Adventures at Spirit Point

Exciting News!!

2011-01-30T13:49:00.005-05:00

Hi There Everyone,
This is Jan,(Mike's Mom) speaking on behalf of Mike, Shani, Fudge & Dozer. It has been a long time since this blog was up dated and there is LOTS of news to share.
Fudge continues to be the mascot at Spirit Point along with his young brother Dozer. Fudge now has many white hairs and has now taken to laying around a great deal of the time although he is still ready to meet and greet new visitors who arrive. His young brother has turned out to be a bundle of energy who can keep going from the moment his eyes are open until the activity at camp has ceased when he will catch his few hours sleep until daylight and the activity resumes.
Added to the family is a very important addition in Shani who is Mikes partner. Shani brings with her two small canine friends named Demetrius and Maggie.
The exciting news is that they have recently made a NEW addition to their family and his name is: OREN Micheal born 25th January 2011.
Please watch for new changes to our website which will be happening over the next few weeks. Feel free to visit us if you are in our area and don't forget to get your bookings in early for this new Year of 2011.
Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year from The French Family
and of course Fudge, Dozer, Demetrius, Maggie and Dudley (the pot bellied pig)

Merry Christmas !!!!

2008-12-19T20:40:00.008-05:00

Hi There Everyone,
This is your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot speaking from the north at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

The last time I talked to you all, it was to introduce my new little brother "Dozer" to you. I bet you all thought he was cute- right?

Well, that's certainly what I thought when I first met him. He has been with us now for three weeks and BOY has he changed things around here. I did not think that puppies could be that busy. He loves to play and he seems to think that every little thing he finds is a toy, like Mike's socks, the remotes, the bed covers and especially the garbage. I try to set him straight but so far I do not seem to be making any in-roads. He likes to follow close behind wherever I go and sometimes, I swear he even walks in my paw prints. When the walks get boring for him, he usually grabs onto my tail or my ears. I don't really mind that too much but sometimes he grabs places that I don't appreciate, if you know what I mean.

Mike realizes that sometimes those little sharp baby teeth actually hurt me when he nips and Mike always stops to make sure I am okay. Mike is starting to spend a lot of time training Dozer and often he recruits my help also which I like because it makes me feel rather important. Mike constantly reminds me that one day he will no longer be a puppy and it makes me feel so good when he says that he hopes Dozer will be just like me when he grows up. I think that Dozer and I are lucky to have a human buddy like our Mike and don't tell Mike, but I really love that little Dozer fellow to.

Well Boys & Girls, Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Teachers, I told you last time that it had started snowing up here in the north country and I don't think it has stopped since then. Now we have lots of snow and Mike and I have been going on countless walks in the bush. Mike tells me we are staking out our winter trails for snow shoeing and cross country skiing for when you all start arriving after Christmas. It will be fun to see you all again, I cant wait until Spirit Point is filled with little people running all over and the sound of laughter again fills the air, not to mention of cause the delicious smells that waft through that big fan once the big kitchen gets into operation again.

Mike was telling me today that there are only 6 more sleeps until Christmas day and 12 sleeps until New Years. He says that this is when we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome to 2009. That's really all like double Dutch to me but Mike seems pretty excited and I hear him wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year so I thought that tonight as I say good night, I would try to sound a little like my human counterparts and extend those words to to all of you from all of us so here goes my first Christmas greeting.

I Sir "FUDGE" A_Lot and my little brother "DOZER"
Wish All Of You -----
A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.
from
Sir "Fudge" A-Lot & "Dozer"
plus
Mike, Larry & Jan
at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

My New Baby Brother (Dozer)

2008-12-02T13:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome Little Brother !!!!!!

2008-11-30T17:51:00.003-05:00

Hey There Girls, Boys,Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Teachers,

Remember the exciting news I told you about last week --- Well it finally happened. On Thursday afternoon the 27th November 2008, Mike took me back to that same farm in Powassan where I met the other canines that look just like me and I was ready because I knew he was coming home with us. On this day, I did not get to play with my new friends, in fact, I did not get out of our truck, this day was not about me, well not directly, it was to pick up my new little friend.

