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

Border Crossing - Your DUI and what you should know

There is finally some movement on the side of the Canadian Government in recognizing that some of the border inadmissibility rules were far too stringent and were a detriment to tourism in our country.  This was particularly the case for people with a single DUI or minor offence in the past.   Bob took part in a meeting with selected tourist lodge owners and government officials recently to hear about, and discuss TRP (Temporary Resident Permits" and border crossing in general.  

Here is a recent announcement from the office of our Member of Parliament, Greg Rickford

                                         "Tourism Facility Action Plan (TFAP)

• Our Government is committed to facilitating the travel of legitimate visitors to Canada, while protecting the health, safety, and security of Canadians.

·       We are also committed to promoting economic benefits to Canada, such as an increase in trade and tourism with our trade partners.

·       That is why we are introducing the Tourism Facilitation Action Plan, to ensure that those who want to visit Canada, and are approved by CIC and CBSA, can more easily visit our country.

Two part plan:

1)     Visa application centres (VAC)

2)     Discretion on Issuance of TRPs and fees

a.     Public Policy on Minor Criminal Inadmissibility

b.     Transit without a Visa Program

VACs

·       Visa Application Centres are an innovative network of third party visa offices that provide timely visas for those interested in visiting Canada.

·       VACs are run by private companies and international organizations, consequently, they are able to operate efficiently and respond to market demands. New centres open where market demand is high and in areas convenient to individuals applying.

• CIC currently has 60 VACs in 41 countries.  Under the new global VAC model, our government will expand this network to up to 150 VACs by 2014.

·       This is another example of our government’s innovative approach to efficiency, cost-saving measures, and promoting Canada as a tourist destination.

Discretion on Issuance of TRPs and Fees

·       This public policy initiative will provide the CBSA with some discretion in waiving the fee for a Temporary Residency Permit in cases that are warranted.

Minor Criminality

·       Many tourists are stopped and denied entry at our borders because they are deemed inadmissible for having a minor criminal offense on their record. Often, these are outdated misdemeanours or minor infractions that took place decades ago.

·       Particularly, US citizens trying to enter Canada for a family vacation or fishing trip are being turned away.

·       It is a dubious and intrusive rule, and the current process for those refused is overly burdensome and requires substantial supporting documents and records that are not easily available. This rule results in millions of dollars in lost revenue from would-be tourists and has a negative bilateral effect.

·       That is why we have created this public policy option for a one-time exemption to facilitate entry for individuals in this circumstance. Those who meet the security and criminality criteria will then be permitted to enter Canada as tourists.

Transit without a Visa Program

·       Some foreign travellers, due to unforeseen travel circumstances, find themselves in Canada without proper visiting documents. These individuals will no longer be forced to pay the $200 fee for a Temporary Resident Permit.

·       This applies for those who transit in Canada on their way to another country, and those who arrive on an aircraft that is forced to land in Canada under emergency-related circumstances."

We'll update as we find out more.  If you have an issue that makes you concerned about regarding your admissibility to Canada, feel free to drop us a line or phone call and we'll do our best to either answer your questions, or get you off in the right direction for someone who can.  

Full details of this Special Public Policy will be available on the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website on March 1st.  

www.cic.gc.ca .

Spring Thought's and STUFF!!!!

We would like to first say Thank-you to all the new and old guests that stopped by the Green Bay Sport show last month. Gale and I enjoy talking about past vacation stories and truly love explaining the Rainbow experience to the first timers. The weekend was busy but we couldn't miss it as it was our 27th. year there. Don't want to break a record.

We made it back down south and are enjoying the weather. It seems that every day is taken up with internet work and answering the phone!! We're not complaining but the economy looks like it has made many folks feel more comfortable about traveling north again on a regular basis. This is the time of year when everyone has just about had enough of winter and are booking their spring and summer fishing and hunting vacations.

