people who
roads issue
Pages 6 & 7
lived in small towns and actually don’t like the wide open spaces,
used to feel claustrophobic when although I think many do like to
I travelled to any city of more get away once in awhile. Years
On the
than 25,000 in population, up ago, one of my friends in Ques-
until a few years ago when my nel married a girl from Tokoyo.
wife and I travelled to Europe They met when he was a Rotary
Cover:
to get married. Vancouver was exchange student and courted
the second smallest place we over a few years. They finally got ated. These roads were first laid and two of our friends were the
were in during our two week serious and married in Japan, out by men on horses and later co-chairs. The current President
vacation, the Island of Miconos then came to Canada and got by horses and wagons. One of and I are not only good friends
Country roads are being the smallest. After our married again for his parents. my friends – a descendant of a and fellow Shriners, but we are
in abundance in the trip, I remember coming back to He had convinced her to move pioneer family that used to de- also business partners and as
Cariboo, but in the Vancouver thinking that there to Canada as that’s where his liver freight to Bella Coola from much as we get along for the
broader sense, this really wasn’t that many people work was. She went from a Williams lake – told me that most part we disagree that there
month’s theme also there. The trip was in July so it population of about 15 million the first part of the trip, from is a definite difference between
was the height of tourist season, down to a few hundred where he town to where the race track is, city people and country people.
refers to country life,
and everywhere I looked there lived outside Quesnel. Unfortu- used to take a day by horse and He thinks we are the same and
a place of belonging, were people. My favourite place nately their marriage didn’t last wagon. We can now drive that business practices that work in
a sense of adventure, though, had as many people in long as she not only grew very in fifteen minutes. The trip to the city should definitely work
or the bumpy road the City as there were in all of homesick, but couldn’t handle Anaham Lake took about nine in a small town. I think I finally
of life. We invite you Canada and that was in Istanbul. the lack of people and the fact days and you can do that now won the argument with a little
to join us for this What an amazing experience everyone spoke a language she in about four hours, and when speech I made introducing the
and an incredibly beautiful city. was still learning. There was no I first moved here in the 80’s, it band for our barn dance. The
month’s adventure!
With that many people, it did way he could move to Japan as was mostly a dirt road. One of band we hired was our local
make me appreciate the wide his job, if he wanted to stay in the first bands I ever played in recording country band, Clancy
open spaces that we have here. his profession, was in the Cari- had a hit on Canadian country Wright and the Silverados, and
Advertising I love country roads. I find it
now a little surreal after our trip
that you can drive long stretches
boo. They parted as friends, still
very much in love but knowing
it wouldn’t work.
music radio called Paving My
Past, as that’s what he saw hap-
pening.
if you haven’t heard of them you
haven’t lived here very long. I
said to my buddy Steve, “Tell me
Information: on back roads and not see a ve-
hicle. I’ve travelled many times
When I was growing up I
thought that the road build-
You see many roads through-
out BC that the highways
if you can say this in Vancouver.
The bass player prints our paper,
out to Bella Coola and on the ers that had created a lot of our ministry is in the process of the guitar player built the golf
The deadline for way there and back I will always current roads must have been straightening, or are already course, the harmonica player
advertising in the stop for lunch on the side of the inebriated when they were lay- straightened. As a matter of used to own the country bar, the
next month’s issue of road. I always bring food as I ing the roads out. After all, why fact, the road between 100 Mile lead singer probably made your
The Stew Magazine think the number of restaurants so many curves and elevation House and 150 Mile House is septic tank and the drummer is
is the 21st of the between Williams Lake and changes? Why didn’t they get now 46 miles. Whether that has the airport manager.”
Bella Coola you can count on some trucks in there and flatten anything to do with the roads As Jeff Foxworthy says in his
current month. one hand, and some will close and straighten them out. Little being straightened or just a mis- redneck jokes, “If the direc-
Contact us today to early if there are no customers. did I know that back then, this take in the mileage I don’t know. tions to your house start with
reserve your spot: During my last trip, I stopped was the path of least resistance This last weekend we held the phrase ‘first you turn off the
250-398-7446 or for about half an hour to eat and and that the machines I saw as the BC and Yukon Shriners paved road…’ you might be a
sales@thestew.ca didn’t see one vehicle. I doubt a kid didn’t exist when these Spring Ceremonial in Williams redneck – or in my case, just a
there are places in Europe that BC country roads were cre- Lake in which my wife and I, small town boy.
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 3
ingredients
Looking Back:
The royal proclamation of 1763
Featuring
Doug White
Pages 6 & 7 Pages 4&5
Page 11 Child Abuse Awareness Ride June 18
Grad Parade June 11 Curator’s Corner
Cyclone
Smith
Page 14 Page 31
PAGE 4 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
hear
The royal proclamation of 1763
The Garden of Eden colonizers. The indig- tween the 13 Colonies of implications on Canada’s
is always teetering on the enous way of life was seen British America and New negotiations with aborigi-
brink. Like summiting a as expendable. France that extended from nal people today.
mountain, the only way This transformation Acadia in Nova Scotia to The Royal Proclama-
forward is down. didn’t happen overnight. the Great Lakes and as far tion of 1763, signed on
Aboriginal people of Tribes in the west inhabit- south to New Orleans at October 7th set out the
North America living in ing the mountainous re- the mouth of the Missis- guidelines for European
harmony with the land, gions of British Columbia sippi River. Both sides settlement of indigenous
played a quintessential continued living as they were supported by various lands in North America.
role in the survival of the always had for two cen- First Nations allies. The Proclamation explic- Britain and they no longer beneficial.
first Europeans to come turies after the first white The British colonies itly stated that aboriginal required King George’s “Our people were
into their midst. But it settlers began establishing had a significant advan- title existed, and that all permission to claim First obviously interested in
never took too many gen- colonies on the eastern tage, outnumbering New land would be consid- Nations territory. trading with the Hud-
erations for this help to be shores of North America. France in population two ered aboriginal land until In British-controlled son’s Bay Company,” says
forgotten. Like an ava- Slowly but surely this million to 60,000. ceded by treaty. Canada, however, the T’exelc (Williams Lake
lanche thundering down encroachment on aborigi- The war ended in 1763 For the 13 Colonies Royal Proclamation of Indian Band) Council-
a mountainside wiping nal domain shifted ever with the Treaty of Paris however, the Royal 1763 was still the law as lor and treaty negotiator,
out everything in its path, westward. being signed on February Proclamation was seen the Hudson’s Bay Com- Chris Wycotte Sr. “They
the arrival of European In 1755 England and 10th between England, as an infringement on pany and the North West had items such as metal
industrial society ulti- France were up to their France, Spain and Por- their aspirations of self- Company extended their pots and pans for cook-
mately spelled an end to eyeballs in global conflict. tugal, formalizing Great determination apart from fur trading empires west- ing, knives, guns and
the subsistence way of life Known as the Seven Years Britain’s victory in the British rule. Land specu- ward. steel traps. In exchange,
practiced for generations War, it affected Europe, war. In North America lators, including George While the fur trade cre- we gave them furs and
by indigenous people. the Americas, West Af- this marked the end of Washington, were already ated significant impacts salmon.”