Mike came to the truck and introduced him to me. Oh my he is cute, he is brown just like me only of cause very much smaller. He is low to the ground, has bright green eyes, big ears, a fair sized head and a very wide back end. Mike explained that his name is going to be "DOZER" and it sure seems to fit because he is not only built like a dozer but he is proving to be one. Mike's mom has taken some pictures and I will load one next week to show you all.

Once we got back to our cabin at "Spirit Point' the real fun began. Mike explained that I have to be gentle because of Dozer's little baby bones, no running into him, no bowling him over just yet and no ruff housing. Well I guess you all think that's pretty fair right! except it seems that NO BODY explained the rules to Dozer. He runs full length of the cabin at me, he uses those little sharp baby teeth to hang off my fur and of cause he lets go and falls off. He tries to beat me to the door when we go outside and man its hard to side step something that small without stepping on it. He always wants the water bowl when I am ready for a drink and he chases after my favourite orange ball with the treats in it.

The moral, I love the little fellow but boy is he a holy terror !! Day two and I've already learned to growl at him. Not a nasty growl of cause but just enough to say "back off little fellow and let me rest" The GOOD thing -- he's only 8 weeks so he still takes lots of naps. I am learning to cherish those naps like golden moments in time.

On Friday, Mike took us both to visit the folks in Sprucedale. Of cause Mom & Dad (Jan & Larry) fell in love with the little guy. That's where they took all the pictures. I got to play with my other brother Hunter, he is almost as tall as me and much wider so no silly rules apply there. Hunter liked little Dozer but I don't think my sister Campi did because every time he came close to her she growled and he ran back to us brown guys. My feline sister Dumpy steered clear of the new comer and spent most of her time either hiding in the basement or sitting on top of the tall kitchen cabinets peering down at him with her tail all fluffed up like when she is stalking mice. We had a great visit, Mike helped his Dad with the snow and they were using the big tractor so Mom kept us inside with her. There are always lots of hugs, kisses and treats at their house so we all enjoyed our stay.

Today is Sunday and Mike's folks came out to visit for a short while. They brought new toys for baby Dozer and a box of treats for little old me. Of cause I wanted all the new toys and as you can imagine, I was told to play with my toys because they said my teeth were too strong for baby toys. I couldn't imagine who would be silly enough to make toys that puncture that easy but I will admit that one of the balls that squeaked just a few short hours ago, no longer squeaks so I guess they were right.

Well everyone, I don't know what the weather is doing in your parts of the world but it is still snowing up here in the North country.
Carmen has already been in to plow the driveway with his big Backhoe and Mike has all the paths nicely groomed with his Kabota. I like the Kabota because I get to ride in the very front seat. I pretend that I am Mike's wing man just like the guys who ride shot gun in the big plow trucks.

I haven't seen my friends Maya and Paddle in a few days and Mike tells me its because Jan is travelling again. This time he says she has gone to Scotland to stay with some friends. He also tells me that she is going to meet up with Ollie, I hope she says Hi from all of us. Maya and paddle are going to stay in the city again with Jen's folks, they like to visit the folks but Maya told me last time when she returned that she doesn't really like the city so I bet they will be glad when the two weeks are over and they can get back to the North country again. I miss them both but particularly Maya, I wish Jen would quit traveling.

Until our Christmas & New Years crowds arrive, things are still quiet at Spirit Point right now, so my Mike has used the time as he always does to catch up on projects. The new driveway for the buses is now complete and the new propane tank has been moved way back to the bush line, they have been doing some work on the heating system fine tuning things Mike says in readiness for the winter season. Mike has been busy with his lap top writing new winter programs which he tells me begin in January.

He also tells me that January starts the New Year of 2009.
I was working things out and that means I will turn five years old this spring and my young brother Hunter who lives with Mikes folks will turn three. My older sister Campi will turn ten and baby Dozer will not be one until its almost winter net year.

