Spring: Is it Ever Coming?

from the Rainbow Point Lodge blog

We've had a LOT of snow this winter! More snow than we've had in years according to locals...although according to weather statistics accumulated so far, snowfall amount for 2014 is average.

That doesn't change the fact that there was a lot of snow and it's unfortunately not quite over yet... The weather network is still predicting more snow for the weekend :(

The question on everyone's mind now is: Will the ice be gone off Red Lake to let anglers enjoy the May Long Weekend fishing for walleye? With fishing season opening soon on May 17, 2014, less than a month away, it's natural to wonder if the ice will be off the lakes in time for fishing... Our local newspaper The Northern Sun is even having a little contest to see who can guess when the ice will go out this year.

Here are some opinions from local member camp owners taken from around the interweb ...

"Predictions of ice-out are notoriously fickle. The only thing we can say for certain is ice-out won't be early. At best it will be on time, and most people would probably bet it will be late."

Read the rest of this post on the blog here: Bow Narrows Camp Blog
Dan Baughman, Bow Narrows Camp

Rainbow Point Lodge

"Lakes are all very slushy. Too much snow on the ice, weighing it down, and pushing the water up. The ice augers for fishermen are to the max depth with extensions... that means 5+ feet of ice!"

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Rainbow Point Lodge Blog
Bob & Gale, Rainbow Point Lodge

Golden Hook Camp

"Don't be alarmed with all the snow & ice. This is insulation, under the snow is bad ice... I can tell it's going to be fishing at its best in 2014!...the later the ice goes out the better the fishing."
Scott & Machelle, Golden Hook Camp on Facebook

"There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for NW Ontario as temperatures look to finally start creeping above the freezing mark. These warmer temperatures will ensure a massive amount of snow melt and should create high waters for fishermen this spring. "

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Big Hook News & Fishing
Nathan, Big Hook Wilderness Camp

Pakwash Lake Camp

Pakwash Lake Camp is having their own contest where you can enter the date you think the ice will go out. Winner gets their choice of hat from the camp's stock.

Enter the contest on the Let's Go Fishing Pakwash Lake Blog
Kim, Pakwash Lake Camp

Gwyneth, Enid & family are still enjoying winter activities despite the long winter. " The soft ride over a blanket of fluffy snow is gone, replaced by a rougher ride over slush and ruts. Luckily today, 3 inches of new snow softened it all up. Just a great day for a rip down Red Lake. I just love this time of year! The bush around us is waking up and the season is almost here."

Read the rest of this post on their blog here: Vicking Island Outpost Blog
Enid, Viking Island & Outposts

Deb & Paul are also enjoying winter activities in their back 40 and appreciating the signs of spring coming. "Debbie and I went for a morning snowshoe in the back forty. A lot nicer than in camp a few weeks back. We weren't busting through the crust with every step! Spring is on the way!"

Deb & Paul, Woman River Camp on Facebook

    

Local Heroes in the News

Cold, long & dreary as the winter may be here in NorthWestern Ontario, these past few weeks have been filled with excitement, pride and honor for our little community!

It all started with the Sochi Olympics 2014 where local figure skater Eric Radford competed in the pairs and team events. Canada won a historic silver medal in the first ever Olympic figure skating team event. Eric and his partner Meagan Duhamel performed a dazzling pairs performance, a season's best and second place points. which helped their team win a silver medal. They also skated a short program where they were the highest ranking Canadians and placed fifth overall. Eric Radford had actually composed the routine's music in honor of his long-time coach Paul Wirtz and "enjoyed every minute" of their short program experience.

Eric, born and raised in Balmertown, Ontario visited and toured our community this week and was greeted warmly by his adoring fans and supporters. The mayor of Red Lake, Phil Vinet, even declared February 28 as Eric Radford day! Eric toured the schools, the mine and even took the ice with local figure skaters.

In other news, local aerobatic pilot Pete McLeod took his first podium win March 1st in Abu Dhabi's Red Bull Air Races. They called him red hot as he finished 3rd place and won a spectacular three-way battle for the victory in the blue skies of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zooming all across the world, Pete McLeod of Red Lake has made history by becoming the youngest pilot and first Canadian ever to compete in the elite Red Bull Air Race World Championship. He is described at impressively smooth and precise in his flying and his personality makes him a favourite wherever he competes. Here's to hoping we get to see him fly over Rahill Beach this summer!

2013 Summer is Finally Here!

After a long, cold and unpredictable winter, we can finally say "Summer is Here!!".  As the sun warms our days in Red Lake and Area, we hope that everyone has had an adventurous and safe start to the summer of 2013. 

Are you interested in vacationing this summer in our area?  For a physical copy of the 2013 Free Adventure Guide/Map, take a few minutes and fill out the information on the Contact Us page from our webpage www.tourismredlake.ca, or give us a call, and we will email one to you right away!

Haven't had a chance to visit the Red Lake Area? Click here to view a 6 minute Sight Seeing tour of the area!

Hello October!

October has surely started with a BANG this year, and I'm not referring to just the hunting.  Just a few short days ago, we saw about 30 cm of snow dumped in the area.  It was our reminder that winter really isn't that far off. (I'm sure the snowmobile enthusiasts were doing a dance of joy!) And during all of that, the unthinkable happened - we lost power for 24 hours. Some homes for almost 48 hours!  It was as if everything shut down. Though being the true northerners we are, it didn't slow us down. After it all, I saw many friends post on-line how they spent their time and share their creative cooking methods. All in all, it gave many families an unexpected opportunity to spend some time with one other and truly reflect and be grateful for what they have. Fitting for a Thanksgiving weekend wouldn't you say? Thankfully, power is restored and the snow has subsided.  Hopefully October won't have any more of that kind of excitement!  Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!


This picture was taken by Janice Bjarnason and posted on the Weather Network site on October 4, 2012.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/your_weather/details/786/7946490/4/caon0578/plpcities/786/

Red Lake Triathlon Set For August 19, 2013

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London will come to a close  on Sunday, August 12, 2012. Let the spirit carry you forward with the Red Lake Triathlon! Visit our web site for registration details. Not on a team but want to join in on the fun? Sign up to volunteer!! Come join the fun!

Click on the image for a larger view.

Celebrating Canada Day

For a larger view of the poster, please click on the image

Red Lake Rocks the Runway!

Join us for the Norseman Festival Fundraiser held at the Red Lake Airport on June 23rd .


The Norseman Floatplane Festival is the time of the year when Red Lake welcomes visitors from around the world to help the community celebrate Canada's iconic bush plane. The event isn't just for aviation lover, events and activities for the whole family.


Ever since the first model of the Noorduyn Norseman took off in Cartierville, Quebec, in 1935, it has been fathering fans from around the world. This tough, single engine, high winged piece of Canadian history can be seen, up close and personal, Red Lake's Rock the Runway.




Click on the photograph above for an printable image.