Ottawa Ski Club - the Gatineau Valley Historical Society

YEAR I!IOOK 1 951-52 11
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
AR up in the Gatineau Park I saw where beavers have built a dam
F in a small creek and made another lake. Usually they work at
night, but this fall these particular beavers have been working
by day as well. They have been very busy dr.agging poR_la.r twigs and
branches through the water and storing them beneath their home for
winter feeding. Could this indicate an early and long winter? If that
is what the beavers' instinct tells them, the Ottawa skiers will hope
their instinct is accurate because the last two winters in this_ vicinity
have left much to be desired from the skiers' point of "view. In
particular, if we have to have any more winter fogs, may it not be
when we are having a championship jumping competition!
This fall the Night Riders are busy repairing bridges and cabips,
and smoothing out some of the bad spots on the hills, particularly
Paradise Valley. The Trail Riders are doing a splendid job in getting
the trails cleared. Owing to the heavy summer rains, the brushing is
unusually heavy. ·
At Camp FortuJ;Je you will find a new caretaker who is performing
his duties with commendable energy. Mr. Brennan resigned because
of ill health. We shall miss him and his genial wife, but we are
fortunate in having Mr. and Mrs. Irwin to replace them. ·
Because of the rising cost of operation, it has been necessary .to
raise the fees of Seniors and Intermediates by one dollar. There will
be no increase for Juniors. I am sure the members will not be surprised
at this decision. Rather, they must have wondered how the executive
has been able to carry on so long at the old rate when all other pri_~es
and costs have been increasing. Even with this· dollar increase, it must
be admitted that the fee is exceptionally low. You still get more for
your money than you can get in any other sports organization. This' is
possible because o.f the great amount of voluntary help which is given
by many members.