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

04/09/2025

Delving into September means Labor Day recreation is over and we’re into fall beginnings. School buses are running, and kids and grandkids are already into sports. At the ranch, though, it has quieted, with a few days left here and there to put the kayaks into the lake. Dogs are still getting in a few swims from Tibbit’s Landing. Nights are seeing temperatures in the forties, and fall chrysanthemum sales are beginning to pop up.

Our Labor Day weekend was a joyful break for many families, and the art show was buzzing with buyers. The ducky race was suspenseful as families gathered at Wilson Bridge to watch them float into the finish line net. First place was Christin Broski’s ducky, second was Harold Braun’s, and third went to Mary Jo Ferguson. Last place was Dorothy Tank’s duck. Lars and Bob helped at the creek’s finish line net, decked in waders, but that didn’t help Lars when he fell in.

Eighteen teams competed at the final summer co****le event, with the Fuzzy Bags team coming in first and the Side Pieces second for the competitive side. Shuck It team was first, while the Red Caps and Gopher Jrs. came in second on the recreational side. Night was falling just as teams finished.

Volunteers for the Ranch were feted on Saturday, August 30, with a luncheon of cold cuts, salads, and soups. Many volunteer areas were represented, from ice storm helpers and food plot caretakers, to librarians and event personnel. Brian Rogers, Ranch Manager, made sure to visit each table to thank volunteers.

The campground hosted its annual Trailer Treat event, and over fifty youth were dressed in pre-Halloween fashion, going from camper to camper. One little puppy was even dressed as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” because her name was, well, Belle. Other princesses were floating around, along with teenagers dressed as “athletes.” Campers were decorated with lights, spooky webs and witches, and lots of candy buckets.

An amazing glow-in-the-dark pickleball event was held Sunday evening, with lights on the nets and lines, and luminescent paddles. Many families packed up the next day to head back to reality. Remember to help the Ladies Auxiliary food bank donations in the Ranch House entry when leaving for the season!

The Ranch House Grille is open, with specials for dinners, from barbeque pork to New Zealand red stag. Sunday boasts the plentiful buffet brunch. We have many chili chefs on the Ranch signing up to compete in the October Chili Cook-Off. Competitors should contact Kara Schymanski to get on the list.

Though autumn is on its way, it’s still the end of summer, so soak in all the vitamin D from the sun that you can while the acorns pop off oak trees. A few squirrels were starting their stashes, but then a bear critter-sized them for hoarding. A chipmunk defended them with “You are what you eat!” But we don’t have to believe him, because he is a nut. Peace and happiness.

28/08/2025

The sun is traveling southerly as we move into September, though we still have nice days in the forecast. Because of cooler nights, “Deer Island” in Lake Geneva often looks mysteriously misty in the early hours. Aspens and poplars shush in the wind, and if you need a piece of Zen, take a walk on our trails or sit on a dock to enjoy the peace.

Soon enough, hunters will be out with Youth Deer Hunt this month (a.k.a. Liberty Hunt), for those 16 and under and qualifying individuals with disabilities. The fall turkey season also begins September 15 and runs until November. Archers are getting ready for bow season, beginning October 1. The Ranch is incorporating a new rule that all man-made materials (including ribbons and tags) be removed after hunting season by March. This does not include cameras, however.

Members are invited to continue making donations for the deer cooler, which is next to the lean-to at the ranch house. This walk-in cooler can contain 12 deer below 40 degrees on warmer days during hunting seasons. A pavilion is currently underway to house the cooler. Donations can be mailed or submitted to the office.

Do you remember when the gun range was by M-33? How far we have come, thanks to our shooting sports committee. With concrete slabs, shelters, and signage at ranges out back, shooters can enjoy practicing their bow, shotgun, rifle, and handgun skills. We are asking members to dig around old photos that may show the old range out front to help the historical committee in their efforts for the museum. Please contact Earl Sowers, Jo-Carole and Gary Zechel, or Sandra Otto if you find any.

Other activities besides hunting are ongoing through September: pickleball at 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Tai Chi at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays; fitness classes on Mondays and Fridays at 8:30 a.m.; and of course, bridge and poker on Tuesdays.

Labor Day weekend will see a variety of fun stuff. Friday starts it off with the last outdoor summer co****le at 7 PM at the ranch house. Also Friday and Saturday, there will be garage sales. Saturday’s schedule includes the volunteer luncheon and the ducky race at 4. The Grille will have dinner featuring Krzysiaks’ Polish dishes. Sunday is the big day for the Art Fair 10 am to 2 pm. Come get a unique handmade item and meet your CCR crafters!

