Rhonda's Report

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Rhonda's Report Sub-correspondent for CCR events and happenings.

When the bright sun strokes the new snow around here, it’s like glitter on a birthday card. About every other day, we ar...
14/02/2025

When the bright sun strokes the new snow around here, it’s like glitter on a birthday card. About every other day, we are treated to it. We’ve had plenty of the white stuff to be able to hop on the snowmobiles, skis, and snowshoes to enjoy nature in its pristine glory.

The forecast is for continued colder weather that won’t melt what snow we have, so hopefully the tracking of deer for the herd health check is more successful this year. Ranch volunteers and workers will be in the maintenance barn from sun-up to sundown on Tuesday, February 25 for this event. Professional sharp shooters will travel out back and in culling areas, on foot and on snowmobiles, to look for deer. Each team will have a shooter, a range finder, and a spotter. Harvested deer will be taken to the barn for a necropsy, which members are invited to observe. This tells us how our deer are faring as far as general health, what they are eating, their age, and how they are growing.

Again, the hunting area is still closed to wheeled traffic. If you travel by snowmobile, you can see the fenced in apple orchards around rye field 3, which encourage better food supplies for the deer, but also are available for members to pick in late summer. Though the Lower Peninsula is still off-limits for baiting, we do plant sources for the wildlife to continue its population here.

Deer are mostly browsers, instead of grazers, meaning they eat twigs, shrubs, and leaves, but they will eat just about anything when food is more scarce. Members should remember that feeding of deer is not permitted per our rules and DNR law, especially the human processed food, due to chronic waste disease and tuberculosis threats.

Recent DNR reports are saying that now Canada geese have been found dead, with the suspicion that it is the avian flu virus. If you come across a dead bird, report it to the Ranch and do not touch it. So far no dead geese have been found in Montmorency County.

Rabbits have been more active this year, and they also seem larger and very healthy. You might see them running across trails in the residential area on CCR more often. This is due to warmer daytime temperatures of 20 and above, which encourages them to leave their nests and forage from bushes and tree bark.

In all, we are very fortunate to have the wildlife we have, and our stewardship to keep Canada Creek Ranch pristine and non-toxic for them is primary. Please take any human cast-offs with you and dispose of properly. There’s nothing more ugly than a can or cigarette butt laying on bright, new snow cover.

Enjoy our winter paradise and don’t be like the guy who threw a plastic bottle into the creek. The only ones that saw him were some otters, but you should have seen their look of otter disdain. Peace and happiness!

Winter Jamboree is coming to the Ranch on President’s Day weekend! This is one of our yearly big events that everyone lo...
06/02/2025

Winter Jamboree is coming to the Ranch on President’s Day weekend! This is one of our yearly big events that everyone looks forward to, so make plans to join in the fun. Get to our snowy, frozen beach and turn that white stuff into your artistic vision for the snow sculpture contest on Saturday, February 15. Snow owls, gnomes, snoopy, and more could be a winning entry!

Also on Saturday is the cardboard sled contest. Build a sled of only cardboard, paint, and tape, in any size or shape, and zoom down the beach hill for fastest prize. Best decorated is also awarded. There also will be other Winter Games and a bonfire hot dog roast at the beach.

The Ranch House Grille will be open all weekend, and on Saturday, dinner will end with the favorite bingo event, a 50/50 raffle, and the raffling of the big prizes now on display in the lobby. Sunday will feature the breakfast buffet and the ever-adventurous snowmobile Poker Run out back. Sledders can register at the Ranch House, go out on the trails to pick up tokens, and come back to obtain their winning hand.

Talk about winning – the co****le winners for January 31, were Huntin’ Buddies, first place; Honey Holers, second; and Bird Hunters, third. This is indoor co****le in the Bickley room every Friday for the next couple of months at 7 p.m. All are welcome – there is a $5 entry and you do not have to be paired up to come. Euchre winners for February 5 were Joe Cundari, first place, Bob Babuska, second, and Mike Krupnek, third.

