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Rhonda's Report, 8364 Mule Team Trail, Atlanta, FL (2025)

11/13/2025

Why do people buy into or move to Canada Creek Ranch? Personally, three generations before me purchased a lot from the Monteith Land Company that became Canada Creek Ranch in the 1930’s. It was begun as the blue-collar’s answer to a hunting club, with over 13,000 acres of beautiful, wild woods and lakes. The cabins slowly populated our Ranch, with most coming for summer vacations and hunting or fishing. It remains a quiet place of respite for many of us.

Quiet is probably a key ranch word, as we are away from the bustle of downstate, or even Alpena, Atlanta, and Gaylord. If you’re on one of the main trails, you may hear a car or side-by-side once every few hours, unless it’s the summer rush or some event is going on. Yet we continue to keep those roads plowed, brined, and graveled better than some of the county’s.

A hike on any day can revive the spirit, as the Ranch is very walk-able either out back, around Lake Geneva, or past the quiet cabins. So many bird species can be heard, and in the winter the air is just different up here. Our trees right now are shedding their leaves – we were lucky they even regenerated after last spring’s ice storm. Do you remember our heartfelt sorrow as we watched them groan and crack? Most of the cabins were miraculously spared, when all of nature endured the torment.

We should all be so resilient. I can honestly say that all members love the ranch for what it is, even with our menial grumbling that seems to arise every time there’s a change. We don’t always like changes around here. And many things stay the same as when my great-grandpa decided to build that log cabin. But our deepest wish is to keep the Ranch healthy and the jewel it has always been.

As the rifle hunters begin their quests, they truly know the value of our wildlife and the peace that comes from settling into a cozy, quiet blind. And when we look around, whether it is through the blind screen at a buck or visiting our gem of a Ranch House, there is a certain satisfaction knowing prior generations were here. Indeed, many hunting spots were “where my dad would hunt.” A lot of what ties us to this place are the countless family stories that begin “When my dad and uncles played euchre here…” “When mom would ring the bell…” “When my brother got us lost…” “We tracked that buck for five miles until…” Those who newly join appreciate that quality of passed down stories as they try to create their own memories with children and grandchildren.

“What is all this worth?” we ponder. When others spend small fortunes on vehicles, lot rents, Christmas gifts, clothes, and more, I get to look out at the glistening lake with aspen leaves gently shaking, listen to a loon’s call, smell the pine and cedars. I don’t think you can put a price on regenerating your spirit here.

11/06/2025

Turning over new leaves and changing of the guard are the protocol here at the Ranch. Fair weather residents are closing their cabins and heading south, whether it is just downstate or down to other states. Draining and pouring the pink stuff down the plumbing, turning down the thermostat, covering or pulling in all of the outdoor furniture, flipping the circuit breakers – all the business of saying goodbye until spring for many. Those who are leaving are missing the mixed November weather of snow and rainbows.

And now the hunters arrive for “camps” – a multitude of bearded men and camo-dressed women with guns for the November 15th opening day. Blinds are the new habitat as hopeful shooters nestle down with their snacks and other time-passing activities, waiting for the rustle of a prize buck.

Their return in the evening to shared stories and shared meals at camp hopefully includes a venison haul. Meals are usually hearty stews, chilis, pastas, casseroles, and more in simmering crockpots or roasters. Also, the Ranch House Grille is slated to be open during hunting season on Fridays 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 8 a.m. to noon.

Early this month, guiding the hunters’ way out of the woods, is November’s Beaver Moon, the largest and brightest “super” moon of the year. It is so named by the Farmer’s Almanac because it’s when beavers are preparing their winter homes and trappers are setting traps before the water freezes. A supermoon is when a full moon’s orbit brings it closest to the earth.

