We are back at the Lodge after a quiet Christmas with Jamie in the Soo. Although we had a ‘sort of’ green Christmas in 2015, this was the first TRULY green Christmas of our lives!!We really enjoyed the mild weather, a rare treat in December but our lives here in the north are dependent on the change in seasons and the arrival of a good coat of snow. Duke was not happy. He really loves the snow plus it has the extra benefit of covering up the ‘burrs’ in the forest, an enemy of long haired dogs everywhere! He just had his first grooming which went fairly well but it did take two groomers to hold him. He is learning everyday as he heads into his second year. We will take him to a well known dog trainer in the Soo to help us with some difficult behaviours- wish us luck!!
This time of year always makes us look forward to seeing our repeat guests and also introducing our new guests to our quiet, scenic area. 2024 will be our 37th season- how did that happen?? 2023 was a very different year especially concerning the weather. Last winter was bookended by 2 huge snowstorms, taking care of all snowfall for the season. Most of the snow was gone by the beginning of the last week of April and ice out for Jobam was May 3. Some good rains brought out the bugs making this the worst bug year we have ever had!! Then the heat began- so many 35c (95f) days is not normal! Thankfully no forest fires burned too closely to the Lodge but we had quite a few days of seeing and smelling smoke. In those unpredictable days of early spring, we saw some nice fish- yay to Heather S., Wayne and Linda P.!!
Summer is always short and sweet! Hiking, swimming, kayaking and canoeing- love it. We enjoyed many beach days. Thanks to the many family groups who enjoyed their vacations Outpost style- Elliots, Milczareks, Caryers, Nickolis, Wests, Demers and our ‘riders’ Vlad and friends. We marked some very special occasions with the Gribbens and their ‘lakeside therapy’ dinner, the’ gangsters’ in the Corbett/Osborne wedding party and Elizabeth said ‘yes!’ to her beau in the shade of the big white pine in front of cottage #4!!
The fall colours were just fantastic as was the weather. Our Demers sisters swam on many of their days with us in September. Brigitte’s amazing dream catcher will grace the dining room for years to come! Our season ended on October 8 giving us time to put everything to bed by first snow on October 28.
We enjoyed a short visit with Sean and Isabella as well as a sunny walking tour of Elora, a scenic town near Guelph. Cuba called us once again- had a wonderful, sunny time. Easy travelling- it was the first time we didn’t come home to a snowstorm!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our guests and their families who lost loved ones this year.
We will remember them all.
Changes to zone 10 fishing regulations for 2024
WALLEYE
Season- Jan 1 – third Sat in March Third Sat in May – Dec 31
Limits- Sport Fishing License- 4 fish NONE greater than 46 cms (18 inches)
-Conservation License- 2 fish NONE greater than 46 cms (18 inches)
PIKE
Season- open all year
Limits- Sport fishing License- 6 fish- not more than one greater than 61 cms (24 inches) AND
NONE greater than 86 cms (34 inches)
Conservation License- 2 fish- NONE greater than 61 cms (24 inches)
The rationale in these changes is to increase the number of mature spawning fish to support quality fishing opportunities for the future. We hope that all fishers will appreciate and adhere to these changes.
A big thank you to our family of Outpost folks for your business and your friendship. We will continue to work hard to make your vacation here memorable and relaxing. See you in the spring!!
Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy 2024!
Jim, Ann, Jamie, Sean, Isabella and Duke!!
Ken and Ann June 2023