Best Montana Blog {Holland Lake Lodge - authentic montana guest resort}

Tragedy at Holland Lake Lodge

2011-05-26T22:44:00.001-06:00

Alright folks, before anyone panics, this is a story of dark comedy. So relax and enjoy the read...

Many of you know that I am not at all handy. I struggle with the maintenance here, laboring with great efforts to keep the lodge from falling into the lake - literally. A simple chore of say, changing a door knob fixture, might take you just ten minutes. With me, it takes two hours. Some of you have heard stories about the disasters: broken pipes, warped floors, trees across vehicles, the wedding tent that blew away, suicide squirrels nailing our power (twice in a week), the baby goose, the grinder pump, the Jonestown wedding, and the list goes on and on. It is safe to say that I do remain relatively calm when disaster strikes. I take it in stride, usually thinking to myself, "hmmmmmm, this is a new one I haven't dealt with ever before...lovely."

Last Tuesday was no different. Chef Lukas was holding down the fort that afternoon. Outside was miserable - 48 degrees, pouring rain, visibility about 200 feet, wind blowing and mud everywhere. I arrived late from Missoula, walking in about 5:30 p.m. The fireplace was roaring in the Great Room. We had five tables reserved for dinner and Amber is attempting to lite the wood stove in the chilly dining room. To no avail, the damper seems stuck or jammed, smoke pouring out of the stove in huge amounts. The smoke smells toxic and I ask her what she has used to start the fire. Nothing out of the ordinary - just our customary newspaper and bacon grease from the kitchen. I whack at the damper screw, even pulling it all the way out at one point. After ten minutes of this, and opening windows and doors to suck the smoke out, I realize that the stove pipe must be jammed by the "broken" damper. I bang on the stove pipe, as if it might help, and then make the call to evacuate the tables from the dining room and move them out in the bar area. Hurriedly, Amber and I shove couches back from the Great Room fireplace and haul the five tables from the smokey restaurant. We shut the french doors as I turn to seat our first guests, explaining the dilemma. Alas, a broken damper is something new that I've not encountered in my twelve years at the lodge.

Guests are happy that evening, one couple even says that they prefer their table out in the Great Room as they can dine and view the waterfall at the same time. Throughout the night, as we work, Amber and I keep commenting about the lingering toxic smell in the dining room. It's not a good sign, and I tell her that I'll have Chuck, our courageous maintenance man, pull the stove pipe apart when he comes on Thursday morning.

So today rolls around, I get a call from Nancy. Chuck has pulled apart the stove pipe in the dining room. And just above the damper mechanism, he has removed the carcass of a large Grebe or Wood Duck. The bird is completely black from soot and about half the feathers are singed. The poor guy must have somehow managed to get in from the top of the chimney, and slid down as he struggled to go back up. Mystery and problem solved....and now I have to climb on the roof tomorrow, to reattach the screen around the chimney opening. And no, Chef Lukas is not adding roast duck to the menu just yet!

Goodbye to Winter

2011-04-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

Awoke to an inch of snow this morning here at the lake. So maybe this goodbye is a bit premature! This year we have had the longest snowy evening I've seen in my 12 years of living in Montana - the coldest temps and most snow. I am confident there will be ice on the lake into May, something I have seen only a couple other times. The pictures below and above were taken in early December, just as the lake was freezing solid. The photographer is Nicole Wickens, of Green Door Photography. Nicole is a local Missoula area artist, who specializes in weddings and portraits. Huge thanks to her for sharing these photos of the lake and HLL critters.

DSQUARED2 Shoots Commercial at Holland Lake Lodge

2011-02-08T19:19:00.002-07:00

In early July of last year the designers and creative directors of the DSQUARED2 fashion brand stayed at the lodge for four days, shooting and producing a commercial for their new fragrance lines, HeWood & SheWood, to be shown on Italian television. Founders of the brand, Dean and Dan Caten, and their crew could not have been a greater bunch of folks. Members of the production team flew in from as far away as Milan, Italy. Originally hoping to shoot at the lodge, using the lake and mountain backdrop, it wasn't until the third day that they found the Swan River location. The actors were stoic in braving the near freezing snow run-off. Check out the of the making of the commercial. You'll see some great shots of the lake, inside the lodge, and the production team in action. You can even see Dan wearing one of our lodge sweatshirts!

There is talk of releasing an English version of the commercial here in the states and I'll keep you posted on when that happens.

Huge thanks to all involved, you were some of our best media guests ever!

This is the actual commerical.

Pete-n-Silas

2010-11-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Took these photos this afternoon. November is not known as being the most beautiful month in Montana. It tends to be a toss up between Fall and Winter, as if Mother Nature can't quite make up her mind. Today is no different: cold, gray and dreary, but still beautiful.

