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Where does your daughter go to school in the Porcupine Mountains?  After the last blog, we received even more questions about homeschooling.  What we use, how we do it, what works for us…

So, this edition will shed some light on the aspect of raising children while running a business like Mountain View Lodges.  What materials we use is a complicated question.  We take advantage of all that we have at hand.  The tens of thousands of acres of wilderness, the abundant wildlife and, of course, Lake Superior!  We also have used a variety of curriculums over the years.  We have geared each year to Karsten’s interests.  She is more excited about learning that way.  Photography, glass work, painting and writing have kept her creative side blossoming.  As she has gone into High School, she has opted more for online studies.

Over the years we have watched for opportunities in Ontonagon, the community we live in, also.  She’s performed in Miracle on 34^th Street as “Susan”, worked an historical internship at the Ontonagon County Historical Museum and Lighthouse, attended Exploration Days at Michigan State University, attended summer camp every year, counseled elementary camp, and worked for the Outpost and the Porcupine Mountains Ski Hill.  Her artwork has been on display at various shows and she won the Michigan Youth Photography Contest.

How we do it may be the most important factor.  Since we began when she was so young, the goal was to be sure she learned to teach herself and learn on her own.  As with any working parent, it is difficult to keep up with everything the children need to learn.  So, it became our focus to make sure what she didn’t know or didn’t understand, she knew how to go about finding the answers.  This has proven to be the most critical part of her learning experience.  Now that she is 16, she is level-headed, able to make good decisions and curious enough to find the answers to the questions that come up both in her studies and in her everyday life.

Homeschooling has also allowed her to do quite a bit of traveling.  We have been to at least 24 States!  Seeing the different parts of the country has provided many educational opportunities as well.  She has traveled by bus, train, plane and cab.  She skis, snowboards, likes to 4-wheel and has even been snowmobiling.

What has made it all work is keeping things flexible.  Some days there are many cabins to clean and prepare for the incoming guests.  On those days, we are all working doing our part to make the business run smoothly.  Other days are relatively quiet allowing for more study, reading or just relaxing.  We do try to incorporate some study into the summer even though this is the busiest time.  Usually this is more reading, maybe some writing or a new computer program that can be done on the fly.

If you have stayed at Mountain View Lodges over the years, you have watched Karsten grow into a beautiful young woman.

This is probably the question that brings the most laughter into our lives!  Managing a family and a small business is anything but retirement!

When we made the decision to take our lives in a different direction, swim against the current so to speak, we knew it wouldn’t be easy but we were pretty sure it would be worth it.  We have five children.  When we took on Mountain View Lodges, the oldest was grown and married with a family of her own, the next was in the Army and the third had just graduated from High School and was planning her College Career.  So, the youngest two, ages 6 and 16, moved here with us, along with Mom.  This business is definitely a family business.  It takes many hands to accomplish all that needs to be done each day.  After 10 years, we have a fairly nice rhythm going.  Since that time our son in the Army helped out for a year, and our other kids have pitched in when needed. Our 16 year old is now in the Navy.  So, we are down to four…Rick, Jen, Karsten and Mom.

Due to the type of work we do and many other factors, we have chosen to homeschool our youngest, Karsten.  Each year she has had the choice to attend school, but has opted to continue and she will be a Junior this Fall.  Her education has included customer service, business management, cleaning and a variety of other skills.  She is quite creative and has become a beautiful photographer over the years, just like her Dad who continues to sell his photographs in the Gallery.

The Gallery was opened as the second stage of our business in 2008.  Rick Varecha is a phenomenal photographer and enjoys heading out in the forest for great shots of waterfalls, wildlife and everything nature.  He and Karsten have also shot some weddings in the area. You can view some of his work at www.thewildup.com.  Karsten and Jen work on various glass projects from jewelry to sun-catchers to night lights. You will also find hand-crafted notecard, hand-dyed silk scarves, knitwear and wool mittens.

In 2011, Rick added chainsaw carving to the mix and currently carves all summer.  You can watch him at work while visiting the area.  The Gallery also carries a sundry of necessities for visitors, Nuwati Teas and scented candles.  Most items in the Gallery are created by the Varecha family.  The Gallery was listed in Michigan Travel 2012 as one of the 10 Artsy Spots to visit in Michigan!

Even if you are not staying at Mountain View Lodges, be sure to stop in and check out the Gallery!  If you need more information, call 906-885-5256 or visit us at www.facebook.com/mtnviewlodges or www.mountainviewlodges.com

While one might think that we get bored in the Winter living on Lake Superior where the landscape slowly becomes a frozen tundra from Christmas through…who knows (but really just through March or so), nothing could be further from the truth.

We are very blessed to live a lifestyle that permits change as often as the seasons.  As our tourist season winds down by November or so (if you are looking for somewhere remote with cool temps and no people, but still the comforts of home, no time beats November).  By then our fall maintenance is in full swing.  We try to have everything wrapped up so that we have time for family come the Thanksgiving holiday.