Canada Creek Ranch has also won a great new employee, Nina Brinker, as the assistant general manager. Nina is an experienced club Food and Beverage manager, a banquet services professional, and co-owner of the White Elk Coffeehouse in Atlanta. She will be tasked with front end operations management of the desk, event, dining, and communications at the Ranch.

The Ranch’s management of the roads and trails continues during this winter season with timeliness and skill. All roads are navigable, and the groomers say snowmobile trails are prime. We have about 7 inches on the ground, with no snow melt forecasted. Nights are cold and down to negative and single digits, but daytime temperatures are in the twenties for the most part.

Ice fishing is also prime now, but be aware that our lakes are spring-fed, leading to holes and weak ice in some areas. Wild Fowl, Geneva, and Little Joe can provide catches of pike, trout, and bass.

So chill-ax with us this winter season for some cool times, literally. The way icy it, CCR is the winter paradise where you can take it ice and easy, either sitting by the fire, or skiing in the woods. Peace and happiness to you.

More snow has fallen, and the trails for snowmobiling are better, with no bumps or moguls. Thank you to our wonderful gr...
30/01/2025

More snow has fallen, and the trails for snowmobiling are better, with no bumps or moguls. Thank you to our wonderful groomers for the improvement after the snowfall. Rye fields are still a bit furrowed, so not the best for opening up the machines yet. But all in all, sledders can enjoy a beautifully scenic few hours out back. Still avoid the logging area at North Gate area.

By the way, we pronounce things a bit differently up here, so it’s “out BACK” at the Ranch, with an accent on the second word, not outback like in Australia. Also if you say Gay-LORD, we know you’re not from around here. It’s GAY-lerd to most who live here. And there is no Gaylanta town. Just a lake. There are your weekly tips to make you feel like a native.

Many who have grown up here, and/or gone to high school here, have stayed or come back. This is a testament to their resilience and to the natural beauty of Up North. Other members here are seasonal people, but their families go back five or six generations. And we are so fortunate to have new members that have discovered Canada Creek Ranch, either by friend, acquaintance, or happy accident. We have a mix of members that contribute to the wonderfulness here.

Though the Ranch does have membership dues every year, the amenities it affords are many. Road maintenance, access to campground and lodging, dining services, meeting rooms, grooming of trails, fire brigade, and more! Also through committee and member donations we are able to enjoy a library, gift shop, pickleball courts, and the upcoming museum!

Many members are getting their reservations for the campground and lodging for the season. Remember, your dues must be paid first, due no later than February 15 to avoid surcharges. Also make sure any new or changed vehicles are updated in the system. Though the Ranch does not have gates, it does have a soft security system of cameras, which flag any non-registered vehicles.

We anticipate guests, family, and friends for the upcoming Winter Jamboree, held on President’s Day weekend. Snow will add to the fun anticipated: cardboard box sledding, snow sculptures, bonfire, snowmobile poker run, raffle, 50/50 raffle, and an ending bingo night that is always a blast. Kathy Geister is looking for volunteers, so help out where you can! Call her at the Ranch house number.

This week’s euchre winners were Earl Sowers, first, with Steve Jacobs and Mike Krupnek splitting second. CCR Book Club will be held February 11, 7 pm in the boardroom to discuss “Eruption” by Crichton and Patterson, which is about a volcano in Hawaii.

And just to make you lava out loud, what does a volcano say to a snowman? Nice to melt you! Peace and happiness to you!

Some of our snowbirds from the Ranch have now experienced a little bit of the north, with snow arriving into areas aroun...
23/01/2025

Some of our snowbirds from the Ranch have now experienced a little bit of the north, with snow arriving into areas around the gulf and in other southern states. Fulltime, true southerners who have not really experienced the northern climate are having some fun building small snow sculptures. It’s a learning curve for them, realizing they can keep their beer outside now and may need a snow scraper for their car. However, our fair-weather friends who flew from the north know how to handle a slippery road or two.

