Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters

Today we signed the closing papers. This summer, we’re passing the Tuscarora baton. Andy and Ada (the new owners) are such a seamless match that sometimes it seems as though we’ve been holding Tuscarora for them until they were ready to take it on. As I wandered around the outfitting building last night I realized the photos of all of our people here mark some of the best memories of our lives. It’s time, I know that, yet my heart is full to the brim, and it feels like there isn’t enough room in there.

Here’s a snapshot.–Shelby and Daniel jumping rope with some of our beloved staff members.   Don’t all parents have hundreds of these moments? So many times in my life I cling to the same feeling I had right then… “I love them, I love this, I would like it to stay like this forever”.

Aren’t we the lucky ones? We got to be here, we got to DO this.

Well, things change, and that’s good news too.  Shelby and Daniel are on staff this summer, and if you look closely you might find Andy and me—behind the scenes, doing our best to make the transition smooth and also step away as they succeed–in the office, in the plumbing. All the while, Andy and Ada have been competent and gracious. You’ll see, why they’re perfect for this.

THANK . YOU. ALL.

We’re so very grateful. Keep in touch—we’ll see you in the woods!!

–Sue and Andy, Shelby and Daniel

You asked, and we listened!  Tuscarora is pleased to announce that we have added four brand new Souris River Quetico 17 canoes to our rental fleet.  We are excited to be able to offer  another quality option for our guests to paddle.  Based in Atikokan, Ontario,  Souris River Canoes have been making fine canoes for over 30 years.  The popularity of Souris River canoes has been growing and we have heard many of you ask for them by name.  We are already impressed with the quality of construction, paddling performance, and overall style of the canoes. The new boats are set to head off on new adventures and so shiny they reflect the trees and sun from this land of shining blue waters!

Round Lake is open!  Yesterday the lake shook loose the last of it’s ice.  Our first guest of the season, Paul, went out for a short trip on Monday.  On his way over to Missing Link Lake he had to paddle the perimeter of the lake, working his way slowly around the ice in the middle.  This morning he paddled out free and clear across the middle!  Paul reports that Missing Link is open as well.  He scouted the portaged into Tuscarora and reports that the first bay is ice free and the from what he could see of the rest of the lake, the ice is dark and ready to go soon.  It’s safe to assume that the small and medium lakes in the area are ice free and ready for a paddle!

Round Lake this morning

Paul heading off around the ice on Monday

Yes we still have ice.  After the previous week of warm temperatures and sunshine, last week was cloudy and cold.  Actually this area of the Trail received 4 inches of new snow on the 21st.  So the ice melting has been less than stellar.  Round Lake’s ice has pulled well away from the shore, enough for a certain pup to dabble her paws and grab a drink.  Paddling season is coming soon, just not quite yet  Keep watching for updates.  We will let you know when we are ice free!

It is finally spring-like enough around here to motivate me to write an update!  After a false spring in mid March I lost a little hope when the cold weather and snow showers returned.  This weekend however felt good enough for me to peel the window plastic off, dust off the screens and open the windows wide!

In just a few days with sunshine, 60’s, wind, and rain, the drive ways and road have almost completely cleared off.  Thanks to the diligent Cook County guys, the culverts are flowing freely and the road has not washed away at all this spring (yay!).

The beaver pond by the road is so close to loosing all it’s ice.  Those are ravens up above in the shot.  They have been making all sorts of crazy sounds as they work on their nests and pair up for the spring nestling season.  Other birds have been out chirping and buzzing about like the pine siskins and juncos.  I woke this morning to the sounds of robins singing in the yard.  Hard not to smile with that kind of alarm clock.

The Cross River is gurgling along happily in the sunshine as well.  Just two days difference in these two pictures below shows what can happen in the spring.  The ice is almost all gone between the rapids close to the road and the first portage towards Ham Lake.  Won’t be long until that chunk breaks free and we can paddle over there.

Saturday

Monday

Lucy and I have been sneaking out of the office to go for long muddy romps in the sunshine.  The Magnetic Rock hiking trail is very muddy with frost heaves rutting the trail and snow and ice piles in the shady spots.  Sure feels great to stretch the legs and Lucy enjoys getting as muddy as possible.  The Centennial Hiking trail is still holding on to a crust of ice in the shade as well but is always good for a spring adventure

Round Lake is looking pretty springy as well.  The ice is pulling away from the shore and has popped up enough to allow the standing melt water on top to drain down.  The ice is looking darker and darker each day.  Won’t be long before paddling season begins if the weather holds!

Keep watching the blog for updates on the ice conditions.  I will post what I know as we approach May.  Keep sending warm thoughts our way!