Quimby's Meets Facebook

For those careful readers of either the website or the blog, it should be apparent that we have added a wifi hotspot at the Lodge to allow internet connectivity. Any review of the website should suggest that Quimby Country is trying to tell its story in a new online medium, using many of the new tools available to it. But it's important to note that this new way of telling the story does not change the story itself, which is one of peace and tranquility and fun on the shores of Forest Lake.

For those who want to come to Averill to escape the non-stop barrage of email, we say welcome. Put away the the Blackberry, turn off the pager (heck, it doesn't work up here, anyway), and pocket the cell phone. Quimby's is the same rustic escape that it always has been, with our trademark sounds of Loons singing on the lake interrupting cool mountain breezes being the best we can offer your senses.

But Quimby's must be able to tell it's story outside of the Northeast Kingdom, and the vernacular for doing so these days is on the internet. So you'll find this blog not only on the Quimby's website, but at Blogspot at this address. As for pictures, we hope you'll check out the gallery on the website, but that you'll also consider adding your own pictures of Quimby's on Flickr using the phototag, quimbycountry. For you Facebook fans, please become a fan of Quimby Country by visiting it here. Finally, if it's those wonderful tiny reminders of Quimby's you crave, like a nibble of our world famous Applesauce cake, follow Ray's daily stream, QuimbyCountry, at Twitter.com.

The desire to represent Quimby's on the internet in multiple venues is not an attempt to be trendy or faddish. Instead, it is the desire to tell the story of a place that most people enjoy a week or two a year, but we hope dream about the other fifty. This blog and its satellite sites represent a point of connection to this beautiful place—just think of visiting us online, when you are away.

Ultimately, the point of Quimby's internet strategy is as old as Quimby Country, itself. It's about sharing stories and photographs and experiences across families and friends. And whether you choose to do that online or not, sharing, in this manner, is quintessentially Quimby's. We look forward to seeing you here at the Lodge, if not online, at the "Signpost."

Returning to Forest Lake

Guest season is upon us here at QC and we are ready! The cabins are newly painted and shored up, the boats are on the lake, and the flowers are in bloom. As usual, we have a loon chick on the lake, in addition to the nesting pair – here you can see Mom, Dad, and young one swimming by the inlet to Forest Lake.

Our early season guests seem to appreciate internet connectivity and there’s the new site of laptops in the main lodge – truly a meeting of old and new. On recent rainy days, it’s been nice to look to the satellite for a glimpse of when the sun might actually make it’s appearance—should be invaluable for accurately predicting cookouts!

When anyone asks about Averill in early July, two things are true. First, the black flies are leaving, and second, the fishing is great – fantastic hexagenia hatch on both Forest and Big Averill and guests have reported good luck over in the Connecticut River valley as well. Keep in mind that QC is a perfect location for fishing locally, with the Androscoggin, the Clyde, the Connecticut, the Nulhegan; and many more ponds and streams too numerous to mention, all within an hour’s drive.

Arrivals

Hi everyone, Ray here, introducing myself online to all members of the Quimby family. I have been here for about two months, and already I know that I am at a very special place. I have had the good fortune to work in many beautiful and wild locations, but here, at Quimby's, I feel a history of the many years of visitors and families that make this unlike any place that I have worked before. As I look toward the summer, it's almost like waiting for the pictures in the albums to come to life and I am excited to welcome everyone here, personally.

Whereas winter was just heading out the door when I arrived here in Averill, it is but a memory now. I have been busy working with some of my new found colleagues here at Quimby's inspecting the cabins to make sure they are summer ready. We've been doing a lot of painting to spruce things up, and just this past week, finished up some needed repairs on Wickham's Fancy. We had about a dozen guests last weekend for Memorial Day, and all reports were that we're ready for business.

As to sightings, we have a Bald Eagle regularly visiting Forest Lake and the Moose are out, as usual, along VT 114, visiting any muddy or boggy territory that they can. A dozen or so brown trout were caught on Forest Lake last weekend, but the fishing over in the Connecticut headwaters has been spectacular, with the Landlocked Salmon moving into and out of the Lakes depending on the water release levels. I can already see that it is never dull, up here.

If anyone is interested in a report of any specific aspect of what's happening here in the North Country, please use the Comments section below to prompt me for accounts. I am hoping to make regular reports here to the "Signpost," and if I can keep you informed of the life of this wonderful place, I feel like I'm doing my job. Also, if you have any questions about Quimby's that you'd like to personally direct to me, please email me at quimbyc@together.net

On Turning the Corner

With this opening of the Blog, "Signpost," Quimby's begins the process of rebuilding itself for a digital age, announcing its timelessness in a new medium, to old and new guests alike. "Signpost" is a place to drop by, visit, much like checking in at the main lodge, finding out what the day in the North Country offers.

Writing this blog will be Ray Wojcikewych, Quimby's new Manager. Ray comes to Quimby's with experience as a Naturalist, Fly-Fisherman, Forestry and Fisheries Manager, as well as longtime resort guide and kitchen specialist. He has worked in Idaho, Washington, and a number of locations across Alaska, including a stint with Alaska's Department of Fish and Game. His love of the outdoors, and his complementing ability as a culinary apprentice and pastry chef, speaks to the range of talents that he will be able to offer Quimby's on a daily basis.

Ray joins us after Joanie Binns' retirement this past winter. Joanie, whom we all know as Quimby's Manager and its biggest enthusiast for the past seventeen years, steps away having seen the club through many tough days, but who always knew the Quimby "essence" that needed to be maintained. Without her special type of devotion to our special place on Forest Lake, Quimby's would not be operating today. Joanie was recognized by Vermont's State Senate, in a Resolution celebrating the depth of her contribution to Quimby's.

So up here in Averill, change is both in the air and in the ether. Stop by the "Signpost" to check out the latest news from alongside Forest Lake.