One wintry event that brought members to the Ranch was the Trek and Trail event on MLK weekend. The roughly 2.5 mile trail around the campground ski trail was braved by a hardy few, although all in all, nearly 85 attended. Food stops of hot dogs, chili, a roaster of potatoes and sausage, and many desserts lightened (or maybe added more weight to) the winter trek. Snowshoers, cross-country skiers, walkers, sledders, and drivers visited each stop. We even had our 90-year-old birthday queen, Marilyn Clark, taking registrations in the campground pavilion. What a trouper!

Speaking of Marilyn, a table of over twenty women from the Ladies Auxiliary celebrated her with a Sunday brunch at the Ranch House on January 19. Chef Chuck nailed it as usual with a spice carrot cake emblazoned with the number 90.

In more gastronomical goodness, the first Cabin Fever Potluck was held January 21. Sooo much food once again, from Kathleen’s Italian sausage/pasta Florentine, to lasagna, to soups and chili and 7-layer salad, attendees finished with an amazing banana cake from Kim, a yummy rhubarb pie, and of course cookies! Looking forward to the next one on February 18!

Euchre for the week was competitive and boisterous, with lots of snacks and sweets also. Five tables of players vied for position, with Ralph Mayer winning first place. Steve Jacobs, Marc Ptak, and Rhonda Wetherington tied for second.

Snowmobiling is still scant, as total snowfall is right around 5 inches. A few got out on Martin Luther King weekend, but most are waiting for a more substantial base. Those snowmobilers who are more restless are taking the trip across the bridge to deeper drifts. But the trail traffic was busy, as that’s where everyone else went, too, and it was a free, no-sticker weekend.

Below zero temperatures are tapering off so the nose hairs don’t freeze when you take the dogs out. The sun has been making appearances, and apricity abounds for those drinking in the brilliant hiemal sunlight. That alone is “enlightening” to the soul, staving off seasonal affective disorders.

And if you don’t know what all that meant, just remember: white and light are good. That’s what we want up here to endure the deep of winter. Peace and happiness to you.

Snowmobile season has finally arrived, although more snow is needed for a solid base. Wheeled traffic is now closed to o...
16/01/2025

Snowmobile season has finally arrived, although more snow is needed for a solid base. Wheeled traffic is now closed to out back, and groomers have attended to the trails as needed. We don’t usually get near as much snow as the western side of the state and Ga***rd, and sometimes that’s a blessing. But sledders are chomping at the bit to plow through some fresh powder.

Snowmobilers should avoid the northwest and north gate trail areas, as they have been barricaded due to logging. Also, trails with blue triangles are designated for cross country skiers, and sledders are asked to stay off of them.

When we do get the northern clippers that dump some white stuff, Canada Creek Ranch offers snowplowing if members need it when snowfall is four inches or more per event. This can be done occasionally or hired for all season.

In the meanwhile, we still have some indoor activity happening. CCR Book Club met January 14 to review and discuss the book Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Mixed opinions on the novel led to a lively discussion about family and sisterhood. Overall the members gave it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. Our next book is Michael Crichton and James Patterson’s thriller, Eruption, about a volcano in Hawaii and the military secrets that surround it. The book club welcomes new members, and the next meeting is February 11.

Euchre continues, but has changed its start time to 6:00 p.m. On January 15, Jack Schaible took first place, Leann Howe took second, and Brian VanTiem came away in third. Bridge players are always looking for new members to play, and they will teach you how.

Our dining room is open Thursdays for dinner, Fridays and Saturdays all day, Sundays for brunch, and Mondays for dinner until February 16. They offer many specials, and you can even order a pick-up only for the Sunday dinner specials. The pizza is really amazing, and many go for fish fry Fridays.

New board members began duties this month, with Cameron Geralds and Bill Bennett assuming their roles. Bill was also elected Vice President. Dan Blanton was re-elected as Treasurer. Members are welcome to attend or Zoom in to meetings.