The weather has been fairly nice down in the Keys lately and as I have said before, I don't miss the snow shovel one bit! The one nice thing about spending the winter down south is that we actually get to do some fishing. You would think that since we own a fishing Lodge that we would do a lot of fishing but, think again! We mostly go out in the Atlantic for a mix of reef fishing and you never know what your are going to catch. The other day it was so flat that we went out in the Gulf Stream and trolled for sails and wahoo. This took us 15-20 miles off shore and we were only about 50 miles from Havana! We carry a fish I.D. book so we know what we have in the boat. All I know is that everything has TEETH and there is no such thing as lipping them. (only once!)

This spring we have a few things that we are going to put in place so you will be able to have a "Rainbow Fix" anytime you want?? I tried to install a web based camera 4 years ago with no success but I think we have the right combination now so we are going to have at least one camera on the property that you will be able to remotely move from your computer to give you a real time "Rainbow Fix". Stay tuned for the details as it will be installed this spring.

We will be building two new docks and adjusting the location of a couple of the floaters we have on the property. Gale has been busy buying many small things to update the interior furnishings and over all homey feeling of the cottages. This is something I stay out of as my idea of decorating is installing a rod holder by the door and a gun rack on the wall. There might also be need for a beer fridge on the deck but that may be pushing it with the management!!

I will not be long winded but I must mention the changes that are going to be in effect this summer at the border with respect to DUI's and minor charges that have happened in the last 5 years. I was personally on a conference call with a few other select outfitters and association representatives, with the Canadian Governmental Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenny, and our Member of Parliament, Greg Rickford when the policy was announced a while ago. We were all presented with the general overview of the policy change and had a chance to ask the Minister any questions that we had at that time. The news was well received by all and it will help border crossing problems for individuals with (1) DUI or small non serious charge in the last (5) years, to be admitted free of charge to enjoy our Canadian outdoors. This policy is to be in effect in late March this year. As soon as I have the details in print from the Government I will post it on this Blog. If you want to ask any questions about it you can call me @ 1 800 282-9039.

Gale and I are looking forward to the start of the spring fishing season and hope that you will find the time to come and visit us if you aren't all ready. If you can't visit this year keep looking at the Blog or the camera and visit our web page www.rainbowpoint.com often. Take Care till next time.

BOB and Gale

Green Bay Show next week!!!!

Hello Everyone: Gale and I are travelling to Green Bay next week for the All Canada sport show and look forward to seeing as many of you as we can. I think the town will have semi recovered from the game last weekend and, I didn't expect the results along with the rest of you.

I hope the winter has been treating you well. The weather at the Lodge has been above normal until now and it is just starting to get cold for a short while. We stayed home for Christmas with our Girls and some other family and had a ball. We put away the decorations, packed up and headed south just there after.

The summer looks like it will be another busy one with the weeks filling up fast. More of you are commenting on the new electric start four stroke outboards that we purchased and how nice they start and quiet they are. We always strive to have the finest equipment for the most competitive price and we also give you the highest personal service offered anywhere. There has been quite a bit of price cutting lately as the spring promotion season is in full swing but that is a sign of the times we live in. Gale and I did not find it necessary to adjust the rates this year, and we appreciate your loyalty and hope that you will continue to enjoy your vacations with us.

I am going to post some pictures of some of our fishing adventures in the Keys as soon as we get the chance to get out for a serious day of it. We have been swamped since we got here 10 days ago and with the Show next week in Green Bay the fishing pictures may come after we get back.

I will let you go, but remember Jan. 26-29 Green Bay and we'll see you there and if not give us a call 1 800 282-9039 anytime and we can set up a 2012 fishing or hunting vacation for you.

We will have some new exciting news for you to think about soon so keep watching. Stay warm. Bob and Gale

9 more sleeps!!

Hi Everyone: Well you don't need to be told that the Big day is on it's way and we hope that next weekend all your Christmas wishes will come true! In these days of political correctness I feel rather bold using the full name Christmas, but deal with it.

Gale and I are just putting the finishing touches on the shopping and the house decorating. We are having our two Daughters, and a number of other relations over for Christmas. It is always a great time and of course,with way too much food and the odd drink! We are going out today to kill the yearly tree so we can spread needles all over the deck and the inside of the living room for the next couple of weeks. Over the years the act of finding the perfect tree, putting it up, and decorating, has come close to divorce, but it's is memorable never the less.

