Last Ice Fishing on Perrault Lake before Spring Opener!

Welcome Spring Everybody!


What a difference this spring compared to last year.   Check out how our yard & lake view towards camp looked yesterday!

We took advantage of a beautiful sunny spring day, AND the last day of winter walleye fishing season to head out on the quad and do some ice fishing.  In just a couple of days the ice had started to pull away from shore, and the only place to still get good access to the ice was at the boat ramp on our property.

We had a smooth ride all the way down the lake, with just a couple of spots with a bit of slush.   I took a short video as we left camp. When we got to our fishing spot, Bob drilled our holes and we still had 20" of ice.    We were greeted by 3 bald eagles who were soaring up above, I'm sure hoping we might have a fish for them sometime!  We were hungry for our own supper, so we let them fend for their own!   Also had a golden eagle, lots of ducks, a lone goose,  a lone seagull, and a few noisy woodpeckers and ruffed grouse trying to attract their mates.  Saw several otters & beaver as well.   Had the place to ourselves otherwise.  

Soon after arrival, we had our 1st nice eater walleye.   Had some good action for awhile, and mid day it slowed down a bit. The sun was shining bright, and we were down to light sweatshirts, jeans, and bare hands.  Had a fire going, but it was just for fun, not needed for warming up.   Towards evening, the bite picked back up again.   Overall, had a wonderful relaxing day, and were reminded once again, how much we love being here!  We are really looking forward to seeing all of you who come up every year.

34 Inch Northern released

23" walleye released

We had a good mix in our catch from small walleye and northern to some big ones that we released back.  Most of all, we were happy to catch the sunshine.   Check out our the 2015 Moments in our photo album for more shots around camp this year, and this fishing day.
  

This was our view toward Ord River from where we were fishing.  The open water definitely made advances in the few hours we were there.

On our way back, the land access back at camp had become from the heat of the day, so it was interesting getting back to dry land.  Looks like we'll have an early spring this year!  The water level is very low right now, and we don't expect much runoff.  We'll see how things look after ice-out.  We'll keep you all up to date on how things look through the spring.

We are busy getting some of the prep work done for the summer while the yard dries up.  Have a few  weeks on our own before our staff start.. we'll have to save some jobs for them too right!?!

Still have a few openings for the 1st couple of weeks of fishing season, so a lot of people must be missing out on some great fishing!  If you've got a chance to pay us a visit, give us a call and we'll see where we can fit you in.

Till Next Time,
Gale

Walleye fishing will have to wait

Yep - for sure.  Opening day of fishing season tomorrow, and all is quiet.  Sure glad we postponed our opening week guests for later dates.   We finally had some sunny (although not warm) weather the last couple of days, and we were taking advantage of the break to get started on getting the grounds cleared, and some of the cottages cleaned.    Sounds like everybody in the mid-west is experiencing cold weather too, so we're not alone. 

Rainbow Fleet waiting for ice out.

May 16th view of Perrault Lake

Sheets of ice around the docks are at least 6 inches thick, so out on the main body of Perrault Lake, we're sure it's more than that.  At least there's enough open water spots for the ducks, loons & herons to find places to hang out now.  Slowly but surely spring is coming. 

We'll keep you posted…. anticipating "maybe" a mid week ice out IF the weather co-operates. 

Sunset over an icy Perrault Lake

 

Bye for now!

Delayed Spring Opener at Rainbow Point Lodge

With all the uncertainty of the ice conditions at thaw here at the Lodge we encouraged our opening week guests to come a week later, and thankfully the groups were able to do just that.  We hated to think of people traveling all those distances and not be assured of getting out on the water for opener. All of you out there may have to wait just a little bit longer for some new fishing photos!  Memorial Day weekend will be fantastic!

We are all just so excited to see the sun shining yesterday and today at Perrault Falls.   With the heat and the few days of rain before it, most of our snowbanks are nearly gone.  The lake took a kicking also.  The forecast is for the temperatures to drop again tomorrow for the rest of the week, back down in the low-mid 30's at night, and only about 50 as highs, so things will slow down again.   It's still hard to predict when the ice will go out, but we'll keep you posted via Facebook, and later on the Blog.