We are adding nearly two minutes of daylight each day here. Some of the sunrises are orange and spectacular, other mornings we wonder if the sun came up at all. But those mornings are quiet and humble and relaxing, especially if you have a fireplace. We are lucky our fires are contained to these cozy spots, and pray for the many people in Los Angeles who are losing their whole livelihoods and homesteads. We know, especially living in the woods, how fire could decimate our piece of paradise.

Stay warm and cuddle up to your doggy or kitty. It’s cold outside for them too, so don’t leave them out for too long. We prefer to get our chili dogs and slush puppies at the DQ. Peace and happiness to you this week.

Extreme cold brings its own offerings to up-north life: perfect visibility for miles, clear skies, and actual bright sun...
09/01/2025

Extreme cold brings its own offerings to up-north life: perfect visibility for miles, clear skies, and actual bright sunrises. It also brings frozen pipes, dead batteries, and car doors and hoods that don’t budge. Make sure your water is trickling at night from both hot and cold pipes; keep a spare battery charger; stow charging cables in your vehicles; use hot water to open frozen locks and doors. Lows have been in minus teens at night, although we expect the daytime to exceed 25 degrees. Remember, it only takes about 30 minutes for skin to get frostbitten. Sit by a sunny window inside instead and enjoy the rays.

You probably won’t see many squirrels running around until midday, as they will stay snug in their nests and trees. The deer have grown extra layers of fur and, hopefully, fat to survive, and they bed down nestled in the trees to avoid the wind chill. They are amazingly adaptive creatures. And did you know that birds trap pockets of air in their bodies to withstand the cold?

One seasoned fisherman has reported ice depth on CCR lakes at about six inches. With the extreme cold, it should be thicker before long. Rabbits and deer have been actively running across Lake Geneva, leaving trails along the edges. Snow is just at a 2-inch covering as of this report.

This month, the country is mourning the death of the longest living president, Jimmy Carter. Elected for one term in 1976, he was a breath of fresh air from the corruption of the Nixon era. A great humanitarian, he worked among everyday folks after his term by building homes for those who could not afford it otherwise. Canada Creek Ranch has lowered its flags, joining the nation in deep respect.

Office hours at the Ranch are officially (until February 16) Monday – Wednesday, 8 am to 4 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm; and Sunday 8 am – 1 pm. Staff has been busy as members remit their dues for 2025 – remember, these must be paid before making any room, cabin, or campground reservations.

Euchre began Wednesday, January 8 in the dining room with six tables, lots of laughs, and some hijinks. Winners were Larry Columbo in first place, Brian VanTiem with second, and Steve Jacobs in third. Congratulations, fellas!

Cookies, Coffee, and Conversation with the manager happens on Friday, January 17 at 6 p.m., and indoor corn hole begins again that night at 6:30 p.m. in the Bickley Room. Join us for fun and information! Then on Saturday, January 18, noon – 2 pm, take a walk, ski, or ride with the Trek and Trail event. Enjoy food stops along the way. Start in the campground pavilion and work your way around the trails.

Try to keep unfrozen these next few weeks. My windows froze shut for a bit, and then I sprayed with hot water. Now my computer’s really messed up. Oh well, stay warm and enjoy cocoa, peace, and happiness.

Stop. Put your coat and boots and hat on. Open the door and stand outside and find everything you did not buy, but was g...
03/01/2025

Stop. Put your coat and boots and hat on. Open the door and stand outside and find everything you did not buy, but was given to you anyway. In a soft snowfall, look for the squirrel scampering up that tree that gives you shade in the summer. See the powder on last year’s leaves and smile as the eagle hunts the sky. Stare at the mule-furred deer until they decide to ignore you. Canada Creek Ranch offers winter solace, fun, and wonder.

