Project Roundup

The 2011 project season got underway earlier than hoped for, when Carley Dunn called from Parkside Guest House to report that broken plumbing had flooded the house, and that the downstairs ceiling was resting, in pieces, on top of waterlogged beds and carpeting. Ensuing renovations sidelined most of Wally’s other winter ambitions, but with help from Carley and others, Parkside was ready for opening day, with some nice improvements in the bargain.

The pace didn’t slow down much in-season. We lured Bill Perhach back into the fold with a big, shiny Peterbilt dump truck. Bill made nightly gravel hauls from the park entrance, trucking about 400 yards of material, which we applied to Camp’s driveway and upper yard. Dump truck rides up and down the hill proved quite popular with the four-and under crowd.

Other highlights included extensive landscaping at both lodges, a double-wall fuel tank upgrade at North Face Lodge, an outhouse for Eldorado cabin, completion of 2010 water plant improvements at Camp Denali, a 20-inch lift for the Carpenter Shop, paving at the winter office, and enhanced storage in the Upper Back 40. Fair weather allowed for shingling of the Carpenter Shop and Grubstake cabin, as well as plenty of painting. In addition, all-new guest bikes were selected and procured with help from Drew McCarthy.

Staff Nuptials

New staff members, Shawn Pummill and Kelly Thornton, tied the knot on August 14th in a small ceremony officiated by Simon at Pika Hut, our beloved octagonal cabin at the top of Camp Ridge. Several staff contributed by carrying firewood, hors d'oeuvres, and floral arrangements inspired by the approaching autumn season.

Long time staff John Kahle and Ellen Horbett met at Camp Denali when John worked on our operations crew and Ellen as our Office Coordinator and host. They were married on October 8th in East Aurora, New York.

Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

Staff Transitions

After more than 5 years as our Reservations Coordinator, MJ Aft left this fall to pursue worldwide travel. We are sad to lose her, but glad to welcome Sarah Bierschwale (2011 staff) as the new friendly voice to greet you on the phone. Her love of the northland after working and studying in Montana and Minnesota makes her a great addition to our year round office staff.