The vast tracts of rica, the Philippines and France’s rule in what pushing into “Indian” on aboriginal society, it He says the fur traders
virgin forest, the wide- India. would become Canada. territory toward the Mis- didn’t dispossess them of relied heavily on salmon
open prairie, rivers, lakes The North American Eight months later, sissippi River west of the their homeland or way and other food sources
and valleys, were seen as theatre of this war was England’s monarch, King Appalachian divide. Thir- of life. The relationship provided by the Sec-
resources to be exploited known as the French and George III, issued a royal teen years later in 1776, between the fur traders wepemc when they first
by the “manifest destiny” Indian War. It was fought proclamation that con- the United States declared and the native people was arrived in the Cariboo.
mindset of European along the frontier be- tinues to have profound independence from Great symbiotic and mutually “You look at Hudson’s
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 5
hear
Pack train at Oppenheimer
Bros. Store, Barkerville 1868
Bringing beef to Barkerville
u King George III u George Washington
…continued from page 4
Bay journals, and there exchange between the
are records that show that three nations. There were
10,000 salmon had been competitions like spear-
taken out of Farwell Can- throwing, horse racing, u Chief William, 1867
yon and traded during running races, wrestling
one season.” matches and lahal tourna- nations. This was the same
u Fort Alexandria
It was the Gold Rush ments, and much barter- year the North West Com-
of 1858 that changed ev- ing and commerce. Then pany and the Hudson’s tale. Davidson tried to pay to worse for Chief Wil-
erything for the aboriginal the event turned pointedly Bay Company amalgam- The following year, in Chief William $20 for his liam. Two years later he
people of British Colum- political. ated. 1860, the stream of gold land, but Chief William died in the 1862 smallpox
bia. Tsilhqot’in leader, “I have studied the seekers continued to flood refused the money and epidemic that wiped out
Up until then the Chief Dehtus Anuxim, white man and his ways, into the Cariboo following said he wanted to keep his two-thirds of the aborigi-
North West Company and tried to induce his and I do not know him gold strikes in Horsefly father’s land.” nal population of British
the Hudson’s Bay Compa- Secwepemc and Dakelh yet,” he said, “but I know and Barkerville. Despite the Colony’s Columbia.
ny managed to discourage counterparts to join forces my people must learn to The story goes that Pre-emption laws that Seventeen years later in
non-native settlement of with his nation in a war to live in contact with him. Chief William was ap- forbade the alienation 1879, his son and suc-
New Caledonia to protect resist the invasion of gold To attempt to stop him is proached by a man named of Indian Village sites, cessor, also named Chief
the lucrative fur trade. miners coming up the impossible. We Dakelh Davidson, who asked the pre-emption went William, made a desper-
But when news of the Fraser River. are not crazy enough to permission to build a through anyway, Wycotte ate plea that was finally
first gold strikes along the “For some time our start a war that we cannot cabin beside the chief ’s says. heard by the authorities in
Fraser River reached San scouts have been bring- finish.” cabin and garden next to “That’s how our people Victoria and Ottawa.
Francisco, the floodgates ing us news of white men Chief William sided Missioner Creek where lost that land. They had “The white men have
opened. Within a month, coming up our rivers. We with the Dakelh leader, the City of Williams a policy or law that taken all the land and all
30,000 prospectors de- must keep them out. We encouraging cooperation Lake is today. The chief specifically said Indian the fish. A vast country
scended upon Victoria, tribes must act together,” with the white man. consented, but when he graveyards and villages was ours. It is all gone…
then a village of 500. Soon Anuxim urged. “We will not join the arrived home from fishing shouldn’t be alienated, but We have nothing to eat.
the new arrivals started Chief Looloo of the Tsilhqot’ins in a bloody, for salmon in the Fra- they turned around and My people are sick. My
swarming up the gravel Dakelh and Chief William hopeless war,” he stated. ser River, Davidson had didn’t abide by their own young men are angry… A
bars of the Fraser Canyon. of the Secwepemc were “Let us be friends with the staked the whole area. laws and allowed those war with the white man
In the spring of 1859, not convinced. white man. In that way we Chris Wycotte Sr. says pre-emptions to happen. will end in our destruc-
a large gathering of the Chief Looloo spoke can make a fair bargain Davidson turned around The whole town of Wil- tion, but death in war is
Tsilhqot’in, Secwepemc of his childhood grow- with them by letting them and pre-empted all the liams Lake was our village not so bad as death by
and Dakelh people met ing up near the Dakelh take what we cannot pre- land around there, includ- site that got pre-empted. starvation.”
at Lac la Hache to trade community of ?Esdilagh vent them from taking.” ing Chief William’s cabin It’s a very nice site. You Next month the
and engage in traditional when Fort Alexandria The three leaders and garden. can see why we were conclusion to this story…
games. This was an annual was built there in 1821 at agreed to disagree, and “There was a church there.” Saint Joseph’s Mission and
celebration and time of the boundary of the three here history tells a bitter and a village there as well. Things went from bad residential school.