Water pooling on top of the ice on Perrault Lake

Ice separating from the shore at Rainbow Point Lodge

Memorial Day Weekend is coming up in the US, and if you don't have plans already, you might want to take a quick trip up to take in some fantastic fishing on Perrault Lake.  Have some availability, and can work out a package for you either for the long weekend, or the week.  Give us a shout if you're interested.  That fresh walleye sizzling in the pan will be well worth the trip!

Till the next post,
Bob & Gale

Spring Perrault Lake Ice Update

I know there are a lot of you that are pretty anxious to hear some news from the "Great White North". Perrault Falls, like most places in the central states and provinces, is having a slow start to spring.   We've had lots of wind the last several days so that's helped kick down the snow a lot.

Here is the progression from April 28th to today of the same view.
At least a little less white!

         

We had a few flurries today, then sleet, then rain, and then over again.  At least it isn't freezing overnight anymore (that we have heard in the forecast anyway)        

Looking out over Perrault Lake today, there was a bit of water at the shore; most of which was sitting on top of the ice.  Lakes are pretty much iced in all over the region and on into Manitoba.

Staff are all anxious to get working this spring.     Usually they are starting work this weekend at the Lodge, but with the snow cover we have put them off to start after at least next weekend.  Can't rake leaves with snowbanks.

 On a brighter note, it won't be long before the Blog will have more pictures like this one!  Think Fishing and Think Summer!  It's coming!  We have a few spots left for the prime fishing during the last couple weeks of May, just after ice-out.  If you have some time to sneak away for a few days before June, give us a shout and we'll see what we can do to get you into some great walleye & northern fishing.  The fish will be hungry and so will you!



We'll keep you posted in the next week on how things are looking around Rainbow Point Lodge.

  

March snow and ice update for Perrault Falls - Perrault Lake

Here is quick update on what's going on up at Perrault Falls.  As you can see from these pictures taken recently, we've got a LOT of snow.
Just for reference on the store photo below, the deck is about 4 feet off the ground.

 This picture is of the road into camp.  Cottage #1 is up ahead on the right…. somewhere???

Apparently the snow is very sugary.  Lakes are all very slushy.. Too much snow on the ice, weighing it down, and pushing the water up.  The ice augers for fishermen are to the max depth WITH extensions…that means 5+ feet of ice!    Temps have been warming up "a bit", but holding between -10 and -20.  Earlier in the winter they were  pretty steady between -30 and -45.  Keep in mind, we don't talk wind chill.  These are actual on the mercury temps.  If we added the wind chill on that it would just not be nice at all!



Doug, a friend of ours from Dryden shared pictures he took recently of a snow machine ride he took with his son.  Got a little too far off the trail we'd say.

Really shows you what is out there in the woods doesn't it?

Imagine what the poor deer and moose have to walk thru!          




So that's our update for today.  Hope you enjoy our updates, and don't forget… SPRING WILL COME!!!!

Lots of projects on our plans for the spring, so we will really have to scramble whenever mother nature gives us some spare ground to work with.

Till next time,
Bob & Gale

Winter Blues? Think of the lazy days of summer fishing on Perrault Lake instead!

"Crazy" is about the only word that comes to mind when I think about the winter that most of North America has experienced since late November.    Perrault Falls has gotten more snow this year than it has in many years, and it's only February.  Minus 35 and lower seems to have been the norm on the mercury; we're not talking wind chill!  Bob & I are glad to have escaped the cold for part of the winter, and keep in close touch with Shorty back at the Lodge, who's keeping an eye on things.  His wife Fran tried an experiment talked about on the news where a cup of boiling hot water is thrown into the air, and affirmed that the water does indeed "whoosh" and immediately disappears into the cold winter air in a puff.  Gotta amuse yourself somehow in the cold!  The otters don't' seem to mind the cold and are still out playing at the falls in front of the lodge, enjoying the very little bit of open water to be found.


Enough talk about the cold!  We need to talk about happier times, and the lazy days of summer; kicking back, and relaxing on the lake, fishing pole in hand.   No schedule to follow, and forget the office!   Ok.. are you there now?



It's great to see the smiles on the kids' faces when they know they've got supper;  never mind the smiles on all the grown-up kids' faces when they bring in their stringers of fish and talk about the big ones that were caught and released or that got away… this time!


It's always so much fun for us to see the transformation in our guests from being stressed out to realizing they can actually relax as they settle into their vacation homes at the Lodge.

Who wouldn't want to listen to the loons in the distance instead of the cars and phones?