I just looked at the clock and realized its almost 7pm which means my new brother will be awake again soon and the peace will be over for a while so I'm going to sign off and say goodnight to you all.

With Lots of Hugs, Woofs & Slurpy Kisses from Your Faithful Friend
Sir "Fudge" A - Lot and his baby brother "Dozer both at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

I think I'm finally getting a new Brother !

2008-11-22T18:24:00.002-05:00

Hey There Everyone,

It's your old friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot from Spirit Point talking. I didn't take the time to say it all properly because I have some VERY exciting news that I want to share with you all.

Last week, Mike and I went on one of our usual trips but we made a detour to a farm in Powassan. I like to go to farms and see all the different farm animals like cows, chickens, sheep, pigs and sometimes goats. The problem with farm animals the way I see it, is they don't seem to want to play with me in fact, some of them come across as quite unfriendly to canines. At this farm,I was excited to see that there were several dogs, there were chocolate ones, yellows,even blacks and though they were different colours I kept thinking they all seemed to look very similar to me. Mike saw my puzzled face and explained, these were all like me because they were all Labrador Retrievers.

This seemed like lots of fun and I wondered, was I going to make lots of new friends. Just as I was thinking about the fun of meeting these friends, a man arrived and my Mike got out to talk with him and together they went into a building. I was still in the truck and I wasn't happy, I'm used to going almost everywhere with Mike and besides which I was thinking that I could have amused myself getting to know everyone while they were talking.

Anyway, it wasn't terribly long before Mike came back out with the man and they were both talking and smiling. They shook hands and I saw Mike hand him some money. I thought that to be strange because Mike did not have anything in his hands but I soon forgot all about my bewilderment because Mike opened the door and called my name. The man gave me a pet and we went to see some of the other dogs.

The Yellow's I thought looked a bit like my sister Campi who lives with Mike's folks Jan & Larry and one of the Chocolates looked very much like my young brother Hunter who lives with them also. We don't have any Black Labs in our family but I have seen pictures and heard stories of a black that used to live with Jan & Larry several years ago.

I got to play on the farm for a while, met some new friends and took in all the different barnyard smells. Then Mike & I got back in the truck and went on up to North Bay. It was then that Mike told me the exciting news, he had been looking at baby Chocolates and had selected one that will come home with us next week. Mike was busy talking about names and saying them out loud just to see which one he thought suited the little fellow best. I was deep in thought thinking about what fun it will be to have a new playmate and all the tricks I could teach him.

On the way to North Bay I got to thinking about my special friend Maya who not long ago got her baby sister Paddle and I was remembering how sometimes this summer Maya and I would take a short cut through the bush leaving Paddle behind so we could enjoy our special time together. Mike must have read my mind because out of the blue he said" now, there will be no loosing the puppy once he comes home eh" I felt a little guilty and hung my head but he reached out and patted it saying "that's okay pal, I know you need your time too"

We completed our trip and Mike bought a new phone which he got busy installing once we got home. This new phone rings in our cabin now and it made me jump the first few times on account of me not being used to it. Mike says its the new Spirit Point line and that now people can phone through direct to get information, find out about programs and bookings etc. He seemed pretty excited about it and told me that he will have this new number printed on my name tag in case I even get lost. That way people can call him and he would come to get me.

I should explain that living off the grid like we do here at Spirit Point is GREAT, we are never out of hydro like Mike's folks are sometimes because we generate our own through the use of solar panels with the diesel for the occasional back up when there isn't enough sun. However, as Mike says, no hydro lines means no phone lines so up until now we have relied on the cell phone and that is why he is so excited because this new system he tells me is just like a land line. The new number for Spirit Point is (705) 571 2089
and you can call anytime to speak with my Mike and when he's busy, just leave a message and he will get back to you.