•
flavour of the month PAGE 6 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
flavour of the month
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 7
Doug White; local bagpiper and cowboy
BY CRAIG SMITH his carpentry career. Like chrane, Alberta, on the and eventually started counter with a porcupine, complished bagpiper and
most Scots, the urge to Jumping Pound Ranch, working for the Guichon you had to rope the calf cowboy, he is also a pub-
It’s hard to be around travel is strong and the then moved to Nantan, Cattle Company. After to be able to get the quills lished artist – some of his
Doug White and not itchy feet led Doug to a Alberta. He said he always a year, Doug decided to out otherwise it would paintings have been used
have a chuckle at all his seminar about Canada. felt he was being guided move to the city and rode starve to death.” for various publications.
stories. Born in 1930 in A little while later, he by “something up there,” Smokey down to Burnaby. In 1959, Doug met Doug was inducted
Fifeshire, Scotland, Doug jumped on a ship and pointing to the sky, and His next twenty years Rodeo Queen Dianne into the Cowboy Hall of
says he thinks he always landed in Quebec City, that he met a man who were spent as a longshore- Thirsk, and in 1961 they Fame in 2011 and has
wanted to be a cowboy. then took a train to Mon- told him he should go to man and working as a married. They had two spent many years pass-
After school and doing a treal where he worked as Kimberley, BC. For the carpenter on the Second Daughters, who have be- ing on his gifts – teaching
carpentry apprenticeship, a carpenter for a couple couple of years he lived Narrows Bridge. come very involved in the students horseback riding
Doug was conscripted of months. Calgary called there, he played soccer, Doug entered his first cowboy lifestyle, like their and bagpiping. He con-
into National service and to Doug and this time he and played the pipes in rodeo in 1956 and was parents. In 1971, Doug tinues to follow the local
spent two years in the hopped on a train to get the Canadian Reserve hooked. His specialty turned in his professional rodeos closely.
army in the Black Watch out west – there he went Pipe Band. In Kimberley was calf roping and team rodeo card and for the If you have lived in the
regiment. Having played every day to the Calgary he bought his first horse roping. I could fill pages next 10 years competed Cariboo for any length of
the bagpipes since he was Stampede, fascinated by named “Smokey” for with all the awards and as an amateur. In 1975, time, you have probably
8, Doug had the honour what was going on. After $45. Eventually he sold championships that Doug Doug’s family moved to come across this bagpipe-
of playing at the funeral the Stampede, he took Smokey but the price, has won. He told me the Interior and bought a playing cowboy who
of King George VI. the first steps toward as with any good Scot, that roping was a skill he quarter section at Dugan always has a twinkle in
After the military, he becoming the cowboy he had gone up to $125. On learned on the ranch, as it Lake, where Doug still his eye and a story to tell.
went back to his home- is today. Smokey he rode from was important to be good resides.
town and carried on with Doug started in Co- Kimberley to Kamloops at it. “If a calf had an en- Not only is he an ac-
PAGE 8 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
we speak
Back road adventures are in the blood
BY CHRISTA SMITH getting there. You never
know what you will find,
Roads are the best see or experience. Some
things ever; they lead of my favourite memories
great places, and some- have been the back road
times nowhere at all, but adventures, and stories of,
the adventure is the best “remember when we didn’t
part. I love to explore think we would ever get
back roads and see where out of that?”
they lead. My sense of The other day, as my
adventure has often over son recounted his weekend
taken my good sense. I adventure off-roading with
have an excuse though, my his friends and all of the
great great (I am not sure herring moments in mud
how many greats, seven holes and sketchy roads.
I think) grandfather, was All I could think about was
Alexander Mackenzie. So how worried they should
my excuse is always that I have been and how many
can’t help it I have to know bad things might have
where the road, and often, happened. What if they
non-road leads. broke down, got stuck in mad about and so worried I started to remember are too. whatever other essentials
I used to collect back a mud bog, or gotten lost, about, I myself had done my own childhood and The Cariboo is one of you think necessary. If you
road map books and or eaten by bears if they all of these things probably my dad saying, “Hey, let’s the best places for back are a teenager the whole
highlight everywhere I had to abandon the truck more than once. Who did see where this goes, I’m roads. We are so lucky that fridge is it. But most of all,
had been and make notes and walk, and what if they I actually think taught him sure the car can make it in any direction just about let it be the experience and
of any new and unex- got lost again, and what to take the road less trav- through that, and yep, I there is somewhere to ex- the journey not the desti-
pected – um there is no if they starved to death, eled, to pick the trail that think we have enough gas.” plore. I do however have to nation, not matter whether
road here – notations. I and and and. Suddenly I looked like a good road The back roads are defi- caution, if you are a semi- it’s a dirt and mad road,
figure that it is not about stopped and realized that and see where it went? As nitely in my blood and as adventurist maybe stick or a highway, it is always
the destination nearly as it was in his blood too. I sat and pondered what scary as it is they are now to the paved back roads about the journey!
much as the adventure of Everything I had just been I had gotten my son into, part of who my children and take a map, GPS, and
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 9
PAGE 10 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
do
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 11
Calling all motorcyclists:
child abuse awareness ride June 18
You hear a rumble in the distance. You feel
the ground trembling beneath your feet, and group, and funds raised by
the Awareness Ride will
them with an established,
united organization. They
such that they are the only
obstacle preventing the
then you see them rolling down the road: be used locally toward the
B.A.C.A. mission of rais-
work in conjunction with
local and provincial of-
child from further abuse,
they stand ready to be that
Bikers Against Child Abuse. (B.A.C.A.) ing awareness and helping
abused children. The fol-
ficials who are already in
place to protect children.
obstacle.
The Central Cariboo
BY RANDY SHIMELL all riders and bikes, and a fun evening; a dinner lowing mission statement They desire to send a clear Temp Chapter holds
sign-up begins at 10:30am and dance with live music provides a clearer idea of message to all involved monthly meetings which
The B.A.C.A. Central at the Oliver Street Bar & and cash bar ($30.00 at what that entails: Bik- with the abused child that are open to the public,
Cariboo Temp Chap- Grill. All riders must have the door, please RSVP ers Against Child Abuse this child is part of their as well as several weekly
ter is hosting a Child a valid class 6 licence and to reserve your spot for exists with the intent to organization, and that group rides, and longer
Abuse Awareness Ride approved DOT helmet. dinner by calling 778- create a safer environ- they are prepared to lend trips. If you would like
on Saturday, June 18 in The entry fee is $10.00 for 412-9323 or e-mailing ment for abused children. their physical and emo- more information about
Williams Lake. Whether rider/bike and $5.00 for evil_dead@live.ca). B.A.C.A. exists as an tional presence. B.A.C.A. joining the group to take
you’d like to ride or just passenger. The pre-ride Discounted rooms are international body of bik- stands at the ready to an active part in empow-
watch the parade of briefing will take place available; please call the ers to empower children shield these children from ering abused children,
chrome, come out and shortly before “kickstands Ramada directly at 250- to not feel afraid of the further abuse. They do please contact any mem-
join them, and show up” at 11:30. The ride 392-3321 to book with world in which they live. not condone the use of ber, visit www.bacaworld.