You will notice our yearly newspaper coming in the mail any day now. It has a summary of the past years news and a bunch of pictures of many of yourselves, so have a look you may be in there and read it from front to back when you have a second. We also included the new 2012 price list for your information. Don't worry there are not too many changes! On a related note we have had a couple of guests buy trips for their loved one's for Christmas and it is not to late to do this if you are looking for a unique gift that will be remembered for years to come. Give us a call and we can make it happen Today!

The one thing I look forward to this time of year the most is Dec. 21st. as this is the day that the day light begins to get longer. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but these short days and cold weather, persistent clouds, snow, wind, furnace running, nothing on T.V. but football and the X factor, are getting to me. I bet you can't tell!!!!

We are leaving for the Keys a couple of days after Christmas this year and I can't wait to put on only shorts and flip flops for a few month's. I told my Daughters and Brother, while they are visiting us next week, that if, after they open their gifts they hear their cars warming up in the driveway and see the tree thrown over the over the deck, it's time to go!! Hint Hint!

Anyways, Gale and I do wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we hope that Rainbow Point Lodge will be part of your 2012 thoughts and that we can make your year even that much more enjoyable. Also please take a second to comment on this Blog as it is fun to see how many people really read this stuff. Take Care. BOB and GALE

Early Fall Report!!

Well….. It's obviously the start of Nov. but someone forgot to tell the weather Gods. We have been having, as most of you know, one of the warmest falls on record and it doesn't bother us a bit! Over the years we have had a great mix of weather at this time of year, with lousy winning out more often. I'm loving it as it give us more time to plan and start our spring jobs. The only weather thing a few weeks ago that is a bit of a concern, was the wind that was banging my airplane around on the dock. This is the time of year that Gale and I have a bit more time to use the plane and are able to fly out to visit some good friends, and we can do a bit of remote fishing as the weather permits. We flew up north for a few hours of trout fishing, before it closed at the end of Sept. The fish were right up on top and what a blast!! Gale had the hot hand that day. Last month we just enjoyed the fall colours and solitude. I pulled the plane up on dry land yesterday, after a nice afternoon flight around the area, and I think we might have got a few friends out of their afternoon snoozes!!    Oh well!! Lots of fun.

Last week we bid farewell to our last guest of the season. They were doing a combo moose, bird, fishing trip and lucked into a fantastic trio of success. They harvested a 48 inch bull along with many partridge and a mix of fish. 

The weather was nothing short of fantastic, with a bit of frost early in the morning and 40-50's the rest of the day.   Whitefish were also running and if you have never seen this fall spawning run, it is pretty cool. The river is full of Whites and they are all stirring up the water as they move up stream creating a muddy mix. The water is very low this fall so the spawning run is even more pronounced. We caught quite a few fish to smoke and eat fresh but no where near our 25/person fish limit. That would have been easy to do but we only catch what we can use. 

Gale and I are working on our fall promotional stuff and will have our 2012 rates and specials printed in the near future. I know…. it is not the time of year that your spring/summer trip is top on your list especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming ever closer. When you get a chance, take a look at the literature we send you and visit the web site www.rainbowpoint.com often, for some year end savings and specials as they become available. Next summer looks like another good one based on the reservations already made.  If you have a week, or a specific cabin, you are interested in, call and see if it is available and book "This years prices" now for next years vacation!!

Grouse, Bear, Moose & Fish - Love this Place!

Happy Fall!

Can't believe it is already late September!  The summer flew by for everyone here at the Lodge.  Things are still fairly busy around here, especially since all of our staff have gone for the season.  Bob is out guiding, and I found myself with a few extra minutes to drop you all a quick update.  Leaves were slow to turn, but are now showing their colors after we got a very hard frost late last week.  

Grouse hunters in this week have had really good success, and nice weather to go along with it.   As the leaves start to fall the hunting will be all the better.  Fishing has been slower the last couple of weeks as the lake was in transition, but the groups that where here enjoyed some of the nicest fishing weather they could have asked for in this time of year.  We should be seeing some great action starting again with the fishing groups this week.   If you want to plan a last minute trip up for some fall grouse hunting & fishing give us a shout.