Well, its still snowing up here at Spirit Point and Mike has been busy ploughing our paths and the new parking lots in readiness for you all to come visit us. Short of a few tradesmen and Mike's Dad Larry, things have been fairly quiet this past couple of weeks but Mike tells me there are several bookings for December, January and February. I wonder as always how many of those will be our old friends returning. I like to make new friends but its always exciting to see old faces return.

Just think, the next time you pull into Spirit Point, as usual, I will be there to greet you and beside me will be My New Baby Brother whatever his name turns out to be. Hey, if any of you youngsters have any suggestions for names, please feel free to share them with us through the stay@spiritpoint email

Until them, I am going say bye for now
Lots of Hugs & Slurpy Kisses to all of You
from
Sir "Fudge" A - Lot
at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Vacations are over !!

2008-11-02T15:40:00.004-05:00

Hey There Everyone,

This is your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot speaking from "Spirit Point" Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Today is a VERY Special day for me because I got to spend most of it with my Best friends Maya & Paddle. Yes, there are back, finally every one's vacations are over I think so life for me at least should get back to normal.

I was very pleased to see the girls and they tell me as much as they enjoyed being around Jen's folks while she was gone, they are certainly glad to be back up here in the North country with the old familiar sights and smells but mostly the freedom to run and explore.

Paddle has grown, she is a little taller now than Maya and is fast catching up to my height and I think she even packed on a few pounds while she was in the city. Today, we are all together at Mike's folks home which means more exploring. Of cause my little brother Hunter joined us also and I think we made a great foursome,but we still didn't catch any of those rabbits. As I get older, I am learning that those pesky rabbits are fast and I think they simply take us on wild goose chases knowing all the while that they can outrun us or scurry down one of those holes that Mike tells me are called burrows. Oh well, the chase is fun anyway and the girls I think needed the exercise after being in the city.

Life at Spirit Point has been very quiet lately with no guests on account of the hunters. Next week Mike tells me is deer season so he says that I have to stay close to home again. That's going to be harder I think with the girls around cause the forest is like our playground. I guess that after today, we will just have to put play on hold for one more week.

Mike as always has been very busy this time he calls his tasks shoring things up before the winter season arrives. He has done some more work on the driveway where the buses park, he is in the process of moving the big propane tanks so as everything looks way more open. I heard talk of moving the water line a little further out in the lake which means he will be diving again. As much as I like it when he swims because I can swim with him, I don't really like when he dives because he goes under the water where I can not see him and I can not go that far down so I just wait around in the water until he bobs back up again, then we swim for a while until he goes ashore.

When Mike isn't working outside, he is still busy working on his computer developing winter, spring & summer programing sometimes on his own and sometimes with Jen. Of cause when Jen comes over, so do Maya and Paddle which gives us a chance to make our own fun.

Well Girls,Boys, Moms, Dads, Grandparents and Teachers, its 4.15pm and today the sun is still shining and I want to make the most of what day light we still have before darkness takes over so I'm
going to sign off for now. I will talk to you next week as usual.

So For now,
Lots of hugs & Slurpy kisses
from your friend
Sir "Fudge A-Lot
at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

That White Stuff is falling !!!!

2008-10-21T19:56:00.006-04:00

Hey There, Girls, Boys, Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Teachers,

Its your old friend Sir "Fudge" A - Lot from "Spirit Point" Wilderness Academy & Camp speaking.
I had to get it right tonight and I'm sure you will understand why when you read tonight's entry.

My day started early this morning with A Great Deal of Excitement. Yes, I am always excited in the mornings but this morning, I was especially so. I peered out of our glass front door and could hardly contain myself. The ground was covered in a white blanket of --- yes you guessed it SNOW. Could this be Christmas? I thought, I always get lots of treats at Christmas.

I turned around and around in circles like many of you have seen me do and I knocked over a juice glass that my Mike had left on the coffee table last night. Oblivious of the mess, I ran over to the bed and bounded on top of Mike, I wanted him up, I wanted him to share my excitement but as soon as I caught that look, I knew -- he was not feeling as exctited as I was.

