Adapt or Hibernate

This year, it wasn't until May 18th before the ice departed from Poplar Lake. In 2012 the lake ice was gone by March 28th. It was probably to much to expect that the first signs of winter would be late this year to offset for our late thaw.

The temperatures today are holding below freezing and there is a light dusting of snow that will still be around when we get up tomorrow morning. Since we have been here at Rockwood Lodge the average date for Poplar Lake to ice over has been November 18th. We're really wishing for an ice free Thanksgiving and a white Christmas.  

October 20th,  2013

 Most of the work involved in getting the Lodge ready for the winter season has been completed. Water lines have been drained, cabins have been closed, canoes have been stored and sewers have been winterized. Today's big accomplishment was finding the garbage can that a bear took from Cabin #3 last August. (The leafs on the underbrush are gone making it possible for us to spot the can out in the woods.)

I still have to get the outboard motors ready for winter storage and to haul the canoes that are being replaced to a buyer in Ely. Replacing the shower valves in the Bunkhouse, moving the internet satellite dish up the house, fixing a couple of picnic tables, attending a safe driver course and getting one of the cabin canoes welded are just a few of the items on my agenda for this week. We should probably pay some bills -- but finding and organizing my tackle for the upcoming December 29th opening for Lake Trout fishing may take preference.