ESCAPE SUMMER CRUISE 2003

March 21,2003

First Day of Spring! Lets get ready to go boating!!!

It was great to see all of you that attended the No Boat at Lutsen Resort. Listening to new and old stories, getting to know new Escapees and reliving past experiences with old friends is what keeps the Escape alive and all of us coming back year after year. There was enough snow to ski cross-country, down hill, snowmobile and “go shopping”.

The final plans for the Summer Escape 2003 are complete. Thursday, July 10th we will begin at Nestor Falls, Ontario which is on the east/southeast end of the lake. The Escape has only been to Nestor Falls 2 or 3 times in the past 28 years so this will be a great opportunity to enjoy the sights and sound of this area. All of the accommodations are within 200 feet of the boat docks (Restaurant, Bar, Lodging Etc.) There should be no problem with docking, however several different businesses own different sections of the docks therefore the docking fees will vary. We should fill the docks from East to West because the docking fee progressively goes up the farther West you dock. Double and triple tying is permitted! If you need lodging contact Meline’s @1 800-561-3166 or 1 807-484-2483 ($94 Canadian/ $64 U.S. for 2 people. $15 per person over 2) or C&C Motel @ 1 800-845-5524 = 1 807- 484-2419 ($65 Canadian/$44 US for 2 double beds). There is also the Nestor Falls Hotel that is a short hike from the docks (1/3 of a mile or so) ($75 Canadian/$51 U.S. for 2 people). Allan at Meline’s boasts of having the “cheapest gas on the lake” and even if it is not the cheapest, there is gas available.

Friday, July 11th we will “Escape” from Nestor Falls and cruise approximately 20 miles to a destination on the lake which will be selected by each division leader for a night in the wilderness. Spending a night on Lake of the Woods in a remote bay in your boat is like no other overnight stay you will experience. There have been times when members of a different division after nightfall as a friend or as a “friendly foe” have visited another division. Last year, the friendly foes (RM and DB) did not succeed in their mischief. There are a couple of Resorts in the area which offer accommodations if you are not staying over night on your boat. Arrangements can be made at New Moon Lodge by calling 1 807-488-5813 or 1 807-488- 5611 Price ($70 Canadian/$48 U.S. per person) meals are available and there is a docking fee. Also Obabikon Bay Camp@ 1 807 488 5812 or 1 800 296 9828 ($130 Canadian/$87 U.S. per person which includes a dinner and a breakfast). Both of these are very respectable island lodges with all the necessary amenities.

Saturday July 12th will be the final leg of the Escape. We will cruise to the Sportsmans Oak Island Lodge. The total miles traveled to Oak Island from our original departure point in Nestor Falls will be about 48 miles. If you need room accommodations at Oak Island call the Sportsman @ 1 888-262-1467 or 1 800-223-8411. There are two Sportsman lodges on the lake so be sure to tell them you want your reservations on Oak Island or you could end up with a room reserved at the Sportsmans in Baudette which is 30 miles across Big Traverse Bay. Tell the Sportsman that you are with “The Escape”. Room accommodations are $78 Canadian/$52 U.S. per person with a minimum of 4 people or $312 Canadian/$208 U.S. per unit. Each unit sleeps 4 or 6 people and do have different bed/room arrangements.

This year for New Escapees there will be a chart reading and navigating seminar by Tim and Kathy Hughes who have navigated Lake of the Woods for several decades. The charts needed for the Escape clinic this year are #6214 and #6215. We will have them available to purchase (approx.$24 Canadian/$16 U.S.).

In the spirit of the Escape we are going to have more of a Canadian/U.S. mix in each division. Therefore, when you send in your registration form, if you would like to specify one other boat (Companion Boat) from your country that you would like to travel with, Patti and I will do the “International Mix”.

We are proud to announce the U.S. Rear Commodores have been selected… congratulations to Dan Saul and Karen Houston – Northwest Angle.
To Register for the ESCAPE:
Send completed registration form by June 10, 2003 to:
Escape
C/o Gary & Patti Shipman
907 Lois Lane
Lino Lakes, MN 55014

To ensure space is available please make your lodging reservations as early as possible; otherwise space may not be available. When you do make your reservations, please mention that you are with the ESCAPE. This is important, as the resorts do not usually book one-night lodgings in July.