December brings all sorts of holiday festivities just like the majority of people.  The Christmas play, advent, gifts, community Christmas Dinner and making sure we are prepared for winter.  For the last several years, the Porcupine Mountains Ski Hill has opened in mid-January.  This year, the ski hill management changed hands.  The Hill is now being operated by the Gogebic Community College Ski Area Management (SAM) program.  The change brought a new enthusiasm as the SAM team began during the fall color season giving chairlift rides to the top of the mountain.  What a glorious view!  For those who are not skiers this was a time to get a glimpse of the majestic views the winter folks have always known.  The hill was well groomed and the staff very excited about being part of the Porkies.

Skiing and snowmobiling runs from December 1 through March 31 depending on weather and conditions.  This is typically the time we work on items for the Gallery.  Although not much chainsawing can be done, fusing glass, dying silk, and working on knit and crochet projects keep our hands busy.  You know what is said about idle hands!  While most of the work is for the Gallery we have to make time for some family exceptions.  This year we have a new niece and these pieces were done for her.

Rick has been busy with new nightlight designs that are amazing!  Be sure to stop in the Gallery to check them out. And there is always the moving of snow!  This pic is for all the Cabin 101 lovers – there is no going there in the winter!

As the Lenten season approaches we have the Easter production and spring cleaning.  As the snows melt we are busy preparing the cabins for the arrival of our long-standing guests and those whom we have not yet met.  We endeavor to have the property much like a present all wrapped up with a big bow for your arrival!  And this may surprise you, but it seems to take us longer to do things each year…it couldn’t be that we aren’t as quick anymore… Also, it is time to get back to the Blog – The View from Here – And once again I will be answering questions, so if you have a question you would like us to address, be sure to visit us on Facebook and ask away.  You will also be able to keep up with the latest photos.

So, what was that about being bored?  Not a chance!  And as far as we are concerned it beats that desk job any day!  Can’t wait to see you…

Just a quick update.  It is now February 3 and guess what?  We have not been disappointed.  We now have tons of snow!  The snowmobile trails are open and being groomed.  The Porcupine Mountains Sports Complex has opened and the skiing is amazing!  People are commenting that “the ski hill is in better shape than it has been in many years!”  The hill is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  For more info visit them at www.porkiesfun.com.

Lake Superior is now beginning to freeze farther and farther.  What a sight from the cabin windows!  The snowshoe hikes are a big hit.  Exploring the back country on fresh powder is a time for quiet reflection.  And Snowburst – Winter Carnival 2013, www.facebook.com/snowburst2013, is really developing.  We are very excited about the day’s events.  There will be activities for children all day long.  Crafts, carnival games, face painting, and more.  The Snowshoe Fun Run will begin at 10:30am EST and groups from 2 to 92 will be able to participate in the fun.  Guided snowshoe hike at 1:00 pm EST and a Wheelbarrow Race at 1:30 pm EST.  The Giant Slalom Race will be held 3:00 pm EST.  Be sure to register early!  Skiers and boarders welcome!  The Awards Presentation will follow the Race!

Food will be available and there will be a spaghetti dinner from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST. The evening will end with a Torch Light Parade and Fireworks over the Mountain!  Nothing compares to the contrast of the jet black sky, the pure white powder and the array of colorful fireworks!

Be sure to plan to join us!

Well here we are.  January 11, 2013 and still waiting for snow!  Can anyone believe that?  I have to say it is wonderful to still be able to watch the waves crashing onto the shore.  But, it is not so wonderful for those snow enthusiasts who are anxious to hit the slopes and trails.  But here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we have learned to make the best of every situation.  There is something to be said for having a few moments to watch Lake Superior turn from churning waters to the stillness of ice.  Some long to watch the grass grow, while others long to watch the ice freeze.  But the respite is short!

Throughout the months of January and February guided snowshoe hikes are being offered at 1:00 pm on Saturdays at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex and there are lantern lit trails in the evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  We do actually have some snow, just not what we are accustomed to.

We are also fully aware of Mother Nature never letting us down and always providing that glittering white powder at some point.   February is shaping up to be a very busy month!  Telefest will begin on February 8, Free Fishing Weekend will be February 16 & 17 and Snowburst – Winter Carnival 2013 will be February 16.  Plan to spend your weekends in the Porkies throughout the month of February!

If you are not looking for snow and think you would rather be heading to Florida right about now, you are certainly not alone.  However, I have to tell you that if you have not experienced the winter in the U.P. as Lake Superior freezes you have not yet experienced true silence.  And if you have not seen the winter sky you haven’t encountered the true brilliance of our cosmos.  The winter star-filled sky is one of my favorite sights and it just cannot be captured in a photograph.

People often wonder if we get bored living out in the “middle of nowhere” all year, especially in the winter.  But after nine years, I can answer with an emphatic –  NO!  It is the time of year we work on the items for the Gallery, get caught up on paperwork, and reconnect with friends and family we lose touch with during the busyness of the year.

Winter is also a time of reflection and planning.  Each year this is the time we work on various improvements at MVL.  Our goal is to always provide superior lodging and service to each and every one of our guests.  And it is with our guests in mind that we strive to enhance every aspect of the property and add the little special touches to show how much our guests mean to us.

This is also the time of year that the cabins go quickly.  So we always encourage making reservations as early as possible!  And we encourage you to follow the Blog, but also follow us on Facebook!  You will find more up-to-date information by checking in at www.facebook.com/mtnviewlodges.  We look forward to seeing you in your season of choice!

So, it is time to get back to the projects at hand.  We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!