Archers are wrapping up their week of hunting, and since the last report, the following had a great harvest: Jamal Mansour, Jerry Briggs, Ted Piechota, and J.J. Earl all shot does. Back in the day, shooting does just for meat was frowned upon, but now we know better than to let does overwhelm the deer population. Also, killing for meat instead of for trophy actually is more ethical. Jeff Schaible bagged an 8-point, 162-pound buck, though, achieving both trophy and meat! The buck was considered to be 4-1/2 years old after it was aged. All hunters should remember to sign in their harvests at the ranch house.

The deer cooler is open for business for members, a handy storage for when days are warm. Lucky hunters must sign in at the ranch house and pay $5 for every 24 hours used. Deer for the cooler have to be field dressed and registered with a CCR kill tag.

Though you won’t be able to visit the Deery Queen because it’s off-season, and you can’t really get to a Star-Bucks around here, you can often see the residential deer still hanging around the cabins. We’re trying to chase the bucks out back, but unless they’re trying to doe off some steam by chasing a pretty tail, they’d much rather eat your carrots. Peace and happiness!

10/30/2025

November winds are starting and oak leaves are leaving their tree houses. Acorns are everywhere. Linemen are trimming trees from around the lines at the ranch. Temperatures are still in the near 50’s during the day, and everyone set their clocks back as of November 2. Now family members have to wait a little longer for dinnertime, including the pets.

Hunters with harvests since the last report include Ryan Greenby, Dave Weber, Anna Geister, and Ted Piechota with does on CCR. Jeremy Parker, Matt Rick, and Phil Fisher all got 8-point trophies on the Ranch. Chad Nuttell shot a 7-point on state land, and Jordan Schulz came in with a 6-point from the Ranch.

Only a short time now until Michigan’s very own holiday of “opening day” on November 15 for gun season. Local high schools declare a day off, and hunters will vie for space. Most have blinds already in place, so a reminder to be considerate of areas already claimed. Cameras that detect wildlife traffic also detect those who are disrespectful, so remember the “Golden Rule” when hunting.

Hunters and members should remember that the CCR Foundation Raffle is going on until the fundraising Hunters’ Roundup on November 14. The prizes are huge, and only 1,500 tickets are sold for a chance to win a first prize of a $3600 e-bike, trailer, and $100 gift certificate from Jay’s Sporting Goods. A second prize is a fishing kayak and $100 gift certificate, with the third prize of a $250 gift certificate from Jay’s. Tickets are $20. Purchase them at the Ranch House or through Ray Karbon at 313-920-2941.

Donations to the Ladies Auxiliary “Holiday Help with Hygiene” and the Food Pantry box are being taken in the tubs at the Ranch House entry-way. This is one of the many ways CCR makes a difference in the community. The Auxiliary also donates to scholarships, the Elk Country Animal Shelter, the Caring Place, Atlanta Baby Basket, Atlanta Little League, the “Just in Case” high school program, the Onaway Food Bank, Hillman Fire Department, and the Tri Township Fire Department.

Recently, the Auxiliary’s donation to the Hunter Safety program helped train future hunters in a program that has been reviewed as the best in the county. Members of the Ladies Auxiliary also recently planted more daffodil bulbs around the common areas of the Ranch for springtime joy. Meetings for Ladies Auxiliary are on hiatus until the spring; after that they occur once a month on the first Wednesday of the month.

So, Michigan’s four seasons got together for a conference, and Winter boasted, “You can build snowmen and go snowmobiling in the beautiful winter!” Spring laughed, “Sure, but in spring everything is fresh and new and full of flowers!” Summer shone: “My season has ice cream, nice warm weather, and beach fun! What do you have to offer, Autumn?”

Autumn – (leaves). Peace and happiness to you!

10/23/2025

Peak season is ending, as rain and wind have done their best to make leaves really “fall.” Members who have taken the trouble to blow or rake up leaves wake up mornings to a fresh “fall.” Why should we rake in this never-ending story of leaves everywhere?

Getting leaves off grass will help sun and air reach your yard for future growth. It will also prevent mold and fungus, and ticks. Ticks like to hibernate in wet, dark compost environments. Do not burn leaves, which is forbidden on the ranch. Raking the leaves around trees can protect their roots, and blowing them to the perimeter allows leaf habitat to benefit other hibernating species, like honey bees.

