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Rhonda's Report, 8364 Mule Team Trail, Atlanta, FL (2026)

01/08/2026

The fog sits on the lake most mornings in an evaporating blanket, due to the warmer temperatures. Plenty of wet snow is still piled up, perfect for snow sculpting, but not so great for riding. Some members are seeing the return of birds already.

The semi-thaw is allowing members to take in previously frozen outside Christmas decorations. It makes the piles of white stuff very heavy, though, so take your shoveling easy. Clearing off wet snow is more strenuous, so don’t just go right at it. Do something physical first to warm up the muscles, including your heart muscle.

The historical museum building continues its finishing touches and will soon add acoustic modifications on the wall where the paperbacks were in the library. The library has been condensed and modified to better use the space. Videos can now be found under the autobiography section, and other categories of books have been shifted to the left. Young adult/chapter books have been moved over to accommodate room for the puzzles we have. All of this is for your use, so make a visit!

Furthermore, a sizable audio book donation was made from Bill and Mary Cassidy. A new section for audio books was created right above the computer workstation. All are still in wrappers, so enjoy these brand new additions.

Euchre has started weekly on Wednesday evenings in the dining room, and the first one was full with six tables. Brian Van Tiem and Earl Sowers split first place, Jim McVeigh came in second, and Leann Howe took third. The snack table was loaded with goodies. Participants should remember to bring their own beverages.

The recreation committee is planning the Trek and Trail for Saturday, January 17 from noon to 2 p.m. Those wanting to ski, hike, snowshoe, snowmobile, or even drive to the warming/food stations should meet at the campground pavilion. Also planned is a Winter Blues potluck on January 22 at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to pass to the dining room and enjoy member camaraderie!

Mary Jo Ferguson is looking for volunteers for the Winter Jamboree, which will be held on President’s Day weekend, February 13 through 15. She will be holding a cardboard sled building workshop under the beach pavilion from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the snow sculpture contest will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Afterwards, hot dogs will be roasting on the fire. Snowmobile time trials will be held on rye field 4 from 1 to 3 p.m., and bingo with popcorn will take place at the ranch house starting at 7 p.m. Sunday’s events include the snowmobile poker run, ice skating at the beach, and chili potluck. Call Mary Jo at 734-479-4942 to volunteer.

And if you can’t get the pickleball court cleaned off enough to play, you can always use your snowshoes to kick the ball around. But don’t try to run with them on; the wildlife will make fun of you and so will we. Peace and happiness.

01/02/2026

Tis the season for salt and plows as the holidays have ended. We had a decent snow amount since last report. Snowmobilers are driving into the new year’s outback, and bittersweet views of snow-laden bowed trees arch over the trails.

Wheeled access is prohibited outback now. Some ice fishing is commencing. Our ranch personnel have been keeping up with the plowing, so roads are navigable. Watch for snow build-up on your tires and slow down for stops. No one needs to slide into home.

Remember to keep your roof raked off to prevent ice buildup and leaks in the roof valleys. New bright yellow vehicle tags are available at the ranch house, so wave at the obvious member cars as you go by.

A new year means the beginning of new events and schedules. The recreation committee is sponsoring the Trek and Trail event on January 17 from noon to 2 p.m. Participants should meet at the campground pavilion and either snowmobile, hike, snowshoe, or even drive to the hot food stops on the trails. Some even cross country ski to reach the warming spots.

Euchre begins on Wednesdays, and Chris Arnold is the contact. We will also be holding monthly potlucks, with January‘s beginning on the 22nd at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to pass to the dining room and share in some good food and conversation.

Book club meets on Tuesday, January 13. This month’s read is “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans. Through letters to various recipients, a woman examines her life. All are invited for good discussion at 7 p.m.

Though most of us who live up north appreciate the solitude and quiet blanket of snow, research has shown that socializing extends health in life. So get out when you can or invite somebody over.

In this rough and tumble world, we often forget there’s still much to love about it. A particular phrase by author Anne Lamott keeps a bird of hope in the heart: “Grace bats last,”meaning that, through it all, love and good will prevail.

Speaking of birds, we all know that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. But did you know that a squirrel in the birdfeeder is worth a sack of sunflower seeds? Peace and happiness to you.

12/26/2025

Update!! As of 12/29 there is enough snow to snowmobile. Not sure if groomed yet, though. Also-check your generators to clear off any drifted snow. It’s been very windy.

Snow, ice, sleet, rain, more snow – some messy Christmastime weather has been enough to make it slippery, but not enough to snowmobile. Also, the ice on the lakes should not be trusted, as they are spring-fed, and we have had temps in the 30s.

A few years ago, breakage caused one snowmobiler to drown. Though we have had snowmobile races on the lake, the weather is not as bitterly cold as in times past, making it very inadvisable to ride across.

