Jen

What a year….

August 6, 2021 by Jen

Where do I begin? This last year, and more, has been different…for everyone! 2020 will forever be known as a year that the world changed. But how it changed and continues to change will remain up to each of us and how we choose to see it.

Our hearts go out to those who have felt the pain and loss of family, friends, businesses…minds…. But I would like to encourage everyone to look for the silver lining! Make the choice to find the blessings that have been poured into your lives.

This is the way we have chosen to view the Pandemic year. Beginning in February, just before the world became “different”, I flew to California to be with one of our daughters as she gave birth to her first child! What a blessing! And thankfully she came before the lockdowns! Unfortunately, Rick was schedule to join me on St. Patrick’s day but by then, things were too iffy for him to make the trip. But, I was able to spend the winter and some of the spring with our daughter, her family and our brand new granddaughter!

And when the lockdown came, our daughter was “forced” to stay at home and work. What a blessing to not have to leave her precious baby, especially in such crazy times. Since our daughter lives so far away, we don’t see each other often and it was such a blessing to spend so much quality time with her!

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about flying back. Not knowing what to expect or how “safe” things were. Well, another blessing, for me – not the airlines, was that I was the only person in the entire row! Talk about a comfortable flight! I did have to go to 4 different airports to get home, but the trip was pleasant.

Once home, Rick and I quarantined for the 2 week time the CDC was asking. Which gave us plenty of time to catch up on all the things that had occurred in the world and in our world. Then we had to face the upcoming season. Would we remain open? Would we be out of business in the next coming months? We had no idea. What we did know is that we were meant to be here and somehow it would all work out! After losing what could have been a great May for business, we were even more unsure. And then Michigan began to allow “hotels” to operate. Since each of the cabins at Mountain View Lodges are completely separate, we became a real viable option for people to come and bring their work or just come and forget about the continuing barrage of bad news.

And then, outdoor activities started to become even more of a great idea! The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the largest State Park in Michigan, was found by many who never paid much attention. And where better to escape a Pandemic than Upper Michigan! If you have never been here, we try to remind people that it really is like going back in time. No fast food, just good home cooked meals that you will have to be patient and wait as they are made to order. And you are thinking, “but restaurants had to close or serve less people”.

In our little area, the restaurant industry stepped up in a big way! Some created outdoor dining, everyone did some type of take out and Syl’s Cafe even created some interesting new meals designed for “grab and go” along with curbside delivery. And the Yooper Diner even did some take and bake pizzas! We all ate well and we are all still standing!

We did miss some of our regular guests who just couldn’t chance the trip last year but are so glad they have come this year! And we thank all those who braved the Pandemic to make the journey UP North and support our businesses!

For those of you who know Karsten, she also was able to work from home and be with her twins, who will be turning 3 soon! She and her kids were able to take a little trip with us to visit Rick’s Dad who turned 94 last year! Another blessing that he was able to meet his great-grandchildren!

We did suffer some sadness and losses, not due to COVID, but just life. So, now we move into 2021 looking forward, not back except to reflect and learn, with hope for a bright future!

We hope to see and hear from old friends and make new as you plan your trip to Mountain View Lodges!

Rick and Jeni

Porcupine Mountains – It’s Been Too Long!

April 25, 2019 by Jen

I want to start by saying it has been far too long since I posted to the Mountain View Lodges blog! Now, you may think that is because there is nothing new to post. However, that is not the case! Life has just gotten crazier for us each year!

Our family celebrated 15 years, this month, at Mountain View Lodges! This got me to thinking about the 15 year increments of life. The first 15 years are spent learning and being cared for by someone else. The next 15 we begin to break away, start trying to figure our who we are. The next 15 we live according to who we think we are. But it is the next 15 that really begin to teach us who we are and what we are made of. Busyness doesn’t stop, but the focus changes to what we now realize is the most important aspect of our lives. And at every turn, this can change too! Have you decided what is important in your life, or are you still figuring it out?

Since the last post, we have had four more grandchildren! Three born on the same day…a year apart! Our son, Jason, and his family welcomed Ryder on September 1, 2017. If you’ve been visiting Mountain View Lodges for the last 15 years, you may remember him. Our youngest daughter, Karsten, who spent two years doing mission work abroad, came home ready to settle down. She gave birth to Alayna and Isaiah on September 1, 2018. We think they did this so that as Rick and I age we won’t forget the birthdays as September 1, is our anniversary! And our Daughter, Julie, also had Charlotte in July 2017. So our little family is growing!

The 2018/2019 winter brought over 300″ of snow! If you were watching any of the Facebook posts, you saw pictures from some of our guests who were here for the blizzard! The driveway was closed and they had to shovel from one end while Rick shoveled from the other to create a path! So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy all that white stuff, Mountain View Lodges is the perfect location! This also means that the Porcupine Mountains area is going to have an incredible waterfall season! The falls have already come to life and are roaring!