We are lucky to live in such a fantastic part of Canada and be able to share our bit of paradise with you all.


Sport show season is on throughout many States and Provinces this winter, and as many of you are aware, we are not attending any of these personally this year.   As you shop around in person, on line, or through the magazines, for your  next trip, we hope you remember that
"We Always Remember You Have a Choice" in your vacation destinations.   Bob and I, and our fantastic staff will always strive to make sure your vacation is perfect in every way.

Looking forward to seeing so many of our regular guests coming back in their usual spots, and to meeting all the new people that have been contacting us to reserve their cottages.  If you haven't made your plans yet, give us a shout.  There are still some spots left here and there, so hopefully we can accommodate you for the time you have off.

Till next time, keep warm, and think spring!!

Early Season Fishing at Rainbow Point Lodge

Can't believe it's already June 8th.  We have already had 3 weeks of camp guests this season, and it's been so busy we have neglected the Blog.  Sorry guys! (& gals)

Bob and his gang had a very busy spring re-building a couple of the docks…then the never ending "honey do" lists from me for misc. cottage repairs.  My gang of staff have been great helping me with all the cleaning and prep to get the cottages just perfect for the 1st guests.  I'm sure many of you will notice the improvements all around camp as you drive into the lodge this year.  Always something to change up to keep things interesting.

The opening week of fishing saw great weather for awhile, then fiercely cold and windy weather too, so a typical May opener I guess.  The fishing was nothing short of outstanding for smallmouth bass opening week which is really kind of odd.  The best smallie fishing that most guests have ever had.  Northern were also very active.  Walleye were smaller, but plentiful opening week, so it was apparent they were still in their post spawn rest period.   Fish were scattered throughout the lake, from the Ord right up to the bay in front of the lodge.  

The 2nd week of season saw really chilly weather, which even included a morning snow flurry one day.  Everybody still went fishing, and it was great that some of the best fishing was just in the bay near camp, and into 1st & 2nd bay.  More action in the walleyes, with more larger fish being reported to have been caught (& released).   The bass & northern still continue to be aggressive

The 3rd week had unbelievable summer weather, with temps daily into the low 80's + and little or no wind.  Everybody had a great time this week in above normal temperatures, sunshine, and great fishing.  Amazing to hear how everyone was actually SEEING the walleye schools swimming in the shallows.  26" walleye I believe was the biggest caught this week, with many fish being caught and released in the low and mid 20" range; 14" perch, lots of bass, and I mean LOTS.  Again the smallmouth seemed to create the most excitement, with one guest commenting that they were nearly jumping in the boat.  Great fun for all!   Regulars had to find new fishing holes since the water temp was up in the 60's instead of the usual 50's or less, but it didn't take long to get into some action.   A soggy day at Perrault Falls today to end off the week, with  2" of rain so far, and a bit more forecast for over night.  Nice to have a rain to dampen down the forests and bring up the lake level after that hot stretch. Should be clear for the new group of guests arriving tomorrow.   I've got a few pictures shared from the guests, but haven't got them uploaded to this computer yet, so watch for some pictures in the next few days when I get caught up.  

Big day tomorrow, so I'll sign off, but either Bob or myself will update you again soon!  If you really wanted to follow us more often, I am keeping the Facebook page up with short posts more often.  "Like us" on Facebook or through our website link, and you'll be able to keep in the loop!

Gale

Quick spring update

Unseasonably cool temperatures have been the norm for the last couple of weeks. Making up for getting so warm so early I guess.   Still sunny, and we are getting lots of work done around the lodge.  Don't want to charge up the water lines just yet though.  Forecast for well below freezing again tonight.

Some of the staff will start up next week, so the bigger projects will be under way.  Have a couple of new staff members coming on board this year, so all you regulars will have some newbies to break in!

Just thought I'd share a couple of pictures taken last week around camp.  So calm and quiet this time of year.   Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Shore line near cottage #11

Looking out from the point

Spring has been here already!!!