your support in the fight will leave Oliver’s and special room rates under They stand ready to lend violence or physical force org, or contact the group
against child abuse. end up at the Overlander “B.A.C.A. event.” support to their wounded in any manner, however, directly at 778-412-9323
This ride is open to Convention Centre for All donations to the friends by involving if circumstances arise or evil_dead@live.ca.do
PAGE 12 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
Telecommuting: remote employees
SUBMITTED BY FLOR- dates, as well boosts the work those hours just as
ENCE GONYER, businesses retention and you would if you were
COMMUNITY FUTURES success rate. clocking in at the office,
CARIBOO CHILCOTIN The 9 to 5 workday is remember to make sure
becoming a thing of the that when your hours
Being able to manage past; thanks to advanced are over, you completely
work-life balance has technology workers are switch off and not cross
become priority for both able to stay connected to over into your home
current and upcoming the workplace anytime/ time, unless absolutely
generations of employ- anywhere. This flexibility necessary. Don’t make
ees. Current employee helps for employees to overworking at home a
dynamics have a broader manage both personal habit.
spectrum of dynamics in and social commitments • Stick to a daily rou-
comparison to our baby within their telecommut- tine, and no that doesn’t
boomer generation. GEN ing work arrangement. mean waking up, grab-
X / Y and upcoming Z If you take a service bing coffee / laptop and
employees are balanc- area as broad as the jumping back into bed
ing dual income fami- Cariboo Chilcotin, with to start work. Get up and
lies where both parents employees commuting up get yourself ready for
are choosing or having to 100+ km round trip for work as you would for a
to work fulltime while work each day, the idea of regular job.
raising children, some telecommuting is ideal. • Dress the part, you
parents are working while Having easy access to ad- might not necessarily
upgrading their educa- from the 9 to 5 work Current Millennials ployment environments vanced technology such need to work remotely in
tion and single parent week which presents both and the upcoming iGen that encourage their as video conferencing, a suit and tie, but be sure
households are trying employers and employees employees come with non-conventional way of generally allows for most to change out of your PJs.
to balance work and opportunities to think a very different set of thinking. work to be done from any • If possible try to cre-
the job of two parents. outside the box and still workplace behaviors and Embracing telecom- location that has internet ate a work/ office space
These changing dynam- manage to have produc- expectations. They are muting as an alternative connectivity. A question that keeps you separate
ics have created a need tive working relation- thinking outside the box option for employees who would be, does your job from “home” and where
for flexibility and change ships. while looking for em- live in rural and remote qualify? Are you re- the door can be shut dur-
locations is a great way to quired on a daily basis to ing work hours, as well at
adopt a healthy work-life interact with clients and night when it’s time to get
balance for employees. coworkers or does your “off ” work.
It’s encouraging to see job allow for the custom- • Stay connected
businesses and organiza- ization and freedom to to your employer and
tions adopting different balance your workday/ coworkers; Face to face
methods for such things week by telecommuting? interaction is important
as measuring employee If you’re an employer for communications, as
performances on results who hasn’t yet considered it is very easy to misread
vs. hours clocked in at the adopting a more mobile tone or emotions through
office, it’s a fresh change workforce, it’s definitely instant messaging or
from sticking with poli- worth checking into, emails. Have proper
cies and guidelines that where it might not be the technology setup for face-
were integrated genera- right fit for all employees time, skype or video con-
tions ago. By creating an or all job positions, it ference is priority, make
allowance for employees might be the best fit for sure your remote location
to enjoy working urban one of your employees. has access to high speed
jobs while living rurally Some tips for working internet… dial up just
broadens the range of remotely: won’t cut it!
talented potential candi- • Set a work schedule,do
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 13
The bumpy road to happiness
The theme “country How you deal with the
roads” instantly brings unexpected things that
me back to my childhood arise over the course of
on the prairies. The long time in your relationship
drives over dusty back can impact the outcome
roads in Saskatchewan of your adventure to-
that seemed to go on for- gether. When everything
ever with the ever-loom- is going smoothly it is
ing big sky. The drives in easy to ride the road of
Alberta with my Grand- life together. It generally
ma hauling a few horses won’t be the day-to-day
in the trailer on the way regular life “stuff ” that
to a summer horse show, challenges you, it will be
listening to the radio. the things that get thrown
Taking drives on back at you or that you never
roads is still something I saw coming that will test
like to do, and so does my how well you manage to
husband. We love get- stay the course together.
ting in the car without a Potential challenges
planned destination, pick- could be job loss, death
ing a direction, plugging of loved ones, financial
in the MP3 player, and issues, health issues, fer-
setting out on adventures. tility issues, to name just
After all, life together a few of the things that
has been an adventure. can arise to create issues
We met, we dated, we from bumps to complete
fell in love, we got mar- detours for you. When
ried and those were the things do happen, it helps
easy parts of the journey, to have your ‘team plan’
looking back. Through- ahead of time. Discuss
out our time together, how you will handle life’s
there have been many a frustrations and disap-
curve and fork in the road pointments before they
we’ve travelled together. even happen.
And while some of those Just like you would ally important that in the stuck at an impasse. Once
changes in direction have probably never leave face of differences and you’re at an impasse,
been challenging, and at home on a long road difficulties, both parties things become infinitely
times uncomfortable, we trip without a map, gas involved still feel secure harder to turn around,
have managed as a team in your car, and a spare in the relationship and in so it is vital to maintain
to keep things together tire in case of emergen- the importance each plays what you have regardless
and moving along. cies, it is a good idea to in the other person’s big- of the situations you find
Believe me, the time, be prepared for what life picture. A sure-fire way to yourselves in.
the commitment, and may throw at you. Discuss ensure this happens is to The twists, turns, ups
the effort it takes to come your preferences and openly express and com- and downs of the journey
together and stay on the maintain a strong un- municate that the love are different for all of us,
same track sometimes derstanding of what you and respect you feel for but there is no mistaking
can seem overwhelming both might need to do to the other person is your that no relationship gets
even for the happiest of maintain your mutually top priority. a smooth ride all of the
couples. It is not always desired outcomes. Most of Without a continued time. Enjoy the chal-
easy to travel the same all, discuss how you can emphasis on those two lenges, meet them head
road with someone else. continue to show each things, the curves and on with clear and joint
Often in a relationship, other love and respect detours that get thrown at purpose, show love and
decisions will need to be during difficult times. your relationship can set respect, and be commit-
made that can alter the Love and respect are up complete road blocks. ted to coming out the
course of your lives, and integral aspects to a solid Those road blocks can be- other side stronger than
in ways neither one of you foundation in a lasting come such an obstacle to ever.
