Early morning on Rice Lake - went on a treasure hunt along the shore as the water was low. Couldn't wait to get out and try the Nordic Pole Walking...the chickens were a bit flustered with the poles but they rallied with Corn Flakes-who knew? Got another pole walk in before the rain late afternoon - hills are definitely easier to negotiate.
Brunch was a hopping place today with many celebrations.
Grey Cup action provided good entertainment.
All in all, a very pleasant Sunday, hope yours was as well.

Do something for yourself and take up Nordic Pole Walking....you will love it and even more, you will feel great! Today we trained to be instructors in Nordic Pole Walking....I'm totally hooked and can't wait for the early morning walks (look out summer regulars) to begin so you can learn more about this wonderful new way to stay healthy and fit. Viviana and I will be delighted to guide you and share our enthusiasm. Are you up for the challenge?

The first Christmas Party of the season took place this evening....everyone looked very festive - it was a lovely event to kickoff the holidays. Speaking of kickoff....get your snacks ready for Grey Cup tomorrow. Saskatchewan always delivers good game spirit so lookout Montreal.

What a day for a late afternoon walk - the blazing sun created quite a surreal sunset. The water level in Rice Lake is low as repairs are being done on Lock 19...almost looks like you could walk across the water. Tomorrow is Nordic Pole Walking training....be prepared to hear about the positive effects of our latest activity.

I hope all our American guests enjoyed a safe Thanksgiving. Recommending the movie "The Blind Side" for sheer entertainment.

Best wishes for a happy birthday to Elwood Ellis of Atlantic Lifts. Elwood is the new President of the Rice Lake Snowdrifters (snowmobile club). Congratulations....here's hoping you get snow!





Tonight we said goodbye (with dinner and a movie) to Kim Lennon, Guest Services. Kim has been with us for over 5 years, recently part-time, as she also works at the BMO Bank in Stirling. She will miss our guests and we will miss her! Here's hoping you can find something interesting to do on Saturday nights now that you won't be working


Family ice fishing on the lake this winter....we've got the hut.

It was a great day to be outdoors, walking along the water and through the woods...we took to the trails to walk off the Winemakers Dinner and prepare for Sunday Brunch...also heard the airplanes making the most of the fine weather.

Looking ahead at the holidays (for those who celebrate as well as those who do not) there are many upcoming events, including the ever-popular Couch Potato stays, Angels stay free holiday packages, Christmas Dinner, New Year's Eve, Homecoming and Snowkite Weekends in January, more Winemakers Dinners and the advent of snow for snowmobilers. The Eastern Ontario Adventure Rally for crossover motorcycles in spring and the Kawartha Fall Colour Cycling Tour have exciting programs for riders and families.....standby for details.

Gift Certificates for Spa services, sightseeing flights and dining available for holiday giving.

The Winemakers Dinner with Rosehall Run was a huge success this evening. During the reception guests wandered through the Silent Auction (proceeds to the Arthritis Society), munched on hors d'oeuvres, chatted and sipped on wine. The locally produced menu offered a different yet tasty complement to the wines, described by winemaker Dan Sullivan. It was a fun night of wine, food and friendship, once again. Just short of $1,000 was raised at the Auction. Thank you to all who donated items and to those who made the bidding so much fun. The next Winemakers Dinner is scheduled for mid January....hope to see you there.

The Winemakers Weekend kicked off with a Huff Wine & Fifth Town Cheese reception - it was a glorious night for Prince Edward County as both products were a hit with the guests. If you weren't here, you missed a great evening of food, wine, cheese and friendship. Many thanks to Brian and Susan and their Pixies for making the evening a tasty, yet casual affair. Saturday Winemakers Dinner will feature Rosehall Run, also from the County. Standby for a report on the dinner and Silent Auction (proceeds to the Arthritis Society).

Early morning waterfront activity...the sunshine and bright star night skies are making November a wonderful month. The ducks and geese are not leaving.
We have recovered from the Wild Women's Weekend - getting ready for the Winemakers Weekend. Only 38 days to Christmas; 86 days to the Olympics in Vancouver and only 29days to the Olympic Torch Relay in Lakefield.....that's alot of sleeps. Enjoy the colour and beauty of Indian Summer. When you start thinking of the holidays I hope you'll think of us!

Wild Women's Weekend was action-packed and fun for all....lots of wine was consumed; butter roses were fashioned in the cooking class; muscles were relaxed in the spa; the dirt was flying on the ATV trails; pumpkin target practise was intense - this was not a weekend for sissies! Wine tasting in the cellar with Niagara winemaker Sue-Ann Staff, of Staff Wines and John Howard Cellars of Distinction was incredibly informative and delicious. Dinner featured a locavore menu with wine and much laughter. Sunday morning nature walk followed by Brunch will round out the weekend. We can only hope the Winemakers Weekend next week is as engaging.

So many beautiful days, in November....perhaps the calendar is confused. Best wishes to Theresa Neil, our Housekeeping Supervisor, who is recovering from throat surgery...Theresa is resting and anxious to get back to work.
We continuously seek new things for the guests and are currently working on training staff for Nordic Pole Walking....a low impact way to get fit, lose weight and enjoy the great outdoors....standby for news on this exciting new leisure pastime. In the meantime, get out and play!

Early morning sky on Nov 09, the beginning of a perfect fall day on Rice Lake.

We're getting ready for the Wild Women's Weekend...are you game? Limited space available for the Nov 20 Winemakers Weekend - Saturday night option is still open if you can't get away for the weekend. Call 1-800-461-1940 to book. Look forward to seeing you!

What else do pilots do on nice days in November? They fly in for lunch and make the most of the sunshine. It was such a pleasure to see the aircraft landing on the runway, enjoying another day of cross country flying from Oshawa Airport. All pilots are welcome, year round, on land or water. The Wild Blue Yonder awaits!

Welcome to "Club 65" Jettie Tukker. Team Elmhirst celebrated tonight with Jettie, on the occasion of her 65th birthday....Peter welcomed Jettie to the Club as the rest of the team enjoyed dinner and bran cake in the Wild Blue Yonder before embarking on a kareoke marathon. Jettie has been with us in Housekeeping for over 14 years. It was a great party for a great lady....Jettie told us she had never woken up in the morning not wanting to come to work....the turnout tonight would suggest everyone is happy to see her as well! This was a celebration not a retirement party.

Wilma Anderson accepts her certifcate as a nominee for Employee of the Year at the Annual Tourism Industry Association of Canada Awards and Gala Banquet in Saint John, New Brunswick last night. We are so proud of Wilma for being a finalist - thank you to all our guests who called and asked how they could vote! It was an honour to accompany Wilma to the awards and have national representation acknowledge her contribution as our Employee of the Years. Well done Wilma!

The difference between day and night is the temperature these days....beautiful on both accounts.
I can't believe we don't have more wild women booked for the weekend Nov 13-15, especially when I see all the guys out hunting....come on girls, this is your time to get away!