In an effort to put some focus on those important aspects of life, we took the steps to making one our dreams a reality! Rick and I took a road trip this spring…after all, we couldn’t do much here other than watch the snow melt (which as of this writing is not fully gone!). About a year ago, we purchased a conversion van, yes like back in the ’70s, and hit the road. Some nights were down to 25 degrees but we loved every minute! You can read more about our travels at; Will the dream become reality? We would like to do a yearly road trip. We will see what next year brings! Do you have dreams you have put on hold? Seeing the USA by van has been one of my dreams since high school!

Now we are back and getting things ready for our guests! We are doing some redecorating and trying to get the Gallery filled with some new items. But more about that later.

We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new as the season begins. If you haven’t visited our area, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is absolutely beautiful! Over 60,000 acres to explore! There are also copper mines, fascinating historical sites, a Lighthouse that has been fully restored and a quaint town with unique gift shops. Something for everyone! If you have questions, just call 906-885-5256

Porcupine Mountains a Blog…

July 21, 2016 by Jen

40 lashes with a wet noodle! Yes, I deserve it! I have been woefully lax in doing my blog posts for Mountain View Lodges… For this, I apologize. People ask and I continue to say that I will be writing soon. And then another week, month and even years go by… Where does the time go?

That being the question of the day, I will do a bit of a recap in this blog. We are currently in our thirteenth summer at Mountain View Lodges (MVL), Silver City, Michigan. We moved to begin a new life in the Porcupine Mountains and what an adventure it has been!

When we first came to MVL, Rick, my husband, planted some trees just outside of the space on the property we call home. Now they almost block the view at nearly 30′ high! In fact, all the trees have grown and the property seems a bit more cozy now.

When we began, our youngest daughter was only 6 years old. If you have followed any of my previous blogs, you have read about her. She is now 19 years old! And again I ask; where does the time go? After spending many years in the area meeting new people and working beside us, and learning to let God direct her steps, she has decide to venture off to do some Mission work with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). If you would like to read more about her story, you can go to GoFundMe.com/karstenvarcha

So here we are “empty nesters” of sorts. We do have one of our grandkids come and join us for five or six weeks each summer – learning the ropes of business ownership. But we are also looking at what the future holds for us. I find myself wondering; what if some couple comes, falls in love with the area, with MVL, wants to escape the big city for the solitude of the Porcupine Mountains and approaches us like we did the previous owners? Would we be willing to let go? Willing to hand over the reigns to someone else? If so, where would we go? What would we do next? Since these are only fleeting thoughts I don’t have the answers. So we will leave that in God’s Hands…

In the meantime, we will continue doing what we do, enjoying the people we meet and hopefully helping to make their vacation memories all they hoped for and more!

If you are still looking for something to do this summer, how about checking out the 12th Annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival,www.porkiesfestival.org. This is the biggest event in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park every summer. This year’s dates are August 26, 27 & 28 – it is always the last weekend in August prior to Labor Day weekend. Since this is a locally funded and sponsored event, they are always in need of volunteers!

But if you decide to attend, be sure to plan for a day or two before and/or after so that you have time to explore the rest of the Park and all the area has to offer! Classes at the Folk School, shops, waterfalls, Lighthouse and museums, historic sites and you can’t miss the Adventure Mine Tour, www.adventuremine.com!

So, I am hoping that this is only the first of more regular blogs to be posted… Feel free to comment and keep me on my toes!

Porcupine Mountains again?

October 12, 2014 by Jen

Would we do it again? Would we chuck our lives and move North to the Porcupine Mountains and run Mountain View Lodges?

Most days the answer is a resounding YES! Don’t get me wrong. There are times when we wish for something different, or miss out due to the constraints of owning our own business. For instance, our daughter had a baby a two years ago in June. We would have loved to have been there. But, can you imagine, she had her child during peak season? What was she thinking? We have had to miss some weddings, graduations or other events that typically take place in the summer months. But the trade-off has been worth it.

There is just something freeing about being in charge of your own destiny. Make it or break it you are at the wheel. We say a lot of prayers. We leave our worries on God’s doorstep and we work and do our very best. On those days that are more difficult, we just have to remind ourselves what the alternative is. Working for someone else, for less than we feel we are worth, most likely in an office with no view. Here our office view is Lake Superior! How can you beat that? Since the business is more seasonal, we ride a kind of roller coaster. We are crazy busy for about four months, moderately busy for about four months and very quiet for about four months.

This is one reason we started the Gallery. In the less busy times, we can focus our energy creatively which allows us to rejuvenate. It also keeps us from becoming stagnated or bored. It is quiet meditative work, except the chain sawing, of course!

