Winter at the Lodge
Welcome to the Winter Months at Acorn Lodge.
Simply put, it's spectacular around here, both inside and on the trails.
Acorn Lodge welcomes the holidays. A warm fireplace keeps you snug and comfy throughout your stay.
Thanksgiving at the Lodge
The first Thanksgiving in America happened in November of 1621, and the tradition is honored here every year.
On the left, our guests are setting up the table around the turkey. Let the feast begin.
A Word about our Herd
Our turkey herd is estimated to be about 150. They don't have to worry here. They're safe on the 30 acres of Acorn Lodge. Turkeys are very secretive and hard to see in the woods. The photo on the left is unusual only because they're camped out under a bird feeder. The photo below was hastily taken when they appeared in the woods for about ten seconds.
Snugness in the Winter
The Tree House stays warm & cozy with its little heater during the winter. This is a great time to observe all the wildlife here: the leaves are off the trees and you can see long distance. Bring coffee.
The Trails in Winter
The deer have grown their winter coats. Often they come up near the higher ground around the lodge and snuggle down into the insulating snow overnight.
The trees shed their leaves to escape the snow load over the winter. Consequently, we can see long distances through the woods.
We're working on identifying this thing, whatever it is. But we have noticed it has put on its winter coat like all the other critters do.
Top left: the snow blankets the ground and keeps it warm over the cold months. We don't remove the fallen leaves at this time because they both feed and protect the ground underneath them.
Bottom left: Are you an outdoors type? Bring your sleeping bags and spend the night in the bed swing on the back deck.
Right: Our acorn gets the red ribbon during the season. We've been told that our acorn decorations are a local attraction.
Top left: the river, because it's moving, doesn't usually freeze totally across. Fish can often be seen right out the windows.
Bottom left: turtles "brumate," which is a short-term hibernation phrase. They bury themselves in the dirt or mud, then awaken months later. They appear to have internal clocks telling them when to come up, as opposed to waiting for warmer weather.
Right: there's three heaters in the River House. One can be seen on the wall to the right.
Right: little animals leave footprints on the snow and ice as they scurry around looking for food & water. Raccoons have to be able to get to water to wash off their food. The rabbit tracks indicate that all the little water holes in the woods are frozen so they have to go out on the ice.
Top left: view of animal tracks going to middle of river.
Bottom left: the ice starts to recede, but only until the next cold snap.
One of our guests gave her permission to show her having a blast in the snow. Here she can be seen with her snowman on the right, plus creating the snow angel on the left.
Top left: our woodpecker is a superbly carved bird from the Chippewa tribe far north of Sault Ste. Marie.
Bottom left: a deer comes across the snow to see what we're doing.
Right: our Acorn Lodge sign stands vigil over the river all year long.
Top left: our old oak (over 300 years) stands through the woods about 300 yards back from the river.
Bottom left: a short walk (or on skis) from the River House takes you to the majestic tree.
Right: this monarch, like all trees, has shed its leaves in order to withstand the winter snow load. It is said that it was here long before the existence of our country.
The sun's low down the sky as the evening approaches. There is nothing left to do here but marvel at the wonders of nature. The hooty owls begin to wake up and call to each other.
Thank you for reading! Please enjoy the other pages we have put up about Acorn Lodge.