Looking back at the photo albums the past year it really is amazing the conditions the workers endured. The previous two winters were ideal for contstruction companies and the mindset this past winter was it would be the same. Instead, we had the complete opposite. Snow came early and many mornings were spent clearing snow from the flat services just to create a safe work environment. Once the snow started to melt and the days became longer, progress developed. We were hit with a freak snowstorm the end of April which delayed the roofing crew yet two more days but by the end of April we had the tin on the roof. A big thanks has to go out to the general contractor, Foltz buildings, and their determined crew. The construction supervisor, Bryan Adams, did a amazing job coordinating the work to be done and keeping the ball rolling. We will list all the folks involved with the project in the newsletter coming out this fall, but a big thanks goes out to all of those who contributed to the rebuild up until this point.

We finished the Concordia Language Camps a few weeks ago and had a real good summer. It is a really great program with a staff from all over the world. Many guests will send their children to Maplelag for the "first" camp experience as it helps having familar surroundings and seeing Jim, Mary, and the five Js running around.

Last weekend we pulled of the Minnesota State Championships for mountain biking. We had great weather and a pretty decent turnout. The riders had a great time and the success of this event has elevated us to the next level. Next year we will be part of the premier mountain bike series in Minnesota, the MNSCS. Having this affiliation will bring more riders to Maplelag and allow the series participants to enjoy the Maplelag experience.

This week we hosted the first conference in the large conference room. The group is from the White Earth Indian Reservation and they are having a retreat for folks who are dealing with diabetes issues. The room is working out real nice. Although the weather was into the 90's during the conference, the room stayed real cool which was very nice. Fred and Dan finished paneling and trimming out the room just last week. The past two weeks the foreign staff we have on board were applying polyuerethane on the walls. The lighting system is nearly complete and the sound system will be installed next week (hopefully).

The remaining projects on the lodge include finishing the hot tub area, the sauna, and steam room. The plumbers have been working in the hot tub area the past two days and we have a target date of September 20th to have it up and cranking. The sauna and steam room need to be paneled and tiled and then they will be ready to go. The other big project is the paneling and finishing of the library level. The past two days, Fred and Danny have been working on the north tower since the group was here. The tower looks real sharp and it will be a neat spot to take a book and chill out. By Christmas time, most of the library should be done and we will try and build in as many couches and end tables as we can. Other project include floor finishes and the final landscaping. So you know what I mean when I say seven years on the finishing work.

Jonell and Jim were putting up some of the neat signs and clocks that Jim purchased the past year and a half. This will be an ongoing project but is fun to see the lodge take shape somewhat like the old. When you come to visit the new lodge for the first time you will get some of same feel as before. Of course it will never be the same but we feel it will be a fantastic building for so many purposes.

News & Photos

• Recent News & Photos
• Nature Calls
• Winter Scenes
• Rebuilding of Maplelag Lodge

Jim Richards

• May We Recommend
• Soapbox
• Signs of the Times

Mary Richards

• Lag Happenings

Jay Richards

• Chirps from the Bird
• Nord Ord
• Happy Trails
• Skiing the Net

Jonell Richards

• Nap Time