He stumbled towards the mess on the rug, stepping carefully so as not to cut his feet on the broken glass then mumbled something about this being early morning. I yapped out loud, trying to tell him about the snow but I wasn't winning any browny points for sure. He gave me a quick pat and told me I needed to go outside to cool of. That's when he saw that white stuff. Well! as excited as I had been, I quickly saw the complete reverse on Mikes face so I ran past him for the outside where I jumped and rolled, stopped to do my business and then rolled some more. I licked at those delicious flakes and before I knew it, I looked up to see my Mike smiling at me through the door.

He let me in saying something about me being like a kid in a candy store but I didn't catch the rest because I was already busy chowing down on my breakfast. The mess was all cleaned up and my Mike was sipping on his coffee talking about how the snow shovels were not out yet and how it was way too early in the year for snow, how we had to go to North Bay today etc.

I decided that I had better take a break from breakfast and I walked over to Mike, nuzzled my head in his lap and together we sat there quietly as he petted me and consoled my hurt expression.

After he was dressed, we headed outside to clean of the steps and the truck getting ready for our trip to North Bay. At first, it was so quiet outside, then I heard a gun shot and remembered, it is hunting season and that is why we have no children in camp because Mike tells me it would be way to dangerous. For these two weeks, even I am not allowed to go far from home because as Mike tells me, he is afraid that a hunter may mistake me for a bear and that I might get shot instead of a wild animal.

While we were in North Bay, Mike picked up some hoodies that he had had crested with the "Spirit Point" logo. He explained that these would make great souvenirs for those of you who returned for winter programming and I got to wondering how many of you I would recognise from the fall. Well, after picking up those hoodies, we went to collect the Kabota that had just been serviced for winter. How appropriate I thought, that we would be picking it up on the day of our first winter snow fall. As we drove home, the snow was still falling and the front of Mike's nice black truck was all covered in white. I thought I heard him curse a few times as people passed at what seemed to be extreme speeds but we made it home safely and I stayed outside for a good while to lick the snow flakes and roll some more.

My best friends Maya and Paddle are still away on thier vacation and I miss them lots. Jen is still away and I miss her too plus Ollie who remember, went back to England. Mike talks to both Jen and Ollie sometimes on his phone and I wonder when they will be coming back to "Spirit Point" .

I had my mini vacation while Mike was away on course and I stayed with Mike's Mom & Dad (Jan & Larry). I got to see my younger brother Hunter, my sister Campi and my feline friend Dumpy. Dumpy brought a mole in the house and he got trouble from Mom but she only stayed mad until Dad caught it and put it back outside. As always, I had lots of treats and fun at thier house and one afternoon I even got to go to the Group Home in Hunstville where I saw all the children.

Tonight, Mike is busy on his computer working on winter programming, which means we don't talk much while he's working but I don't mind because winter proramming brings Children back to "Spirit Point". I wonder, when you all arrive back, will you be as excited about the snow as I was today. I wonder a lot dont I?

Well Boys & Girls, I don't know if it was snowing in your parts of the world today but I can tell you that it sure looked like a Winter Wonderland around here, wish you were all here to have enjoyed it with me.

For now, I better turn in, it has been a long somewhat confusing day and I need my rest. I think Mike probably does too so I will try to sleep in a little longer in the morning.

I will say Good Night now, and may you all have Sweet Dreams
with hugs & slurpy kisses from
Your canine friend Sir "Fudge A-Lot
at
Spirit Pint Wilderness, Academy & Camp.

Thanksgiving Weekend.

2008-10-13T20:29:00.004-04:00

Hi There,
Girls, Boys, Moms, Dads, Teachers & of course Grandparents,
I bet you all guessed already that it's your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot speaking from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Well, this was Thanksgiving Weekend which meant turkey and all the trimmings, so this is when I practiced my I'm a good boy tactics and just sit quietly drooling but not bugging, it always works. I am particularly fond of turkey although Mike says I shouldn't have it on account of the fact that it gives me gas. Now, I may be telling stories but I have heard many of my human friends pass gas and it seems to me that people snicker but when I pass gas, everyone clears the area and tells me "that's gross" Oh well, as usual it was worth it and I always sneak back when they are not looking or seem to have forgotten my mishap.

