2010 is our 25th season at Ignace Outposts

You’ll hear this often over the next year. We are excited to be in our 25^th season. Looking back we were just pups when we came to Ignace. We came with two small children and one in the oven, a big dog, lots of ambition and no idea that we’d still be enjoying this a quarter century later. Karen agreed to try this venture with me for 5 to 10 years. 25 years later we look back to many great friendships and lots of great memories…and forward to many more yet to come.

As we head into 2010, world economics are still soft, there are concerns of wars, and terrorism and Canada and the United States just can’t seem to get border issues under control. But we are optimistic that things will improve. Regardless of distractions, it is for that very reason vacations are important. We have the privilege of offering a unique Canadian experience – a remote get away.

No cell phones, smart phones, emails, Facebook, instant messaging or other tethers to the internet are available at our camps. These things were not even in existence when we began in Ignace.

Let go of the rat race and spend some quality face to face time with those who matter. Think about it, how will missing a few emails compare to the memories of time well spent at Ignace Outposts in 5 years time or even 25 years.

Have a great New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Our base sometime in the past.  Likely the early 80’s.

Best Wishes

To Our Left-wing Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures.   Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)

 

To Our Right-wing Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Brad and Karen
Ignace Outposts
http://www.ignaceoutposts.com

2010 Guest Handbook on-line

We’ve updated our guest planning handbook.  It has some important updates.  Even our long time guests may want to check it out.  I encourage everyone planning an Ignace Outposts trip this summer to see it on our web site.  Guest Planning Handbook

It is in pdf format so you can view it on your computer or print it out as a reference. 

Great resource

At this time of year family and friends get together. If your gatherings are anything like the ones I attend, conversation quickly passes through politics, kids, in-laws and then turns to real interests like fishing and sports. Once the topics enter this arena the sports provide friendly argument and the fishing returns to common ground. I don't think the Pack vs the Vikes will ever be settled, but I digress. Outside a few boasts on size, there is not much to disagree about when talking fishing. If questions arise concerning a Canada trip (with Ignace Outposts of course) I am providing a link to a great info web site: http://www.infonorth.net/
This site will answer the detail questions about heading to our part of the country. It can't help with the techniques of fishing, but then we do need something to remain subjective.

This one is for the ladies!

I’m not being sexist, but a reality of our business is that the vast majority of our guests are men. This blog post is designed to be left up inadvertently on the family computer to drop a few hints for “stocking stuffers” for a fisherman. If you do plan to bring your better half on an Ignace Outposts trip this summer, of course you can load up her stocking with some of these great items. I am sure no one would notice if you augmented your own stocking either.

I am assuming the Ignace Outposts trip has already been booked. If not you can start with a major Christmas gift then fill the stocking as a hint.

Sunscreen

Yes this is often required on Canadian Lakes too.

Multi tool

A good multi tool is invaluable in a boat. With some of these devices enterprising anglers can perform complex jobs just short of minor surgery. A tether is advisable to ensure this is not an annual purchase.

Filet knife

A fisherman and his knife very quickly become inseparable. A good quality knife such as a Rapala (brand) will last for years. And in this regard size does matter; a 7 1/2 inch blade is just about perfect. Be sure to include a sharpener for bonus points.

Thermos

A durable heavy thermos is ideal for keeping hot foods hot. Use for hot coffee or soup for lunch.

Nail clippers

Even though most fishermen could care less about a French Manicure, they do find these cheap little nail clippers a handy fishing tool. Clipping fishing line with nail clippers saves chipped front teeth. This is also an item that should be on a tether.

Insect repellent

We do have mosquitoes (nastius bitingus) in our area. A little deet helps makes the evenings more bearable.

Lures/bait

Most lures are designed to catch the fisherman at the baitshop. But you can’t go wrong with Rapalas, jigs, Berkley power baits and Gulp alive.

Hand crank flashlight

This is a handy thing to have in a tackle box, particularly when the tackle box gets out only once a year on it’s annual pilgrimage to Ignace Outposts.

Places such as Walmart or Bass Pro are good places to look for these items.

And a little hint, save money by not buying a new lucky hat, or taking a wild guess at a new type of fishing line. There are a few things that just do not make good gifts.

Thought for the day

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

Back in the Office

We are back in the office now after a little vacation of our own. Yes every once in a while we get to do that too. Too cold to go to an outpost so we headed south for a little tan and R&R.
If you are planning an Ignace Outposts vacation for 2010 be sure to send us an email or make a phone call. We'd love to see you fish with the best next summer.

Happy Birthday Karen!

 

Today my best friend and life partner turns another year older.  This one is a milestone.  I really shouldn’t say how many years, but we’ve been in Ignace 25 years and she is twice as old now as she was 25 years ago.  Do the math. 

Together we’ve raised three fine kids.    

She tackles life head on, and manages to keep a grasp on the business end of our business.  She ensures I don’t eat pizza for supper every night.

And she is still playing hockey! 

Happy Birthday hon!