were expecting. relationship. It is re- your journey that you getdo
PAGE 14 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
BY KYLIE FORSEILLE Families and friends love
& OWEN POWERS, gathering on the streets
GRADUATES OF 2016 to celebrate with their
graduates as they cruise
Graduation. The year, by in a beautiful variety
the moment, the time ev- of dresses and suits and
ery grade 12 student has with huge smiles on their
been patiently waiting for faces. In addition to the
finally arrives. The year- outfits, the choices of
end celebration marks transportation are also
a significant milestone quite the spectacle. In the
in each graduate’s life. past years there have been
Students are recognized many creative vehicles
for their years of achieve- including floats, back-
ments throughout school hoes, boats, fancy cars,
before finally sending tandem bicycles and even
them into adventures roller blades. When it first
of their own. But before began the parade started
students are left to fend behind Save On Foods
for themselves, they are and ended at the arena.
given one last night to Now the parade begins
create some everlasting by Sacred Heart and ends 2012 u Participants dressed in formal wear
memories that they can behind the arena. travel the parade route by horseback, skateboard,
share with friends and The Williams lake tractor, quad, firetruck and more, making for an
family forever. One of the grad parade has become annual spectacle that is not to be missed
most ‘looked forward to’ a yearly tradition in our because of a parent who cently seen this event take great response from the each of the graduates, and
events each year is the hometown. It was in joined the grad commit- place in a different town community and students. will continue for many
grad parade. the June of 2000 when tee of her sons graduation and wanted to recreate Over the years this years to come.
The Williams Lake people began to see grads class decided to bring it for her son’s gradua- event has grown from a Join us June 11th for
Dry Grad Parade is met travel down the streets. forward this new event tion class. The projected small idea into a lavish this year’s memorable
with success every year. It all started 16 years ago into our town. She had re- parade was met with a parade that is enjoyed by event!do
June 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 15
Some roads lead to theatre
BY KATHY MACDON- soon a fork in the path
ALD, WILLIAMS LAKE appears and you’re given
STUDIO THEATRE the opportunity to try
something new. Should
If you’ve lived long in you learn how to run
the Cariboo, than you’ve lights or sound? Maybe
probably spent a good you’re offered the chance
amount of time exploring to stage manage. Or chew
the local country roads. the scenery as an actor.
Bumping along these Perhaps you might even
dusty and winding roads try your hand at direct-
can lead you to some ing.
pretty interesting places. These new roads can
And more often than not, look a bit scary. Some-
they’ll lead you to at least times it seems as though Laugh was helmed by has ever directed – prom- Sheryl-Lynn Lewis and potentially picked out for
one fork, requiring you there’s too great a chance first time director, Chris ises to be a particularly Curt Sprickerhoff will be his third time in the di-
to make a choice. Should of careening off a cliff or Armstrong. Cabaret had meaningful and exciting collaborating on two one- rector’s chair, but couldn’t
you stay on the road being eaten by wolves or folks singing on stage for experience. act plays. Mary’s Wedding, shake the desire to tackle
you’re becoming familiar getting lost and having the first time. And the Directing Calendar with a cast of two, will in- Mindgame, a play that’s
with or venture onto a to survive on lichen… Annoyance cast and crew Girls will be a new road volve the second smallest intrigued him for years.
wholly new path? metaphorically speaking. jumped in with both feet, for first time director, cast Sheryl-Lynn has ever Brad knew Mindgame
After being a member But braving the unfa- despite facing an unusu- Stacey Poirier, who fell in worked with and features would be challenging in
of the Williams Lake miliar paths in theatre is ally short rehearsal time. love with the story when characters that rarely every aspect: a challenge
Studio Theatre for 10 worth it, for the amazing Our 2016/2017 season she saw the movie at age leave the stage. Curt to direct, to produce, to
years, I’ve discovered journey as well as the will similarly involve 18. She also notes how will, for the first time, be light, to design a set for.
that involvement with destination. And because people traveling unfamil- transitioning into direc- directing a play by one of But securing an amazing
theatre is very much like there are always people iar roads. The Lodge will tor-mode has changed his favourite playwrights, supporting crew helped
encountering a series of traveling beside you that bring Sophia Schneider her approach to scripts, George F Walker, whose him commit to traveling
forks along a road. Just often end up feeling like back to the directing chair saying, “I find reading work Curt admits he down the more difficult
deciding to get involved family. after many years and, for a script as a director has always found a bit path.
with theatre can feel like Our 2015/2016 season the first time, she’ll be requires always seeing intimidating. Problem All roads may lead to
stepping off the main path saw the spectacular directing a play written the whole picture. Every Child highlights Walker’s Rome, but some lead to
into completely unfamil- results of people com- by her mother, Gwen detail, each character’s brilliance at, as Curt theatre. If you’ve consid-
iar territory. You might ing to a fork in the road Pharis Ringwood. Sophia journey, the entirety of puts it, “using ridiculous ered starting down one of
start off helping to find and choosing the unfa- remembers the process of the story needs to be situations to bring out those roads, I encourage
props or assisting with miliar path. Both Dial her mother writing The understood and consid- the realness beneath the you to take that small first
hair and makeup, and you M for Murder and Death Lodge so directing the ered. And it’s gotten me surface.” step. It’s an unforgettable
might feel content to stick Defying Acts featured play, with its cast of 10 completely addicted to Brad Lawryk had a journey.
with those roads. But new actors. Making God – the largest cast Sophia reading scripts.” straightforward comedydo
PAGE 16 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
Explore Ireland
BY SYLVIA RASHBROOK means of St. George’s Chan-
OF ALL-WAYS TRAVEL nel and the Celtic Sea.
This Island has low-lying
This month the “coun- mountains surrounded by
try roads” lead to Ireland. low plains in the central
When I think of Ireland area with navigable rivers
I think of the song The flowing inland. There are
Green, Green Grass of many sizable lakes along
Home, the Blarney Castle, the rivers. The center of the
the River Dance and St. Island is part of the Shan-
Patrick, Donegal yarn, non watershed which con-
Game of Thrones; and the tains large areas of bogland
Celtic language. I’m not used for peat (fertilizer).
sure why, except the image The highest mountain is
of different shades of green Carrauntoohil which rises
pop into my head. Maybe to approximately 1000 me-
Ireland is the “fifty shades tres above sea level.
of green” because of the Because of the ocean
lush vegetation the Island currents, winters are milder,
produces. That is why the although summer is cooler
world knows it as the Em- with more precipitation
erald Isle. than Continental Europe.