Our bear hunt finished up last week with the last couple of happy, successful hunters heading back to the States with their trophies.  A good successful hunting season overall and hunts for 2012 are already booking in.  

This week is our archery moose hunt, and it was off to a great start with Tom Coon getting a bull the 1st morning out!  Congratulations Tom.   The moose are responding to calls very well, so it'll make for an exciting week for the guys here.

Late August Trophy Walleye - 10 Lbs - 30" 

I updated many photos on our web photo album last week, so if you haven't checked it out lately, I hope you do.  I'd be curious to hear from some of you about the load time of the page… I'm using a different platform to post them, and want to know how it is being viewed.  Thanks to all of you for sharing your fantastic photos with us!  As we go through the album, we again realize how very quickly this summer of 2010 has come and gone.

Lots of people are getting their plans made for next season, so if you have a week you are wanting to come, give us a call and get your cottage reserved while we have some options open.

Till next time,
Gale

August update!!

The fishing season is still going strong and the families are getting their last trip of the summer in before the school year begins. The past few weeks we have seen many families enjoying the summer weather and the close proximity of the fish. You do not need to travel very far these days to catch all species of fish that we have in this lake.

We are going through a few beauty thunder storms as I write this and it is sure nice to see the rain. The lightning strikes are starting a few more fires but the moisture is urgently needed. According to the Natural Resources web site regarding the fire situation we are in the 3rd. worst year on record, for the amour of timber burned, and the season is not over! We all hope the rain continues.

We are a bit behind on posting the pictures on our website and will get to it as soon as we have a few minutes to spare. Gale has been running her tail off lately in the store and around the Lodge and we are very busy bear baiting the last number of weeks, so free time is almost non existent.

The previous paragraphs were written a couple of weeks ago but I thought I would include them and carry on with my thoughts. It has only been two weeks but a lot has happened. To get the bad stuff out of the way, my Father passed away and we were very busy trying to get all the funeral arrangements done from a distance and take care of the day to day running of the Lodge. I mention my Fathers passing, not for sympathy, but quite a few of you have met him over the years and you deserve to know.

The weather has given us some much needed rain in the last two weeks and the forest fire hazard has stayed high but the fire fighters have been able to get a handle on many of the fires that were uncontrolled.

We are in the middle of our bear hunt with pretty good success so far and I am pleased with the caliber of hunters. I always promote letting the smaller animals go so the one you take is a trophy and not just a bear for the sake of filling the tag. Ethics in all types of hunting is something we all need to practice.

The fishing has changed a bit and the walleyes are getting set up for the fall turn over in a few weeks. There are good catches coming from the shallow weedy waters along with some deeper fish in the mid 20 foot range. The northern fishing has been good in the cabbage weed next to deep drop offs and the perch fishing is nothing more than spectacular. It slowed a bit last week but has come back with full force. I saw a stringer of 8-12's come in the day before yesterday!

Our Daughter Karla just finished working with us for the summer last week and we moved her into Winnipeg so she can go back to school for a two year course in hospitality management. She will add this to her Chef's degree and be ready for the hospitality market from all sides. We wish her well!!

I will go for now but there is still time for the fall trip either for fishing or grouse hunting or a combo of each. Look at the web site www.rainbowpoint.com or give us a call @ 1 800 282-9039 for a great fall deal.

Gale and I hope the fall season treat's you well and we look forward to seeing you either at a sport show next spring or next summer with you family or group up at Rainbow. Make sure you continue to follow the Blog and some of the changes we will be making to the web site this fall. Take Care BOB & GALE

Mid Summer Report

Hello All: Gale and I would like to Thank everyone so far this season, for their support and friendship, by making this summer a fun experience. We are noticing that there is a bit of an increase in the number of people that are realizing that they need the Canadian fishing experience in their life, and we sincerely Thank-you for choosing Rainbow Point Lodge to do so!!!

Enough of the mushy stuff (but it had to be said)!!!! The summer started off fairly wet and quite a bit on the cool side but has rebounded with very warm temps. and lately, a fairly dry spell. The forecast for the week to come is in the low 80's with it topping out at about 95 next weekend! As you well know, the weathermen in Canada, are no different than those south of the border so that can mean it may snow next weekend but seriously it looks great for the long run. The water level has been dropping a bit but it has not affected the fishing what so ever.

