Best holiday wishes to all from the Aikens family. Here in Winnipeg, Staff and volunteers celebrated their Yule Time cheer at Pit and Julie’s on Saturday evening. Merriment and smiles were shared as everyone reconnected over a delicious meal (thanks Rolf, Lynne and Julie!). Thanks again to the Turenne family for hosting a very special evening once again. Also thank you to Ô Tours for getting everyone home safe.

Snowbound and bundled in our favorite Christmas sweaters, this year’s festivities have kicked off! With 2011 just around the corner, we look back on all the great memories and visit on last year with deep gratitude. From all of us at Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge, have a very Happy Holidays with family and friends!

Every Christmas in Winnipeg, the big radio stations of CJOB68, Power97, and Groove FM host a radio auction that raises tens of thousands of dollars for a local Charity. This year, Aikens Lake is proud to be a part of it.  We have donated a trip for 2 people.  It is labeled as a father/son trip (we participated in a Father’s Day promotion last year with them), but is really for anybody.  The trip will be a full 3 day, 3 night stay valid anytime during our 2011 season. Someone will win this auction tomorrow and have a very special gift for someone come Christmas morning!

The auction is tomorrow; Friday, December 17th.  Bidding is not necessarily restricted to Manitobans, so if you are thinking of a trip to Aikens, this could be your ticket no matter where you are from.  The auction will last one hour (from 10 to 11 a.m. CST) and will be constantly updated on all three radio stations.  You can tune in online for updates on their respective websites.  Make sure to call 204-779-HOPE (4673) when placing a bid. All funds raised will support Hunger for Hope, because no child should go to bed hungry!

We look forward to following the auction tomorrow morning… and then hosting the lucky winners of the auction next summer!

http://www.cjob.com/ChristmasAuction/Story.aspx?ID=1317809

You will remember a story that ran in the Winnipeg Free Press last spring entitled “Fly-In Fishing Casts a Lasting Thrill”.   This two-page spread was written by Ron Pradinuk and created quite a buzz in Winnipeg, and is part of the ongoing tradition of generating a home-grown buzz in Manitoba.  Aikens Lake has become a household name in Winnipeg, which is outstanding when you consider that our industry has not historically tried to market to its own province.

Well, Ron is back at it.  He recently posted a new blog about his trip to Aikens on Trip Atlas.  Ron’s story ties in a lot of those unheralded “experiences” that all combine to make your overall “Aikens Experience” something truly special.  Ron has been in the travel business for nearly 30 years, has traveled to over 60 countries, owns and operates Journey’s Travel, and has served on the board of ACTA.  Trip Atlas is a Toronto-based website that has become one of the largest Online Travel Resource websites with over 3 million unique visitors per year.  Thanks Ron for your continued support and promotion of Aikens Lake!

http://tripatlas.com/guides/Canada/1721/Northern_Exposure…With_A_Fishing_Rod

After two very successful years as the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association president, Pit Turenne has handed over the helm to elected president Mr. Paul Conchatre of Birdtail Waterfowl Services. Pit, whom many lodge & outfitter owners cheered and thanked for his considerable efforts and professionalism, completed his term on Monday this week during the annual general meeting of the association. Pit worked hand in hand with exiting Executive Director Mr. Ryan Suffron to usher in many new policies and to lobby government on all levels relating to issues pertinent to the membership. Thanks to these two, all of us who enjoy our vast and awe-inspiring resource-based products in Manitoba can ensure sharing it with all those who care to visit our great land. Pit your diligent, tactful and poised demeanor will surely make it a challenge for Mr.Conchatre to fill your shoes! Hats off to you for a great presidency!