  Everyone knows it has been a crazy winter and even more so up north at the Lodge. Gale and I got home a few days ago and found out that the Lake had been completely clear of ice for a week. There is also no snow under the trees or any frost in the ground!  NOW, I know everyone has a story to tell on this topic but since this is my Blog you will have to listen to mine. Let's put this all into perspective, 25-30 years ago when we bought the Lodge we regularly called our opening week guests about the ice situation and sometimes had to cancel the opening week because you could not get out on the Lake (that's the 3rd. week in May), 6 weeks from now!!! The last 10 years or so the ice has regularly been out around the last of Apr. to the first week in May, and I found that a bit concerning. This year may be an anomaly but it sure does make me think that we might be able to plant real palms in a few years besides the lighted ones we have on our deck!!  We will wait and see what happens next winter.
  We still have two days left until ice fishing is legally over and we might put a boat in and see if we can get a walleye dinner this weekend, go figure.
  I had the airplane running the other day and am going to push it into the water, (from it's winter shoreline resting place) , next week and this again will be the earliest I have ever flown on the water in 40 years!
  Enough about the weather!  We are really quite impressed at the way our reservations are looking as the past 5-6 years has been hard on all of us. It sure is nice to have our MANY regular long time guests continue to support us. The in flux of many new guests to the Lodge is also a sign of the economy turning around slowly and that our advertising in many markets is getting the word out. We again thank everyone for the Great "word of mouth" and that also is a deal maker with many new guest possibilities. That's it for the "Mushy Stuff", but it's necessary and appreciated!
  I have to show you a couple of pictures of Gale's different fish she caught in our boat 2 weeks ago down south. She sure showed me up, but someone had to tie on the bait, run the boat, get to the hot spot, clean the fish, clean the boat, and take the pictures-----Right??

Well, that's it for now and I will do another update in the next few weeks with some Lodge pictures and news about new projects. We also have availability the first and second week of the season, with special pricing so if, last minute is your name, call us and come on up!!!!  For now take Care.  BOB and Gale

Opening Week 2011

Can't believe we've already gone through our 1st week of season at Rainbow Point Lodge!  We had our usual share of big projects to get done before opener, and I think we all did a good job in getting them done in time.  The biggest project of the spring was new dock in front of Cottage 8/9.  The new set-up will allow more boats to be docked at that end without going under the old "bridge dock" which is being taken down during the summer.  Bob and George spent many hours in their neoprene waders hauling rocks and placing cribs.   The lights are in place, and everything looks great.

Ken Sharlein from Wisc.
 shows off a nice 30 inch Northern Pike

We had a busy opening weekend with many Canadian guests taking advantage of the long weekend in Canada (Queen Victoria's Birthday).   The guests that were with us for the whole week had a great time enjoying fishing every day with very calm winds, which made the relatively cool temperatures pretty comfortable overall on the lake.   There was enough sun to give many their spring sunburnt noses as a free souvenir!   With the consistently cool temps (down to just below freezing overnight for a couple of nights) the water temperature also dropped considerably, so the walleye bite was slowed down from normal.   Best action was  mostly in and around the mouth of the Ord River, and outside Jackfish Bay, with patient jigging getting the best catches.   The bigger story of the week was the many large smallmouth being caught,  some up in the 18-20" range, which was unusual for this time of year.  Of course the northern pike were providing plenty of action as well, with large sucker chubbs giving the best results.   As the water starts to warm up more over the next few days we expect the walleye bite to really turn.  Good news for all the father and son groups staying with us this week.

Wish you were here!  If you have time to get away for a fishing trip this summer, give us a shout.  There are still a few openings here and there through the summer, so you may not be too late to get a trip organized.

More to post soon....... and I'll get on the photo album as soon as I get a few extra minutes.  Gale

Spring is coming Slowly!!

Gale and I just got back to the Lodge 2 days ago. It sure was nice to spend the winter in a warm place and avoid the snow shovel. Coming back home after a break gives us a new appreciation for the beauty and serenity that we take for granted on a daily basis. We are ready to get going on the projects that we are planning for this spring but there is still a foot of snow on the ground and the lake will be quite some time before the ice is gone.

This morning it is snowing and the temp. is going to be just around the freezing mark so the thaw is taking it's time. We are going to go out ice fishing tomorrow as it is the last day of fishing season before the spring opener and it, hopefully, will be nice to have a couple of fresh walleye for supper (eat your heart out)!!!! I have been talking to a few of my friends that were fishing this winter and they said the fishing was great but the slush and poor ice was something they had to watch out for.