Some fun can be had, even with our light covering, though. Children have been spotted sledding down the sandhill, literally. Family spotters guard the bottom of the hill to prevent kids from zooming into the trees. The hill has just enough snow and a glaze of ice to make for rocket sliding.

Remember to get stickers for family vehicles if they are staying longer than 48 hours. If the weather keeps you inside, pick out a few books or movies from the library while you are at the Ranch House, for cozy days.

The historical committee is still taking donations to add names to the leaf tree, if you would like a way to memorialize someone or just get your family name on the wall. The empty shelves on the library/museum wall will soon be taken down. Not to worry, though - all the books that were there were filtered into the other shelves last year.

The Grille is closed until April as we hunker down for winter. Wheeled vehicles are still allowed out back, but the trails are chunky icy. We are hoping for four or more inches of the white stuff so we can snowmobile soon!

Elk hunting has ended, with four more cows taken by Jim Stevens, Steve Gustin, Daniel Cooper, and John Golubinski. Johnny Phelps, Don Priest, and Ralph Mayer were the guides. Jerry Gardenier and Jeffrey Russell both brought in 11-point bulls, with Gil Olds and Dave Weber as guides, respectively.

Don’t forget the Trek and Trail is being held from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Check in at the campground pavilion and walk, snowshoe, ski, drive, or snowmobile on the trails. There will be food stops along the way, with warm offerings and good conversations.

Canada Creek Ranch was recently awarded a grant for a portable generator for the campground, from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Community Development Urgent Need Program. The generator should be able to power the entire bathhouse for an extended outage like we had during the ice storm.

If you do get outside for some recreation, don’t sit in the ice and snow too long, or you might get Polaroids. And in this Noel season, you might note that is also the difference between ice and an icicle - no L. Peace and happiness as we enter a New Year!

12/18/2025

Elk viewing is one of the favorite pastimes at Canada Creek Ranch. Around 1817, though, they had all but disappeared, according to Michigan DNR, and then some from the west were reintroduced around the Wolverine, Michigan area. They now populate the Montmorency and Pigeon River areas. Elk are active in the morning and around dusk, so members and their guests can sometimes see them then in the rye fields. In the fall, you can hear bulls bugling out back, even in the residential area. Bulls cull out their harem of cows for rut then, which is breeding season. Rubs on trees become evident, and more tracks can be seen.

Elk hunting was again allowed in Michigan in the 1960’s. On December 5, 1964, at 8:15 a.m., right off West Fence Road on the ranch, my grandfather, Curtis Yoas, shot what may have been the first bull elk on CCR and in the state of Michigan. We grandkids would pet this treasure often in my grandparents’ home, running our hands through its thick neck mane and feeling the cool, leathery nose. After a few decades and some shedding, Grandpa donated the elk mount to the Trading Post. It hung there until the store’s fire in 2003, where it also turned to ashes.

Elk are considered state property, therefore hunting licenses are distributed by state lottery. One hunter this year, Bruce Nelson, had his name in the lottery for sixty-one years (since ’64?), finally getting a cow at the age of 87 on the Ranch. He was guided by member Don Priest. Other Ranch harvests were cows by Gary Whitmire and Doug Ulberg, guided by C3 and Steve Mariuz respectively. Craig Overbeek, guided by Jim Schaible, brought in a huge bull elk.

Deer harvests during muzzleloader season so far were a buck from Jack Schaible and a doe and buck from Jennifer Vigilant. Apparently the bucks brought in had already shed their antlers.

As a reminder, the Ranch offers snow plowing by the season or by event. Call the Ranch House if you need snow removed. So far December has had a fair amount, but a few inches have melted.

The Ranch House Grille is closed until April. The recreation committee is holding the “Trek and Trail” event, on January 17 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Hike, snow shoe, ski, or drive to food stations around the campground. A “Winter Blues” potluck is being sponsored by the recreation committee, too, for January 22 at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to pass to the dining room for winter socializing. Also, Mary Jo Ferguson is organizing a volunteer effort for the Winter Jamboree. Contact her to volunteer for President’s Day weekend.

So volunteer and help us keep some Ranch traditions! Any help is appreciated, large or small. And as my grandpa used to say, if you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito. Peace and happiness!

12/11/2025

Purple point is one of those places on the ranch reached by hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling, and in fact, is a favorite of the sledders. You can follow the south fence’s wonderful roller coaster from the south gate, which is not groomed, or reach the point off a small trail near gas site 26. The vista is worth the visit – wide open spaces with purple forest on the horizon.

It’s one of the hidden jewels here, as is Blue Point further up the trail. If you do go out back, even in the dead of winter, you will see color amongst the drifts of snow. Rusty leaves, green spruces, a great blue sky that opens up because of the bare woods – all await in the quiet landscape, where, to quote Robert Frost, “the only other sound’s the sweep of easy wind and downy flake.”

