Late Projects

For those friends and guests who think that our work day ends when the Lodge is closed -- think again. Work on the new sewer treatment system delayed closing down our water treatment room. The valve that we use to drain the waterline from the lake to the water treatment room was under 4 inches of ice and a foot of water. A pair of hip waders and a splitting maul made short work out of resolving this problem. Hopefully, this picture will remind Mike to do this job next year before ice on!





The new sewer system for Cabins #2 and #3 is nearly completed. We still have to get electrical service to three lift pumps and two alarm systems. Testing the system by pumping water will probably be put on hold until next Spring! We will also have to reroute waterlines around the new system before the Cabins can be opened.

Lake Access Problem

Yesterday, Mike helped a neighbor who was netting Whitefish on Poplar Lake. There was a strong cold wind, lots of waves, numb hands, a few male Whitefish and plenty of really cold water. The best part of the netting experience was the warm mug of hot chocolate when they returned to shore. The worst part of the experience was having to clean a bucket of slimy, smelly, ice cold Whitefish.

Later the local fox population enjoyed a hearty evening meal and the boys were thinking that Whitefish "caviar" would show up in a couple of days. THEN, this morning the sheltered bay in front of our house was froze over and covered with a light coat of snow.

The main part of the lake is still open but getting to it is difficult. For now the net has been pulled and the boat motor has been put away. The boys are hoping for warmer weather, strong winds and a second chance for "caviar". Also talking about setting a net under the ice when it gets thick enough to support them.

Changing Seasons

We're moving into "Closed" season. This was the most challenging "Ice Off" season that Lin and I have ever experience since becoming lodging hosts. We have to thank all of our neighbors and guests who have helped us get past Lin's health problems and beyond my general confusion. Lin is improving daily and we'll both be here next Spring, spiritually refreshed and ready to welcome everyone back to the wilderness that we enjoy.




While going to therapy this morning we noticed these trees blooming along the side of the road. It is too early to be a sign of Spring and April first is five months away. Does anyone know what we are seeing? The "blooming" trees are growing in a low wetland area and the flowers are actually seeds.