When we drove home we came up through North Dakota so we could see Gale's parents and my Father and our Daughter in Winnipeg. When we went through Fargo and Grand Forks the Red River was just getting to the crest and I feel for the people that have to deal with all the water each spring. The fields looked like a lake for as far as you could see.

I will be posting some pictures of our ice fishing (hopefully) in the next few days and will keep you all up to date on the ice situation as we get closer to the opener. If you have the urge to try the opening week out for yourself this will be one of the best in the past few years. The fishing is going to be fantastic, as a late ice out, means lots of hungry fish in fairly shallow water. The northerns are going to be real aggressive and the walleye action will be non stop. I can hardly wait!

I am going to cut this note short but wish everyone a warm "Hello" and we look forward to hosting you this coming summer. If you haven't made your reservation yet or would like to look at our web site take a minute and see at what your missing http://www.blogger.com/http//www.rainbowpoint.com

Take Care Bob and Gale

Winter is on it's way out-----SLOWLY!!!!



Amanda releases her Grouper with her Dad





Everyone:  Hi again from our winter hideaway. We are daily reading the weather reports from the middle of the country, and boy what a winter everyone up north is having after the last few milder ones! We are also talking to Shorty and Fran, who are looking after our house at the Lodge while we are gone, and I am certainly not in Shorty's good book this year.  We are having a heavy snowfall at the Lodge and the temps have been quite a bit on the COLD side. (-30's normal).  The lake conditions are not very good for getting around on snowmachine, as there was so much heavy snow early before the ice was thick enough, the slush conditions are keeping people from enjoying ice fishing as much as they should this year.   When we say cold at the Lodge we do not factor in the wind chill as this would give most people a heart attack but you just deal with it. Did I say deal with it?   No... not this year.  We are really enjoying the time we are spending in the Florida Keys and are making the most of it by fishing and enjoying the outdoors. We don't get to do very much fishing during the summer as we are so busy taking care of business, so this is a real treat for both of us.   I am posting few of the fishing pictures that I have from last week when our older daughter Amanda, and my brother John came for a week visit.  Having trouble getting the photos to post, to this is all I can get into this issue.  I know many of you have been asking, but we'll try again later and see if we can get it to work! 



Spanish Mackerel caught by Bob's brother John



You might enjoy this little video of dolphin in the bay near our rental place though.  We watched these guys who must have been fishing themselves, for quite awhile.





Gale and I are looking forward to the spring and getting to all the projects that we have planned. We find that being away from the Lodge and our home for a while makes you appreciate it all that much more when you get back. It also makes us understand why people like yourself want to make Rainbow Point Lodge part of your vacation plans.



We have some prime fishing spots left during the last couple weeks of May.  Opening day is May 21st this year, so if you have a chance to slip up to the lodge for a few days or a week, give us a shout and we'll see what we can do to accommodate your schedules. If you've never tried early season fishing, you really should just once -- you'll be hooked!

We are having a few of the same employees back that we had last year and one new one of mention, our Daughter Karla. She is coming back for the summer ,from her travels to Ireland, to work for us before she goes back to College for two more years. This will add to her culinary arts degree she got a couple of years ago.  We are all looking forward to having her around for the summer and a little closer to home once again.  She missed camp life a lot, and looks forward to seeing everyone again!



Bob, Amanda and Gale together for a vacation

 



Well that's all for now but keep checking in with our Blog as you never know when we will have some news for you. I hope you don't mind the warm weather pictures, as I am not trying to rub it in, but I just don't miss snow shovelling & cold back home this year - the feeling guilty stuff just didn't stick around with me!!

Take Care and will talk to you soon.

BOB and GALE



Spring weather trends at Perrault Falls

We know all of you fishermen (& ladies) are anxious to hear all about the lake levels and weather, so here's a quick update.  The calendar page has turned, and opening day is in sight!

We had a very long stretch of above normal temperatures early this spring, and as we mentioned before the ice went out on Perrault Lake exceptionally early on April 14th.  Since then we've seen 3 solid weeks of beautiful summer-like weather, wil absolutely no rain.  Evenings still dipped down to the mid/high 30's, but day-time crept up to the high 70's some days.  The high lake levels we saw last fall are long gone, and with not much for run-off this spring, the lake is down considerably -not the lowest we've seen, but certainly down.  All the warm dry weather resulted in extreme forest fire danger, and the MNR implemented the restricted fire zone designation. 

