Loon Lake Tales

This guy was just sitting outside our window enjoying the new snow.

As I have said before we are having a mild winter.  Last week we did get some colder temps - 22 below and last night we got some much needed snow.  As I am writing this 5 snowmobiles just came across the our lake from Gunflint Lake.   So maybe now winter can begin.

With the cancellation of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race some locals are going to have a shorter race from Devils Track Lake to Popular Lake ending at Trail Center.  There are a number of dog teams in the area and there was a lot of disappointment when the Beargrease couldn't run because of lack of snow.  Most of the problems were down in the Duluth area.  Now with the new snow there should be no problem having just a local race. 

So now after all this talk about winter lets talk about summer!  If you need or want a specific cabin or time this summer it is never too early to call.  Remember you can check dates and make reservations from our web site or give us a call - 1-800-552-6351.

Tom & Terry

Looking out the Shack window

Well last night we were at 21 below zero!!!  That should add to the ice thickness.  It can't happen soon enough because Gunflint Lake and Loon Lake are two of the favorite lake trout lakse in the area.  Both are easy for people to get to and year in and year out people have success.  Up to this point we haven't seen fishermen pushing their luck and that is a good thing.  The smaller lakes have had good ice covering but with Gunflint and Loon both over 200 feet deep it just takes longer and the warmer than normal temps haven't helped.  Now if we can just get a good snow storm.

Tom & Terry

For only the second time in its 30 year history the John Beargrease Sled Dog Race has been cancelled.  The winter has been very mild to this point and there just wasn't enough snow on the trails to have a safe race for the dogs and the drivers. 

The race runs almost 500 miles from Duluth to just past Gunflint Lake and back.  It is the longest race in the lower 48 states and has been well attended by the top teams in the country.  So if that is your thing you will have to wait another year. 

Tom & Terry

Tom & Terry

October weather has been spectacular!  Most of our flowers survived the few cold nights we had in September.  We had a couple of nights below 30 degrees but the last couple of weeks have been just great.  Guests have been able to get out and fish, hike and just enjoy a beautiful fall experience.  We all know it will not last forever but you have to learn to enjoy what you have and not worry about what might happen next week.

Flowers going strong in October!!!

Scott, Mike and Austin went fishing most days they were here and had good luck with the northerns.  They are going to send pictures so I will post them later.  Derick went to Crab Lake yesterday and caught some northerns but he was really trying for some walleye.  Today he is fishing Loon to see if he can get some bigger northerns.

Fall Morning

Lots of people around for this late in the season.  The fall colors are starting to fade but you can still find pockets of reds and yellows.  We will be closing the cabins down on Monday and getting them ready for winter.  Hope you had a great summer I know we did.

Tom & Terry 

Here are some pictures that Al took this summer and then sharied with us. 



Al in front of Magnetic Rock



View from the top of  Bridal Falls

Fall is upon us and the leaves have not reached their peak.  Check us out if you are looking for a quick get-a-way.  Cabins will be open until October 10th.

Tom & Terry

For the last number of years we have spend most of our efforts updating and improving our cabins.  We have put new kitchens, bathrooms, beds, etc in all of the cabins over the last few years.  Even this year we redid cabin 1 with a new kitchen and bath but now it was time to work on the Lodge itself.  We have been working on the foundation and that is an ongoing job that will take a few years.  So the time was right to improve the dining room and porch.  As you can see from the pictures we took out the wall and windows between the dining room and front porch.  It really opened up the area and made it much brighter.  We put down new flooring and we are adding a wood buring stove to the front cornor of the porch.  So far the reviews have been positive.  Many people had expressed concern when I told them what the plans were but when they see the finished project they agree it was a good idea.

 


Wood burning stove will go in the cornor.



View from the back of the Dining Room

 
So we are pleased with the new look and hope you will be too. Thanks to Bill and David for their help. Without which I could have never got the job done!

There are still openings for the fall so give us a call or go to our web site and make a reservation!

Tom & Terry

The Droneck family started the annual family reunion this week at Loon Lake Lodge.  Grandpa Stan and Grandma Edie started coming to the Lodge a number of years ago and then 3 years back they decided to try a large family gathering.  It isn't easy to get a big family to agree to the same week or the same location for a family reunion.  As you can see from the pictures things have worked out just fine.

Hanging out at the beach.



Loon Lake or bust!!



Kids enjoying the kayaks.

Thinking of a family reunion?  You need to plan ahead with us and your family.  Give us a call, check out our web site and start talking to your family. 

Tom & Terry

Here are some pictures sent to us by guests and neighbors.  Some fish, some wildlife and just some people!  I think they all had a great time while at Loon Lake.

Loon Lake Walleye!!!  Caught by Adelle



Laura & nice smallmouth bass




Mother and calf moose

 

New Owners??  No it is Bill, Amy &  Sue

 

Jesse with his bass