Wednesday January 31st, 2024
The Atlin Whisper “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
Message from the Atlin community representative on the G2G Forum. The G2GF oversees several Joint Initiative (JI) Working Groups, each of which address important issues on the land base, including mining and mineral exploration, protected areas, fish and wildlife management, as well as research and monitoring. As your Atlin Community representative, I would like to hear from you about topics that are important to you so I can be the conduit of Atlin Community interests at the Forum.
The Newsletter from the G2G Forum for January 2024 is available now. The Next G2G Forum is on February 21&22 2024 as a virtual meeting. Please send me your questions or issues relating to the scope of the G2G by emailing infoatling2g@gmail.com Åsa Berg
SAVE THE DATE!!! Tarahne Tea 2024 Saturday July 6th. The cost of each ticket will be $25.
LANDFILL *WINTER DAYS* *Effective – Sunday, November 5, 2023* SUNDAY & MONDAY 11 AM - 4 PM … PST
CLOSED at temperatures -28 C & below ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS Family Day - Closed Monday, Feb 19th …. Open Feb 18, 20 Easter (Good Friday) - Open Mar 31, April 1 Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
The Gathering Storm A short story by Stephen Badhwar
The Watchman has seen something. From his vantage point in the tower high above the main gate of the castle he can see far and wide. In the distance, across the vast desert, there are dust clouds rising. He has been watching these clouds develop over many days. At first, there was a mere whisp of dust; then it was gone. The dust reappeared as a thin column; then gone. Then the column returned and grew in width and depth. The Watchman has sent word to the Captain of the Watch several times. The Captain has come to look for himself, but has dismissed the clouds as nothing more than a localized wind gust. The Watchman knows otherwise. He has been watching these sands and this desert and this horizon for many decades and he is confident of his abilities of discernment. There is something out there. His Watchmate, standing beside him in the tower, pleads with him not to bother the Captain for fear of the consequences. He says that the two of them should just wait to see what happens. Maybe it will all just go away. The Watchman notes that the cloud continues to increase in breadth, and in intensity. The column of dust now reaches up to the sky and does not dissipate. He sends word once again to the Captain of the Watch. The officer comes right away, but he is not amused. He grabs the telescope from the Watchman and peers through it momentarily. He thrusts it back to the Watchman and grunts that it is impossible for any man or beast to cross the desert at this time of the year. It must be a mirage. He strides off without another word. The next day the Captain is beckoned for once again. The Watchman now claims that there are two separate columns, both increasing in size and stature by the hour. The Captain looks through the telescope and declares that these are merely two small storms gathering dust. Nothing to be concerned about. The Captain turns and goes in fury. The Watchman sighs and hangs his head momentarily, then reflexively, he lifts it and scans the horizon. With his naked eye he senses something to the south. He brings the telescope to his eye. Now there is a third column of dust, this one rising in the south. Not a storm cloud he determines, but a concentrated column of dust arising from something much more substantive than the desert winds or a growing storm. That evening at shift-change the Watchman speaks with the other Watchmen about what they have seen from their respective positions in the other towers around the castle walls. They too have seen these unusual columns of dust. One says that the weather has been unpredictable lately though. Another says that we must be careful not to draw conclusions about things. Another says that we must follow our orders strictly: to watch for vandals, thieves, thugs, and any other mysterious people. The Night Watch report for duty. They too have been seeing strange things in the desert night. One Watchman describes faint flickering lights that he has observed, another tells the story of clouds of glowing dust that appear and disappear at random, another has heard unusual sounds. They say that
the Night Watch Captain has shrugged off these reports as inconclusive. They have been ordered to only report upon solid observations. The next day four distinct columns of dust are visible bearing down on the castle from all four flanks. The Watchman calls for his Captain to come immediately. The Captain peers over the parapet, now without even using the telescope. He looks left, he looks right, he looks behind. He declares that sandstorms never come at this time of the year. The Watchman implores his Captain that there is something else out there other than sand and aberrant winds. But the Captain hastily about-faces and returns to his quarters. The Watchman looks down to the market square below. He sees the Rabbi flipping back and forth with great intent through the final pages of the Scriptures. He sees the Blind Man standing all alone in the middle of the square with his hand cupped to his ear, earnestly listening skyward. He sees the Wisewoman who usually sits serenely sipping tea with the elders. Today she is busying herself. She looks up to the tower and catches the eye of the Watchman. She nods meaningfully to him. She has not seen what the Watchman has seen, but she knows. It is time. It is time. Even the Blind Man is shuffling his way with determination out of the market square. The Watchman marches off to the Command Post. He approaches the Captain of the Watch and salutes him. Then, with a lump in his throat, he removes his trusted helmet and places it on the desk of the Captain. Next, he hesitantly removes his belt, scabbard and sword and places these cherished items beside his helmet. Finally, with a tear in his eye, he takes his faithful telescope and presents it to his Captain, placing it carefully, deliberately, into his very hands. The Captain’s face is completely expressionless. The Watchman turns and goes home to prepare his family for whatever it is that is to come.
