We are at the time of year again that we are getting ready for the upcoming season. We are going through our lists and getting paperwork done while the snow is melting. We have had a pretty cold winter and have a ton of ice and snow. There was 48 inches of ice on Lake Manitoba at the end of commercial fishing. When it warmed up, 4 feet of ice heaved and pushed up. Unbelievable amount of force when the ice expands! Of course my brother had to see if it was thick enough to walk on where it pushed down.
Being in the tourist business for as long as we have, we are no stranger to problems, setbacks and disappointment.
First the set backs. Our Otter is almost ready to go but there is a lot of work to be done. We should have our Otter back at our dock by the end of May or early June. There is 5 talented mechanics working on it everyday to try to get the job done as fast as they can. In addition to the new engine, there is a lot of airframe work that needs to be done. In the future the Otter will be flying faster than it used to so the tail is getting an overhaul and strengthened. We feel good about the work being done and are looking forward to getting an airplane that has been gone through to this extent. There is lots of new internal parts and structural work has been completed. These pictures are from February and much work has been done since these were taken.
We have another Otter lined up that Aaron and I will fly, to get us through until our Otter gets back to Ontario. That is Plan B. We also have a back up plan to Plan B in case things go sideways. Rest assured, we will be ready to get everyone where they need to go.
The other issue we may have this spring is a later ice out than we have had in a few years. Spring is taking it’s sweet time in getting to us.
We have had a number of dry years lately and the water levels have been a bit low. This year is shaping up to be more normal. There is a ton of snow up north as well as around Red Lake. Winter is still very much present but the melting has begun. We still have 3 to 4 feet of snow in the bush and we are having a snow storm right now, getting almost a foot of snow overnight. I like winter but it can warm up anytime…. we are ready! The geese, seagulls, eagles and crows are back but questioning their decision making right now.
Ice out right now looks a long ways off but things can change in a hurry especially up north when it decides to finally start to melt and the flow of water picks up. The ice can go out pretty quick so we do not get too excited anymore about late ice out.
The plus side to a late spring? Faster moving, fresh water for Crazy Walleye fishing. Warm sunny bays for the Big Pike!
We left all of our camps in tip top shape last fall, getting the big jobs done as soon as we could…. just in case there is a late ice out. The motors are serviced and ready to go. Most camps are stocked up on propane and gas already. We can get them ready pretty fast if needed.
Here is a picture of HXY I came across. I don’t know where it was taken or who was flying it but this airplane has been across Canada spending time in Greenland and Newfoundland. There is a signature in the metal on the firewall from a mechanic in Gander Newfoundland in 1962. There is a lot of history in that old girl.
We are filling a few holes yet to fill in later summer, so if you are interested in dates please just let us know by emailing amikoutposts@gmail.com or give us a call at 807-735-9968
