YOUR HOSTS

Pit Turenne - General Manager

Hello and welcome to the new and improved "Aikens Experience!" Many of our valued guests saw me grow up at Aikens Lake! When my parents Gerry and Lorraine first purchased the lodge in 1988, I was but a mere 10 years old! I essentially grew up at Aikens, spending each of my summers working every possible job from rookie grunt worker to head guide. My fingerprints are everywhere on this peninsula! For nearly two decades, my parents did an incredible job managing the lodge, the staff, and the resource. They brought it from a small operation to one of the top fly-in destinations in North America! By being such consummate hosts, they were the ones who created the "Aikens Experience," which means that your time off the water is just as important and enjoyable as your time on it!

In the spring of 2005, our new partners led by the Aviary Group (Chris Jensen, Rick Buonincontri, & Jeff Hahn) along with Dale Jensen, co-owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks came on board. Since the beginning of this partnership, we have had a wonderful synergy and everyone is on the same page when it comes to key decisions. We are committed to keeping the same staff policies and the excellent level of service as they had been throughout Gerry and Lorraine's tenure. We are committed to continually improving and renovating different areas of the lodge, it's structures, and it's boat fleet so that we are always on the cutting edge. Lastly, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint; especially since we are located in a Wilderness Park that is untouched by industry and infrastructure. I love discussing all of the wonderful things we have already done to become "greener" – and those that are planned for the future – with anyone who shares this passion.

Julie and I are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity year after year to be able to raise our young family in such an incredible setting. The children bring a genuine "family atmosphere" to the lodge. In addition, Julie and I love the challenge of providing everyone with the experience they are seeking. We both have the practical knowledge by having worked at Aikens for many seasons, and we also have the book smarts to make sure every aspect of your trip is taken care of with professionalism! We will use all of this experience, combined with the knowledge handed down to us by Gerry and Lorraine, to make sure that the "Aikens Experience" continues to offer our valued guests an incredibly unique blend of great fishing, unbeatable service, and lasting memories!

Julie Turenne - General Manager

Hello valued guests! After working at Aikens for many seasons, Pit and I have a great perspective on what kind of experience and service we would like to offer you as guests here at Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge. Together with Aviary Group, we have taken great care in seeing as the improvements and changes brought to the lodge reflect what you as guests would like to see.

Because we strive to bring you the best service possible, we continuously look to make improvements and changes that will further enhance your experience. If ever there is anything that you think of that would improve your experience at Aikens, please make sure to let me know about all of your ideas!

As Pit mentioned, we love being able to raise our children in the "Aikens Community." As they say, it takes a village to raise a family. Our children have hundreds of "aunts and uncles" that they look forward to seeing every summer. Our guests truly do become friends. I love seeing the kids' faces every time a plane taxies up to the dock. They get really excited to see which "aunt" or "uncle" is coming in next. . .as do I! Thanks for being a part of our "Aikens Family" and we’ll see you on the docks this summer!