View more poetry and stories at:
https://stephenbadhwar.substack.com/
LANDFILL *REMINDER* Please be mindful of the weight of your bags of garbage.
OPEN SUNDAY & MONDAY 11 AM - 4 PM … PST Closed on all Statutory Holidays CLOSED at temperatures -28 C & below Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WOOD AND WATER Of Wood, Water, Fire and Neighbours by Paul Lucas I humped the water buckets off the back of the truck. Grunting with the effort, I dragged them to the front door and hoisted them up on the porch, watching all the while as the water splashed wildly in each container. These things were not designed for hauling water. Those splits around the seal at the top meant you couldn’t always depend on the lid staying on. Still, I guess that’s what you end up with when you recycle 5 gallon fire retardant buckets. In 1978 a forest fire took hold at the south end of the lake, and the bombers hit it hard with retardant. The result was that hundreds of skookum 5 gallon buckets, all dark blue, showed at the dump ... well, for a minute or two anyway ... then all of a sudden you couldn’t find one to save your life. They were snapped up by the local wood and water residents and ended up on cabin porches from Fourth of July Creek to the O’Donnell. And there they sit, many of them, to this day. Waste not want not. Fire has always been a major player in the North. Every town has, at one time or another, had to deal with a fire that destroyed most or all of its buildings. Dawson City burned, Whitehorse burned and Atlin burned twice. It was all part of the wood, water and kerosene life of the time and, although devastating fires were also a fact of life for many southern cities, the North tended to be harder hit. Just statistics I guess – more wood, more kerosene, more possibilities for disaster. I had a close call with fire myself shortly after I completed the cabin. •••
The requirements for staking land back then involved surveying the plot, pushing a road in to the building site and erecting a ‘habitable dwelling’, at which time you were offered the right to buy the land from the government for a song – a good thing too because, by the time we were all done building, none of us had a pot to pee in. My place was finished, more or less, and the local lands guy, a persnickety fellow of the Ichabod Crane stripe, was on his way to check out the ‘habitable dwelling’ aspect of my creation. I didn’t have the stove installed yet so, in my absence, my pal Stecker had thoughtfully filled the supporting base with wood scraps, covered them with a thin veil of gravel, stuck the stove on top, and threw the chimney up. It was a mockup, but it looked good. It was only when I showed up, no Stecker in sight and, pleased as punch, started a fire in my brand new stove that the trouble started. Now calling this thing a stove is probably stretching the definition. The favourite heat source at the time was the tin airtight. They were originally designed as garbage burners, but the trappers and cabin dwellers of the area quickly learned they were an inexpensive and effective stove for the North. They were light to transport, quick to install and, best of all, heated up a cabin real quick in the winter ... in fact, the first thing you did when entering a cold cabin, was to fire that puppy up and stoke it until it was cherry red. It was always wise, at that point, to stick a big rock on top to prevent it from hopping across the room and blowing off the lid. Exciting stuff. These airtights relied on a couple of inches of sand on the bottom of the firebox to provide a buffer from the base itself, which was usually a four by four box filled with rock – a pretty safe arrangement generally speaking. My mockup airtight had neither of these. It boasted instead ... well ... nothing. A mere 16th of an inch of sheet metal separated the roaring fire from a base that was now filled with scraps of dry wood. ••• I don’t know what we would do without neighbours. In the North in particular, neighbours are your lifeline – checking on each other from time to time and watching your joint when you are gone, they are the extra sets of eyes and ears you wish you had. I met Harley Stewart shortly after I arrived in Atlin to build. He was one of those guys who seemed to have a knack of showing up at the right time with a helping hand. One day he showed up with a chainsaw that he insisted I borrow while I was waiting for mine to show up on the mail truck. Then, learning I was a guitar player, he wandered by with his old Gibson SG and left it so I had something to play in the evening. What a guy. Then one afternoon he saved my cabin from burning to the ground. You see, after lighting the fire in the stove that day and placing the proverbial rock on the lid (for safety reasons, don’t you know), I trotted off to town to buy groceries. When I came back I found the stove, base and chimney lying in a smoking heap out front of the cabin. Peeking inside the front door, I saw nothing but a charred hole in the floor where the stove had been. I guess it had set the wood scraps in the base smouldering, and eventually they burned right on through the floor. Fortunately, Harley had chosen this particular time to show up for a visit and, seeing smoke billowing out my front door, proceeded to haul the stove, base and pipe out of the place and empty the water bucket on the burning floor. Neighbours. Bless ‘em! “A Guitar Player On The Yukon Border” can be found at local bookstores and on Amazon.com. Paul can be found at paullucasmusic.com
“Virgin White” Arose from a nap that winter day To a scene outside my window Of flurries graceful on air Becoming a veil upon the land. Pure, oh so pure virgin white. Seeing mother nature perform With such beauty brought tears of joy. Soon fir trees were embraced with snow While bare branches dripped with frosting. Pure, oh so pure virgin white. With bright colored muffler and cap I was out in the hush of snowfall. The crunch of white gems ‘neath my feet Was all I heard ’til darkness fell. Virgin white remained… Along with my heart. Jeff Salmon
2024 Summary Musicians Atlin Teen Centre Sunday Movie Night Begins
February 17 – Teen Centre Atlin Cabaret Atlin Performers for Atlin Audience
March 2 - Kershaws
February 18 Doors open 7:00 movie starts 7:30
Rebecca Law/Glenn Chatten Frosty Frolics Evening Entertainment
Enter by Donation
Muster Point
Concession items marked price ** Popcorn ** Drinks ** Candy AND… we now have comfy couches to cozy up in!
