Summer Parties

The Ranch has the blessing of being waterfront, although from a farming perspective it is a challenge as the land quickly rises up from the lake to meet Bastion Mountain.  It is not the cherished valley bottom of optimal farming, but the water of the Shuswap is delicious.  At this time it is for most of the lake safe to drink and we hope with proper vigilance that it continues to be that way. In the early days of the farm the lake was the only conduit to town and essential for marketing the farm's products.  We have never irrigated our field crops but if we ever did so we would have an endless supply of water.  The lake is large, over 119,535 sq. miles and deep, 530 feet in places.  The water is replenished with the many rivers that run into it, replacing itself every seven years.
The lake provides hours of entertainment during the summer months and draws guests from all over the world.  Currently we are part of the Willing Workers on Organic Farms network and have a continuous stream of young people that are drawn to the ranch so that they can be beside the water.  The lake also provides a beautiful backdrop for summer parties which there have been many over the years.

July 23, 1965, Caroline Miege's first birthday party. On the deck at Renee and Gus's house.

Caroline Fleur de Lys at Caroline Miege's birthday party

Caroline Miege and her nephew Liam at their birthday party, 2010.

The lake is also perfect for boating and swimming.  The Ranch's early history made heavy use of boats but by the time I was born we were left with a small fishing boat. Even to this day neither family owns a motor boat although we do have lots of non- motorized floating devices.

circa early 1950s, from left to right; unknown woman, Gus, and Renee.

I have very few memories of my father swimming. He stated that the early years of having to use the lake for bathing cured him from wanting to swim, even when the water was at it's warmest.  He much preferred a hot shower.

Eddy and Caroline Miege, summer 1965.