Soon out back trails will be closed to wheeled vehicles, but for now are still open. Elk season begins on December 13 and will end sometime around a week later. We’ve had a good six or more inches of snow that has stayed put. It has hardened into a nice base and is still navigable by truck.

The deer are starting to walk onto the lake ice, but some areas are still thin. More doe archery kills were reported since gun season’s end: Tony Zedan took one on state property, and Jake Kanine and Brady Kanine brought theirs in from ranch property.

We are hoping to hang onto a white Christmas without too much winter treachery. Some have asked where good sledding (the kid kind) is on the ranch. We have many hills, most famously in the “bowl” on Bridge Trail or the snow-covered sand hill. Also the hill off the baseball field allows sleds to speed all the way down to the beach pavilion.

The Ranch House Grille will remain closed until the middle of April; however, the Recreation Committee is planning once-a-month potlucks until then. January 22 at 6 p.m. is the first one, in the dining room. Members and their guests are invited to bring a dish to share. Tableware will be provided by the committee. It’s a great way to gather and talk to your neighbors.

As we all prepare for the Christmas season and the New Year, let’s remember all of our good gifts here and share with our community and neighbors. Hygiene and food donations are still being taken in the Ranch House entryway. Also, some have grandkids or family on the way, but remember those who don’t and might appreciate a visit to share some holiday cheer.

What are some great Christmas presents? You just can’t beat a broken drum. The wisemen gave gold and frankincense, but then they gave even myrrh. Frosty the snowman gives ice krispies, and Santa gave grandma some Comet to clean her sink last year. Have fun gift shopping and giving! Peace and happiness.

12/05/2025

There is some slippery business going on at the Ranch this week. Even though trails were plowed promptly, a thin undercoat of ice is making for careful driving. If you’re going down a hill and around a curve, you might want to make sure you’re in traction mode and go slowly, unless you and your vehicle would like to go skating.

Members have been warned to be wary of going up or down “Virginia Hill” and Wild Fowl Trail’s hill by the lake entrance. Virginia Hill is so named as it is the entrance to Virginia Park. It begins right past the West Plain’s intersection with Painted Pony. Last year, Virginia Hill’s sides were widened to facilitate better navigation. Speaking from experience, if your vehicle wheels cannot gain traction, throwing dirt or the mix inside the blue barrels located on some of the hills should help.

Though it’s icy, the lakes have still not iced over entirely. Our lakes are spring-fed, so a few more weeks of the frigid air will help out with the ice fishing. Stickered snowmobiles can now run around on the ranch until elk season begins on December 13, and then again after elk season ends around December 21.

The Conservation Committee is looking for volunteers to make sure branches have not fallen lately on outback trails, to facilitate the elk hunt. Wheeled vehicles are still allowed out back, so if you are handy to help clear, and are riding out there, bring clippers and chainsaws.

Because the elk lottery is state directed, nonmembers who pulled this area can hunt elk on the ranch after remitting the fee. They must be guided by ranch members. Our own hunters wrapped up regular rifle season on November 30, with Dave Weber, Jeremy Josephson, and Tristen Folick bringing in does.

Other wildlife has been a joy to view at the Ranch, such as the now-grown fox with a huge fluffy tail running into the woods from Bridge Trail. Deer are bedding down in snow banks in their donkey-length fur, and turkeys run for their lives looking for any dropped birdseed. Signs of bear activity are now limited. Raccoons are naturally slow (not drunk) this time of year, so be considerate if one is crossing the trail.

Christmas lights are popping up more and more on the ranch, so take a little ride around to enjoy. Many members are preparing for families to arrive for the holiday. We are also still collecting hygiene products, food, and gifts for the needy families in our communities. If you can help, just donate or pick up information from the Ranch entryway.

If you are baking cookies for your family, just remember the gingerbread men like to sit near the oven to keep their buns warm. Otherwise they may have to go to the doctor if they feel crumby. Peace and happiness!

11/26/2025

The white-headed bald eagle is swooping around Tibbit’s Landing, even as dark skies surround us and the prediction is for snow on this Thanksgiving weekend. There’s only about 9 hours daylight per day, and the November wind and rain has knocked down all but a few oak leaves. Has anyone else noticed how huge they are this year? It’s an always changing season in the north.

Hunters are still venturing out into the woods, looking for that last elusive buck. Many bucks were taken this year, but we are still not up to last year’s 33 total. Bucks since last report and their points were harvested by guest Greg Caldwell – 5, Earl Sowers – 8, Josh Delecki – 10, Tom Taylor – 8, Lanny Cotner – 6, and Brandon Rumble – 7. Does taken since last report include Aaron Jones, Camden Jones, Jason Ellis, Shawn Wikelius, Ken Droomer on state land, Lanny Cotner, Michael Larson, Jon Geister, guest Dylan Kamph, and Bob Kowaleski.

