Wow it seems like I have hardly had a moment for myself lately. Therefore, I will take advantage of this moment! Since the visit of our good friend Outback Bob we have been extremely busy with preparations and plans. We have finally met with an architect to begin designing the new lodge. Big E and I are somewhat in agreement of our visions and expressed them to the architect. His initial sketch was not exactly what I had in mind, but he is going to work out a couple designs, and we can go from there; it will be a better start than Big E and I arguing. However before we even need to worry about that, there is a lot of ground work to be done. The lot had to be logged, and currently an excavator and bulldozer are destumping, smoothing and setting in the driveway. Next will be a well which we have already contacted a well driller and met with him also at the site. Sometimes, I just have to take a step back though, as it is all so overwhelming to me at times. In the meantime, we still have this years upcoming bear season rapidly approaching with many preparations going on with that. We have two new lots for bear sites this year and we have to go tomorrow and GPS the sites; looking everything over to see what will need to be done for treestands, bait placement and cleaning trails.
Of course while all this is going on, so is life at the Lyons residence which has had some serious ups and downs. "Isn't life just grande??" Well, I do believe it is for the most part and another saying,"whatever don't kill ya, will only make ya stronger!"
We also have taken a little time to try to enjoy ourselves as well. We have gone on a couple 4 wheeler rides and fly fishing at our little piece of Heaven; Nesowadnehunk lake.I also had the absolute pleasure of taking a couple out kayaking on the Penobscot River along with a few other ventures onto the waters. We have been seeing several baby turkeys running through the tall grass in the fields, however not many partridge. We have also seen a few moose, deer, bear and fox along out travels which is always a special treat.
I have personally enjoyed a fire in our fire ring with silhouettes of moose and trees dancing about with a cozy glow along with gorgeous sunsets coloring the mountain and the sky, to moonlight casting it daylight light glow. Just take a moment with me; imagine and enjoy the wonders of the Lord and Lady!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
It is hard to believe that June is almost over and the 4th of July is just around the corner. Time really does fly when you have so many things to do and having some fun on top of it all.
We finally got to take our good friend Bob Sauer-Jones, AKA Outback Bob, from the Adirondacks to Nesowadnehunk Lake fly fishing for native brook trout. It was a beautiful evening and the hatch was on the water with trout feeding very well. So well, that they were not taking the flies we presented like I had hoped they would. June is generally an awesome time for a lot of action on the water. However we have had a strange Spring thus far and well into the beginning of summer with heavy rains and cool temperatures. I still had a wood fire going just a week ago in the house to take off the chill! All in all, though, it was an enchanting evening and Bob had quite a few hits and caught one too!! Which made me feel much better as I missed several hits due to inattentiveness. I was enjoying the scenery, or would hear a rise, turn to look where it was, missing a hit in the process. Oh well, I can't say that I really care on that one as I was just happy to be floating around in my kayak taking pictures and enjoying our company.
Progress on the lot is very slow which is good and not so good. We need the area where the lodge is planned to be cleared so that we can get a better idea exactly where it will set to begin putting in a road to it. The good part is that by being a bit slow, we are really able to control the cut as we don't want is completely cleared. It is both exciting and overwhelming all at once. I like the idea of getting things moving in that direction, but there is always so much to do right here. We have to get the third cabin finished so it will be ready and taking inventory on the bait situation. We picked up a new lease this year that we have wanted for some time. It is much closer than a lot that we leased last year over to Webster Plantation which proved to be too far out. We would take hunters out and had to sit in the trucks until hunting time was closed, pick up hunters and bears and head back to home base often not arriving back until 9:30pm. That really made for some seriously long days. The new lot is in Medway, and happens to be lands that we are familiar with as it is in Big Es old stomping grounds. Therefore we need to take a few days to GPS the bait sites and look things over more closely for placement of stands.
Over all, there is much to do, but we want to get some fun in in-between, after all as they say, all work and no play makes........ well you know!