The September 16 wine-tasting asks participants to bring hard ciders for comparison, and appetizers will be provided. This starts at 7 p.m. in the Bickley room; the cost is $10 per person. It’s a very fun event and a great way to meet new people at the ranch.

The book club is meeting on September 9 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom to discuss the book “Atmosphere,” which has a setting of Kennedy Space Center during the shuttle period. We will have a special guest, and maybe two, of professionals who worked there from this time period. All are welcome!

If you look into the sky on these cooler nights, you can see many stars, including Ursa Major and Minor (Big and Little Dippers), and Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter. That’s just another blessing to living “up north”: you feel a little bit closer to the sky. If you tilt your head too long though, you may end up with three ears: a right ear, a left ear, and a final front-ear. Peace and happiness.

21/08/2025

Cooler temperatures are turning the tips of some trees gold and a few orange maple leaves are spotting the ground, where ferns are beginning to brown. It’s not fall yet, but these events warn us to do what we can outside while the weather still permits. Repairing roofs from the ice storm and putting on those last coats of paint may be some of the activities, but also take advantage of the cooler temperatures to go for longer walks or fish in our beautiful lakes.

Coming up on the Labor Day weekend, the Ranch will be very busy. The last co****le session is planned for Friday. Last week's first place winner in the competitive category was the “Ralph & Me” team. First place in the recreational category was “H & H.” We will see who finishes the season well on August 29. Also on Friday and continuing through the weekend are the Labor Day garage sales. Find the list in the office for your bargain hunting.

Then on Saturday, August 30, the Ranch is hosting the Fifth Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ranch House Grille. If you helped in any way, shape, or form – on committees, at events, tree planting, ice storm clean-up, elk hunt, sub-committee projects, food plots, and more – you are invited to attend! Please call the ranch house to RSVP no later than August 27.

After the volunteer recognition, we will hold the annual Rubber Ducky Race down at Wilson Bridge at 4 p.m. Buy your duck at the front desk for $5 and receive the number of your racing duck. First place prize is $200, with a second and third prize also. Proceeds will go to the CCR Foundation, which benefits us and the surrounding area in environmental projects.

Next on Sunday, join us at the ballfield for one of the best art and craft shows around. Any guests should be sponsored by a member, and there will be plenty of artsy goods to peruse. Pottery, jewelry, soaps, candles, doll clothes, herbal products, and so much more will be available for purchase. This is your chance to pick up something unique for yourself or for a gift!

The Ladies Auxiliary-sponsored Wine Tasting was held on Tuesday, August 19 in the Bickley room, and our own CCR sommelier, Lindsay Miller, taught us about differences in the French and West Coast red wines of gamay and cabernet. Gamays are fruity red wines, with berry notes, and less tannins. The cabernets were more full-bodied, often from oak barrels. Attending participants provided the appetizers, resulting in a wide variety of eats. There will be one more wine tasting event on September 16, featuring hard ciders. Participants should bring their fermented fruit drink, and appetizers will be provided.

We have quite a few apple orchards and farms around here that sell some of the best cider. One farm, though, had chickens crossing the road to get to the other cider. Peace and happiness!

14/08/2025

We have been busy bees, as activities pick up at the Ranch. Paula Rivard and Cathy Voorheis recently presented the bee project at the ranch at a “Women of the Wild” session, and we learned what it takes to keep them alive and producing in the hives. Hives are currently placed in the meadow area off Dowsett Trail. The bees were purchased locally from Indian River, Paula and Roger Rivard built the hives, and the foundation is supporting the project with a solar electric fence to keep bears out. Cathy is an experienced beekeeper, and her expertise has been valuable. Attendees were able to walk in the meadow and look at the hives from a safe distance. We are hoping bees pollinate our CCR plants and trees.

As we all enjoy nature and the relaxed ambience of Canada Creek Ranch, there are signs, literally, of the need for no speed. New green signs have gone up, and a new radar sign is also installed near the beach area, so you can tell if you need to slow down. Ten mph is regulated for the beach, campground, and Ranch House area, while 20 mph is the speed limit for the rest of the ranch. In other words, slow down for peopled areas, and watch for kids, bikers, wildlife, and walkers.

Speaking of enjoying nature, how many kids and young at heart have visited the “bouncy ground” this year? A meadow just off Lake Geneva’s path is a natural “trampoline,” and its cause has been explained with underground moisture, decaying composition, expanded root systems, gases and more. In any case, it is not a temporary condition, and many members have brought their children to experience this bouncing fun.