If anyone has seen the The climate is generally
television series The Game insular avoiding extreme
of Thrones then one can weather because of its loca-
actually see the forests, the tion. It rains throughout
mountains, the moor lands the year, but is generally
in Northern Ireland where a light rain especially in
the series was filmed. Not the eastern regions. The duddy’s Reeks you will find SNAKES on the Island that once you have kissed County Kerry houses the
only is the Island beautiful western region tends to be Devonian-aged rocks. Cork thanks to Saint Patrick. the Blarney Stone you will Gaelic monastery founded
it has a mystical, haunting, wetter and can have severe houses the hydrocarbon That’s my kind of country. never be at a loss for words! approximately 600 years
ancient intrinsic quality that Atlantic storms during the exploration where natural On a country road tour How fitting that the ago. Also, preserved is
makes people want to tour fall and winter months. gas exists. one will witness the Castles Game of Thrones television the Giant’s Causeway in
this magnificent Country at For the tourist the Island One will never be bored of Ireland which are many. series would be filmed at County Antrim that houses
a slow pace. is an adventure through- exploring the flora and Ghosts, grand dynasties, the Castles of Northern the rock formations of
Ireland is the third larg- out the many geographi- fauna of the Island – coun- gift of the gab engulf some Ireland depicting the Seven 40,000 basalt columns
est Island in Europe, where cal based provinces – the try roads – yes bring it on. of the stories and myths Kingdoms. It has all the rising out of the sea. The
over four million people County Galway, County Actually, because of its geo- around the Castles. You fantasy landscapes because old legend has it that Finn
inhabit this spectacular Donegal in the west, graphical location Ireland will never be bored by the of the abundance of castles McCool built a path across
Island. To the west is the southeast Ulster, southwest has fewer land animal and stories surrounding the from ancient times. the sea to face his Scottish
Northern Atlantic Ocean Longford, south to Odovi- plant species than mainland castles. The Blarney Castle There are three World rival Benandonner. Finn
and to the south is the cian and Silurian – further Europe. Only 26 mam- contains the infamous Blar- heritage sites on the Island: scared Benandonner off by
Celtic Sea. To the northeast south to County Wexford mal species are native to ney Stone, the legendary The Brú na Bóinne in pretending to be the child
is the North Channel; to the coastline. In the southwest Ireland, and only 400 bird stone of eloquence, found County Meath that houses of a Giant making him ter-
east is the Irish Sea which around Bantry Bay and species have been recorded at the top of the tower of the complex Neolithic rifying leaving a path back
reconnects to the ocean by the mountains of Macgill- as well. AND there are NO this Castle. Legend has it chamber tombs, standing to Scotland.
stones, henges, and other If any of this sounds
prehistoric enclosures. The intriguing and appealing
site predates the Egyptian to your sense of adventure
pyramids – sounds interest- please give us a call at
ing. 250-392-6581.
Skellig Michael inJune 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 17
Play
Your guide to
where to go and
what to do for
the month of
JunePAGE 18 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
play
Submit your events
to craig@thestew.ca
WILLIAMS LAKE June 3,10,17,24 Farm- June 6, FREE Seniors June 18 Bikers Against July 1 Canada Day June 10,11 BC Golden
& AREA ers’ Market, Boitanio Park Bingo & Refreshments, up- Child Abuse Central Farmer’s Market, Boitanio Gloves Tournament, 2 Riv-
9am-2pm per level Boitanio mall, 1pm Cariboo Temp Chapter, Park 9am-2pm ers Bowing, 8am-10pm
June 1-30 The Station AWARENESS RIDE: all
House Gallery presents: Main June 3,10,17,24 Friday June 7,14,21,28 FREE riders welcome, see article July 2 Day Break Rotary June 10-12 BC High
Gallery: Amerose George- Night Magic, Adventure Fitness in the Park, 6-7pm, on page 11 for more info Stampede Parade, Down- School Rodeo Finals, Alex
son; Logging. Upper Gallery: Games, 5pm contact 250-398-7665 for town, 10am start Fraser Park, 9am-5pm
Shirley Gibson-Bull; Art info June 18 Fan Apprecia-
Next, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm June 3-5 Big Lake tion Night, Thunder Moun- July 11-14 40th Annual June 11 Live Music, The
Fishing Derby, All Day June 9 Heart & Stroke tain Speedway, 5-9pm BC Elders Gathering www. Occidental
June 1,8,15,22,29 Music Event Foundation Big Bike Ride, eldersgathering.ca
trivia 7pm, Karaoke 9pm, all day event, Cariboo Me- June 19 Bikers Against June 11 18TH Annual
OV Pub June 4 Race for Kids morial Complex Child Abuse (BACA) meet- QUESNEL & AREA Charity Motorcycle Poker
by Boys & Girls club, ing, public welcome, Big run, Maple Park Mall,
June 2,9,16,23,30 Cari- 9am, www.raceforkids.ca/ June 11 Grad parade Brothers Big Sisters suite June 3 Gold Pan City 10am-5pm
boo Art Society Gathering, williamslake & Dry Grad sneak peek, 200, 369 Oliver St. 1pm, Dance Year-End Gala,
Arts Center, 2-4pm parade starts 6pm, prom at info: 778-412-9323 Chuck Mobley Theatre, June 11, 2nd Annual
June 4,11,18,25 7pm, Cariboo Memorial 6:30-8pm Pride Parade, LeBourdais
June 2,9,16,23,30 Jam Warhammer and Table- Complex June 21 Aboriginal Day Park 11am-2pm
Night with Busted Remedy, top Games, Adventure Celebrations, Parade 10am June 3 A love letter to
9:30pm, OV Pub Games, All day event June 11-12 WLIB followed by family activities Mother Nature, Arts & Rec- June 11 Lobster Dinner,
Multicultural Gathering, in the park, 11am-2:30pm. reation Center, 7-9pm Anglican Church, tickets
June 2,9,16,23,30 Just June 4,11,18,25 Fun Chief Will-Yum Pow Wow Free parade & vendor both $30/person 250-747-2109
For Fun ladies singing group, Darts, OV Pub, Arbour, admission by dona- registration: 250-392-7361 June 4 Foam Fun Run
supported by Women’s Con- tion, info: wlibmulticultural. or m.casey@nstq.org 2016, West Fraser Timber June 16 Entangados, ,
tact Society and Angelkeys June 5,12,19,26 weebly.com Park, 10am-12pm live music at The Occiden-
Music Studio, everyone Sunday Morning Magic, June 23 Chamber of tal, 8-10pm
welcome, Anglican Church, Adventure Games, 10am June 17-19 17th Annual Commerce luncheon, June 4 Bids, Brews and
7:30-9pm 2pm BC Family Fishing Week- Signal Point Gaming, a BBQ, College of New June 17-18 Static, live
end, Biff’s Pond 2710 Dog 11:30am-1pm Caledonia, 5:30-7:30pm music at The Occidental
June 2,9,16,23,30 Poke- June 5,12,19,26 Game Creek Rd, 10am-4pm, info:
mon Thursdays, Adventure Night, Adventure Games, Wayne 250-392.7460 June 30-July 3 90th June 4 Garage Sale, An- June 17-18 Antiques
Games, 3:45pm 6pm Annual Stampede, info: glican Church 9am-1pm & Uniques Sale, Anglican
1-800-71-RODEO or www. Church, Fri. 4-7pm, Sat.