I have also finally put down to paper the first chapter of the story that has been rattling around in my head. I have a few, but one in particular seems to keep coming to the front. All to often, it hits me when I trying to go to sleep. My muse has a sense of humor that keeps me up all night. I always say, 'Oh that's good, I'll remember that", but it never sounds as good in the morning, therefore I have give in, and just got up and let in flow onto paper. The Outdoors publication that I was writing for has fallen on hard times and got wrapped up in a divorce and bankruptcy court. So I have had some time on my hands to put my writing in other directions, which is now proving to be a good thing.However, I'm not going to say too much about the story as hopefully, the suspense will make folks want to read the book when it is finally done!!!!
We finally got to take our good friend Bob Sauer-Jones, AKA Outback Bob, from the Adirondacks to Nesowadnehunk Lake fly fishing for native brook trout. It was a beautiful evening and the hatch was on the water with trout feeding very well. So well, that they were not taking the flies we presented like I had hoped they would. June is generally an awesome time for a lot of action on the water. However we have had a strange Spring thus far and well into the beginning of summer with heavy rains and cool temperatures. I still had a wood fire going just a week ago in the house to take off the chill! All in all, though, it was an enchanting evening and Bob had quite a few hits and caught one too!! Which made me feel much better as I missed several hits due to inattentiveness. I was enjoying the scenery, or would hear a rise, turn to look where it was, missing a hit in the process. Oh well, I can't say that I really care on that one as I was just happy to be floating around in my kayak taking pictures and enjoying our company.
Progress on the lot is very slow which is good and not so good. We need the area where the lodge is planned to be cleared so that we can get a better idea exactly where it will set to begin putting in a road to it. The good part is that by being a bit slow, we are really able to control the cut as we don't want is completely cleared. It is both exciting and overwhelming all at once. I like the idea of getting things moving in that direction, but there is always so much to do right here. We have to get the third cabin finished so it will be ready and taking inventory on the bait situation. We picked up a new lease this year that we have wanted for some time. It is much closer than a lot that we leased last year over to Webster Plantation which proved to be too far out. We would take hunters out and had to sit in the trucks until hunting time was closed, pick up hunters and bears and head back to home base often not arriving back until 9:30pm. That really made for some seriously long days. The new lot is in Medway, and happens to be lands that we are familiar with as it is in Big Es old stomping grounds. Therefore we need to take a few days to GPS the bait sites and look things over more closely for placement of stands.
Over all, there is much to do, but we want to get some fun in in-between, after all as they say, all work and no play makes........ well you know!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Looking ahead....
As with many businesses, one must always be looking forward. Doing so often comes with apprehension and even fear. Will it succeed, and at what expense. One never knows what the future holds or what the roll of the dice may produce. Here in the Katahdin region there is much despair among the people. The largest local employer, being the paper mills have ceased operations and laid off it's workers. The Millinocket mill was closed due to operating expenses beyond its profit in 2008, and in April of this year, the current owner shut down operations in the East Millincoket mill, laying off over 400 men/women. Over the years so many businesses have closed their doors leaving empty buildings and storefronts, and of course eliminating even more jobs. As they say, the trickle down effect can be devastating. The towns that paper made; the towns that made paper. It is our heritage and our history. Too many wish for another industrial father so to speak to come, reopen the mills and save the towns. I however do not believe that will happen and I feel very sorry for those who continue to mourn that loss. However as with all losses in life, one must go on....Be strong!!!
There is life after loss and I truly believe this region will once again thrive, but in a new way. We need to take in our surroundings and realize Mother Nature gave us all the greatest gift and that gift will bring a thriving community back to life!! Here in the Katahdin region we have beauty and it abounds all around us. Baxter State Park is the center of this jewel with the majestic Mount Katahdin always visible on the horizon. We have lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. There are gorgeous vistas that create a feeling within that is hard to explain. A few years ago now, I set out to climb the mighty Katahdin. I chose the Chimney Pond trail and when I reached a point on the trail known as Blueberry Hill I stopped for a moment. When I turned around to look out over my path, I experienced a feeling of total awe. As I said, it is hard to explain, but it is a feeling that I wish everyone to experience. That moment when you realize how lucky you are to be alive and the privilege of being able to gaze out over the land is breath taking. I have always heard the saying that life is not the breath you take, but the moments that take your breath away and that was truly one of those moments, and yet I was only just beginning. We are so blessed to live in a place that can take your breath away around every corner, and with each experience may it be that early morning misty ride in a kayak on the serene Penobscot River, or white water rafting down the rapids of the West Branch. It can be watching a baby deer, still in it's spotted pajamas bouncing happily behind Momma, or laughing at the comical gate of a moose trotting down the Golden Road. It may be catching a native brookie on a fly rod or jigging a massive togue. Maybe it will be sitting in a treestand and seeing the phantom of the woods suddenly appear in total silence. Or maybe it is just watching the sunset blaze its pallet of colors beyond Katahdin to then leave a starry sky that may dance with the ghostly images of the northern lights. This is my Katahdin and it is only a very small piece of what one can experience for themselves. This is the gift we have been given and it is the life breath of what will be when it is all said and done.