By now, some if not all have taken down the Christmas decorations and are ready for new beginnings. Fresh uncluttered spaces and opportunities to shake off Christmas cookies are now calling you. CCR offers exercise classes every month: Tai Chi is at 9 am on Wednesdays and Fridays; Fitness classes are on Monday and Fridays at 8:30 am; Corn hole resumes on January 17 at 7 pm, with a small break on January 24. All of these are in the Bickley room. In addition, we have a wonderful “gym” downstairs with exercise equipment to tone your body.

Need some mind exercise? Bridge at 11 am and poker at 1 pm are on Tuesdays. Pinochle meets every other Monday at 12:30 – contact Marilyn at 989-785-2161 if you want to play bridge or pinochle or get on the sub list. Euchre will now be played on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the dining room. Book club will be meeting Tuesday, January 14 at 7 pm and on the second Tuesday monthly.

Lots of get-togethers are also happening as we start 2025. Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation with the manager will happen on January 17 at 6 pm. The annual Trek and Trail event will take place on January 18 at noon. Participants can hike or ride to various food stops along the trails in the campground. Volunteers are needed; contact Sue Schymanski if you want to help with this fun time. On January 21, the monthly Cabin Fever potlucks begin at 6 pm.

Along with that culinary affair, the Dining Room has new hours through February 16. Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays are open for dinner from 4 to 8 pm. Saturdays are all day (8 to 8)and Sundays are 8 to noon. Sundays will also feature take-out dinners by ordering on Friday or Saturday.

Barb Steele would like everyone to know that the new phone list is out at the front desk. If there are any corrections, please contact her at [email protected]. Long ago, party lines were all we had here if you were a permanent resident. If you were a vacationer, you would have to use the ranch house and ask them to run a message to your cabin. A far cry from our complaints about cell service! However, your phone will listen in on your conversations just like your neighbors did back in the day – just say you want to go to Hawaii and see how many ads pop up. Have peace and happiness this New Year!

We are hoping everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, and also will have a fresh start to the New Year. Though many begi...
26/12/2024

We are hoping everyone has had a wonderful Christmas, and also will have a fresh start to the New Year. Though many begin with resolutions, and that’s not a bad thing, it has been shown that those resolutions are very short-lived. Sometimes resolutions are easier when they are ultimatums – lose weight or have heart issues; be patient and kind or lose your family and friends; spend more time with those you love or maybe not see them again. Think about what’s important to you in life as you “resolve to be better.”

At the Ranch, time seems to slow down a bit and we might learn to be patient and healthier, as there is not so much the “instant gratification” of nearby big box stores and fast food. Cooking at home becomes more habitual, and we can wait a few days for the Amazon delivery to appear. Also contractors – plumbers, carpenters, roofers – are scheduling for spring and summer or may be already booked. We tend to have to plan our trips to the store and our home improvements a little bit more thoughtfully.

Work on the CCR Historical Museum continues as the contractors have finished framing outside. The committee will continue to work on what the innards will look like as we dive into 2025. Hopefully summer will bring something glorious.

The elk hunt was very successful on the Ranch, with a total of six cows and five bulls taken. Congratulations to the hunters and all of the CCR elk guides and scouts for tremendous work. Though an elk is a trophy kill, harvesting them also increases the likelihood of deer having more browse to eat.

With sorrow, the family of CCR member Daniel Owen has announced his passing. An avid CCR fisherman, he also was a first responder firefighter, hockey player, and highly-respected, positive influence among his family and friends. He will be missed in the trout stream, and by his fiancé and many children and grandchildren.

As of 12/23, forestry equipment has moved into the harvest treatment area on the Cable Road, north of the North Gate Road. Also, the hunting area will not be closed to wheeled traffic until after January 1, 2025, and snowmobile grooming will not begin until we receive enough snow to do so, no earlier than after the Late Antlerless Deer Season.

The Ranch is planning a New Year’s Eve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. and reservations are required by calling 989-785-4201. Appetizers are shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, mushroom medley, and tenderloin tips. Entrees include Game Hen, Crab Claws, Grilled Tuna, Porterhouse and shrimp, Ribeye, and Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, and range in price from $22 to $40. Desserts are crazy good with bananas foster, chocolate peanut butter torte, and Oreo cheesecake.