Last week we had the mayfly hatch but it was not that thick and the walleyes and bass were very active in shallower water because of it. We have had an average northern bite up until now but the cabbage weed is getting up in the deeper water and the bigger fish are starting to become very aggressive. The perch fishing is always excellent and this season is no different. Some of our first timers are shocked at the size of the perch as compared to back home and that puts smiles on every ones faces.

Now for the (I still can't believe it but I was there) News!!!! One of our dock staff (Brenden) was fishing, in his free time, and caught a very nice Lake Trout. He brought it over to the dock and we took some pictures and released it unharmed. I have lived on this lake for almost 30 years and have tons of hours of fishing in all types of weather and all season's and have not heard of a laker being caught in Perrault. We are on a chain of lakes that have lake trout in a few of them so it is a theoretical possibility but it still was a big shock. I guess with the crappies that are showing up in ever increasing numbers anything is possible.

We will be starting our bear baiting soon and that will take up quite a bit of our time for the next couple of month's. George and I enjoy the getting out in the bush but it's also nice doing so when it's a bit cooler!

Gale has been posting some pictures on the website so make sure you visit it often. www.rainbowpoint.com I will post a picture of the Lake Trout in a couple of days when I get it off my phone.

As I end this post I invite you to consider a last minute trip up, to enjoy some of our fishing and hospitality. Just imagine gently rocking in a boat, feet stretched out on the side, eyes closed, soaking up the sun, then a tug on the line and, and, and, and !!!!!!! Talk to you later and have a great last half of the summer. BOB and GALE!!!!

Fishing report (nothing short of unreal!)

Hello: Just found a few minutes to type a quick note to let you know how the fishing and weather is! We are just into the summer season and the weather is pretty good. The heat has not hit us yet but the temps. are just fine. We are having days in the 70's and cool evening that are great for sleeping.

The walleye fishing has been non stop with great catches in the 16-23 inch range being the norm. we have had our usual 25-33 inch fish being caught and released. Gale is going to be updating the photo album on our website in the next few days and you will be able to see yourself or see other great catches! We are catching the "Eyes" in fairly shallow water compared to other years, at this time of year. The locations are a secret but when you get here we will tell ALL. You just never know who is trying to learn the lake!! HAHA! The same bait and lures we have been using for years are doing the trick and the presentation speed is critical!! We have a fair number of new guests at the Lodge this week and they are having a ball. The nice thing is that the regular guest are taking them under their wing and showing them the ropes! Thanks to all!

The northerns and bass are not much of a problem to catch, with nice stringers and pictures being brought in daily. Perch have been very dependable and the average seems to be in the 9-11 inch "culled" out range. The weed beds are a bit behind but it does not seem to have slowed down the bite.

Gale and I sure want to Thank all our fantastic guests that have been here this year so far, and look forward to seeing the rest of you, during your visit to the Lodge.

Got to go and do some more stuff but keep looking at the website @www.rainbowpoint.com and remember, "WE ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU HAVE A CHOICE!"

Look Forward to hosting you in the future. 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

Ice Out Pics!!

Hey All: I am just trying to post a few pictures of the ice going out in the Bay out front and the main lake as seen from our dock. We are getting, off and on, rain today (Sun.) and it will probably help take care of the rest of the ice. All of it will most certainly be gone by next weekend at the latest. We hope you all had a great Mother's Day and will be talking to you soon. BOB and GALE !!!!!!

Spring Thaw!

Well:

Gale is cooking up dinner and I thought I would write a short note to keep you posted on the spring ice and warming sensation!!!! It is 5pm. Sat. evening and the rain is coming down and there is a winter storm warning in Manitoba for snow and high winds. For those of you that don't know, what Manitoba get's for weather we usually get in some degree a bit later. The weather man is calling for a lousy weekend with rain and wind and below normal temps. I was out on the lake a week ago doing some work on the docks that were exposed above the ice and the ice is not very thick. I think once we get a bit of hot sun and a bit of wind it will not take long to get rid of it. Some years the ice is real clear and firm and this Good ice usually takes a bit longer to break down.