We are venturing into a new era for ourselves here at Ktaadn Guide Service, Outfitter and Camps. We are in the process of taking the next step to bigger and better and brighter things to come. We are in the very early process of designing our new lodge on the new lot that I have mentioned before and taken so many pictures of the mountain range from. It is overwhelming and even sometimes scary as is many steps one takes in their lives. A leap of faith!!! I will have my new kitchen and dining area! We will have a big room for our guests to sit in front of a fireplace, look at the bears, moose, deer and other critters, but best of all, to look out and watch the sunsets of Katahdin. The new lot is located directly on an ATV trail that we will also link to the ITS snowmobile trail systems to be a full service all season destination. Whether one wants to come for hunting, fishing, trapping, kayaking, canoeing, ATV riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain climbing or just simply enjoying the peace and quiet, we will be here at the end of each day to enjoy a delicious meal and just simply relax in our little piece of Heaven among friends. It is an exciting adventure this thing called life!
There is life after loss and I truly believe this region will once again thrive, but in a new way. We need to take in our surroundings and realize Mother Nature gave us all the greatest gift and that gift will bring a thriving community back to life!! Here in the Katahdin region we have beauty and it abounds all around us. Baxter State Park is the center of this jewel with the majestic Mount Katahdin always visible on the horizon. We have lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. There are gorgeous vistas that create a feeling within that is hard to explain. A few years ago now, I set out to climb the mighty Katahdin. I chose the Chimney Pond trail and when I reached a point on the trail known as Blueberry Hill I stopped for a moment. When I turned around to look out over my path, I experienced a feeling of total awe. As I said, it is hard to explain, but it is a feeling that I wish everyone to experience. That moment when you realize how lucky you are to be alive and the privilege of being able to gaze out over the land is breath taking. I have always heard the saying that life is not the breath you take, but the moments that take your breath away and that was truly one of those moments, and yet I was only just beginning. We are so blessed to live in a place that can take your breath away around every corner, and with each experience may it be that early morning misty ride in a kayak on the serene Penobscot River, or white water rafting down the rapids of the West Branch. It can be watching a baby deer, still in it's spotted pajamas bouncing happily behind Momma, or laughing at the comical gate of a moose trotting down the Golden Road. It may be catching a native brookie on a fly rod or jigging a massive togue. Maybe it will be sitting in a treestand and seeing the phantom of the woods suddenly appear in total silence. Or maybe it is just watching the sunset blaze its pallet of colors beyond Katahdin to then leave a starry sky that may dance with the ghostly images of the northern lights. This is my Katahdin and it is only a very small piece of what one can experience for themselves. This is the gift we have been given and it is the life breath of what will be when it is all said and done.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
One thing after another..
Like with many businesses, there is maintenance to be done each Spring once the camps are reopened for the season and this year will be no different than others. We had everything open and hooked up a good week ago and I had went back and checked for leaks. I found everything to be fine; nothing spraying or hissing, therefore thought "good"! It would have been nice to not have any winter damage; reason we antifreeze everything.
