Goodbye to Winter

Awoke to an inch of snow this morning here at the lake.  So maybe this goodbye is a bit premature!  This year we have had the longest snowy evening I've seen in my 12 years of living in Montana - the coldest temps and most snow.  I am confident there will be ice on the lake into May, something I have seen only a couple other times.  The pictures below and above were taken in early December, just as the lake was freezing solid.  The photographer is Nicole Wickens, of Green Door Photography.  Nicole is a local Missoula area artist, who specializes in weddings and portraits.  Huge thanks to her for sharing these photos of the lake and HLL critters.

DSQUARED2 Shoots Commercial at Holland Lake Lodge

In early July of last year the designers and creative directors of the DSQUARED2 fashion brand stayed at the lodge for four days, shooting and producing a commercial for their new fragrance lines, HeWood & SheWood, to be shown on Italian television.  Founders of the brand, Dean and Dan Caten, and their crew could not have been a greater bunch of folks.  Members of the production team flew in from as far away as Milan, Italy.  Originally hoping to shoot at the lodge, using the lake and mountain backdrop, it wasn't until the third day that they found the Swan River location.  The actors were stoic in braving the near freezing snow run-off.  Check out the of the making of the commercial.  You'll see some great shots of the lake, inside the lodge, and the production team in action.  You can even see Dan wearing one of our lodge sweatshirts!  

There is talk of releasing an English version of the commercial here in the states and I'll keep you posted on when that happens.

Huge thanks to all involved, you were some of our best media guests ever!

This is the actual commerical.  

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!!

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

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!!

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!

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

Winter's Still Trying to Happen

With last week's weather being in the high 50s, it felt like spring was here and winter was long gone.  Thank goodness for the fresh snow on Monday night and Tuesday morning.  About six inches of new snow here at the lodge.  We sure do need it.  These pictures are from this afternoon.  Thelma and Silas were having a good time.  You can see that there's open water along the edge of the lake in some places.  Should probably think twice before heading out for ice fishing!  Current temp@ Holland Lake Lodge 35 degrees.  ** Don't forget, a quick click on each picture will show them in larger format for better viewing.

 

Silas is frog hunting already, notice the open water!

view of Mission Mtns from front porch of the lodge

view of the Swan Mtns and Holland Pass

Kitty Kat Soup - Round 2

 A friend sent me these pictures, taken in Idaho....definitely makes you think twice about heading to the car!