Thanksgiving I am sad to say, closed our fall programming for this year. The girls from Branksome were with us just before the end, they were a Great Bunch. I thought my Mike had talent in making arrows and signs but you should have seen some of the arrows those girls left behind. They were SO good that Mike, Ollie & Jen could not choose the best ones so they just kept them all. Mike was telling me that he is going to dedicate a wall somewhere just to arrows because there is fast becoming too many to go on the big tower. The girls took turns to sleep at Spirit Point, with some staying for the fist nights and the others camping then they reversed positions. For me, the first and the last day of their stay was the best with lots of hugs from children milling and playing everywhere and the big kitchen was a hub of comings and goings meaning the exhaust fan wafted those good smells for ages. Once they were fed, the buses returned to take them all back to the city. I love the sight of buses when the children arrive but I hate those buses when they take everyone away. As usual, we all said our good-byes and I heard Mike, Jen and Ollie wish them "A Happy Thanksgiving". I wonder did they have turkey and just maybe did any of them or their families get gas.

Well girls from Branksome, as sad as I was to see you all leave, my next day was even sadder -- Ollie from World Challenge who had been with us for six weeks, left to go back to England. Mike & Jen will miss Ollie but so will Maya, Paddle & I. I did hear him telling Mike & Jen that he would be back but I do not know when that will be.

The day after Ollie left, Ridley's boys school arrived and stayed with us for one night, then they went of on thier adventure in canoes and tents, I waited the next day but they did not return to Spirit Point. I guess they caught their bus somewhere else so I didn't get to say goodbye.Bye boys & teachers from Ridley!

Things are VERY quiet in camp now and I TRUELY MiSS YOU ALL, I hope your stay with us was enjoyable. Please come back and visit us again sometime, I will listen for the buses.

Mike tells me that next week, Jen is going away on a plane too and that my best friends Maya & Paddle are going to stay in the city with Jen's sister. I think the city is a long way away because Mike says I wont see them for two whole weeks. Tuesday & Wednesday, Mike is going away on course so I get to stay with Mike's parents Jan & Larry which means I will be with my young brother "Hunter. my sister "Campi and my feline friend "Dumpy" I will miss Mike but he tells me that this will be like my little holiday. I guess everyone is taking holidays right now.

Well everyone, its 9.10pm and guess what, it's almost past my bedtime so I'm going to say so long for now, you all take care of yourselves.
As Always;
Your canine friend
Sir "Fudge" A-Lot
from
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Hoo-ray to The Girls of St Mildreds !!!!

2008-10-03T20:39:00.004-04:00

Hey There Girls, Boys, Moms,Dads & Teachers,

Yes, you guessed it, its your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot speaking from "Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Last week we hosted The Girls from St Mildred's and what a bunch of good sports they were. They braved the cold mornings with the nip of fall in the air, they played outdoor games for what seemed like endless hours then they went canoeing and camping in the bush.

Their teachers, Judy & Cara stayed back at camp to let the girls enjoy their own adventures with the instructors.

When the girls arrived back at camp on their last day, they were all bubbly and full of their adventure stories each small group with a different story to tell.
The big dinning room had those delicious smells wafting from the exhaust fan and it wasn't long beofe everyone was heading inside for a hearty brunch.
After brunch they gathered around outside for a bit and Maya, Paddle & I got lots of big hugs and don't tell Mike or Jen but we got some dinning room left overs as well.
The sad part --- after brunch and the hugs, they all loaded back on their bus to head back to the city. As always, I was sad to see them go but many of them whispered to us as they left "We'll be back one day" and I like those words, they were a GREAT BUNCH of girls.