The lake habitat has not frozen yet, and we still have many days of sunshine left to paddle. But if you have a kayak, rowboat, or paddleboat, they must be removed by November 15 from common areas. Some mornings are colder than the water temperature, as evidenced by the hovering fog.

Deer kill is still ongoing for archers out back and in culling areas. Since last report, Gus Skoutelas and Fred George both bagged 2-1/2 year-old does. Jamil Mansour harvested an 8-point buck from Clare County. Jason Fannon and Connor Schaible also brought in 8-point trophies. Connor had the help of his father, grandfather, and uncles bringing in his buck. Connor then showed up at the Trunk or Treat as a bow hunter in a tree stand and took a medal there! Well, done CCR son!

Speaking of the Trunk or Treat, everyone had a fun night with decorated trunks and plenty of costumed kids! A “Frozen”-themed trunk took a trophy, complete with a snow-suds blowing machine. Another trophy winner was the pirate ship, making kids walk the plank over shark-infested waters in order to get their treats. Third winner was a “Tommy Boy” car, complete with a buck in the back seat. Thirteen costumed kids took medals, from a Detroit Lions "lion" to a baby hummingbird. The Banana kid even did a banana split.

Actually, before all of that, we had the highly competitive Chili Cook-off. Crowds of people came to taste the wares of 10 chefs. The rain had halted for the day, and the sun was shining as tasters went around the tent and voted. First place went to Tim Herremans for his Everything Chili, second place went to Gary Wruble for his and his daughter’s Meaty Chili, and third place went to Rhonda Wetherington for the Buffalo Bourbon Chili.

The Ranch House Grille will remain open on Friday evenings, Saturday all day, and Sunday for brunch. However, we will not be serving Thanksgiving dinner this year, so grab someone to share a meal with and get ready for some Lions football!

If you head to the sports store, though, to get a football for the family tag game, make sure it’s already pumped up, or they will charge you for inflation. Peace and happiness!

10/02/2025

Lady Aurora Borealis has been a frequent visitor lately, and CCR member photos taken across Lake Geneva and Horsehead Lake have revealed green, blue, and pink spectacles. These include wobbling light flashes and bar movement in an ever changing event. Most times it is after 11 p.m. in the evening, but lately members have seen Northern Lights right after sunset and in early morning hours.

Though it is true that we see Aurora around the spring and fall equinoxes, she can show up at any time, with no real rhyme or reason. Some believe it’s the clash between the cold and warm fronts. But the sun is the real reason behind this excited atmospheric condition. Solar flares are producing solar winds that crash into earth’s atmosphere, resulting in Northern Lights activity.

Some can predict these through phone apps, such as Aurora Forecast, by looking at the map or the KP index. Newscasters have also let us know if Northern Lights are possible that night. According to the app, there are a few more possibilities in October on weekend nights. Scientists predict the next few years in the “solar cycle” will be very active, according to information from Michigan Tech.

Most naked vision has a hard time viewing the green and pink skies, because our eyes don’t have a long enough exposure. But a 3 second exposure on your phone camera will portray the real activity going on. So for those who can’t make it to Iceland, make a visit up north to a wide open field or lakeshore!

Canada Creek Ranch also has exciting events in its rotation this month. Ladies Auxiliary is selling tickets to its Italian Extravaganza Harvest Dinner, which is on Wednesday, October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For $30, you can have mostaccioli with marinara, chicken piccata, mushroom ravioli, meatball and Italian sausage, vegetables and salads, garlic bread, and Tiramisu for dessert! There will also be raffles for some great items. Buy tickets soon from Janet Edwards, Carolyn Marshall, Kathryn Geralds, or the front desk.

We will also have our annual Chili Cookoff and Trunk or Treat events on the 18th (a likely night for northern lights!). A cadre of chefs will prepare their best recipes for your judging to vie for prizes from noon to 2 p.m. Then later come dressed for fun and circle the decorated wagons at the ball field from 5 to 7 p.m. for trophies, medals, candies, and prizes.