williamslakestampede.com June 4 RCMA Open 10am-3pm, info: 250-992-
Mic, Occidental 7-10pm 5875
June 30-July 3 Rotary
Stampede Steakout, Thurs/ June 4,11,18,25 Farm- June 18 Theatre
Fri/Sat breakfast 7-11am & ers’ Market, Helen Dixon Royal Gala, Theatre Royal,
steak dinner 5-8pm, Sunday Center, 8:30am-1pm Barkerville, 1-10pm
breakfast only, old Lake City
Ford lot 715 Oliver Street June 6 Pro-D Camps, June 19 Father’s Day
Bethel Church, 9am- Breakfast and Poker run,
June 30-July 3 Knights 4:30pm Friendship Ctr, 10am-2pm
of Columbus Pancake
Breakfast, Save-On Foods June 8 The Party on June 21 National Ab-
parking lot 7-11:30am high street, The Occidental, original Day, Helen Dixon
8-10pm Ctr 10am-2:30pm
July 1-3 Legion Indoor
Breakfast, 385 Barnard June 10 Diamond June 25 Lions Garage
Street 7-11am Calcutta, Seniors Center, Sale, south end of Maple
5:30-11pm Park MallJune 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 19
play
June 7,14,21,28 HUGS
help us get slim, 6:30pm,
6300 N. Green Lake Rd,
info: Charlotte 250-456-
7504 or Pat 250-456-2491
June 7,14,21,28 Carpet
Bowling Club, 1-4pm,
Interlakes Hall, info: Kitty
250-593-4780
June 7,14,21,28 Co-Ed
June 25,26 Woody June 4 Mill Site Lodge June 6,13,20,27 Bingo, Drop-In Volleyball, 7-9pm,
James Band, The Occiden- and Fisher Place Auxiliary doors 6pm, starts 7pm, Peter Skene Ogden gym,
tal, 8:30pm-12:30am Yard Sale, 9am-1pm super star 8:30pm, Com- info: Kersti 250-395-1353
munity Hall
June 26 Farmers’ Mar- June 4,5 Big Horn June 7,21 Photo Group,
ket, Wells, B.C. 9am-1pm Archery Club Outdoor June 6,13,20,27 Alanon, Bridge Lake School, info:
Shoot, 99 Mile Ski Hill, All 7pm Health Ctr 250-395- Larry 250-593-4362
June 30 Wooden Horse- day event 2532
man, The Occidental, June 8,15,22,29 Bingo,
8-11pm June 4,11,18,25 Meat June 6,13,20,27 Wo- g-ball, loonie ball & pro-
Draw, Forest Grove Legion, men`s Drop-In Volleyball, gressive, doors 5:45pm,
100 MILE HOUSE 4:30-6pm Lone Butte Hall 9:30am starts 7pm, Lac La Hache
& AREA Hall
June 4,11,18,25 Alco- June 7,14,21,28 Alanon
June 3,10,17,24 Crib holics Anonymous fireside Drop-In, 1-2pm Commu- June 8 Compassionate
Night, Forest Grove Legion, family grp, United Church nity Health Ctr 250-395- Friends, bereaved par-
8pm 8pm, info: 250-791-1937 7676 ents support group, BJ`s
Donuts 7:15pm, info: 250-
June 3,10,17,24 Farm- June 5,12,19,26 Alco- June 7,14,21,28 Alco- 395-4417
ers’ Market, Community holics Anonymous 7:30pm, holics Anonymous, United
Hall, 8:30am-1:30pm Health Ctr 250-791-5286 Church 8pm June 9,16,23,30 TOPS
Club, take off pounds
sensibly, 6:30pm, United
Church, info: Kirsteen 250-
395-3344
June 9,16,23,30 Park-
side Indoor Farmers Mar-
ket, 10am-noon, Parkside
Art Gallery, vendor space
available 250-395-2021
June 9,16,23,30 Royal
Canadian Army Cadets,
18:30-22:30, 5530 Horse Lk
Rd, info: Capt. Kevin Seal
250-395-1181
June 9,16,23,30
Alcoholics Anonymous,
7:30pm, 108 Community
Centre
June 18,19 Fathers Day
Fishing Derby, Kokanee
Bay, 8am-9pm
June 18 Open Mic, The
Lone Rock Café, 6022 Hwy
24, call 250-395-3337
June 26 Outriders
Gymkhana, Call Jen for
info 250-706-9410
June 28 Cottage Prayer
Meeting, 6715 Hwy 97,
turn left at the blue
travelling Workshop
sign, 7:30-8:30pm, info:
250-395-3743PAGE 20 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
Williams Lake 1050 S. Lakeside Drive • 250-392-3303
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm • Sat-Sun 8am to 7pmJune 2016 | THE STEW Magazine | PAGE 21
read
Chilcotin adventure
in less than two hours.
I was a little nervous
about the return trip in
the dark, but my hus-
band said, “You’ll do fine.
There’s just one big mud
puddle you should watch
for. It’ll be a little hard
to see with snow and ice
over it, but as long as you
follow your tracks back
you shouldn’t have any
A SHORT STORY BY SUSAN CARLSON, trouble.”