This week we've seen a change in the weather pattern that looks like it will stick for about a week +-.  Finally got our much needed rain; enough for the MNR to drop their fire ban, so that is always a relief.  Day time temps are a chilly and damp 50 deg +-, and down to just above freezing at night.  More seasonable for this time of year, but I'm sure it will turn around again before long.

Will update things soon.  Right now we've got plenty to keep us busy getting ready for all of you to arrive! 

Oh... still have a few spots open for spring fishing!   Give us a call today to set up a quick long weekend trip, or maybe you can swing a week.  Life is too short - get out enjoy it!

Early Early Spring at Perrault Falls

In 26 years we don't remember as early a spring as this one! Perrault Lake is black, and we wouldn't doubt if it was out before the weekend. Last year we we were still driving a truck and 4wheelers out on the lake and ice fishing at this time.   Hard to believe the difference.  The bay at camp is nearly open.  Absolutely no snow on the ground. 

Get out those fishing rods guys (& gals)!   Still room for some groups the 3early weeks of season - give us a shout today to book in your long weekend, or week long stay!  1-800-282-9039

Spring has already been Springing!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone:

Only 6 more weeks till fishing season!!!! I know many of you have a countdown going yourselves. For all of you who have planned your spring trips, there will be no fear of ice not being out in time for spring opener. Like many of you, we are seeing a very early arrival of warm spring weather. so there is next to no snow already, and the lake ice won't take long to go out with the continued warm temps. This early warm weather is unheard of for us this time of year.

A bonus for us for the early spring is that we will be able to get to the many jobs we want to do before the season starts which is just fine with us. Some years it is a scramble to get things ship shape by the time the 1st guests arrive as we are often still seeing snow and deep frost into late April. Besides and week long raking job and cabin spring cleaning, there are always many repairs and improvements to be made. This spring will see some additional dock renovations and deck staining to keep things looking good, along with many other projects that I won't bore you with. You'll see what's new when you get here.

I was talking to George a couple of days ago and he is "winter rested" and ready to go. Just a few weeks ago he and his wife Dianne were blessed with the birth of their 1st grandchildren - twins (boy and a girl) Big congratulations goes out to their family!

We have hired some brand new dock staff and I am really looking forward to working with them and hope this will work into a long time relationship for them working with our team.

We are all looking forward to seeing everyone again, and also meeting all you new first timers to the Lodge! If you have the spring fishing itch, we have some openings for early season, and have a special running for the 1st 3 weeks that may be hard to pass up. Check out our website for details!

Knock the dust off the fishing gear and get ready for a Great Season! BOB and GALE!

Ice Breaker Fishing Special introduced

Here we already into February, and I don't know about the rest of you, but we are definitely thinking spring!  Opening day this year will be May 15th, and our regular ice-out fishing enthusiasts have re-booked their cottages to make sure they don't miss out.  If you haven't tried fishing the 1st few weeks of fishing season here at Perrault Lake, you really need to try it - at least once!  You'll want to make it an annual affair.  Just after ice-out, the fish are concentrated in the shallows post spawn and are soon to be headed out into the main lake.  You will find some fabulous fishing action on walleye and the northern pike are furious!  They  will keep you busy throughout the day, and you'll be able to get in that 1st shore lunch of the season in no time! 

We have decided to run an ice-out special to help you make that decision to come up for the excitement all that much more inviting.  Our Extra Value Fishing Package will give you everything you would need for a week's fishing.  Check out the special on our website, and contact us today while we still have space.   Visit our web photo album for this, and many more photos of last spring's fishing, and of the great fishing season we had last year.  Be the 1st to get our photo up on the Rainbow Point Lodge 2010 fishing album!

Keep warm, and think spring!

Quick Ice update!!

It is only three weeks to the opener and the ice is taking a beating from the wind and temperatures. As we all know and have said over and over, IT WAS COLD THIS WINTER and it is taking it's time warming up. The daily temps are just above the freezing mark with the odd really warm day thrown in as a teaser. I was out yesterday with the bobcat knocking down piles of snow and drifts in the shade, not that it helped thaw it out, just that beating up the snow was a therapeutic exercise and made me feel good!! I will post another update in a week or so and give you my prediction on ice out. It looks promising as of now for a clear opener. Take care and we look forward to hosting you this coming summer and seeing all of you, our local neighbours that follow this Blog. BOB