Of course, bow hunting season has started since October 1, so be courteous when going out back. Culling areas are also open for archery. Hunters should remember to report their harvests at the ranch house. The cooler is now available to house deer for the interim before processing.

So continue to look to the northern skies this month! Though the sun has produced great mystical fantasia, some people think it’s the full harvest moon that has supernatural powers. But then most of these folks are just lunar-tics. Peace and happiness.

09/25/2025

Along with the recent successful bear hunt on the Ranch, members have reported bear scat near residences. Although bears are mostly herbivores, if they are surprised or with young cubs, they can be dangerous. Though they do not hunt other animals, if a small one appears, and they are hungry enough or provoked, bears will maul and eat the carcass. Remember to bring bird feeders in at night to prevent bears from forming habits of entering the residential area and damaging gates, fences, and feeder poles.

Pumpkin patches are open, which is another source of food for critters. Deer will stomp on them, break them up, and eat them for supper. Growing their darker fall coats now, deer will soon look a little furrier. Fawns can still be seen frolicking in the cabin area; one doe was contending with nursing triplets.

A few hunters were successful in the early hunt this month. Jim Schaible, Jerry Briggs, Pat Earl, and Gil Olds all bagged does on CCR property. Congratulations!

Canada Creek Ranch recently held its annual meeting where a dues proxy failed, and two new board members were elected: Steve Boyce and Jan Dowe. Vicki Rakowski retained her seat in her reelection bid. Al Lifsey was announced as board director filling the vacant seat until the end of 2025.

Recently seventeen volunteers scoured the embankments of M-33 to clean litter from south to north entrances during the Adopt-A-Highway event. Also, the Ladies Auxiliary is collecting toiletry items for the high school, in another community effort. The “Just in Case” program will take donations in the tub in the Ranch House entryway.

The Gift Shop, also run by the Auxiliary, has lots of new items and apparel. Make a visit on weekends to see what’s new. In addition, the Ladies Auxiliary is hosting the Harvest Dinner on Wednesday, October 15. Tickets are $30 for this Italian-themed event; purchase from the Ranch House, Janet Edwards, or Marilyn Clark.

The next culinary event, the Recreation Committee’s annual Chili Cook-off, happens a few days later on Saturday, October 18 at noon at the ballfield. Around ten to twelve chefs will offer their best efforts for tasting. This is a free family event, and attendees will be given small sample bowls. This year, each tasting participant will be given one voting ticket for what they consider the best chili this year.

Afterwards, on the same day from 5 to 7 p.m., the Recreation Committee will host the Trunk or Treat event. Kids are invited to show up in their best costumes; adults are encouraged to go all out decorating their trunks. Medals will be given to winning costumes, plus tons of candy treats for everyone. A special trophy will be given to the best group/family costume theme. Trunk prizes include trophies and gift certificates.

Let’s all do the Monster Mash and have some fun this year! Which is actually a song about a song called the Monster Mash, about a dance called the Monster Mash. Google it. Peace and happiness.

09/18/2025

Color is happening on the ranch bit by bit. Ferns are turning a spackled rusty hue, wild blueberries’ leaves are becoming red, and maple trees are tipped in golds and oranges. Along M-33, sumacs are brightly blazing. Pines are taking on that turpentine smell, and small creeks leading from Geneva have a fetid compost aroma. Wild plants are going to seed, and pollen is beginning to wreak havoc for allergies.

Shots can be heard from the gun range, which is open on weekends for trap, and also from early doe season hunters. Culling areas are posted, and members can get a map of those from the ranch house.

Bear hunting was successful for Jon Perry on the ranch property. He and his son were especially grateful for the help of Jeff Miller and Gil Olds to load it up. It was a fine example of CCR camaraderie to help each other! The bear used the new freezer locker to await processing. Members still can donate to the expense of the locker at the front desk. It also has been used for the Liberty Hunt, and will be valuable in the warmer temperatures.

