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

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!

MIA - Soggy Snowness

My apologies for not posting sooner.  I must say, it's been gray and gloomy in Western Montana.  Not super cold the last couple of weeks, very little sun, even less snow.  These shots were taken today and it's all melting fast.  Very little on the ground and still thick layers of ice everywhere.  

I love moss and wood piles.  Probably more pictures of these items to come!!

Get Hitched at Holland Lake Lodge

The lodge is the perfect wedding venue.  It's the ultimate place for a Montana destination wedding.  And it's not too late to reserve a date to celebrate with your closest friends and family.  The lodge hosts a small number of events each year and there are only a couple openings left.  So spread the word, tell a friend or call us for information!

University of Montana Community Lecture Series

A little off subject from talking about the lodge, but I think I should give a shout out to the University of Montana Alumni Association's 2010 Community Lecture Series.  A friend sent me the info and I wanted to pass it on here.  I've enjoyed the lectures many a time before and think some of you may as well.  U of M Community Lecture Series   Wanted to include a couple pictures from today!  

Holland Lake Lodge Barn & Corrals, Swans in the background

Rhythm Nation & Big D in the background

Sunset tonight, of Holland Lake & the Missions

almost identical to last evening

Fast, Cheap & Easy from Las Vegas, Phoenix & LAX

Allegiant Air is the only airline carrier to offer non-stop flights from California, Arizona and Nevada to Montana. For as low as $19 one way, this budget airline can get you to Holland Lake Lodge quickly and affordably! Los Angeles and Phoenix service flights to Missoula and Las Vegas caters to both Missoula and Kalispell. From either of these destinations, it's just a quick hour and 20 minutes by car to the lodge.  www.allegiantair.com

Triple the Fun

These two shots were taken last spring not far from the lodge....the cubs are two year olds.  They are learning to be on their own for the most part but still hanging out together for security.  Guests that come to the lodge are often concerned about bears.  I explain that although we're in a "Grizzly Corridor," the odds of seeing a bear around here are extremely low.  Bears do not want to encounter humans and typically avoid contact.  

Favorite Montana Winter Pastime??

People around here love to Ice Fish!!  I took these pictures yesterday as I passed Salmon Lake, about 30 miles south of Holland Lake Lodge.  This is actually the first time in weeks that I haven't seen at least five full sized trucks parked out on the ice too.  Maybe it's because it was a Wednesday and not the weekend.  Wanted to point out how close those men are to the inlet.  Seems rather tricky to me.  Had to include that last shot of Silas "stuck" at a friend's house.