We are starting our 28th season and this is the earliest that the ice has been out of McGregor Bay. Most of the docks should be in and the barge moored for the coming season. Work is planned for this Saturday.

Yesterday there were geese, ducks, seagulls, and 4 beautiful white swans swimming of the ice pan. This morning we had our first spring thunder storm complete with a SE wind and rain. The snow is, for all intent and purpose GONE,(its early it might be back). The grass is showing signs of green and the frost is heaving the roads on the property. The ground is mushy and there is that earthy smell in the air that is spring.

The buds on the trees are swelling and the southern birds are arriving on a daily basis. The other day we had robins and red winged black birds in the tree near the launch ramp, this morning there was about 40 gray jays in the tree near the croquet court. A couple of days ago there were snow birds gleaning the remaining berries off the wild grape vines. Just now a flock of black birds just flew past the den window.

The cottages will be next and it depends on how fast the frost is out of the ground. I bet the water will be on 3 weeks earlier than normal. I just keep my fingers crossed that we won’t have a cold snap.

If the grounds dry up we should have boats in the water by the 22nd or 23rdMarch. So all you anglers eager to hook into some black crappie or yellow perch give us a call we might be able to realize your dream.

Picture take March 13 2012

This morning there was a little sun shining through the tree branches warming up the lone robin and a single red winged blackbird. I don’t think that the robin’s spring song was amusing the blackbird because when the robin started his serenade once again the blackbird took off.

Then just before noon, the sun was replaced by big dark snow-bearing clouds which proceeded to dump at least 2 inches 5CM of snow. Then came that notorious March wind to whip all that snow into a frenzy. What a difference from yesterday. Spring likes to tease us just a little, but winter sure doesn’t want to leave without letting us know how cruel he/she can be.

Yesterday the goats and donkey were nibbling on the first green tips of tender grass and today they reluctantly headed for the bale of hay!

There is hope that the snow will soon be gone because last year it did the same but not as gently as this year.

We are just itching to get started because May is just a short month and a bit away. The Resort has weathered well but there is that hectic time of opening and pre-pairing the cottages. Getting boats and of course the gardens and planters ready for our first guests. I love this time of year the most. The sun is returning to her full glory and there is that special smell of spring in the air.

Over the last weekend the lows were almost -20C this morning Wednesday March 7 2012 at 06:30 am it was +5C. and there is a report that we may hit up to 12C by the weekend. The area of open water near Prison Island has doubled in size and the ice free area in the channel mid lake has grown as well. Even the ice in front of the barge is gone. I think that the break-up will be earlier then normal this year.

This is a hoot, take one no script. Caught a little off guard and tong tied
wwww @ ? ugh!

Time to prune the apple trees. Hope I haven’t waited too long

The middle of the lake in front of Harris Island is open. March 3, 2012 10:15AM. I have heard the geese and noticed several ducks flying over head. I’ve suspected that there was some open water west of Prison Island near the weed bed but was not able to confirm it till this morning. With the wind last night reaching 100KMH (60MPH) I decided to take an early morning walk around the property to see if there was any wind damage. Glad to report there was none other than a few branches here and there. When I was up at Cottage 20 Meadowview I noticed that indeed there was open water where I assumed it would be but the rest of the lake looked solid but it was a little foggy and I really couldn’t see all that well. Just a few minutes ago I was looking out over McGregor Bay and noticed that there was a gray strip just beyond tip of Serpent Mounds and the tip of Harris Island.

I thought to myself “this is too early, we are still at least three weeks before break-up, this can’t be what I think I see.” So I grabbed the binoculars and sure enough it was open and the wind was wiping up white cap on it too boot!

I don’t think that I am ready for that, actually I don’t know what I think other than disbelief.
I have to get the camera out and will post a picture as soon as this snow squall ends.

What a beautiful morning. The sun is rising earlier every day, and setting later in the evening. Every year at about this time, there is a day when something deep inside snaps and memories of spring passed come flooding into my conscious mind.This morning was that moment. The smell, the crisp cool air, the special glow of the early morning sun, and the chatter of the birds were shouting “Spring has arrived”!

Next thing will be the placing of docks along the shore, launching of boats, and the phone dancing off the wall. In the mean time the dreams of that first get away keep increasing.

Day 2 at he London Boat and Fishing Show. Yesterday was a busy day but I think that it will be even more hectic. Stop by at the Highland View’s booth and have a chat.

The doors are open and the crowds are starting to arrive. It’s hard to post and talk so I hope that this post will make sense!
Highland View is at booth 136 right in the thick of things, other resorts, tackle sellers, and more. This is a busy location a lot to see.

If you are looking for something to do and are in the London area this is the place to be. Check out the link http://www.boatcottagefishingshow.com/main.htm .

We are here, so stop by and have a chat and give me your best story, fish story that is. This is the place to be this weekend.

Highland View Resort will be at the London Ontario Boat Fishing and Leisure show starting in a couple of days. Stop by and say HI and check out our specials for your Spring Fishing Trip, Summer Vacation or Fall Get-a way’s.

Check out their website at http://bit.ly/w4bOjF . If you can’t get to the Toronto Sports man Show this is the perfect place to get the low-down on products and check out places to stay for your family vacation or get the scoop on the Rice Lake Spring Fishing Festival http://bit.ly/wLb0sh .

See you all in a couple of days.

What a beautiful day to celebrate the family. The weather could not be finer. If your looking for something to do check out the Spring Fishing and Boat Show at the Toronto International Center http://bit.ly/wzYEAv .

Come over and join all the other families that are here. When your here come on over to the Highland View Resort Booth #1005. I would like love to talk to you about Fabulous Rice Lake and trade Fishing Stories with you.

A great place to check out what is happening, and check out all the boats, fishing equipment, cottage resorts like Highland View Resort at booth 1005. (now that was shameless). There has been a lot of traffic here today and it is fun talking to all the folks young and old. Especially to those that I know. It’s a fantastic place to up date and share some of the stories of what has happened so far at the resort. Equally, talking and meeting new people, it sure helps make the time go faster. Come on down and stop over and say HI.