As a reminder, the spring ice storm left behind branches and tree debris. We are still looking to clear most of it, to prevent wildfire fuel. Please help by removing brush on your property and, if you can, the surrounding areas. Please don’t move it to another area – there is a brush pile by the green box area for disposal.

Some new rules will be going into effect concerning the beach area and hunting areas. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are not allowed in the designated swimming area of the beach, in addition to fishing and other boats. Out back in the hunting areas, hunters should remove all ribbons, tags, and artificial designations after March 1. Cameras are still allowed, however.

Our History Museum construction is nearly complete, well in advance of the December deadline. The Historical committee is still looking for any old shooting photos or memorabilia to be placed for its contents. Please contact Earl Sowers, Jo-Carole Zechel, or Sandra Otto if you think you have anything of historical interest.

Our staunch historian, Barbara Steele, reached her final earthly resting spot at Oakland Memorial Cemetery in Novi, MI on Saturday, September 13, 2025. A butterfly release symbolized her free spirit and honored her memory. Barb passed away on June 18, 2025, and a memorial dinner was held at the Ranch House on August 10.

October events are planned! Tickets are available for the Ladies Auxiliary Harvest Dinner for $30 on Wednesday, October 15. The Chili Cook-off and the Trunk or Treat will be held on October 18 at the beach ballfield – a whole day of family fun!

A trunk one year looked very chill with its beach theme. Too bad the participants stayed out too long in the sun and looked like skeletons! Stay warm or cool this week, whichever Michigan weather dictates! Peace and happiness.

09/12/2025

Another huge acorn drop this year, possibly due to the stress that the white oaks went through during the ice storm. The ranch is still undergoing cleanup outback, but the well site trails now are locked with chains to prohibit driving on them. Some tree limbs are still falling when there are gusty winds, in the cabin area and out back, so be cautious.

The next week should be warm and give members a chance to continue to clean up, ride down the creek, and see plenty of wildlife. According to our forest advisors, many deer are browsing in the woods because of the downed trees, instead of grazing the rye fields. In our lakes, Alleigh Pagles, our ranch biologist, has been conducting a fish survey. She foresees an abundant bass and sunfish population for the spring.

The coyote population, however, has been infected with distemper virus, according to Wayne Sitton, from Dr. Deer wildlife management. One member related that he saw a coyote going in circles, presumably infected with distemper, and put the coyote down near the rifle range. Coyote hunting and trapping is year round, because they are considered a nuisance and danger to other wildlife.

The fox population, though, is thriving, and adults can be seen crossing the trails in the residential area and on the hill near the bowl on Bridge Trail. Woodpeckers and flickers are still drilling the trees, and turkeys are stalking and scratching for food everywhere. Grouse season opens on September 15.

CCR book club recently had Rick Wetherington present his experiences at the Kennedy Space Center as a NASA photographer. Some of those involved rocket and shuttle failures. The next book for October is “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawson. The club will meet at 7 pm on October 14.

Our roads took a beating with the Labor Day traffic and rains, but our maintenance crew is on it, and has been leveling off the potholes. Also on the roads and trails are electric bikes. They are very convenient and fun, but there are different classes of e-bikes that the ranch is looking at to determine what access they should have. A committee of members is offering input, and those who would like to be involved should contact board member Cameron Geralds.

Upcoming is the board director elections and a proxy proposal for members to consider. Results for all will be revealed on September 20 at the annual meeting. Members have until that day to vote and are encouraged to look in their email for the electronic ballot. If you can’t see it, perhaps look in your spam folder. If you are having any difficulty, the front desk personnel can help or you can obtain a paper ballot.

Junk mail comes in all forms. I just got an email from Google detailing how they have devised a way to read maps backwards. That turned out to be spam, though. Peace and happiness.

Rhonda's Report

11/13/2025

11/06/2025

10/30/2025

10/23/2025

10/02/2025

09/25/2025

09/18/2025

09/12/2025

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