July 2021: Border reopening?

Canada reopening border, more details to follow…

Well, it seems our long hibernation will finally be coming to a close with the announcement that the border will reopen to US vaccinated travellers on August 9, 2021. Right now there is some confusion as to what is necessary to complete the process so rather than speculation I am awaiting clarifications forthcoming in the next few days. Till then stay tuned, but I anticipate our first US guests will be pulling into camp on August 11. Now I need to get a few boats out of moth ball status and do a rain dance to get lake levels back up…

Low lake levels and smoke from forest fires. We need rain!

While we have had a smattering of guests…

…our first “fishing” guests (Larry Barke, and friends, from Winnipeg) were here last week. A mid July fishing opener was unusual, but chalk it up to the new normal. In honor of the event I actually fired up the Pepsi cooler in the fish house and filled it with some Sleeman beer. After a couple years in “idle mode” the cooler fired right up and a few cool ones have been enjoyed in the fish house since then. Yesterday I checked out the boats in Clearwater Lake with George Benger from Pinawa, MB. I was happy to find them as I left them in March. Of course some testing was necessary…

Having left the locators at camp some aimless trolling only produced one laker, but the motor ran well and other fish were biting…
We caught a number of slot sized pike later in the afternoon…
George caught the biggest pike after I loaned him my lure…
…and another…
Not all the fish were big…
Figure out what this is all about yet?
Some better docking at the “swimming point”…

The bottom line…

Yes, the border is reopening with some extra hurtles to get over. Will the simpler times ever return? Perhaps, but for this summer people will need to be vaccinated. Proof of vaccination along with a covid test will need to be submitted electronically within 72 hours of crossing using the Canada App for your phone or on your computer. There is talk of a “quarantine plan” should things go wrong, I suppose. Apparently this is an address and phone number which we assume will be VBL, more specifically the “mother in law cabin”. That’s about all I can say until we get the specifics ironed out, so stay tuned…I will be posting these when I know for certain the details. I will also be emailing those who have trips booked.

6 thoughts on “July 2021: Border reopening?

  1. I was also thinking about the mother-in-law cabin as a quarantine option. I suppose the garden shed could be an option for someone like Joe. We will wait for details but the biggest hurdle will likely be getting the right Covid test and in time for the border crossing. The Fort Francis crossing doesn’t currently offer testing. Rumor has it that there will be a grand welcoming committee and parade for the Yankee guests on August 11th along with a complimentary shot of a different kind?

  2. Very pleased to hear of the border reopening, albeit not in the manner I would have preferred! From what I have heard, there may not be enough water in the creek to dock my boat anyway. Those of you who can take advantage of the reopening, enjoy! Hoping to be able to return in 2022! In the interim, Gord; Please buy a case of beer for the boat house and put it on my tab for next year! Just because I can’t be there doesn’t mean I cant buy a beer for my friends!

  3. I think I might use Caribou as my quarantine location……even if I don’t need to. I’ve gotten used to not seeing anyone. Hopefully the bear and moose like Canadian in order to stay hydrated. 🍺🦩🇨🇦

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This is a first class resort located on Vermillion Bay on Eagle Lake. The cabins are very clean and well kept. The boats are new with new motors and are in great shape. The owner will also clean your fish for you after your day on the water. Make no mistake the fishing on Eagle Lake is world class.

The Lodge is owned by Gord and Susanne Bastable who will make you feel welcome and before you know it you feel like family. They are the best of hosts. The atmosphere is low key and laid back leading to a great vacation.

This is my 19th year of enjoying the hospitality of the lodge and i can’t think of going anywhere else on Eagle Lake.

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