Silas

Pete above, one of the lodge mousers!

Last Night @ the Lake

2010-10-28T12:37:00.000-06:00

Beautiful evening. Larch have peaked slightly.....nights are cool, fresh snow on the mountains.

And here at the lodge, I have a lot of catching up to do with this blog!!

Red Hotties at Holland Lake

2010-08-05T23:02:00.000-06:00

Our lovely local Swan Valley Red Hotties came for lunch!!

They usually come once a season as a group, sometimes twice if we're lucky. This year I had to take a picture of them after lunch. We love having our local neighbors visit the lodge and appreciate their support hugely! What a beautiful group of women they are.

Last Night at Holland Lake......

2010-07-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

Beautiful end to the day. The Kinneys from Virgina enjoyed some quiet time after dinner. Missions in the background!

Canada to Mexico!!

2010-07-02T11:15:00.001-06:00

Five wonderful guests last night stayed over while on their journey from Canada to Mexico. They are doing the Great Divide Bike Trail.....yes, folks, 2500 miles of mountain biking using mainly dirt paths/roads and very little pavement. The route has been mapped for a decade or so and the lodge sits one mile off the trail.

We've been getting bikers at the lodge since 2000 and are in awe of their stamina and energy in attempting this endeavor. The lodge has a policy that we'll offer food for bikers at any time of day regardless of our regular restaurant hours!

Here are a couple photos of three of the five from last night: Susan, Matt and Julie. Good luck, guys!! The three have a phenomenal backup support duo, Judy & Debbie.
A link to their awesome blog: EatSleepDrinkBeerRide

And check out the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Guide: Great Divide Maps

Goodbye to June

2010-07-01T16:19:00.000-06:00

Tough to believe June is over! The Frykman Family is visiting from Southern California. Some shots of them from yesterday!

Tommy was in the water right away, the cold temp didn't seem to bother him!

Silas and Carolina are inseparable.

Marshmallow Fire Fun

2010-06-24T22:19:00.000-06:00

Took a few pictures this evening, it was a beautiful "oil painting sky." The Fletcher Family from Arizona enjoyed time by the lake roasting marshmallows in the bonfire in front of the Griz Den. Holland Falls is in the back ground.

This June has seen plenty of rain, and the mosquitos have hatched. They're out in full force!!

Good-n-Wet

2010-06-08T15:07:00.000-06:00

Been raining almost non-stop for the last two weeks. These pictures are from last week when there was a slight pause in the weather. Daffodils are finally over. And the lawn is in need of a good mowing.

Planning to have the horses back around the 15th of the month. Enjoy these shots from inside the dining room!

Water like Glass

2010-05-26T10:47:00.000-06:00

Gentle night at the lake yesterday evening. Water was like glass and the reflections were phenomenal. It was wonderful to have our opening weekend for the season. The restaurant was busy and the guests had a great time. Here are some pictures from yesterday. My apologies for the bad date. I've since figured out to remove it from my small point n shoot camera!

Huge Loss at the Lodge

2010-05-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

We lost sweet sweet Thelma in a tragic accident on Monday. We have heavy hearts and are in deep shock. Thelma grew up at the lake, she came in July of 2001 as an 8 week old puppy. She loved all the guests and was a huge presence here at the lodge. I know many of you have fond memories of her. She will never be forgotten.
The second picture I've posted was just taken last week. Thelma and Silas were great companions and often snuggled onto one dog bed. The third picture was taken yesterday when we buried her. Silas watched intently as we placed her in the grave. Afterwards, as we stood around talking and crying, he laid down as you see there. Placing his paws on the rocks above her sweet head, he stayed like that for a good 20 minutes. I imagine his grief is much like ours....he has a sadness in his eyes and has not been sleeping much. We appreciate all your support and kindness.

Spring has SPRUNG!!

2010-05-13T18:16:00.000-06:00

The loons are calling, pups swimming and a lone goose has been hanging on the front lawn.
We're busy here "uncorking" the lodge. Chef Amber is putting the kitchen together and Mary is setting up rooms and cabins! Karen has the office moved back on-site.

The lawn is growing and lilacs leafing and I had sprinklers on this afternoon.

We open May 22nd!
And the restaurant too.....best to call ahead for dinner reservations.
The shots below were taken by Amber yesterday. That's Thelma with her adopted sister, Seeley!

Hope to see you soon!

www.hollandlakelodge.com

First Bonfire of the Year

2010-04-24T12:09:00.001-06:00

So....ice has been off the lake for over a week. Very very early this year. In 2009, open water didn't happen until May 7th. I've been up the last couple of days and had a bonfire last night. Pups have had their spring shave. They were playing in the water, Silas was hunting "frogs" and Thelma going after her stick.

