Final Preparations for 2011
Much has to happen before the guests arrive and the rig up crew have been hard at it since mid May. For many on the team it’s like returning home and they have been enjoying a mixture of misty chilly mornings, brisk out flow winds and periods of clear blue sky’s and sunny days…. No matter what the weather there are 1001 things to get done all in preparation for the 19th June when our first guests arrive.
The guides who are here are chomping at the bit to get into their boats as they are hearing all the chatter about record numbers of big Chinook being caught. Already a 74 pounder on the west side of Graham Island, if it had chosen to come down the east side it would have swam almost right past our door.
Given how many big fish are being caught we anticipate lots of tyee’s! More so than in previous years at this this early stage of the season. The writing is on the wall “Its going to be a stellar season” better start warming up those biceps your going to need all the strength you have to reel these fish in.
Great new things are developing in the kitchen Richard Benson our new Head Chef arrived a week ago and is busy in the kitchen making preserves, relishes and all sorts of treats and putting the final touches to his menu. Richard’s style of cooking will encompass many of the old favourites but with a new twist that I guarantee will want you asking for seconds. The Texas style BBQ was such an overwhelming success, we are stepping it up to offer extra items to be delivered on the water. Life is grand here at Peregrine but will be even grander once our guests arrive and we start seeing some fish on the scale.
The list of new things at the lodge this year continues! But this is something very spectacular….5 new 23’ T top custom built Edgewater boats with state of the art equipment and step down head in the centre consul. There is not a finer boat on the coast “it’s a fishing machine” specifically designed for Peregrine Lodge, it gets you out to the fishing ground fast and smooth and has the ability to move to the bite rapidly when the action turn’s on. They are equipped with IPod stereo system so pack you favourite tunes just incase you have a moment to relax while your fishing.
Peregrine Lodge enjoyed the best fishing of any lodge last year with record setting catches by our anglers. We highly anticipate another year with record numbers. The new Westport fleet will get you to the best fishing grounds offered in the Pacific Northwest, smoother and faster and in such style. With all the new changes, it will be a fantastic year for Peregrine Lodge guests and one that should not be missed….So if you have not booked yet….what are you waiting for? A fishing adventure of a lifetime is only a phone call away…..Contact Bruce McFadden our sales manager would be happy to discuss availability dates and can be reached at 604 803 6157 or brucem@peregrinelodge.com
For you comfort all of the room’s have received a mini make over through the winter, re-decorated, new linen’s and some spectacular artwork photographs of guests, wild life and salmon! You might even recognize yourself in a few if you have been with us previously…remember all the rooms have their own phones if you need to call home and if you want to watch a little TV before you fall asleep there are new flat screens in every room.
What a day this is going to be! Many of the crew are from Vancouver and most are from British Columbia….So those of you who have visited us know we have the best fishing! But will today tell the world we have the best hockey team…its game 6 of the Stanley Cup play offs and if the Canucks win against Boston we are the champion’s. It’s the talk of the camp even the guides have stopped talking fishing and everybody was up early to start work so they can finish and watch the game at 5pm….stay posted. Were just as crazy about hockey in this part of the world as we are about fishing.
It’s been eight years since I Iast set foot in the Queen Charlottes (Haida Gwaii) and it’s like returning home. The new boats are in the water and are almost rigged with all the equipment. Somebody has to go out and test drive them and see how fishy they are and its time to get from behind my desk and drop a line….tomorrow’s the day. Its good to be home and as the new VP & General Manager I am so impressed with the remarkable crew that we have assembled. They are here to assist in any way, passionate about being at Peregrine Lodge and eager for the arrival of our guests….and a little jealous that I’m going fishing tomorrow!