January 2010

Winter is in full swing at the beach! Yes it's a different world from the summer - but no less beautiful! The lake has been frozen for over a month, and last we heard the ice was already over 3' thick. Fishing shacks/huts are popping up along the horizon and the fish are biting!

Snow accumulation to date has been limited, but that hasn't stopped the snowmobilers from getting out there and cruising the trails on their "machines"; and as we continue to get a bit of snow each day, it shouldn't be long before we have a solid base. We've both been out cross-country skiing on the lake (and through Albert Beach) over the holidays, and other than being just beautiful, it's been a great way to stay in shape . We hope to check out the trails at Grand beach and go on the Northstar trail soon, we'll let you know how it is!

If you are looking for skating, the Victoria beach rink is up and running, as is Grand Marais' Recreation Center. Saffies has some great ice this winter too, and open to the public. We were able to make use of the remnants from the old mini-putt course across the street, and thanks to the Kraft family (Sig, Angel, kids & friends) we've converted these into "boards", which is a big hit with those more inclined to hockey sticks & pucks. Randy & Onaly continue to help us flood the rink and keep the ice smooth.

*** News Flash *** The Njoy Fitness studio just opened at the Birchwood hotel. If you are driving by, check it out. Natsha and Volcker did a great job setting it up and equiping it with brand new equipment. Lise plans to be in great shape by beach season, and Josh now has access to a gym at the beach where he can train!

Here at Store we continue to be busy! Claudette and Cec continue to make great Soup and Sandwiches while keeping our produce fresh and full! Sheri, Bev and Jolanda (when she isn't jet setting!) are providing their usual "cheerful" service to the Beach community and those wandering up from the city on weekends, while we all find ways to make Saffies better and plan for an eventful summer 2010!

Exciting news is that we are starting Pizza Fridays! We will have 12" pizzas every Friday available to eat at the store or to go. We will always have 'Cheese', or 'Cheese and Peperoni' and a one type of 'specialty' pizza each week. Come join us during our "Olympic coverage" in the coming weeks and try it out.

This is also a great time to post things on our online bulletin board. If you want to rent your cottage, sell a quad or snowmobile, or want to find a cottage for rent, just post it on our website. It is free and easy to signup.

We hope to see you during the winter. If you are traveling and send us a postcard from where you are traveling, we'll post it on the wall and put your name in for a draw in May!

If you are wondering how the roads to the beach are, just click on road conditions on our home page and it will give you the lastest info.

See you soon!

Lise & Jerry Bourassa