The lodge opens May 22nd! Less than a month.

Pardon the bad dates on the photos, I took them with my pocket camera.

Apple Pie - Yumm!

2010-03-28T13:39:00.000-06:00

From Mid-June through Labor Day, we make a fresh house made Apple Pie daily. Additionally, last season, we made a cake each day for guests. These were added to our regular desserts and became a huge hit with guests. I made a pie last week, looks identical to the ones we make in the summertime. Sure you'll see the pies again when we get rolling in May.

French Apple Pie

Winter's Still Trying to Happen

2010-03-10T18:07:00.004-07:00

With last week's weather being in the high 50s, it felt like spring was here and winter was long gone. Thank goodness for the fresh snow on Monday night and Tuesday morning. About six inches of new snow here at the lodge. We sure do need it. These pictures are from this afternoon. Thelma and Silas were having a good time. You can see that there's open water along the edge of the lake in some places. Should probably think twice before heading out for ice fishing! Current temp@ Holland Lake Lodge 35 degrees. ** Don't forget, a quick click on each picture will show them in larger format for better viewing.

Silas is frog hunting already, notice the open water!

view of Mission Mtns from front porch of the lodge

view of the Swan Mtns and Holland Pass

Kitty Kat Soup - Round 2

2010-02-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me these pictures, taken in Idaho....definitely makes you think twice about heading to the car!

MIA - Soggy Snowness

2010-02-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not posting sooner. I must say, it's been gray and gloomy in Western Montana. Not super cold the last couple of weeks, very little sun, even less snow. These shots were taken today and it's all melting fast. Very little on the ground and still thick layers of ice everywhere.

I love moss and wood piles. Probably more pictures of these items to come!!

Get Hitched at Holland Lake Lodge

2010-02-02T15:45:00.002-07:00

The lodge is the perfect wedding venue. It's the ultimate place for a Montana destination wedding. And it's not too late to reserve a date to celebrate with your closest friends and family. The lodge hosts a small number of events each year and there are only a couple openings left. So spread the word, tell a friend or call us for information!

University of Montana Community Lecture Series

2010-01-29T18:31:00.003-07:00

A little off subject from talking about the lodge, but I think I should give a shout out to the University of Montana Alumni Association's 2010 Community Lecture Series. A friend sent me the info and I wanted to pass it on here. I've enjoyed the lectures many a time before and think some of you may as well. U of M Community Lecture Series Wanted to include a couple pictures from today!

Holland Lake Lodge Barn & Corrals, Swans in the background

Rhythm Nation & Big D in the background

Sunset tonight, of Holland Lake & the Missions

almost identical to last evening

Fast, Cheap & Easy from Las Vegas, Phoenix & LAX

2010-01-25T20:40:00.007-07:00

Allegiant Air is the only airline carrier to offer non-stop flights from California, Arizona and Nevada to Montana. For as low as $19 one way, this budget airline can get you to Holland Lake Lodge quickly and affordably! Los Angeles and Phoenix service flights to Missoula and Las Vegas caters to both Missoula and Kalispell. From either of these destinations, it's just a quick hour and 20 minutes by car to the lodge. www.allegiantair.com

Triple the Fun

2010-01-23T12:29:00.004-07:00

These two shots were taken last spring not far from the lodge....the cubs are two year olds. They are learning to be on their own for the most part but still hanging out together for security. Guests that come to the lodge are often concerned about bears. I explain that although we're in a "Grizzly Corridor," the odds of seeing a bear around here are extremely low. Bears do not want to encounter humans and typically avoid contact.

Favorite Montana Winter Pastime??

2010-01-21T18:58:00.005-07:00

People around here love to Ice Fish!! I took these pictures yesterday as I passed Salmon Lake, about 30 miles south of Holland Lake Lodge. This is actually the first time in weeks that I haven't seen at least five full sized trucks parked out on the ice too. Maybe it's because it was a Wednesday and not the weekend. Wanted to point out how close those men are to the inlet. Seems rather tricky to me. Had to include that last shot of Silas "stuck" at a friend's house.

Hike to Holland Falls

2010-01-14T12:36:00.007-07:00

Had a great hike this afternoon with the pups to Holland Falls. Stayed to watch the sunset and then trekked across the ice a bit on the way home. Holland Falls is a fantastic jaunt, about 1.5 miles one way from the lodge. Along the way, you'll pass the island and go beside the lakeshore for the first mile. The last half mile is a 500 foot climb to the base of the falls and gives incredible views of the Mission Mountains. The waterfall is halfway frozen this time of year....really beautiful.

Had to include the "action" shot of Silas.