Now there are new arrows again on the big tower as each group leaves their mark at Spirit Point. I see my Mike stare at those arrows every once in a while and I think that like me, he is remembering the laughter and antics of every different group that has passed through our doors. I do hope they have good memories and think of us occasionally as well.

Today another bus arrived, more children and young people, more laughter, new friends to make, and more delicious smells from that kitchen fan. I don't go inside the buildings because my Mike taught me not to but sometimes that dinning room looks and smells very inviting.

Next week, Mike tells me is his Dad (Larry's) birthday plus it is Thanksgiving which usually means we go to Mike's folks home in Sprucedale for turkey dinner. That means I get to see my young brother "Hunter", my sister "Campi" and my feline friend "Dumpy" Interesting story about Campi, her full name is Run-A-Muck-Campi.She and her twin sister Chien-a who passed away when she was young, were the first canines to live out here with Mike at the camp even before it was called "Spirit Point". Anyway, that's how Campi got her name. After her sister passed away, Campi got sick too so she went to live with the folks in town to be closer to the vet. She used to come visit me here often but the poor old girl, she has been sick on and off for years and now she does not come to the camp much any more because mom (Jan) says its hard for her to travel to far but I do see her when I get to go to Sprucedale or even sometimes in Huntsville.

The Sad news about next week just before Thanksgiving is that Ollie leaves us to return to England. Mike says he has to travel by plane, I have never been on a plane all I know about planes is that they are very noisy when they fly over in the sky. I will miss Ollie and I know that Mike & Jen will also. I sure hope that like the children, he comes back one day. God Speed Ollie! and thanks for visiting us at Spirit Point. I wonder will you leave an arrow for us to remember you by?

Well all, its 9.30pm, that's my bedtime. Days start early here in camp and I sure wouldn't want to miss breakfast so I'm going to say good night and turn in before Mike hogs all the bed.

So long for now,
Your faithfull canine friend
Sir "Fudge A-Lot
from
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Toronto Montessori Schools.

2008-09-21T18:44:00.002-04:00

Hey There Girls,Boys,Moms,Dads & Teachers,
Its your canine friend Sir "FUDGE"-A-Lot speaking from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Things have been really busy around here, with children laughing and playing, great smells wafting from the kitchen, Ollie, Jen & the other Instructors all working very hard to keep everyone busy and my Mike & Larry meeting, greeting and socializing with the grown ups. Over the past two weeks I have met over 200 children from The Toronto Montessori schhols and I feel like I have forged many lasting friendships.

I was quite concerned to hear one little fellow crying when he fell and injured his wrist but it was quickly taken care of. Teachers and Instructors applied first Aid and to be sure he was okay, he was taken to the North Bay hospital by Mikes Dad. Some of the other youngsters were quite envious because he got to ride in the Hummer. I was just glad that he was taken care of and am pleased to say, he was soon back at camp laughing and playing Frisbee with his friends. "All's well that ends well" is what my Mike said and I think the little guy was probably thinking the same thing.

Daytime temperatures were pretty nice while the children were here and the sun shone but mornings and evenings were fairly nippy. Non-the-less the children were little troupers and those chilly mornings did not seem to slow them down at all.

All of the school groups this month have made arrows and the winners of the arrow competition get to have their arrow placed on the big solar tower. The tower is painted black but now looks quite colourful with all the different arrows on it. My Mike says with these arrows, you have all left your mark here and in some way can claim a little piece of enhancing the "Spirit Point landscape.

I do hope you all enjoyed your stay because I certainly enjoyed having you here and I know that both Mike & Larry did also. I hope you all come back to see us someday !!!

Maya and Paddle enjoyed having you as well and Maya told me she now starts to look forward to the extra attention when children come to Spirit Point. As for Paddle, well she is still a baby and I'm not sure that she has these things quite figured out yet but Maya and I are working on explaining to her how things work.

