We’re off and running – getting a lot of repairs and things done. Fixing roofs, putting up new stove pipe, putting in new heaters, fixing screens and doors, making shelves, painting the sign, etc. But before we go any further I promised pictures from our going away party and fish from our first outing.

The going away party was a little wet but not thoroughly so – I only had to shield the cooking pork teriyaki from the rain for about a half hour but the rain didn’t dampen the over all festivities.

Here’s Ying taking a close up of the roasting pork

Here’s a good shot of many of the assembled revelers. The party was definitely a success and went late into the night.

We didn’t get fishing on Sunday because there was too much to do and then a cool front came in. It was in the upper 20’s F a couple nights and spat snow during the days and came down like crazy at night.

Here’s a shot of it snowing in front of the house. The day after this was taken it was in the 70s! We went fishing yesterday and caught several really nice bass I caught two well over 18″ and another around 17″. The Evil Janeeto (from the planet Janetron) once again caught the first fish and of course was really gracious about it – screaming “WOOOHOOOO I CAUGHT THE FIRST FISH WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!” Once again it was driven home with a pile driver to me exactly why I don’t carry a pistol – the hypothetical scene (with pistol) would be like this – Janet, “WOOOHOOOO I CAUGHT THE FIRST FISH WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!” – Jack, Blam! blam! blam! splash, “Aaaahhhh, thats better!”

Here’s a shot of Baxter TWD examining the three nice males that we took for supper.

The Zollinger crew is in camp enjoying the spring – fishing and exploring.

They made a trip up the Wapus the other day and got some great shots of the lower falls and Bridal Veil falls. What with all the exploring they didn’t get much of a chance to fish the area. They did get to see a young moose and didn’t have any problem with the weed beds since the water is high and weeds haven’t got much growth yet. The water was still a little cool for swimming at the falls too.

Bob also sent out the moose antler shed gathering crew (AKA grand children) with great success on the south end of the Welsh-Mack road.

Here’s the crew with two complete sets and a couple of singles.

Here’s the proud Grandfather with a pile of antlers.

Its overcast and threatening rain today and about 65F – the black flies a pretty bad. Its been windy every day since we’ve gotten here so I haven’t yet retrieved the docks so the beach is still clear. The Jackson Crew (AKA the Bug Masters have just pulled in) and I have to make out licenses so I must bid you adieu.

Of the Boreal North!

Yes folks we’re back. And let me tell you its great to be back! Things were hectic ramping up to our translation to the Northland. I haven’t blogged in a while. Janet was slacking since her beloved Penguins were/are in the thick of things on their quest for the Cup, we had another fantastic (if soggy) going away picnic and I was busy getting things into shape before we left as well as substitute teaching. I’ll post some pictures from the party as well as spring time at camp pictures here soon.

Everything is as it should be here at camp – no large trees down and no major winter damage. Its been a cool (yet I believe a typical) spring thus far. There are very few leaves budding but its about 70F today and partly sunny. The blackflies are in evidence. They still don’t seem to be as “friendly” as they usually get. Firth is still quite cold and the north wind off the lake makes the beach area about 5 degrees colder than here at the lodge. Two of the Zollinger grand children were swimming yesterday! Well not really swimming more like running and falling then jumping out of the lake shivering! They are young kids but I can assure you that there were no brass monkeys swimming! Janet has made sure that we have our fishing licenses and I am anticipating going fishing today. Firth lake bass are the greatest bass on earth. Tasty too.

The diesel and the water system came on line without hitch this year. The diesel must have heard that we are in the process of subjugating it to generator emeritus! But after receiving 14K$ (Ca/Am doesn’t really make any difference) bids from local suppliers I am blanching somewhat. I will be surfing the web to see if I can find a suitable less costly alternative and or use that as leverage to get the local suppliers to reduce their bids. I would much rather keep the capital in the north and have an assured quick parts source but 14K$ yeegads!!!!!

We did have a substantial propane leak in the subsurface line to the lodge and that set us back about 600$ for a new regulator and service call. I thought it was the high pressure regulator gone bad but the leak was the root cause. I have an extra regulator now so if this happens again I’ll be able to switch out the regulator and then pin point the leak on my own. But alas, as always, education comes at a price. On another “downer note” gas prices on the way here were about 1.25$Can/liter and I am really dreading the diesel and gas fillup bill! As you may have guessed our prices will have to be adjusted to reflect the upward spiral of fuel costs – I can assure you though that we will not be posting billion dollar record profits as Exxon has. ( I never get my way! Janet always stops me from becoming a North-country Robber Baron – Dammit! My plans are always foiled!)

Janet’s mother’s memorial flowering crab-apple tree (Malus dolgo) has made it through its first northern winter with flying colors. I can’t wait to see and smell the blossoms! I am also looking forward to my wild and ancient roses as well smelling lilacs again, my lupines are thriving and all my northern bonsai are happy as hell. Driving to the north of Ontario ~300$ seeing spring at Sportsmen’s Camp, priceless!

Pat and Carol Cherry are due in today and I am really looking forward to the ensuing mayhem as well as the addition help here at camp. Sled and Barb are also working like a dog on the camp start-up. Sled will be cutting out new letters for the “fish sign” too! After about 15 years since I last painted the sign I though it was time to redo it. Baxter TWD is also having a great time here chasing snowshoe hares all over camp. We are also looking forward to Phil Pocsic’z (sic) ensuing nuptials. (we even brought “dress clothes” north!)

Time to eat lunch and get going for a Sunday fishing trip. Later Duuuudes!!!