Well yesterday we had a worker helping out with a few things and offered the shower house to him after the day was done to get cleaned up. He came back to the house with not the best news......one side of the shower house was flooded....I mean flooded! One of the shower fittings apparently was leaking, or should I say running as it must have been because 2 shelves loaded with linens were soaked as well as about an inch of water on the floor and under the flooring....disaster with guests coming in the end of the week!!tightened the fittings once again and I still can't see how I could have possibly missed it when I checked last Thursday for the umpteenth time! We wiped things up as good as possible, but of course could not get under the linoleum and the blue board on the walls next to the shelving seemed saturated in good shape. Therefore, I left a fan on and the door open all night and have not yet been brave enough to go and see what has to now be replaced, repaired and fixed. I thank Mother Nature for bringing us some sunshine and good weather for a few days as this would have been even worse, imagine, had it still been raining. My nemesis "Blackcloud" has been in the house lately with the dreary weather and the healthy hatch of blackflies that drive me back into the house as I yell "RETREAT"!!! So now...take a deep breath...and lets go estimate the damage....
Well yesterday we had a worker helping out with a few things and offered the shower house to him after the day was done to get cleaned up. He came back to the house with not the best news......one side of the shower house was flooded....I mean flooded! One of the shower fittings apparently was leaking, or should I say running as it must have been because 2 shelves loaded with linens were soaked as well as about an inch of water on the floor and under the flooring....disaster with guests coming in the end of the week!!tightened the fittings once again and I still can't see how I could have possibly missed it when I checked last Thursday for the umpteenth time! We wiped things up as good as possible, but of course could not get under the linoleum and the blue board on the walls next to the shelving seemed saturated in good shape. Therefore, I left a fan on and the door open all night and have not yet been brave enough to go and see what has to now be replaced, repaired and fixed. I thank Mother Nature for bringing us some sunshine and good weather for a few days as this would have been even worse, imagine, had it still been raining. My nemesis "Blackcloud" has been in the house lately with the dreary weather and the healthy hatch of blackflies that drive me back into the house as I yell "RETREAT"!!! So now...take a deep breath...and lets go estimate the damage....
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Spring has sprung a leak!
We have finally opened the camps for the season and will be working on finishing the third camp for the upcoming bear season. There is always work to be done around the place which can keep us busy puttering with this and that. The kayaks have come out of storage and need to be polished up. I have been wanting to get out on the water, but still have not due to the cold temps and high waters, not to mention the rain..... The fishing boat will be licensed the beginning of June with the first trip on the agenda being Nesowadnehunk Lake. Most trips will be closer to home this year however due to the high gas costs. Thankfully the river provides great fishing and recreation which we can take advantage of with the drop of a hat; fishing hat that is!
We have purchased some new leases for hunting and will be scouting the new grounds asap. This brings us in closer to camp, therefore less traveling and hopefully time and money savings too. One never knows what the future holds, but we are looking forward to a great season in spite of the dreary weather!! Therefore folks, get out and enjoy Mother Nature, even if she is being a bit cranky!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Off season
I have been asked by several folks, "what do you do this time of year?" Well, biggest reason I have not posted for a while is that this time of year is "off season" for us here in central Maine. Much like the weather not quite knowing if it is Spring or with the cold temps, ice and snow still on the ground and waterways, Winter? Some brave folks have continued to ice fish where the ice is still intact and I have heard reports on some waters still having up to three feet of ice. Others have found a few spots of open water and braved the cold waters on the river to wet a line. The latter I often refer to as the true "April Fool"!
So like many folks as they have got older, we don't like the cold!!! I'm not anywhere ready to fly south for the winter like the "snowbirds", however the wood stove has become my very best friend! Therefore, what do I do this time of year??? Paperwork! This is when I pull out the manilla folder stuffed full of all last years receipts, the notebook which logs all the information on clients, guests, and income and figure out just exactly where the business fell in light of red or black. I'm not the most friendly person during this time of year, so Big E manages to keep busy and not ask too many questions!
Another description for this time of year is "mud season"! No matter what the weather.....by afternoon it is mud! I have attempted to teach our dogs to wipe their feet with about as much success as I have had teaching Big E! Therefore, I have failed and continually try to keep the gravel and mud cleaned up while I Stew over numbers and "to do" lists in my head.
So not to worry, I'm still here...
So like many folks as they have got older, we don't like the cold!!! I'm not anywhere ready to fly south for the winter like the "snowbirds", however the wood stove has become my very best friend! Therefore, what do I do this time of year??? Paperwork! This is when I pull out the manilla folder stuffed full of all last years receipts, the notebook which logs all the information on clients, guests, and income and figure out just exactly where the business fell in light of red or black. I'm not the most friendly person during this time of year, so Big E manages to keep busy and not ask too many questions!
