The Editor, I have lived in the Tri-Cities area for about 40 years and have seen it change a lot over time.
One area which has changed dramatically is Lafarge Lake. Interestingly, Lafarge was once a gravel quarry, now a beautiful lake and home to the Evergreen Cultural Centre.
There are many things to treasure about our beautiful Lafarge Lake, such as the lights in winter and wonderful events. The park has become a great place for the community to enjoy. I have had the pleasure of walking the trails and pathways of this lovely area for many years and enjoy its beauty each time.
A few years back while I was walking, I noticed something in the stump of one of the trees near the lake's edge within the trail.
I walked closer to get a better look, and there was something carved into this tree stump I had not seen before.
Someone had carved an owl into its hollow. It filled my heart to see this beautiful, artistic carving, hidden in plain sight, and in the vicinity of the Evergreen Cultural Centre. It brought new life into an old stump.
As I continued my walk, I began to wonder; how long had it been there? Had I just not noticed it? Maybe it had been there for a long time.
Each time I walked Lafarge after noticing this carving, I admired it and even pointed it out to others walking along the trails who also hadn't seen this beautiful, hidden in plain sight, artistic creation.
As time passed, I thought about the effects the elements of nature would take on it, not to mention the beavers who might also enjoy chomping at this tasty stump of wood. It was then I decided to take a picture of it to keep as a memento.
A few years passed, and each time I walked there I noticed the carving was beginning to fade with time.
Then, one day, I came to the tree stump and saw the carving had almost completely disappeared. It was no longer recognizable as the beautiful owl carving it once was.
When I got home, I found the picture I had taken and brought out my sketch pad. I had just begun learning to draw, and it inspired me to draw it as an art project for myself.
I wondered how many others had noticed this hidden gem of Lafarge Lake and how many others never got to see it?
So, I write this letter to see if I can add another little tidbit of history, art, and culture to the ambience of our Lafarge Lake, which is continually growing in its beauty all the time.
The next time you're walking the trails of Lafarge Lake and come upon this old stump near the edge of the lake by the platform, take a look.
Can you see the owl who once was there carved into the hollow? That's "owl" I got for now. Thanks!
- Lisa Zizzari, Coquitlam