Pete-n-Silas

Took these photos this afternoon.  November is not known as being the most beautiful month in Montana.  It tends to be a toss up between Fall and Winter, as if Mother Nature can't quite make up her mind.  Today is no different: cold, gray and dreary, but still beautiful.

Silas

Pete above, one of the lodge mousers!

Last Night @ the Lake

Beautiful evening.  Larch have peaked slightly.....nights are cool, fresh snow on the mountains.

And here at the lodge, I have a lot of catching up to do with this blog!!

Red Hotties at Holland Lake

Our lovely local Swan Valley Red Hotties came for lunch!!

They usually come once a season as a group, sometimes twice if we're lucky.  This year I had to take a picture of them after lunch.  We love having our local neighbors visit the lodge and appreciate their support hugely!  What a beautiful group of women they are.

Last Night at Holland Lake......

Beautiful end to the day.  The Kinneys from Virgina enjoyed some quiet time after dinner.  Missions in the background!  

Canada to Mexico!!

Five wonderful guests last night stayed over while on their journey from Canada to Mexico.  They are doing the Great Divide Bike Trail.....yes, folks, 2500 miles of mountain biking using mainly dirt paths/roads and very little pavement.  The route has been mapped for a decade or so and the lodge sits one mile off the trail.

We've been getting bikers at the lodge since 2000 and are in awe of their stamina and energy in attempting this endeavor.  The lodge has a policy that we'll offer food for bikers at any time of day regardless of our regular restaurant hours!

Here are a couple photos of three of the five from last night: Susan, Matt and Julie.  Good luck, guys!!  The three have a phenomenal backup support duo, Judy & Debbie.
A link to their awesome blog: EatSleepDrinkBeerRide

And check out the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Guide: Great Divide Maps

Goodbye to June

Tough to believe June is over!  The Frykman Family is visiting from Southern California.  Some shots of them from yesterday!

 

Tommy was in the water right away, the cold temp didn't seem to bother him!

 



Silas and Carolina are inseparable.

Marshmallow Fire Fun

Took a few pictures this evening, it was a beautiful "oil painting sky."  The Fletcher Family from Arizona enjoyed time by the lake roasting marshmallows in the bonfire in front of the Griz Den.  Holland Falls is in the back ground.

    

   

   

      

This June has seen plenty of rain, and the mosquitos have hatched.  They're out in full force!!

Good-n-Wet

Been raining almost non-stop for the last two weeks.  These pictures are from last week when there was a slight pause in the weather.  Daffodils are finally over.  And the lawn is in need of a good mowing.  

Planning to have the horses back around the 15th of the month.  Enjoy these shots from inside the dining room!

Water like Glass

Gentle night at the lake yesterday evening.  Water was like glass and the reflections were phenomenal.  It was wonderful to have our opening weekend for the season.  The restaurant was busy and the guests had a great time.  Here are some pictures from yesterday.  My apologies for the bad date.  I've since figured out to remove it from my small point n shoot camera!

Huge Loss at the Lodge

We lost sweet sweet Thelma in a tragic accident on Monday.  We have heavy hearts and are in deep shock. Thelma grew up at the lake, she came in July of 2001 as an 8 week old puppy.  She loved all the guests and was a huge presence here at the lodge.  I know many of you have fond memories of her.  She will never be forgotten.
The second picture I've posted was just taken last week.  Thelma and Silas were great companions and often snuggled onto one dog bed.  The third picture was taken yesterday when we buried her.  Silas watched intently as we placed her in the grave.  Afterwards, as we stood around talking and crying, he laid down as you see there.  Placing his paws on the rocks above her sweet head, he stayed like that for a good 20 minutes.  I imagine his grief is much like ours....he has a sadness in his eyes and has not been sleeping much.  We appreciate all your support and kindness.

Spring has SPRUNG!!

The loons are calling, pups swimming and a lone goose has been hanging on the front lawn.
We're busy here "uncorking" the lodge.  Chef Amber is putting the kitchen together and Mary is setting up rooms and cabins!  Karen has the office moved back on-site.

The lawn is growing and lilacs leafing and I had sprinklers on this afternoon.

We open May 22nd!
And the restaurant too.....best to call ahead for dinner reservations.
The shots below were taken by Amber yesterday.  That's Thelma with her adopted sister, Seeley!

Hope to see you soon!

www.hollandlakelodge.com

First Bonfire of the Year

So....ice has been off the lake for over a week.  Very very early this year.  In 2009, open water didn't happen until May 7th.  I've been up the last couple of days and had a bonfire last night.  Pups have had their spring shave.  They were playing in the water, Silas was hunting "frogs" and Thelma going after her stick.

The lodge opens May 22nd!  Less than a month.

Pardon the bad dates on the photos, I took them with my pocket camera.

Apple Pie - Yumm!

From Mid-June through Labor Day, we make a fresh house made Apple Pie daily.  Additionally, last season, we made a cake each day for guests.  These were added to our regular desserts and became a huge hit with guests.  I made a pie last week, looks identical to the ones we make in the summertime.  Sure you'll see the pies again when we get rolling in May.

French Apple Pie