Here’s to your New Year of 2025, and remember it will have 365 days for you to treasure one day at a time! Hopefully you all have a date for New Year’s Eve on your calendar: December 31! Peace and happiness!

Hello, December in Michigan! All are a bit confused as temperatures have ranged from 42 degrees to 6. Confounded maple t...
18/12/2024

Hello, December in Michigan! All are a bit confused as temperatures have ranged from 42 degrees to 6. Confounded maple trees have sprung a few buds, only to be nipped, and drop them all. Mostly-grown fawns are trying to nurse on reluctant mothers again. It’s hard to tell what’s under the dusting of snow – a mud puddle or an ice patch. Lake Geneva has a thin layer that keeps melting and refreezing, delicate enough to hold a cover, though, in an illusion of an earthly white sky.

The elk hunt out back is in full swing. As of this report, CCR guides have helped capture six cows, a 6 X 5 bull, and a 6 X 7 bull. Last summer there was a 7 X 7 bull roaming around the rye field; maybe someone will find him.

Late antlerless season has started and goes until January 1. Here are the successful hunters for all seasons as of the last report: does were taken by Jon Geister, James Geister, Fred George with two, Blake Beebe, Mike Beebe, Bob VanAuker, Chuck Ceturkel, Bob Hikade, and John Vigilant with two. Bucks were harvested by Connor Schaible – 6 points, Matt Smith – 8 points, Mike Beebe, Sr. – 8 points, Mason Beebe – 10 points, Chad Nuttall – 8 points, Glenn Herrmann – 8 points, Don Hermann – 7 points, Raymond Schauer – 8 points, and Eric Delecki – 8 points. Good job to all the hunters!

We have some sad news to report in that member Nancy Michiels, wife of Larry Michiels for 51 years, passed away recently in Florida. She was a beloved teacher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A creative soul, she worked on carving, stain glass, basket weaving, drawing, and crocheting. A summer memorial service is planned. Memorial donations can be sent to the Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program at Corewell Health & Lung Transplant Foundation, 25 Michigan Street NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Let’s all remember our community members this holiday season with love and prayers and a positive attitude every time we interact. No grinching or scrooging allowed! Our lovely yule-tide decorations at the Ranch House are joyously in the Christmas spirit, so take a moment to visit the lobby and say a warm hello to the front desk person or those taking care of the property.

A few changes for after the first of the year to some programs are worth noting here: the dining room will be open Monday, Thursday and Friday nights, Saturday all day, and Sunday brunch. These consistent hours should help those wanting to grab a bite to eat! Also, because of this, Euchre will be played on Wednesdays now, and the CCR Book Club will change to the second Tuesday of the month.

One way we know time is passing is when change happens. Sometimes you see good in that change. But good luck asking the taxman for change – he’ll tell you, “Change comes from within.” Peace and happiness to you this holiday! Merry Christmas!

Snow melt, snow fall, gray days, and sunny blue skies – all part of the mix up here in CCR’s corner of the world. Some a...
12/12/2024

Snow melt, snow fall, gray days, and sunny blue skies – all part of the mix up here in CCR’s corner of the world. Some are already tired of winter, while others welcome the pristine white cover over the mud. The snow over ice patches makes for precarious walking and driving, however, so keep the spikes on your boots and traction on your truck.

If you haven’t yet, take a cruise around the ranch to see the pretty Christmas lights to lighten your spirits. Also go visit our lovely Ranch House Christmas tree and enjoy the fire in the lobby. The tags from the caring Christmas tree look like they have all been filled, and the lobby is piled with donations for families. Don't forget shut-ins and those who may appreciate a call or visit this holiday season!

