Holry,

Another summer is rapidly winding down.  The final crews at the Base are headed home.  Cooler temperatures are behind weather fronts and before we know it, the first signs of fall’s colors will be showing on the maples in Canoe Country.

I wanted to take this final opportunity to invite you to the 2010 Rendezvous over Labor Day weekend.  Allen Rench and his team of organizers are putting the final touches on a fun-filled weekend.  Whether you can visit for the weekend or just Saturday’s banquet, we hope you can join us.

We’ve invited fur trade re-enactors to set-up camp in the old canoe yard (the volleyball area for younger members) to take us back to the era when the Ojibway and French voyageurs exchanged trade goods for valuable beaver pelts.  On Saturday night, the kids get to sleep-over with Ted, Honey and Lucky, three black bears at the North American Bear Center (Survivors will be returned to families in time for Sunday service in the Lodge.).  The rest of us will gather Saturday evening to dine at the Grand Ely Lodge.  Tom Widney will share his inspirational experience as an adaptive paddler.  We’ll also be entertained by renowned voyageur auctioneer, Cory Kolodji, who will auction a restored Seliga canoe and Real Berard painting. 

Whether you are interested in a paddle on Moose Lake, sitting back and exchanging stories with fellow Charlie Guides, or spending a quiet moment with a child or grandchild in the Lodge telling them of your days on staff, the Rendezvous is a great time to step back, relax and have fun.  If your calendar’s still open for the upcoming holiday weekend, please consider making the trip.  We’ll see you soon.

Redeye,

Mike Holdgrafer
SAA President