Another description for this time of year is "mud season"! No matter what the weather.....by afternoon it is mud! I have attempted to teach our dogs to wipe their feet with about as much success as I have had teaching Big E! Therefore, I have failed and continually try to keep the gravel and mud cleaned up while I Stew over numbers and "to do" lists in my head.
So not to worry, I'm still here...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Coming out of hibernation
It has been quite a while since I have posted a blog about life in the Katahdin region, the guide service and being a lady guide, so forgive me if I should repeat anything of past blogs. It has not been because life stopped here in the dead of winter, but more like life slows down considerably as we are not a four season service at this point in time. Much like a bear in hibernation.
I believe this is the very first year that I did not go ice fishing. Big E went only once. I did not get out cross country skiing and only put the snowshoes on once. I have taken Buddy Beagle out a few times in training and have been working with him in the obedience department. He is coming along very well and we are expecting a couple of friends and fellow guides to bring their beagles and do a little bunny hunting for a week. This should advance Buddy in his training. Big E also has put out a few rabbit traps to try to let my beagle, which I often and lovingly refer to as my "Bagel", have some live runs. I also have been saying that I think this "bagel", is much like what a grandchild might be. Big E and I raised hunting dogs for many years and I was extremely involved with not only their care, but training as well. This is something I have missed even though I have a house full of Shiba's and Ozwald, the detailed training of a sporting dog. I think I'm spoiling him a bit too, however, he makes that very easy. Buddy is different from my other dogs and brings me great joy with his playful antics as well as impressing me with his quick ability to learn. He makes me laugh and we all know laughter is the best medicine. I truly feel I'm enjoying this little dog more than any of the others...or maybe it is just because he is here. Who knows? I have never been rabbit hunting before, so it will be a new experience that I'm looking forward to.
The days are getting longer, and the sun stronger.We will soon be busy finishing up the new cabin and doing some ground work on the new lot. I can not wait to get my kayak back in the water for a soul soothing ride on the Penobscot. It will be nice to go fly fishing once again too. Funny thing...my sister, who has lived in Florida now for 6 years is always telling me to fly south with the birds. I have resisted and for the most part I do enjoy the changing of the seasons, the blanketing of winter and what it all means in the never ending turning wheel of life. However, I'am getting tired of the confinement, Spring fever maybe...or as we call it here..cabin fever. So lets get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature!!!!
I believe this is the very first year that I did not go ice fishing. Big E went only once. I did not get out cross country skiing and only put the snowshoes on once. I have taken Buddy Beagle out a few times in training and have been working with him in the obedience department. He is coming along very well and we are expecting a couple of friends and fellow guides to bring their beagles and do a little bunny hunting for a week. This should advance Buddy in his training. Big E also has put out a few rabbit traps to try to let my beagle, which I often and lovingly refer to as my "Bagel", have some live runs. I also have been saying that I think this "bagel", is much like what a grandchild might be. Big E and I raised hunting dogs for many years and I was extremely involved with not only their care, but training as well. This is something I have missed even though I have a house full of Shiba's and Ozwald, the detailed training of a sporting dog. I think I'm spoiling him a bit too, however, he makes that very easy. Buddy is different from my other dogs and brings me great joy with his playful antics as well as impressing me with his quick ability to learn. He makes me laugh and we all know laughter is the best medicine. I truly feel I'm enjoying this little dog more than any of the others...or maybe it is just because he is here. Who knows? I have never been rabbit hunting before, so it will be a new experience that I'm looking forward to.
The days are getting longer, and the sun stronger.We will soon be busy finishing up the new cabin and doing some ground work on the new lot. I can not wait to get my kayak back in the water for a soul soothing ride on the Penobscot. It will be nice to go fly fishing once again too. Funny thing...my sister, who has lived in Florida now for 6 years is always telling me to fly south with the birds. I have resisted and for the most part I do enjoy the changing of the seasons, the blanketing of winter and what it all means in the never ending turning wheel of life. However, I'am getting tired of the confinement, Spring fever maybe...or as we call it here..cabin fever. So lets get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature!!!!
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