The Ladies Auxiliary is seeking donations for our larger community. Please help if you can; the need is great! At the Ranch House lobby door are bins for hygiene and food products, which will be distributed at the Caring Place, the Atlanta schools, New Beginnings in Hillman, the Courtesy Club in Onaway, and the Department of Health and Human Services for Montmorency County. Also in the Ranch House is the Christmas tree with names of those who could use a helping hand this season. Take a cut-out off the tree, buy items, and return them wrapped for your chosen person with the tag attached to it. This is the season for giving and Thanksgiving!

The Canada Creek Regional Foundation would like to thank all who participated in the fundraising raffle for the Hunters’ Roundup. The raffle winners were Ron Crawford, first place, for the ebike, trailer, and Jay’s gift certificate, Jamil Mansour, second prize, for the kayak and Jay’s gift certificate, and Derrick Vanluken, third, for a $250 Jay’s gift certificate. This charity is run by volunteers, with all net proceeds supporting the Canada Creek Watershed.

The Ranch House has a newly renovated suite ready for members and their guests! Included are 925 square feet, with a view of Lake Geneva and accommodation for six people. Two bedrooms, smart TV, living room furniture, and dining with kitchenette will make you feel at home! Call the front desk for reservations.

Montmorency County is forming VOAD (Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster) through the Office of Emergency Management, holding an informative meeting on December 4 at 6 p.m. at Atlanta Senior Center. Discussion will include preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in the event of disasters like the ice storm we had, or any other type. All interested are invited to attend.

We hope we never have another ice storm, but winter is coming, when the snowmen and snowwomen rejoice and have a snowball! But if you see a snowman in August around here, he is either lost or a puddle. Peace and happiness this season!

11/21/2025

Generations of deer camps have evolved from the small cabins to the larger residences we see on Canada Creek Ranch. Back in the day, a 420 square feet cabin would host uncles, brothers, and cousins snoring in harmony on cots, beds, and even the floor. Shared meals in one place and subsequent card playing continue to take place, though, late into the night. After a few hours’ sleep, hunters sneak out to their blinds before the sun reveals their whereabouts. Decades ago, hunters who stayed at the Ranch House would hear the bell ringing up and down the hallway, calling them to breakfast in the dining room. Now, most want to get out there before everyone else, so forgo the big cooked breakfast with a quick bite on the way out.

The following hunters who got there first and harvested does on CCR property, opening day through November 18, are: Matt Freimark, Cory Wright, Greg Harden with two, Matt Rick, Roger Harden, Gary Harden, Stephen Harden, Aaron Jones, Trent Priest, guest Dale Staley, Mike Swartz, Don Herrmann, Dave Blanton, and Jason Ellis. Ryan Caliguri and Bob Delecki also got does on state land.

Buck trophies taken from the Ranch with these points went to the following: Matt Weber – 7, Craig Smith – 8, Dennis Swartz – 10, Matt Freimark – 8, guest Rolly Wolford – 6, Mike Heide – 8, Dan Hileman – 8, Pat Vostal – 8, Carrie Mariuz – 8, Kelly Mariuz – 7, Scott Nuttall – 8, Joseph Glasslee – 8, Nick Schulz – 8, Eric Delecki – 6, Brandon Carswell – 4, Dale Hugo – 8, Michael Mansfield – 9, Glenn Herrmann – 7, Jason Fannon – 9, Eric Standfest – 8, and Mike Polovina – 8. Guests Jeff Hodge and Justin Fink harvested 8-point bucks on state property. Congratulations to all of our hunters!

After opening day weekend, hunters retreat home, whether it’s with a prize or not. But the rifle season continues, welcoming back weekend warriors until the end of November. Many take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to get their final rounds in. For those hunters who are here to avoid the Black Friday madness, a shared potluck Thanksgiving dinner will take place Thursday at the Ranch house. This is instead of the ranch cooking. Sign up at the ranch house or call the front desk by November 25, and then bring a dish to pass. Don’t forget football at 1 p.m.! We’re hoping Dan Campbell takes the Lions to victory over the Packers, and his nose doesn’t turn red from frustration!

The lakes are not frozen over yet, and highs continue to be in the 40s, so no ice fishing yet. We’ve had some dustings of snow, but nothing to write home about. After Thanksgiving, it’s time to get the pumpkins in, and many will put up their Christmas décor. Holiday lights are already starting to be seen around the ranch! If you’re looking to get some new decorations, Home Depot has some in Aisle B, Home for Christmas. Peace and happiness to you!

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 Ga***rd. 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!

Rhonda's Report

01/08/2026

01/02/2026

12/26/2025

12/18/2025

12/11/2025

12/05/2025

11/26/2025

11/21/2025

11/13/2025

11/06/2025

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