September 2007
from www.CustomCabins.com
14663 Vosburgh Rd. Ely, Minnesota 55731
email: info@customcabins.com

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Next came September. As we had mentioned in the last newsletter, the spring and summer had been very dry, but then came September. Then temperatures were quite tolerable, but as the month progressed so did the rains, and the drought ended. Boy did it end! We had sprinkles at first, then one inch rains, then two, and then a three and one half inch rain. With that rain, the city of Ely received ten inches. Basements were flooded that had never seen water before. Because our lodge is about 250 feet above Moose Lake we had nothing to worry about, but the docks which are hinged to the main dock and are supported by foam floats were floating upward. The lake levels rose about 8-10 inches above what they had been during the summer. Those pesky rocks that had appeared out of nowhere during the summer had finally disappeared.

 
 

If you remember the pictures we offered of the Prairie Portage falls last Easter showed that there was a minimal amount of water going over the falls, and while normally one would not be able to walk across the stream at the bottom of the falls, because of the volume and force of the water, a stroll about angle deep was a breeze. Not so in September. The water was roaring over the dam and down the falls to Basswood Lake.
 
 
We think the fish were somewhat confused by the radical change in water levels. While they were still “catchable”, their habits were not normal. Usually, we are able to basically predict where the fish will be during any given season. Not so this year. Because of the warm temperatures and the rising waters, the fish were not where they were supposed to be. It took patience and perseverance to locate and land them. It was not impossible to do so, but our guests could not be in a hurry to do so.

But with patience displayed, plenty of fish were caught for all to enjoy a comfortable shore lunch, even though because of the winds it was held at out main dock.
 
 
Toward the middle of the month, the trees started to show their fall brilliance. The maples lead the parade of colors with their bright reds and oranges. We think they started to turn somewhat early because of the earlier drought. The temperatures were warm, so frost was not a factor.

Next were the oaks and sumacs with their deep reds and maroons. In our area of the country, maples and oaks are not particularly prevalent, so the contrast between the reds, maroons, and various types of pine trees was even more outstanding.
 
Then came the aspens and birch with their yellows and lighter oranges. When the sun shone on the leaves, they appeared to shimmer. The contrast of colors was Mother Nature’s work at her best.
 
So with fish still being caught, and the waters still rising, the month of September came to an end.  Stay tuned. We are still catching up.

REALITY CHECK: Even though this note is being written as though it were September, in reality it is practically the middle of November. That means it is time for those of you who already have reservations and have not sent a deposit to please do so.
 
For those of you who have not made reservations, it is time to do so. We hope to hear from you soon.

We cannot begin to submit permit applications for the January lottery until December 1st. More on that later.

Custom Cabin Rentals
14663 Vosburgh Rd.
Ely, Minnesota 55731
218-365-6947 or 1-800-235-6947
www.CustomCabins.com