North Knife Lake Lodge 2008 Couples Retreat
by Mary Lynn West/SCIF Sables President
Oh yes, you can have it all! Champagne, truffles, fine cuisine, spa treatments, cooking lessons, fish, fish, and more fish. Oh, did I mention this is all experienced in one remote and luxurious destination? North Knife Lake Lodge welcomed five couples for five days to experience all of the above in a remote wilderness environment.
Orange County Chapter members Pat and Linda Bauer, Dave and Jean Richman, Dave and Mary Lynn West, and Paul and Judy Whitlock arrived at the lodge with visions of trout and pike dancing in their heads. Also to be included in this group were Rod and Maggie Walker hailing from Chicago. After arriving by sea plane we were greeted by our hosts and served a gourmet breakfast. At 10:00AM our guides ushered us to our boats and the quest for the “big guys” began.
The beauty of the northern wilderness takes your breath away as the boat glides over the calm lake waters. Around each bend a new bay beckons promising that beneath the lily pads lay trophies waiting to be lured to our line. Our guides are eager to introduce us to their own special “hot spot”. It is prearranged we will meet at one location mid day to enjoy a shore lunch prepared by our guides. As our fare is prepared we exchange our angling stories of the morning. After salivating over Sweet and Sour pike, wild rice, corn, baked beans and summing it all up with home baked cookies, we are once again in our boats and in pursuit of the huge fish this lake is famous for.
Back at the lodge they are preparing for our groups return in the evening. Champagne and chocolate truffles have been delivered to our rooms. After lingering in a hot shower, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are laid out in the great room accompanied by a blazing fire. Here more stories of the incredible numbers of fish caught and the sharing of photos are the topic of conversation. The dinner bell rings and over the next five days we enjoyed Maple Marinated Walleye, Jalapeno Goose Breasts, Crusted Caribou Tenderloin, and Veggie Strudels. Did someone mention deserts? Imagine White Chocolate Cheesecake with Mango Sauce or how about in your wildest dreams, Tuxedo Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Helen Webber and her staff are truly culinary geniuses.
The fishing was not to be outdone by the cuisine. We averaged 40-50 fish per boat a day. The “big guys” were there as well. Pat Bauer joined the Master Angler category with 41” and 44” pike and a 35” lake trout. The ladies joined the Master Angler category and took center stage as Jean caught a 37” lake trout, Linda a 41” pike, Judy a 41” pike, Maggie a 41” pike, 18 ½” Arctic Grayling and Kalie (granddaughter to Doug & Helen) for her 15th birthday took a 41” pike. The ladies rule!
With the exception of shore lunch North Knife Lodge practices catch and release. So all the “big guys” are waiting for you to come to the far north and play with them.
Plan on attending the SCIF Sables Annual Luncheon, Show and Auction where you will have the opportunity to bid on their 2009 100% donation. They are valued supporters to the Sables education programs. This is the place to bring your friends or to make new friends and enjoy the hospitality this fine lodge offers.
