May 2021
As we continued through May, we had to call many guests to let them know that the US/Canada border closure had been extended. Same as last year, we are rolling reservations and 100% of deposits to the 2022 year. We also created a call list if the border were to open. If you have changed your mind and you would like to add your name to our call list for fishing the “what if we have a season”, please give us a quick email with your name, phone number and which location you would be interested in fishing for 2021. Fingers crossed that we receive some good news on June’s border announcement.
It has been a very DRY spring and after a 10-minute storm which had lots of lightning left lots pop up fires started. The Moosehorn Lake fire made the news here in Kenora with the wild fire burning right towards our Moosehorn Lake Outpost. The Ministry of Natural Resources Fire was able to get in there and put sprinklers on our cabin, shed and boats as the fire was across the bay. The fire even though it was moving to the north- north-east, it was so hot that it back burned right next to the cabin at Moosehorn as you can see in the picture. The bright green trees behind the cabin was where the sprinklers were spraying water on the cabin but the wind was so strong a lot of water got carried by the wind in the backyard.
The same fire moved over 8km in one day and just as soon as we were breathing relief that Moosehorn was still standing now Kettle Falls Lodge was in its path. The fire kept burning and it reached the English River just a little southwest of Kettle. The fire crews were able to get in to Kettle and put sprinklers on the buildings to protect it if the fire were to keep burning. After 3 days, the winds faded from over 40 mph to just a breeze and it finally rained. Even after days of raining the MNRF was having to scan the fire area for hotspots and putting crews on the ground to put them out. Chris and I are so relieved that the MNRF saved our Moosehorn Lake Outpost and Kettle Falls Lodge.
Our May walleye opener was a fun one. We were able to get out and try out luck at fishing and it appears we haven’t lost our touch!
Many Halley’s guests have been asking what Gene and Wanda are up to these days and besides working, they are spending time at their outpost camp on a walleye/northern lake. Pictured here is Gene’s helpful way of filleting fish on his paddle!
Pictured here is a summer’s worth of propane to our One Man Lake Lodge.