Chainsaw carved pumpkins — Chainsaw Carved Pumpkins by Rick Varecha

Some of the blessings have been the fantastic people we have met along the way who come to love the Porcupine Mountains and Mountain View Lodges as much as we do. One summer we had over 17 countries represented! People from all walks of life from all over the world make for some very interesting conversations. And our little piece of Heaven holds some amazing healing powers. It is rare that someone leaves not feeling more rested, relaxed and more truly joyful than when they first arrived. And if you don’t believe me, just check us out on www.tripadvisor.com. There is something very special about this greatest of Great Lakes, Lake Superior.

The good far outweighs the bad and we would most certainly make the same choice again!

Porcupine Mountains surprises?

September 8, 2014 by Jen

Were there many surprises…Yes and No. We did our homework. We researched, wrote a Business Plan, calculated expenses, and explored the Porcupine Mountains area. We did not expect it to be easy. We did not purchase Mountain View Lodges so we could “retire” as many have thought over the years. Every job is work. Owning a business is even more work. You do not have the opportunity to leave at 5:00pm and forget about it until 8:00am the next day. You live it, eat it and breathe it. Dinner conversations are often more like staff or marketing meetings. But none of this was a surprise. Jen’s Dad owned a business he purchased from his father. So she grew up in the business world. Customers and co-workers were your friends and family.

Having relocated many times over the last 30 years or so, our family has had to adapt and acclimate. What we have found, to make the transition easier, is to immerse ourselves in the community. Make friends, find a church, support local benefits and events. All of these help to make the transition easier! So, none of these were surprises.

One surprise we did find was how every day is different! Not only do our jobs continue to change, from front desk clerk to plumber in under five minutes, but so does the landscape on Lake Superior and the weather in the Porcupine Mountains. The beach does not ever look the same! Now when we go back to bigger cities and see new housing developments it is so odd. Most of the homes look so much alike. Same colors and landscape. Here every day the beach is sculpted differently, the waves or lack of waves is never the same. In the winter, the quiet is unexplainable. You could hear a pin drop on the ice. Or the old saying about watching the ice crack? You can! But if you have ever wondered what true quiet sounds like, experience our little corner of the world in the winter! The snow is like glitter. This was truly a surprise.

Also, we had never really been in the service industry. Sales yes, service no. It can be draining. That part we didn’t expect. We are all outgoing and love talking to people. So, we thought this was the perfect opportunity! And it is, but it can also be more tiring than we anticipated. Come the off season, we are ready for some R & R. The hard part is where can we go to get away?? We are about as far away as you can get! But when you work where you live, you need to get away just to clear the cobwebs. So, over the years, we have incorporated short jaunts whenever we can get away for a few days.

Another surprise was the small town hospitality of Ontonagon. We are from and have lived in big cities most of our lives. So, living in a small town where “everybody knows your name” was not something to which we were accustomed. But it is certainly a nice feeling to know that someone is there and ready to come to your aide and it is also interesting how quickly news can travel!

Were there surprises when we began to run Mountain View Lodges in the Porcupine Mountains? Most of the things that have come along we anticipated as part of business ownership. Sometimes something hits out of the blue. But whose life is without those unexpected events? And most of the surprises we have encountered have all been for the best!

Be sure to watch our Facebook, www.facebook.com/mtnviewlodges, for up-to-date happenings and feel free to post any questions about the property, owning a business or other questions you may have!

Porcupine Mountains Homeschooling

August 20, 2014 by Jen

This is Part 2 to “Where does your daughter go to school in the Porcupine Mountains?”

Our baby will be 18 years old soon and we have been homeschooling for many years now.

This fall will begin Karsten’s Senior year. A year of endings and beginnings. She has only a few more subjects to complete before graduating and she has been doing quite a bit of thinking about her future. She decided that she would like to go into Massage Therapy. Yes, for all regular Mountain View Lodges’ guests, she will need guinea pigs during the learning process! This is a wonderful opportunity for her as she will be able to complete her High School studies and simultaneously complete her Massage Therapy training. She is very excited about this next chapter of her life. She still enjoys reading, writing and photography and loves hiking with her friends in the Porkies!

This also means a new chapter for Mountain View Lodges. We have had to add more staff to keep things running smoothly. After all, we aren’t getting any younger and our “help” is growing up. Over the years, we have had sons, daughters, nephews and friends pitch in to fill the voids. But now, most have moved on with their own lives, college, jobs, family, etc.

But the new chapter means new possibilities. So, here are some questions for you… What would you like to see added at Mountain View Lodges? Would you be interested in a spa, massages, etc.? A Fitness area? Bicycles? Multipurpose room? Classes? Or something else? We always welcome your comments and feedback. We continue to work to improve all that we have to offer each year. So, please take a few moments and let us know your ideas!

Jen

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