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.