Our first time to this resort. They all say they're "the best", but this resort REALLY IS.
We were extremely impressed with the Service, Facilities, Food and Hospitality. This is an extremely well run outfit.
If you go with a full American Plan stay, the food you're served was incredible. They give you so much, we started asking for half orders. NY Strip Steak, Prime Rib, BBQ Ribs, Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens, Pork Loin medallions of tenderloin, Pork cordon-bleu, Chicken breasts stuffed with seafood, etc.
Home made pies, cakes, cookies, buns and breads. Breakfast was different every day.... waffles, pancakes, eggs benedict, omlets, etc. Lunch is either boxed ( in cooler) with sandwiches, fruit, cookies, vegetables with dipping sauce or shore lunch of freshly caught walleye, whitefish or pike. We went for Walleye and the average size was 15-18" and they were "fat" too. Prefered bait seemed to be Minnows, but if they were on the feed, they'd hit leeches too. We noted when the water temp was 63, they seemed to be more active and all our fish were taken in 4 ft to 10 ft of water & close to rocky shorelines and around points. They have so many rocky islands, coves and reed / weed beds, this is a fisherman's dream. This section of the lake isn't deep...... most areas are 10-20 ft with sandy/rocky bottoms. Towards the southern end ( the narrows) they have some spots that go down to 40 ft.
We had Cabin #2. See photos. The outside didn't look impressive, but the inside was spacious and very comfortable. BEDS were SO COMFORTABLE it was like being at home. THE TOILETS WORK too. They have their own septic system. Good showers and plenty of hot water too. Wish they had more electrical outlets though. One on bottom of the "gas" stove ( I know it sounds strange) one in each bedroom. None in the bathroom, living room or kitchen. The Bathroom does have an electric light, but the rest of the cabin runs off of gas lamps. Our cabin had a screened in sitting porch, an outdoor deck with seating and a BBQ. The Cabin also has an automatic insect control spray that goes off every 15 min. We had just a couple mosquitos inside the cabin during our JUNE 11-18 STAY. No See em's got a good feeding around our ankles and arms, but it was so unseasonably warm that week, that we couldn't keep covered up.
Boats had great running 15 hp Merc motors, an electric trolling motor and fish finder....all of which operated flawlessly. Our 18ft cedar strip boats DIDN'T LEAK either. They provide and anchor but the greatest gizmo is their "T" bar. It's a long metal bar topped by a wooden handle which is slid into a metal bracket bolted mid boat next to the center long wooden seat. This bar aids your balance when getting into or out of the boat from the dock. It's amazing how helpful it was all week long, especially for women or those "over 55" crowd. When not used with the "T", we put our net into the bracket. Fit like a glove. Nets are rubber with NO HOLES. Bait is available for purchase.....minnows, leeches or nightcrawlers. The dockhands are always there when you come in to help tie you up, get you gas or fresh bait. We never waited.
The Main Lodge is spectacular inside. Fresh, open, inviting and comfortable. Service was outstanding.
Breakfast is served at 8am...........and by 9, your cabin has been cleaned. They actually scrub the bathroom floor and showers with disinfectant. Shore lunch is at Noon on an island close to the lodge and Dinner is at 6pm.
Al, Doris ( the owners) and Vern, Larry Lori, Julia and Mandy really took care of us and made us feel as if we were family. They really cared if you had a good experience.
The American plan with a Fly In from Hawk Junction is a bit expensive, but after you compare this Lodge with others, you'll gladly spend the extra $$$ to come back. We will re-book for the 2012 season. They also have Housekeeping only or Housekeeping with Dinner only packages and you can get there by train from the Sault Ste Marie, Ont or Hawk Junction, Ont.
We saw Bear, Moose, mature Bald Eagles, Loons, mink and during our week, a hatch of the Dragonflies by the thousands. What a sight and I guess that signals the end of black flies as they go after and eat them.
Fabulous experience and one we'll never forget.