Holiday Letter

Happy Holidays from Sleeping Fawn Resort

December 2010

Looking back on the past year we have enjoyed the wonderful weather brought upon us for the summer (despite scares of tornados in the Spring just to the south of us in neighboring towns including Wadena). We also had incredible Fall weather, a wonderful array of colors. We have already had an early snow and an ice freeze-- it’s going to be a very long winter.

Highlights of the season include nesting loons with 2 successful chicks.
All seasonal RV sites have been filled in our campground including the additional 6 sites added in 2008.

Some of our docks got a face lift: the U-shape dock got a scrub, prime and paint job on the frame and some of the older boards got replaced, cleaned and stained. We also placed a new boat launching dock which includes a bench-- thanks for the many compliments! We look to continue to make more improvements to the docks ready for Spring 2011.

New pontoon motor was purchased late Fall ready for the 2011 season. This upgrade will make for a quieter and more enjoyable cruise around the beautiful Stocking Lake.

Largemouth Bass fishing has been a huge success for all this year, with at least 5 of them reaching over 5 lbs. in size. Northern count was down. The pan fish were still a bit small but are showing growth year after year. We are biting our nails waiting for the generous size of crappie and sunfish to return. Over all it was a good year for fishing.

Nature trail continues to be a work in progress, new signage to be put up soon throughout the trail.

Finishing touches are in place for the newly remodeled laundry room/beach bathroom ready for use in 2011. This space will also include a small library of reading material and board games.

Emmaville store will be re-opening Winter 2010! After arriving home from a trip this Fall, Joe noticed a welcoming sign reading “re-opening soon!” Hopefully it will remain on course to be open by New Years. We sure have missed it!

Downtown main street phase one re-opens. With great success the Main Street project is right on schedule with the most important phase of project completed. Don’t worry they kept the center street parking! Phase 2 to start in early Spring.

Is Ellen working again?!? After retiring from driving school bus in the northern suburbs of MN, Ellen took on a PT job driving a local bus transporting adults with disabilities.

Joe plans on working Winter months at 3M Wonewok and he also hopes to continue doing small drywall projects when able to do so. Joe will be kept busy at home working on a couple cabin improvements throughout the off season as well.

Vacations- Nashville bus tour for Ellen, family trip to Ireland last March was a blast, 40th b-day to California for Joe last March was also a great time, Joe explored Utah National and State parks in October with friends - a must see, Ellen will be visiting her granddaughter in Texas this coming January and Joe is planning for another warm trip before Spring arrives.

With another great year behind us, we have so much to look forward to for 2011.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and a safe, joyful New Year!

Joe and Ellen

BUSTED!

This 6 point buck was enjoying lunch at the bird feeders yesterday. He hung around for a while....although there is still a couple more weeks before muzzle loader hunting season is over...We shall see if he continues to come back to the bird feeders.
Last week we were able to snap a photo of an 8 point buck (bottom photo)also hanging around the feeders, been keeping an eye out for him too.

seeing double

It has been common to see a Pileated Woodpecker enjoying the suet feeder, but lately we have noticed two Pileated Woodpeckers after the tasty treats.

oh deer.....

We have been overtaken by the deer. The numbers are much higher than last year at this time. We have counted 15 at one time. Ellen spotted a 6point buck in the group, I was unable to capture a photo of him as he was camera shy. You will notice they are taking comfort to the area, lounging around enjoying the quiet moments. Ellen was startled to find one creaping its way onto the deck. Brave lil guys.

I am also happy to report that the crippled deer we call "gimpy" is still around and within the photos. We were informed by our neighbors of a doe with a front leg injury back in 03, they wanted us to try and spare the doe during deer hunting, which we have. Gimpy has a new injury to her back leg, not as severe but she still holds her own.

Winter is here

Park Rapids Christmas tree lighting kicked off last week, most stores on main had goodies and drinks for all to enjoy. It was a very cold night.

First measurable snow

I was going to take pictures of the lake ice as it froze over, but then it started snowing and snowing and snowing, we ended up with close to 6" of fresh snow.

photos taken Monday 11/22

and its snowing again today 11/24

First snow of 2010

We woke up to about an inch of snow today, nothing compaired to the twin cities which reached a foot or more in areas, so we will not complain.

EMMAVILLE IS BACK !!!!!!

What a nice treat to come home to after vacationing in Utah.
Emmaville is offically re-opening. Be sure and keep tabs on the new owners by checking out their blog at www.emmavillestore.blogspot.com

Future Boss?

The Dahlagers from Granite Falls sent me this photo of Cody, one of their sons.

I have a feeling he could be a good replacement for running the resort if and when I retire...haha, just a thought.

Fall randoms

Another round of Kayaking before dusk.

Calm waters, perfect weekend.

Guests enjoying the views from bench on the new dock.

Kayaking in the Fall

Both Roger (resort guest) and I went out in the Kayaks to enjoy the Fall colors on the calm quiet Stocking Lake.

Wonderful treat!

Our guests from Frazee came up for their annual visit to Sleeping Fawn and even brought us a bottle of wine....Thanks Ladies!

Big Bass!

Andrew of Omaha NE, caught and released this 20 1/8" Largemouth Bass! Andrew was fishing out of the peddle boat and said it was quite a challenge to bring in but had a blast doing it.

Family moments

The Merrells on their annual visit to Sleeping Fawn.

Largemouth Bass are biting!

Brothers Ron and Roger hit the lake the other night, I tagged along hoping to land a few myself, sadly I caught two but unsucessful to get them to the boat. Both Ron and Roger had big grins on their faces after a great night of casting.

Loon photos

One of our Seasonals, Monty from Fargo shared a few photos of the loons with their babys as they are growing through the season.