More fun here has been corn hole Fridays on the ranch house lawn, and we still have a few left until Labor Day weekend. Recent winners of the competitive category were “The Hood” members Rick Wetherington and Terry Krawzcak, with the “Hunt’n Buddies” team in second. Winners of the recreational category were “Neighbors” members Jack Miller and Paul Cichon, with second place going to the “Lakeview” team.

CCR Book Club met recently to discuss “The Last Anniversary” by Liane Moriarty. Club members evaluated it as an interesting read once past the initial phase. A sort of rom-com, it has dark undertones, on an Australian coastal island. The book was rated a good beach read. Our next book has the backdrop of the Kennedy Space Center shuttle program. “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins-Reid, is about a woman training in the space program in the 80’s. Special guest, Rick Wetherington, who photographed the shuttle program for 39 years, will present some of his experiences and photos at our next book club on September 9 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom. All are welcome.

Also upcoming this month is the August wine tasting on the 19th at 7 pm in the Bickley room. The cost is $10 and attendees are asked to bring an appetizer. Labor Day weekend includes the Rubber Duckie race at Wilson Bridge and the Trailer or Treat at the campground. Buy your duckie at the ranch house! Also that weekend is the Art Fair on Sunday from 10-2 at the ballfield. Loads of activities for members and guests to flit around.

While many hummingbirds have "pollen" in love flitting around our flowers, we also are seeing honey bees around our bee-gonias. So bee kind to our buzzy neighbors this summer! Peace and happiness!

08/08/2025

August seems a little sleepy, but we are looking forward to upcoming events later on in the month! The Ranch House Grille continues to be open Thursday and Monday evenings, Friday and Saturday all day, and Sunday (brunch). Look on the Facebook Canada Creek Members page for menu updates, or call the front desk.

Labor Day weekend will bring tons of fun with the last co****le on Friday evening. The annual “Trailer or Treat” at the campground Saturday, August 30 at 7 p.m. has so much fun planned with treating, costume contest, and caramel apples at the pavilion afterward. Campers are asked to decorate their trailers and pass out candy.

Then the CCR Art Show will happen on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. down at the ballfield. We have so much talent on the ranch, as members shine with sewn goods, pottery, rock art, jewelry, wood carving, sketches, soaps, candles, paintings, and more! If you would like to participate, applications must be in to Nancy Thurston or Sharon Czekala by August 15. Booths are assigned first come, first served.

Recently, the nominating committee held a “Meet the Candidate” event. Candidates Steve Boyce, Jan Dowe, Mark Peltier, Vicki Rakowski, and Rhonda Wetherington were available for one-on-one conversations in the dining room. If you couldn’t make it, their bio information is on the pages, and in the CCR newsletter, which is also on the website. If you have a question about any of their positions, their phone numbers and email can be obtained from the ranch house. All have said that they welcome any of your concerns.

The dogs are loving swimming and fetching at Tibbit’s Landing, as the humidity has been high even though some of the smoke has cleared. Don’t let your dog drink the water if you can help it, due to giardia that may be present. If your pup develops diarrhea after swimming, chances are they swallowed water and have an intestinal infection. Probiotics for dogs, which are non-prescription, are helpful with this condition.

Word is that two crappies were in Lake Geneva and sick and tired of being chased by the large-mouth bass trying to eat them. The male said, “I wish I was bigger than that bass. I would show him who’s who.” A nearby magic cod heard his wish, and in a blink the crappie turned into a pike. The other female crappie ran away, so she was not eaten by her changed friend. After a while, the pike became lonely, and wished again to be his normal self. The magic cod heard him, and in another blink, the pike became a crappie again. He swam over to the female crappie’s abode, and called out “It’s me, your old friend. Come out to play!” “No way,” she said, “You will eat me!” “No!” said the male crappie. “That was the old me! I have changed because I have found Cod!”

Peace and happiness this week!

31/07/2025

Canadian wildfires have been hovering over the ranch, causing a few darker, eerie days. There were reports of low visibility on Mackinac Bridge, and car headlights have even turned on in the daytime due to the smoky air. Some forthcoming sun-shiny days will help the sky recover, but if you’re planning a UP trip, check the air quality first.

In the morning mist, you can still hear the loons calling, though it’s been hard to tell if any loonlets will join the family nest. If you’re out kayaking, remember to keep your distance outside of the buoys; close encounters can permanently scare off our avian visitors.

