Deer Park Lodge

Back to the balmy 20's

What a relief it is to have the temps in the mid 20's range. We really got hit with several days of very cold weather and at least 30" of snow. After sitting in the house way too much and having the weather finally break I had to get out and do some fishing. What a mistake!!!! 

The lake was covered with snow up to your knees. You can't see it in this picture, but underneath that was a bunch of wet nasty slush.  I got out and fished alright, didn't catch anything, but the getting home was a much different story.  First my sled broke down half the way home, which made for an awfully long and tiring walk back to the house. My buddy Hank offered to tow my sled home. Sounds easy doesn't it?  After getting his sled buried at least six times, and then getting him unstuck, we gave up and decided to call another neighbor in the morning with a much better sled for the task at hand. 

We were both dead tired with sore backs and legs. The next day with the proper equipment (the snow had settled some, too) and a more successful effort, my sled was in the shed drying out. A few hours later, quite amazingly so, my sled showed no signs of any troubles and was ready to go. Next time I am going to wait a day or so after the big storm to allow the snow to settle some.

This past weekend we had a wonderful and quite beautiful ride throughout the neighborhood riding mostly on untouched trails.  If you are looking for snow come north we got it and the riding is fabulous.  We have had a group of young bucks (the two-legged variety) in the big cabin all week and they report the trails are smooth and no one is out riding them.

NOAA Forecast | Newberry Trails | Grand Marais Trails

Fishing has been on the slow side. Did catch a nice 22" tonight, but that's the first for at least 10 days. Saturday I was fishing with my buddy Bob and after an hour and half and not having one bite I set my pole down and walked away from it for no more than 1 minute, when I got back my pole was no where to be seen. Lost another one to the Muskallonge Lake monster.  Damn, I hate it when that happens.

DON'T FORGET: ABBOTT & MOCHA BLOG SPECIAL!

Now through February 25, 2009: 15% off cabin rates for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night stays! To qualify, just mention "Abbott and Mocha" on the phone or in your email.

Lots of openings in the cabins. Several openings are available for the weekends and lots of options available throughout the mid-week. I can't imagine riding will get any better than what it is.

Hope to see you up north.

Mike & Monica

Happy New Years Everyone

Our holidays were filled with family and friends and fun times, just like they should be. Hope you can say the same.

Mother Nature has finally given us a bit of a break today. Seems the past couple of weeks has been exceptionally cold and snowy. Yesterday our temps went up to the upper 20's and today is turning out to be the same all in preparation for another cold and windy weekend.

I have used the big tractor to remove snow more times to date than any other winter. Our snow is really piling up, and when it is not snowing we usually have heavy winds, which causes drifting, which causes me to get the tractor back out. Thank God for the tractor!!! 

Our big dog, Abbott, is struggling because he always likes to walk into the woods to do his daily business. With the snow so deep, this requires considerable effort on his part. I have been trying to help him out with a few strategically placed snowmobile trails so at least he has a path part of the way.  Mocha on the other hand is not quite so modest and takes the easy route. Speaking of which, over the holidays Mocha turned 15 and Abbott 9.

Snowmobiling is fabulous still and should stay that way most of the winter.  As expected, the amount of sleds on the trails is down considerably, but the grooming operations are in full swing almost daily.  In addition, the back country trails are holding up nicely and we now have a great base so you can get out and explore almost anywhere. Check the Grand Marais and Newberry trail reports.

Fishing has slowed down considerably since first ice. Prior to New Years we were hooking some nice fish. My largest was a 25 1/2" walleye that went over 6 pounds. Tried talking my buddies into going out with me one night in the rain by they weren't into it. It tickled me to bring back two nice walleyes to show them what they missed (and, no guys, that isn't me in the picture). Last night was just beautiful on the ice but my catch was limited to one 28" northern. Haven't been able to get a nice batch of perch together yet.

ABBOTT & MOCHA BLOG SPECIAL!

Now through February 25, 2009: 15% off cabin rates for Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night stays! To qualify, just mention "Abbott and Mocha" on the phone or in your email.

This is a unique opportunity to get a cabin at a great rate and our way to help you enjoy this north country when the area is relatively quiet and the trails are groomed and ready to go. Don't forget to mention "Abbott and Mocha" when you make your reservation!

NEW EMAIL CONTACT FORM

Also, we are now providing an avenue for us to communicate back and forth via the internet. We won't tell you that you will receive an instant response but we will be monitoring this throughout the week and will be glad to work with you through this means. Just click the "contact us via email" link at the top/left of the page.

Of course, you're always welcome to call us at  (906) 658-3341 !

This should bring you all up to date. We have several openings still available throughout the month and  the remaining winter.  Drop us a note or give us a call we'd love to have you.

Cheers,

Mike and Monica