April 20 – Kershaws April 27 – Kim Beggs CD Release See posters for details Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com Presented by Heather Keny
-Attention Atlin residents-
Atlin Community Engagement
Website live! atlincommunity.com Survey(s) open: Visit website for links or QR codes. Paper copies available if needed. Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email: atlincommunityengagement@gmail.com
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE Surprise Lake Road 6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 storey and a main level cozy self-contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand. $350,000 Watson Avenue Two adjoining lots totaling 75x100’ providing ample room to build a new home while restoring a colorful and historic building, if you chose. No neighbors or roads to the north so lots of privacy. $225,000 4th Street 400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion. Great potential for expansion. $249,000 43.6 Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cosy two bedroom home is so private featuring a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as a B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/workshops and fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus a short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY. $597,000 Pearl Street 1700 sq.ft. historical building suited for combination comfortable living plus retail. Living room, kitchen, two bedroom and huge third room to adapt to your needs! Recent extensive foundation and roof restoration plus interior renovations utilizing the original wood and fixtures. This is the original Atlin and your opportunity! $395,000 Historic Rant This 3 bedroom bungalow appears to have been one of the Eaton catalogue pre-packaged houses, either original or salvaged with what appears to be solid beautiful Douglas Fir wood throughout just begging for restoration. With a fabulous view of the mountains and lake this is big enough for a young family. Plus, within walking distance of all amenities. An adjoining lot perpendicular to this homesite is also available. You could live here while building a dream home on the adjoining lot. $175,000 Warm Bay Road This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. Two bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous out buildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around! $230,000 Second Street 100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace. $135,000 4th of July .78 acres of Crown Land Lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042 $53,500 Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 Please text or email a message (rather than voice mail) myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when I am traveling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
MENU Daily and always available: Coffee, Fresh Made Sandwiches & Bakery Pastries All items OVEN baked ~ not deep fried Monday 9:30-5:00
Tuesday 9:30-5:00
Wednesday 9:30-5:00
Thursday 9:305:00
Fresh made sandwiches and pastries.
Chicken, Beef or Veggie, Cheese, Loaded Nachos. Starts at 11am until sold out. Small $14 Large $25 Roasted Whole Chicken. Starts at 3:30 until sold out. $20-$25
Wings hot and ready to go. Sold by the pound. Starts at 11am until sold out. $21.99 per pound All variety of sauces available. Choice of naked or breaded
Roasted Whole Chicken.
Friday 9:30-5:00
Saturday 9:30-5:00
Sunday Closed
Fried Chicken Dinner with Potato Wedges and choice of Salad. Starts at 11am until sold out.
Pizza Day. All in house made fresh. Starts at 11am until sold out. $ 18 - $43
Shani’s Rest Day
2, 4, 8 piece or 12 piece Family Bucket w/potato side and choice of salad. Price for 2 - $ 12 Price for 4 - $ 21 Price for 8 - $ 37.50 Family Bucket $ 65
Pizza by the slice while supplies last $7
Starts at 3:30 until sold out. $20-$25
*Pre-order meals by 4pm the day before – Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Pork Ribs * Available Tues, Wed, Friday, Saturday
~Catering, Donut, Pizza available any day when booked 48 hours in advance~
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Gary Pumps Ltd.
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day Yukon time. Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel and Available Phone 250-651-7463 Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com Box 147, Atlin BC V0W 1A0 Office hours – Monday to Friday 8 am – noon Yukon Time With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
Atlin Mountain Inn
Atlin Mountain Inn’s Food hours: Kitchen is closed for January. Hot dogs and Artichoke Dip and other snacks available in the bar Friday and Saturday. Meals available in vending machine in Lobby
Atlin Pet Care 287 Tatlow Street
Your pets home away from home!
Winter store hours (Starting Sept 20) Please take note that we will be closing on Sundays Monday - Friday 9:30am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday Closed Also closed on all Statutory holidays. Will operate on MST this Fall/Winter. ~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
Indoor/Outdoor Runs Heated Kennels Boarding-Grooming-Pet Supplies Emergency Care-Veterinarian Referrals SPCA AGENTS George Holman 250-651-7717 or Marj Holman 250-651-7758
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us!
St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday
250-691-0128
Everyone welcome!
In pursuit of happiness half the world is on the wrong scent. They think it consists in having and getting, and in being served by others. Happiness is really found in giving and in serving others. Henry Drummond 1851-1897
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C.
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Monday 250-651-7789
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037
Reasonable Rates!
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020 @gmail.com
Atlin Community Library Open Friday and Saturday from 2-4 pm Everyone is Welcome!
The next Whisper is Wednesday February 14th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm February 11th The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece.
Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit. Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!