"Today I close the door to the past, open the door the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter of my life." -Unknown
Starting a new chapter is exactly what is happening here at Wine Lake. Between new owners, a new crew, and some new visitors the door to the past has been closed, but not sealed for it is our great history that makes our camp truly special. As opening day draws closer the Wine Lake Camp crew has been hard at work making sure the camps first guests will feel right at home. The boats have been put in the water and prepped, the trees have exploded with greenery, and moose calves are hitting the ground. Just around the corner from the camp we discovered a cow with her newly born babies. We got to sit close by, exhilarated spectators, as the calves took their first swim. It was a truly unforgettable welcome into the new season.
There have been other exciting things happening as well! Some upgrades have been made which we hope will help at portage. A new, larger dock has been added. The water is up, but not enough to run the rapids, so be ready to portage.
May has had many surprises for us as well. It warmed up and the ice was off early, which made for an easier time in. But the winter was not ready to give in just yet and the crew woke up to a winter wonderland! Luckily the spell only lasted for a few days and now it is seventy and sunny! Who knows what weather tomorrow will bring!
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| May 13th, 2016 |
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| May 15th, 2016 |
Since the frost has finally let up we went about finding some lovely flowers to brighten it up around here. They made it safely to the camp so no worries! We have also gotten to meet our new pet Pete the Pike! It didn't take him long to learn we had minnows again, and you can find him every morning off the side of the dock waiting for his breakfast.
It is safe to say the fish are biting! During this seasons preparations there has been very little downtime, but we found some time to send the boys to catch us some dinner. They returned with many great stories, and, luckily, some fish for dinner. It gave Herb a chance to show Nick some great fishing spots, and allowed the new owner get to really know this beautiful lake. They got some awesome pictures of the first fish of the season!
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| Nick Karakis |
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| Chris Karakis |
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| Herb Pugmire |
For our first time opening, the famous Ann and Herb came up to show us the ropes. We spent the two weeks they were here trying to take in every drop of information they could give us. We heard stories, laughed, learned some recipes, cleaned, cleaned, and CLEANED! The work, time, care, and just pure love they put into this camp is amazing. They are two very special people who have grown the Wine Lake community into something very unique and special itself! I only hope that we are able to care for and protect this lake even a fraction of the amount they did, for I have never met two people with a love in their hearts that equals that of Ann and Herb. Although is was sad to see them go, we were able to share one last dinner together. We cooked the fish that was caught that day, everyone gathered around the table, and many laughs ensued. It was a night that will be remembered.
They will never be forgotten. People have a way of leaving a mark on your heart. The mark of Ann and Herb was not only left on our hearts, and on the hearts of many men and women who have visited here, but their mark also lay in the very heart of Wine Lake Camp. It is seen in every cabin and decoration, and also in the traditions. It is because of them that I sit here, looking over the lake, and know that dinner was not the end of a story, or the end of chapter. It was the end of a book, and the beginning of a sequel. A story that no one has read yet. One with new characters, new adventures, and challenges. And although each book is different, and has different characters, plots and changes, they all come together to create one story. The story of Wine Lake Camp. So it is because of Ann and Herb, and the wonderful story they have created that I can sit here and look at all we have done, all the things that have been accomplished, and all the hard work we have put in, and know that we are ready to open tomorrow. Ready to take on the challenges that come our way. We finally close the door to the past and look forward at our open door to the future. Everyone here at camp has been holding their breath for this moment.We take a combined breath and we are finally ready to step through. We are that first chapter of the new book, we are a team, and we are Wine Lake.