I am sticking my neck out (but that's what you want!) and predicting the ice will be off the lake by the 15th. of May. It usually is out from the bay a week or so before the main part of the lake lets go completely. I don't hear of any above normal temps. in the forecast but if there is it will help the situation.

Enough of the ice stuff and I can tell you that if you are not booked to fish the first couple of weeks of season this year you are going to miss some fabulous fishing. The weather has been similar to many years past with ice out just before the opener and that is conducive to real good numbers and size of fish. We have been spoiled in the last few years with early springs and easy winters so the fish have moved into their early patterns before the season started.

I will take a few pictures for you to see in the next day or so of the ice situation and post them on this blog. I was going to do it today but it's flipping raining. Take Care and we will update you on the going's on ASAP.

BOB

Ice Fishing trip

Hi all.


As Bob mentioned we were going to head out ice fishing before season ended, and we made it out the last day, being April 14th.  Turned out to be a great day - sunny, bit of a breeze, but warm enough we didn't miss having a shelter or fire to keep us warm.   Thankfully it had cooled down a bit the last couple of days and what had been a slushy top to the ice was now a smooth sheen of ice.  Almost too smooth... we had to really watch our step to keep our feet facing the right direction.  We took the 6 wheelers out.   Headed straight out to Ord Bay to try our luck.  I caught a good size northern right off the bat - a keeper size, but we put him back for another day.  Then we got into quite a few jumbo, and I mean jumbo perch.  The largest we measured was 13".   Aside from one that swallowed the hook, we put all of those back as well.  Then we got into some walleye, and no... we didn't put them back.  The goal was a walleye supper, and it was mission accomplished.  



SEE MORE PHOTOS



 It was such a nice evening we didn't pack up until nearly dark.  The eagles were on her nest in the bay, soaring & waiting for anything that we may want to share - always fun to watch them.   On the way back the sun was setting over the lake and the ice reflected so much it looked more like water than the frozen lake.  Wish you could have been there!  And,...... that fresh walleye was amazing!!! mmmmm...

When Bob was drilling the holes he confirmed what we already knew.  The ice was not very good - many layers of slush, few layers of good ice.  With the lack of snow cover on the lake, it won't take much to have the lake clear out this spring if things warm up.  Not promising this week.  We got about 8" of snow over the weekend, so it looks more like Christmas than Easter right now. I'm sure we'll see things turn around by the end of the month.      

Still have a few spots open for May fishing.   If you have a free weekend or a few vacation days left, why not give us a shout and make a trip up to the Lodge.  There's a pan full of walleye waiting for your supper too!

We'll keep you posted as things warm up.

Bye for now,
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



Back From the Green Bay Sport Show!!

Back from Sport Show in Green Bay!!!! Gale and I flew up to Green Bay for the weekend and want to thank all of you for coming out to the show. We had a great time visiting with all of our guests and friends there, and met many new people who will be making a trip up to the Lodge next summer. We did a show special for selected spring opening weeks and will be running that until the 15th of Feb online. To view it just go to our website and sign up for the web only news letter. We will be posting the special in a couple of days and sending an email out to those who sign up at that time.

Yesterday when we flew out of Green Bay our plane was delayed for de-icing. The good side to the delay is that it gave us the rare opportunity to see the Packers. We watched a semi truck loading their gear, and they the 4 large buses and their police escort etc. pull up to the plane and board. The only way to see it was from the secure area prior to boarding. There were about 50 other passengers waiting there, all with cell cameras going!

I know my Bears and Vikings etc. fans probably will kill me but I think the Packers stand a real good chance and I wish them well.

I do not want to jinx my self but we are seeing a slight increase in the number of guests booking this summer at this time, and I sure hope it is a sign of the economy turning around for all of us.

Will be posting some pictures of our southern winter fishing adventures for you to see in the near future as the ice fishing ones are hard to come by unless there is a glass involved!!!!! This weather is sure making us think of Spring and Summer fishing!

Talk to you soon and hope the storm going through the centre of the country is easy on you this time.