Well we are into May now, and I wish I could be blogging about what I was last year at this time. First, some pics. Many of you have been asking about Earl and Patsy and how they're faring in Newfoundland. They are hopeful to get to camp soon as well, and are healthy and missing seeing loved ones of course. As I learned quickly last season, Earl does not like the camera much, but Patsy managed to get a couple. Here they were just before pre-quarantine:
This one of them recently grilling out and enjoying some cocktails
Though I feel like groups are betting on when the border will open this year instead of when the ice-out will be, I do have one pic to share on how quickly the ice is moving out of our bay. This was taken last week right in front of the Bear's Den:
I don't know about you, but we are getting antsy. If you don't hear from us for awhile, this could be why:
Supporting local businesses and shopping local has become "the thing" here in the states, but I can't stress enough how this applies to our Perrault Falls local businesses too. Shout out to Dutchies General Store and the Whiskey Jack Restaurant which has served our guests for years. Dutchies does pre-order flats of worms, sells licenses, and beer/liquor is the same price there as any other Canadian store, so please support them when you come up:
We are still waiting for Emergency Orders/Restrictions to be lifted on May 12th, and for the border to re-open on May 20th. Crossing our fingers; we'll update on our website and Facebook when we hear something definitive.
As far as fishing licenses, I would encourage you to wait at this point to purchase once your trip dates are a confirmed go. If you have already purchased an 8-day license and need to change the dates, you have to personally call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The Natural Resources Information and Support Centre (NRISC) contact is by phone or email. They are open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00PM ET (excluding holidays), and can be reached at 1-800-387-7011 or 1-800-667-1940. Or by email at NRISC@Ontario.ca.
A little recent soul music from Tall Pines fan Brad Harris if you want to chill to it (I think this would make for great entertainment at either the Whiskey Jack, or an outdoor Tall Pines jam session):
Shout out to Steve and Andrea Grupe, Tall Pines previous owners, who have been so supportive over these last few months. They came to visit at a few of the sports shows, and have had several phone conversations recently. They are a gift in showing compassion and patience during this difficult time. We are grateful for them.
Finally, in case you missed this fall camp video of Ryan and the last guest of 2019, enjoy this glimpse of the adventure and excitement that awaits you at Tall Pines:
I think I had 3 guest videos sent last year; if you are techie and have time on your hands, why not edit some pics/video and share to Youtube or with us. We love to see everyone's Tall Pines memories and want to keep them alive.
Lastly, please "signup" on the Blog home page (top right corner) so that you get notified when new blogs come out and other occasional updates. We hope you and your families are still healthy and safe, appreciate the support you give, and ask that you continue to share our info on whatever platform you can including word of mouth. We have had some great conversations with our first 3 weeks of guests re-scheduling their trips, and numerous emails from others, and we are inspired by your positivity, resilience, and flexibility. Thank you and God Bless.