If you were reading the news posts last fall, you are aware of the bold new project we have undertaken. Because of the age of some of our staff quarters, we needed a complete overhaul of our men’s accommodations. For years, they had been staying in some of the original cabins from the 1950’s and there just weren’t enough amenities, floor space, or privacy needed to accommodate such a large staff. “Le Canot” is an apt name for the new cabin. It’s the french word for canoe, but more importantly it was a favourite watering hole for a lot of our ex and current employees during the winter months in Winnipeg. However, that bar was recently sold and will be turned into condos next year… so we are hoping that we can continue the tradition of camaraderie and friendship in our new version of “Le Canot”.
The construction is progressing quickly and everyone is fired up about their new cabin! Le Canot’s two storeys, 8 bedrooms, two screened in porches and large common rooms will provide ample space and amenities for our male staff. Here is a picture of Andre, Turbo, and Colin putting on some Tyvek. The inside is all framed and the electricians and plumbers are in there right now roughing it all in. This cabin should be ready for a mass move-in at the end of the month! Stay tuned for more pictures and updates.

Today was another great day at Aikens Lake. After a great day of work, the staff was able to unwind by casting in a line off the dock. The fishing off the dock has been sporadic, but it has already produced a couple of 27″ and 26″ walleyes.

Pierre Maynard (pictured left) had never been to Aikens. He learned of Aikens from his brother in law Charlie… who is one of our fulltime carpenters this summer. Pierre had only gotten off the plane about 8 hours beforehand, and had barely gotten his feet wet! Having forgotten his fishing rod in his truck, he needed to borrow a rod to be able to fish! His first fish was a great perch (about 7″), and although we were all genuinely excited about it, he thought we were just pulling his leg and joking about the size of his fish. Well, his second fish was nothing to laugh at! Pierre reeled in this 28″ beauty that qualified as the first Aikens Lake Master Angler of 2006! Congratulations Pierre!

Something happened today that had never happened since Gerry and Lorraine had originally purchased the lodge… Gerry was greeted by others as he stepped off a plane for a new season!

In a humorous moment today, everyone lined up to shake Gerry’s hand and help him down the ramp as he got off the plane and took his first steps at Aikens for the 2006 season.  Everyone made sure to go out of their way to welcome him.  The ironic reversal of roles had everyone chuckling.  It marked the first time in 18 years that Gerry was not with the first crew to come in to Aikens.  He had been away prior to May 1st, and was thus unable to join the crew in helping to open up the camp.  “Welcome home, Gerry!”

Grant is working on “Big Molly’s Bar”, where he will be vaulting the ceilings and refinishing behind the bar. He began his project from the moment we arrived. He has received alot of help recently from Andre. Already, the old ceiling is down and the new pine boards are going up!

On the other side of the peninsula, George and Charlie have begun framing the inside of the new Men’s residence… Le Canot. Things are progressing quickly there as well!

The young crew consisting of Turbo, Colin, Kik, and Dan have been supporting the two projects. They’ve been hauling 2×4’s, plywood, and all kinds of tools to the worksites while taking away all of the old materials. They also have completely cleaned up all the fallen trees!

The weather promises to get better this weekend. The only fish to report thus far are a few little pike that Turbo has caught from the dock. The first boat is in the water and the first fishermen are going to be lined up to use it as soon as the sun comes out!