WILLIAMS LAKE WRITERS GROUP Off we went. Things
were going fine. The two
“Adventure is just a youngest kids had fallen
asleep, and the other three able to stuff branches and About 3:00 a.m. every- the cabin—hallelujah!—
romantic word for trouble.” were close to it. We made
slow progress bumping
chunks of wood under
the tires. Next we locked
one else was sleeping, but
I was still awake. I cov-
the guys were still there,
just saddling up their
I can’t remember they could guide us in to along, but Jean and I were in the hubs, shifted to low ered some of the sleep- horses for the day’s hunt.
where I heard or read that the cabin. enjoying our conversation range, let out the clutch. ing kids with my coat, For a moment they stared,
statement, but if it’s true, That part of the plan and began to feel more Ice, water and mud flew, and put on an old pair shocked to see me there at
our family had an adven- went well. We met up, confident as we followed but the car stayed put. of coveralls my husband all, but especially in those
ture one chilly November and they trotted ahead the tracks toward home. We tried till past mid- kept in the vehicle in case grungy coveralls, soot on
night back in 1981. with the horses while we We kept looking for the night, but nothing was he needed to do mechanic my face from my fire-
My husband and a bounced and jounced puddle, and finally came working. In a last ditch work. Outside in the dark building efforts. When
hunting buddy planned along behind, dodging to the conclusion that it effort I waded right in I scrounged wood to start they heard my story, they
to spend a few days at a stumps and rocks, slip- was already behind us. It and pushed as hard as I a fire. At least the candle postponed their plans and
back country cabin. They ping in and out of ruts. wasn’t. could while Jean drove. was helpful in getting the came to the rescue.
started out by saddle Ours were the only tracks “NO TRACKS!” We made about as much fire going. I hung up our With ropes they had
horse, with sleeping bags in the thin blanket of new flashed through my mind, progress as a treadmill. wet clothes nearby, then along, Jim’s intrepid
and traveling food tied snow. too late. I should have Finally we got back sat on a log and admired Morgan sorrel Cody,
behind their saddles. Our It was a fun family turned instead of go- in the car, replaced what the starlit sky, listened to Jon’s horse, many helping
five kids, ages three to Sunday afternoon ad- ing straight. We crashed wet clothing we could the coyotes yodeling and hands heaving together,
twelve years, my sister- venture—supper cooked through the ice and came with dry stuff that we had waited for daylight. and a skillful driver (not
in-law who was visiting, on the wood stove in to a sloshing halt, smack along and tried to sleep. When the dark started me) we got the car out.
and I loaded more grub the cabin, stories, laugh- dab in the middle of the According to survival to seep away, I left Jean We arrived home mid-
and extra blankets into ter. The kids wanted to mud hole. lore, candles will keep you in charge and struck off morning. The kids were
our trusty 1970 blue Chev spend the night, but there The sleepers kept from freezing in a vehicle, back toward the cabin, delighted that they had
Suburban. We also threw was school the next day sleeping. The rest of us so we broke a long candle praying that the guys missed the school bus,
in the requisite extra wool so after staying longer got out and assessed the we had and lit the two would still be there. The and we had another
socks and long john’s than we should have, we situation. The car hun- pieces (double the heat, woods were silent except country road adventure to
“just in case”. We were started out on the drive kered in mud and water right?), placing them on for my trudging footsteps remember.
supposed to meet them home, leaving the spare past the axles. Still, it was tin camp plates. We didn’t and the occasional yip of Had any trouble lately?
somewhere near the turn- blankets with the guys. worth a try. With the help notice much difference. It coyotes. After an hour I It may be an adventure in
off from the main road, so We expected to be home of the jack-all we were was still cold. finally caught a glimpse of disguise!PAGE 22 | THE STEW Magazine | June 2016
read
ministers, came to a inched forward, watch-
startling halt for there in ing the bull and at the
all its male glory, was the same time trying to keep
bull. a climbable tree in sight
I stopped still. Bull should I feel the need to
A bull on a country road
And now here was I, stood still. Bull eyed climb one in a hurry.
the teacher, daily trudg- me, rather disinterest- Bull never moved. He
ing up the same dusty edly I felt. Were the truth wasn’t getting any smaller
road, enjoying similar known, the bull didn’t but he seemed to have a
A SHORT STORY BY details of her past en- were quite a number of lovely leaves of the aspen seem to be paying much very complacent air about
ANNE MOUTRAY, counters with this fero- days that year, when the trees, brilliant yellow in attention to me at all. him and he wasn’t really
WILLIAMS LAKE cious beast. As she told it, bull managed to station the warm sun of Indian Aren’t bulls supposed to bothering much about
WRITER’S GROUP she was walking to school itself in the middle of the summer. snort viciously and paw me. If he noticed me at
this particular morning, road, as if guarding the On this particular the earth or something all, I expect he wondered
I knew that one day I enjoying the warmth of schoolhouse from passing day the children prob- before they pounce? Well, what all the antics were
would encounter the bull. the autumn sun, when teachers. And equally un- ably felt that it was time they do in Spanish bull- about.
I was in my very first what should she see as surprising, there were the for a little holiday—and fighting rings but then When I arrived at
teaching position in a she rounded the corner same number of days that who could blame them. why wouldn’t they with what I judged to be a safe
one-room country school but an enormous animal, year in which school was Now picture me striding those wicked-looking distance past the bull, I
in the very tiny com- planted firmly and men- not in session. I would purposively toward the hooks stuck into their returned to the road and
munity of Chu Chua. acingly, in the middle of not like to speculate as little red, or not, I can’t sides. In any case, my bull back straight and head
There were a few houses the road. The Bull. to what the children did remember, school house, just stood there, looking high I marched on to the
scattered about, an Indian Of course this teacher, during those teacher- no doubt dreaming of rather benign. I remem- school, with the victori-
Reserve half a mile down a highly responsible and less days. The children the wonderful lessons I bered a rancher once tell- ous air of one who has
the road, the teacher- sensible person, was not from the Reserve would had prepared for that day ing me that the bull that encountered great peril,
age known locally as ‘the about to risk life and probably have gone home and never expecting what can be trusted hasn’t been faced it down and won.
shack’ and the school half limb by trying to pass the to somewhat surprised lay in front of me. It had born yet. As I turned onto the
a mile up the road from ‘ monster and did the most parents, magically passing actually been at the back “O.K. bull,” I said school yard I thought for
the shack’. reasonable thing that I the bull safely but the of my mind that one day softly. “This is it”. just a second that I saw a
Oh, I had heard all suppose she could think ranchers’ children would I would meet the bull but Bull said nothing. window full of surprised
about that bull. The of. She turned around have to wait for the school I had rather hoped that it Never taking my eyes off and somewhat disap-
previous teacher who and marched back to the bus. Goodness knows would just stay safely at him, I edged slowly off pointed faces. In any case,
was somewhat given to safety of the teacherage. what mischief they got the back of my mind. the road as far as I could there were classes that day
affectations and embel- And lo and behold, there into. I doubt that their As I rounded the go before being stopped and never again did I en-
lishments, had told me in was no school that day. parents were ever told of corner my day dreams by the barb-wire fence. counter a bull on the road
all their life-threatening Not surprisingly, there the bull episodes. of teaching future prime Slowly, ever so slowly I on my way to school.You can also read