Deer stands are allowed out back starting in August, but dress for ticks! We get a little complacent about them after seeing so many, but they are still dangerous critters for spreading disease. Almost everyone knows someone who has contracted Lyme disease. Permethrin soaked into your clothes, socks over the bottom of your pants, and shirts tucked into pants will help prevent them attaching to your skin.

Donations for the walk-in cooler, with a pavilion to house it, are still being taken at the front desk. This cooler will allow up to 12 deer to be stored during warmer hunting days. Hunters also will be asked to pay a small fee per day for storage. Any CCR member will be able to use it. The rifle and archery ranges continue to be open daily, with s***t shooting on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Ranch House Grille has had an incredible summer with busy fish fry Fridays, mouthwatering pizza, and specials for Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Sunday buffet is always a winner for whole families to sit together and enjoy.

Also, co****le continues through Friday on Labor Day weekend. The recreation committee is preparing for the CCR Art Show that weekend too, to be held on the ballfield again, on Sunday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists and crafters should contact Nancy Thurston or Sharon Czekala, and applications must be in by August 15. Items for sale must be the original work of the exhibitors.

On Sunday, August 10, at 2 p.m. a memorial for Barbara Steele is planned at the Ranch House. All are invited to remember this great historian and correspondent for our ranch. Our Historical Committee is still taking donations and can/plastic bottle returns to supplement the inside display and other expenses. Please do not include glass bottles, as they often break and become a hazard. If you have items that would be pertinent to the museum contents, please contact Sandra Otto, Jo-Carole Zechel, or Earl Sowers.

Though Canada Creek Ranch’s history has a variety of important dates, we prefer not to call it a fruit cake. Even if we are raisin’ funds to honor its long past, nut-ting is better than the natural wonder we have right now. Peace and happiness.

17/07/2025

Woodpeckers have been rampant on the Ranch, leaving red pines with many holes. One tree is so chewed up, it looks like a bear was cleaning its nails on it. We have the pileated woodpecker here on the ranch, an obvious-to-recognize hammer on the trees, but there are many others, including flickers. Our poor trees sure have gone through a lot this year.

The Ranch is still busy cleaning up brush, as many vacationers have come up to load wagons, run chainsaws, and pick up limbs. Our pickleball “Storm Troopers” also helped out in July to pick up all around the courts.

The pickleball tournament on Independence Day was hugely popular and a great success. There were 17 teams total, with Jamil and Hyder Mansour taking first in competitive and Jack Schaible and Dave Weber taking second. The recreational winning team was Torri and Andre, and Grant and Andrew came in second. Pickleball continues to be played on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 9 a.m. on the campground courts.

Friday night co****le is still ongoing, with Hunt’n’ Buddies in first place on July 11, Red Caps second, JD’s in third place, and Bob Babuska winning the ticket prize. Plans are for it to continue until at least Labor Day.

The Historical Committee is still looking for photos to include in the museum, which is well on its way to being complete on the outside. If members have any photos of the old shotgun range on M-33 or the old rifle range, please contact Nancy Thurston at 989-306-7757. Committee members are continuously looking through old photos, slides, and articles that may be pertinent to the museum.

A hunter’s safety program will be held in the Bickley room on July 30, July 31, and August 1. Sign up is at the ranch house. Crafts for kids will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the beach pavilion on July 19, July 26, and August 2.

New candidates for the board of directors have been announced and their biographies and experience are in the CCR newsletters, both online and mailed. President Vicki Rakowski is running to retain her seat, and Steve Boyce, Janet Dowe, Mark Peltier, and Rhonda Wetherington are on the ticket for the total of three positions. Bob Delecki and Nick Schultz are termed out, and the ranch was very fortunate to have their service. Voting will take place in September.

Canada Creek Ranch is the place to be this summer, and if you get too hot up here, just wait until tomorrow. Keep your windows open while it’s cool with our natural air conditioning. And if you hear someone knocking, it could be your neighbor’s roofer, or just that red-bellied woodpecker. Remember – life is tough, but just keep pecking away at it. Peace and happiness!

10/07/2025

Summer is flying by, with one of CCR’s benchmark events now behind us. The Beach Bash was a hit, with a crowded beach, delicious food, and music for the whole family.

Pickleball players were competitive, but also laughing and having a blast. The sand sculpture contest was won by Cloe Grant, Alex Grant, and Adi Travnik with “Sand hands.” The library book sale sold over 1,000 books, and the bake sale had amazing cookies, brownies, and fudge.

The fishing derby was successful as many young anglers pulled in large bluegill. Heidi Geister was the youngest winner, with a 7-3/8” catch. Breyden Glenn was the overall grand prize winner with an 8-1/8” bluegill out of Lake Geneva.