Snow plowing is ongoing at the ranch, with primary roads done first and special attention to curves, hills, and intersections. Sand or salt may be used on the roads, and if you see a blue barrel on the side of the trail, it usually contains this mixture, and is available for member use. “Virginia Hill,” the hill that leads from Beach/Painted Pony Trail up to Shelton Trail, is notorious for its treacherous climb. However, it was much improved this past summer with expansion, some leveling, and rock. The ranch also offers driveway plowing, as do a handful of neighbors.

One of our resident trapping experts, Dan Blanton, recently went into the Upper Peninsula and caught a prize marten. The Michigan DNR states that the limit is two, so get another one, Dan, for a pair of deluxe mittens! Martens are tree dwelling, although nocturnal. They are carnivores, and love to hunt red squirrels. In other hunts, Ralph Mayer was a recent guide in a successful bull elk capture! As a reminder, this hunting period goes through December 22.

Christmas is coming, and hopefully the sand hill and beach hill are snow-covered for visiting families. Remember that the lakes are not all the way frozen, so keep the snowmobiles off and test any ice thickness before ice fishing. Speaking of ice, did you know that a natural ice bridge can form between the Lower Peninsula and Mackinac Island if the winter conditions are cold enough? Also in the Mackinac Straits, an occasional “Blue Ice” phenomenon occurs when chunks of ice pile up in this reflective color. These are just some of the winter wonders of up north living.

And as one chionophile puts it, “If you choose not to find joy in snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow.” Look up that term in your Funk and Wagnalls, or maybe just Google it nowadays! Peace and happiness to you this holiday season!

Animal photos are DNR stock.

We have snow! Snowmobiles can ride on state trails now, but Canada Creek Ranch’s “out back” is not being groomed until a...
05/12/2024

We have snow! Snowmobiles can ride on state trails now, but Canada Creek Ranch’s “out back” is not being groomed until after the elk season ends on December 22. Wheeled traffic is allowed “out back” until then, depending on how much snow there is. Also as a reminder, late antlerless hunting season is open from December 16 to January 1, 2025, so be cautious.

When we do get the trails groomed, it’s some of the best snowmobiling around. Using an elk guide map of out back, which can be obtained from the Ranch House, sledders can find their way to amazing views from Blue Point and Purple Mountain. Chains come down for passage on formerly obscure trails, with snow ready to be broken. Fields are open to cross so snowmobile riders can leave a trail of powder.

Now some might say that they would not like this cold weather sport, but with today’s hand and feet warmers on the machines and the abundantly warm suits and boots to wear, riders can enjoy getting out into nature while staying toasty. As one sage suggested, you can always pile on more clothes in the winter! Also it has been researched that a one-hour ride can burn 300 calories!

Elk and deer are still sights in our winter wonderland, and if the sun hits the fresh snow just right, you’d think you were in a field of diamonds. Snow frosts the fir trees like something out of a postcard, and we sure have been getting the white stuff so far this month. Walkways need to be shoveled and salted also because of the ice that has formed. Christmas décor needs occasionally swept off and the roads are slippery. Through it all though, our trusty road crews have been steady on the upkeep, and we appreciate their efforts.

Speaking of sights, members are treated to the “Festival of Lights” this month and are encouraged to grab a map of those homes that are decorated to look at all the pretty lights. Some may not be on the map, but have joined in the spirit also, so be sure to slow down and take a peek at all of them.

The CCR Book Club will meet again at 7 p.m. on December 11 in the boardroom to discuss The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. All are invited. December 13 is the last day to donate to the staff appreciation fund at the Ranch House. Also, the dining room has closed until further notice about the special elk hunt hours. A special class on medicinal plants and herbs will be offered by Melissa Pew in the Bickley room on December 6 and 13 at 6 p.m. For $10, participants will learn the basics of herb-infused oils, salves, and extracts. RSVP to Alleigh Pagels, 989-306-8818.

As autumn leaves, winter is here for the duration, so don’t let Jack Frost bite you. And if you see a snowman rummaging around in a bag of carrots, he’s just trying to pick his nose. Peace and happiness!

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