Ice-out May 13, 2013

OK Folks!

We are well on our way! The lake has broken and now it's just a matter of movement and temperatures to break it all down. We are expecting the lake to be ice-free by Friday.

Today's pic looks like there's lots of ice but we have had some northwest wind over night that is now westerly about 20 kms/hr. It is currently overcast but we expect some sun throughout the day with a high of 21 celsius. Should make for some good ice-melting conditions!

Ice-out May 12, 2013

Hi Everyone,

I heard from a little bird in Conklin that Christina Lake broke last night. Winefred Lake is usually 5-7 days after that. With the forecasted temperatures all 18 and above, together with winds changing from South to Northwest to West winds between 10-20 over the next 5-7 days, we should be able to get boats on the lake for season opening on Friday May 17.
 
Here are today's pics at the dock. Currently 19 degrees and SW15 kms winds.























 East from the dock The shoreline is free and ice is thin.

West from the dock. Still some ice in the bay.

Ice-out Coming Soon!

Hi Everyone,

Well, it certainly has been a long spring but we are finally on our way! Staff are all on-site and working hard to get the place ready for the first guests of the 2013 season.

I will add the update picture of the dock to this blog daily. Check back to see how the next week or so works out.

We were thinking we might see our latest ice-out in five seasons. But I think we saw a later spring in 2009 than this year will be. We are expecting temperatures between 15-27 degrees over the next 4-5 days with winds ranging from 10-20 kms/hr and changing direction each day. This is what we've been hoping for, so keep your fingers crossed everyone!

Here's how the lake looked earlier today!

It sure has been a slow process though.
See my pics below that were taken from May 1, 2013 to May 10, 2013.

May 1. 2013                                                                    May 2, 2013

May 3, 2013                                                                     May 4, 2013

May 5, 2013                                                                    May 6, 2013

 May 7, 2013                                                                    May 8, 2013 

 May 9, 2013                                                                    May 10, 2013

Pre-season Hello!

Hi there Friends,

After a much needed rest, we are finally back at the lodge. The lodge is currently closed but we are set to re-open on Friday May 17, 2013. Lots to do to get everything ready for what is sure to be...the best ever!

For those of you who have already booked your trip for the upcoming season, you can call me between 9am and 5pm with confirmation and deposit to secure these bookings.

For those of you who have not booked yet, you can call me at the lodge and I will do my very best to get your preferred dates secured for you.

For those who missed The Fish'n Canada Show, it will air again on Saturday March 16, 2013 on the Global Network. The trip was filmed in August 2012 and Angelo Viola, Host of The Fish'n Canada Show (see photo on right) and his group were hosted at Winefred Lake Lodge. It is Episode #9, entitled "Northern Alberta Northerns". You can find more info by visiting The Fish'n Canada Show's website: http://www.fishncanada.com/content/view/750/82/

I will be away from the lodge and unavailable from March 12-31. If you have any inquiries, you can leave a voice message at 780-713-5578 or email me at info@winefredlakelodge.com. I'll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. I will be picking up messages sporadically through my absence from the lodge.

For those seeking employment during the upcoming season, we will be conducting interviews in Edmonton March 14-16. Please email your resume to me at the lodge (email address above) if you'd like to apply. I am looking for the right people so if you have a high level of customer service, are a strong, energetic and thoughtful team player, and are interested in a summer job, I have vacancies for the following:

Housekeeper
Second Cook
Dockhands

You can find our job ads on the HRDC Jobbank for more information. You'll find them in the Fort McMurray listings.