Warm run to the end of September. Balmy weather making for pleasant conditions to be in the woods. Cold front set to come through over the weekend, however, bringing cooler temps and chance for more rain. A most beautiful time of the year at Maplelag with the maple trees changing and providing some beautiful conditions. Looking at pictures from years past, we are still 4-5 days behind “normal”. Our leaves came out very late this year, not until early June and unlike other parts of the state, we have had consistent rainfall during the summer and fall, evident by above average water tables and high water in the lakes, ponds and sloughs. All in all, the conditions are awesome right now for being in the woods. We are working on the ski trails for the upcoming winter season when we can, mowing and clearing deadfall and brush. The next event to take place on the trails will be the Pumpkin Run, 4 and 8km trail run on the ski trails. The date of this event will be October 18th. The trails will remain open this fall for biking, hiking and trail running. There is no trail fee to use the trails. We still have the bike course marked for the Sport/Expert loop and riding has been awesome. A great time to be in the woods with pleasant temps and no bugs and fall color. We are also working on a new section of mountain bike singletrack throughout the Fall and have made some good progress the past 7-8 days. We are planning on making a 4-5 mile loop to the west near the Twin Lakes ski trail system. We are hoping to have a trail day this fall to work on this trail and will post information when we set a date.
Sukkerbusk ski trail nice for hiking....and ready for snow!
More seasonable weather middle of the week with nice breeze from the south. Temp dropping down to the mid 30’s Monday night with a few low lying areas picking up some frost and a couple of the roofs a little white. Always exciting to see the first frost as a reminder winter isn’t too far behind!! . Off and on showers over the weekend with light precipitation totals. Feels like October but the leaves are out in full force with very little color change, just a few maple trees here and there showing some color. We are working on the ski trails for the upcoming winter season when we can, mowing and clearing deadfall and brush. The next event to take place on the trails will be the Pumpkin Run. A 4 and 8km trail run on the ski trails. The date of this event will be October 18th. The trails will remain open this fall for biking, hiking and trail running. There is no trail fee to use the trails. A great time to be in the woods with pleasant temps and no bugs. We are also working on a new section of mountain bike singletrack throughout the Fall. We are planning on making a 4-5 mile loop to the west near the Twin Lakes ski trail system. We are hoping to have a trail day this fall and will post information when we set a date.
Mowing on Mother Hen. Jens has entered the wonderful world of all day Kindergarten but still finding a little time to help out in the woods.
September sun shining nicely through the woods.
Spider web collecting some frost last night near Bullhead Lake trail.
Bottom of Suicide Hill getting touched with a little bit of frost early this morning.
Top of Suicide Hill. Bullhead lake at the bottom…thick with fog.
Candy Store cabin touched with frost on the east end roof.
As we continue with the finishing touches of the new lodge, we are very pleased with the function of the building. As Jim adds a new lunchbox to the collection and an antique sign goes up on the wall, memories of the old lodge return. Many repeat guests have commented on how the new lodge has the feel of the old lodge. (The location of the cookie jars the most important of course). We always strive to make everyone feel at home at Maplelag and will do everything we can to make the visit to Maplelag as memorable as possible. Probably the most surprising business avenue we have taken is the weddings that have occurred at Maplelag. The lodge has enough space to accommodate all the activities associated with a wedding. It is particularly fun when the majority of the guest stay at Maplelag. Everyone has a chance to relax and have more opportunity to visit with the bride and groom.
If you missed a visit to Maplelag this past year but kept up to speed with the newsletter, you read that Jonell and I were getting ready to add another person to the Maplelag family. Jens Niklas came right before the first winter storm of the year and he is truly a blessing. His older brothers love having him around (although I am not sure Jens feels the same all the time). I look forward to the day when they all grow up and we will have the trails groomed and the lawns mowed in record time!
The past summer has been the usual busy with the language camps and planning for the fall activities. We did quite a bit of work on the course for the Laddies Loppet weekend and feel the bike course is getting better every year. I still continue to race mountain bikes myself and had the opportunity to go to a National race in Idaho. Jake and Jon went along and enjoyed seeing the different types of mountain bikers.
With the leaves already showing hints of color, it won’t be long until fall is here and the snow will be falling.
Have a crisp fall and think snow.
A Family Owned and Operated Destination Cross-Country Ski Center
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