Notes From the GM

April

The lakes are stocked with fish, the grass is green, and the canvas cabins are getting set up -- it really is springtime at Lakedale! Our campsites will be ready May 1st, and we already have reservations for a big picnic and campers checking in on our first day open.

Temperatures are rising and we are looking for great weather for our opening weekend. If you are the adventurous type, pack your camping equipment and experience Northwest camping. If pitching a tent is no longer your thing, try “glamping” (glamorous camping) early in the season because we know you will want to come back again and before the end of September – you can even make your reservations online. In May, we’ll be offering our Canvas Cabin glampers complimentary fishing licenses and 3 hours of free boat rental.

Robert and Janelle will be back to manage the General Store, and the Atkins’ will be back from two years ago. Many of our regulars have enjoyed both couples immensely over the years, and if you are new, you will soon see why. The Store opens up May 16th. We’ll also be introducing fly casting workshops over the summer... stay tuned for dates. They will be announced after May 25th.

Our May wine tasting will be on Saturday the 10th, featuring “summer blends from Washington state” hosted by Pete Stephenson from Noble Wines, distributor of a diverse and quality portfolio of fine wines from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming you to Lakedale soon!

--Michael

March

This past month we had the pleasure of welcoming Mary and Mike Hurley for a weekend stay at Lakedale Resort. As many of you know, the floods in Lewis County in December were devastating. People lost homes, cars, farms, livestock... everything in a matter of hours.

Through the efforts of amazing Lakedale supporters, a double-wide trailer home and furniture were donated to the Hurleys; neighbors helped build a concrete pad and the trailer was moved in. Over the weekend, while electricians, painters, and movers were busy getting their new home ready, Mike and Mary were treated to a wonderful weekend getaway before moving into their new home on Monday. The Hurleys were provided a flight to San Juan Island from Kenmore Air, dinner at Friday Harbor House, and a two-night stay in a Lakedale Log Cabin. While all of our guests enjoy staying at Lakedale, the Hurley's will have some truly special memories to bring back to their friends and family in Lewis County as they begin their new life.

On another note, we hope you'll join us at our upcoming monthly wine tasting in the Lodge on March 29th from 5:00-7:00pm. March's tasting is $5/person and will feature several Northwest wines including Erath from Oregon, Northstar, and Stella Maris from Washington. Click here for details on our "Wine Tasting Package" including overnight accommodations.

--Michael

February

February is always associated with Valentines Day, romance, chocolate and other romantic experiences. This year Lakedale hosted a Tawny Port and Chocolate Tasting. But not just any chocolates! Those who know me, know that this would not do. These were from Petits Noirs in the Walla Walla Valley. They were one of the "Best of 2007" in Seattle magazine. We paired the various tawny ports with Dark Chocolate Mendiants imbedded with corn nuts/cayenne pepper and dried fig/pistachio/fennel; as well as two chocolate dessert cups filled with goat cheese and either green apple/cardamom chocolate marmalade, or pear/citron marmalade. Great fun was had and new ideas about what is romantic were shared by all.

Don't miss the next tasting in March!

--Michael