Boats, tubes, and kayaks contended for first place, kids threw rubber chickens, bean bags, and water balls, adults threw eggs, and many other games crowded the ballfield. Axes were thrown and family photos were taken in the booths. Delicious edibles were served by food trucks, and the kids’ bike parade added glitter and color to our holiday.

Our patriotism was in full display, with soldiers from the Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy representing the forces of whom we are so proud. Dave Bickley emceed and Doug Vincent played taps during the lowering of the flag at the end of the day.

The Ranch House Grille kept everyone’s tummies full with the Fish Fry and the Mexican, breakfast, and Asian-American buffets. All were fabulous according to customers. Many thanks to CCR staff, volunteers, Ladies Auxiliary, the Recreation committee, and all who made the Beach Bash a hit.

Now that it’s quieter, evening rides out back and kayaking on glimmering waters are main treats. While on the lake, remember to stay outside of white buoys marking the loon nesting area. We think another pair is trying for a family, but will desert the nest for good if people keep bothering their habitat.

The maintenance crew has diligently kept our trails in great shape with all the weekend traffic. Someone even cleaned up the horse puckies from the hayrides on Beach Bash day.

The book club recently met to discuss "The Things We Cannot Say" by Kelly Rimmer, and overall highly recommend, with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5. Our next book is a rom com, "The Last Anniversary" by Liane Moriarty, author of "Big Little Lies." Book Club will meet again on August 12 at 7 pm in the boardroom.

Coming up, we have a Wine Tasting “Christmas in July” happening on Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. in the Bickley room. Attendees are asked to bring a wintry wine libation. Co****le continues on Fridays at 7 p.m.

We hope to see everyone back for more summer fun. The people on the Ranch are what makes it shine. Our sunny days here help us look on the bright side of life. And if you take a book to the beach, remember to wear sunscreen, so you are not well-red. Peace and happiness!

03/07/2025

First sightings of fireflies are popping up on the Ranch, as we head into consistent warmer days and nights. Many of us remember running around the cabin with a Mason or jelly jar, trying to catch a few to create a natural little lantern. Dragonflies are also everywhere now, and we hope they obliterate the mosquitoes.

Campfire smells are the best, but this is also a reminder to be aware if fires are allowed on certain days. Our new Smokey the Bear signs will let you know if conditions are safe or hazardous. Their metal construction replaces the old wood ones and should stand up to all of the weather we have. You will see them at the south entrance, the north entrance by Horsehead Lake, and at Fern Feather entrance near the Ranch House. Sources have reported that the eyes of our new Smokies will follow you everywhere, so be good!

To help with any fire concerns, our Canada Creek Ranch fire brigade recently merged with the Hillman Fire Department. This will give us a more capable fire response team right here on the ranch, in addition to better training and equipment. It will also lessen CCR’s financial liability. Our firefighters will be employees of the Hillman Fire Department, responding to the surrounding area, too. Our equipment will be leased to HAFD. It will be a win for everyone, including homeowners, as insurance premiums may decrease.

Many of us on the ranch had to use our insurance to help pay for whatever damage happened during the ice storm. Very few had cabin damage, but some insurances helped pay for tree removal, tree clean-up, bent gutters, and roof damage. We have kept local contractors busy, during their spring and summer schedules.

Canada Creek Ranch members also helped raise $34,500 for the Canada Creek Regional Foundation for storm recovery efforts. With matching funds, we were able to aid the Ranch in clean-up of the massive amount of downed timber.

Our campground recently held a very successful Pork Bash & Pie Auction, with funds generated for campground improvements. Also coming up is the Campground Ice Cream Social on July 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the campground pavilion. Come out and get your super sundae on that Saturday!

Fundraising for the Historical Museum continues, as the drawing is set for a night of carriage elk-viewing rides and a gourmet meal for four. Tickets are $20 and can be had by contacting Richard Otto or Earl Sowers. They will be sold all summer, and the front desk will have them in August. The drawing takes place at the CCR Art Fair on Labor Day weekend.

Be careful in all your summer travels – traffic will be busy in the search of summer fun. Enjoy picnics, hikes, lakes, and more in Michigan’s wonderland. But don’t eat so many sweets that you are like the ice cream truck that crashed on Rocky Road. Peace and happiness!

Rhonda's Report

04/09/2025

28/08/2025

21/08/2025

14/08/2025

08/08/2025

31/07/2025

17/07/2025

10/07/2025

03/07/2025

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