Ollie as you all know, is still with us and he is starting to say some things more like Mike & Jen say them but he still has those strange words or sentence's once in a while. These strange words as people refer to them present no barrier for us canines because we judge people language by tones and body language but our human friends are not like that so they have to listen a little more carefully or say "pardon me" when they didn't quite catch his gist. By the way, he is a Good Sport aboy it !!!

Mike has built another big sign, this one hangs as you approach camp from the South River entrance, while the last one he made is for people arriving from the Trout Creek entrance, which reminds me, if you need help in finding us, just look on the Web Site. My Mike says that usually Google is a great tool but their maps for Spirit Point are very confusing. He tells me that the written instructions on our Web Site are VERY clear to follow.

It would be easier I am sure if humans were able to follow their noses the way us canines do. That way, they would not need maps, signs or anything right? and speaking of following our noses; Maya & I got into a little trouble again last week when we did exactly that. I guess our noses took us a long way away and we were gone longer than Mike or Jen thought we should be. We knew they were out there driving around looking for us because even from the bush we could hear their car horns but we could not let them know that so we knew then that when we finally got home we were going to be in trouble. The trouble wasn't so bad, Mike & Jen are both dog lovers so they couldn't stay mad at us for long and besides we are both very good at that mournful sorry look which makes them soon sercome to "Come here" followed by the hugs and kisses and the "we are glad you are safe" lines.

Mike tells me, just another few groups and then fall programing is over for this year. He is kind of sad because that means no more children around until winter programs begin but also because Thanksgiving is when Ollie leaves to go back to England. They have become good buddies and I think he will miss Ollie.

I don't like to think about it but this may mean Jen and the girls will move back into town so I wont get to see my two best canine freinds as often. Oh well, at least Mike and I have each other and we have spent and enjoyed many days out here together.

Well Guys, Girls, Moms Dads, Teachers and anyone else who may have tuned in to my blog, its been a long day and I think I am about ready to call it a night. My best wishes to all of you.

So long for now from your trusting friend;

Lots of Hugs & Slurpy kisses
Sir "Fudge-A-Lot
from
"Spirit Point"

Yep -- It is September !!!!!!

2008-09-12T16:54:00.006-04:00

Hey There Everyone,
Its your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A -Lot speaking from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp. Hope you all notice how GOOD I am getting at spelling out Spirit Point's name properly and every time I do, its worth an extra hug and a treat. I like hugs but I Love TREATS. Just like I've said before --- Food is definitely one of my weaknesses!!!!.

Well! As I said, it is September and just like my Mike promised me, The Children are BACK. Its been great to see them running all around, to hear their laughter and of cause to join in the odd game with them not to mention lining up by the big kitchen door for some scraps when they have all finished eating.

Mike trained me well, I don't go into the kitchen or the other buildings for that matter except our cabin but I do know how to sit patiently outside that big kitchen door and look up endearingly with my big brown eyes as the children file out of the dining hall. Gotta say ---- It works every time and someone will run back in to see if there are any left overs for "little old me". In return, I do some tricks and offer my slurpy kisses.

With the children here, Jen has been around almost every day which means I get to see my two BEST canine friends Maya & Paddle. They play with the children also but together we always have lots of fun. We have chased those pesky rabbits but not caught any, we have swam and as usual been off investigating in the bush. Sometimes when we come home, Mike & Jen tell us we smell bad and make us take a bath then spray this breath freshener in our mouths or feed us those minty tasting treats. I Love my Mike and I'm pretty fond of Jen but sometimes those humans have strange ideas about how they think us canines should look & smell.

Ollie, the guy from World Challenge who speaks a bit like Mike's mom is still with us. He plays a lot with the children and sometimes I think he is having as much fun as they are. He is a pretty jolly fellow and I like Ollie. Sometimes when we don't have children around, Ollie hangs out a bit with Mike & Jen and that is great because it gives the girls (Maya,Paddle) and I more time to hang out with each other.

As always, Mike is busy. He doest have to do as much cleaning now we have the ladies around but that just gives him more time for fix up projects like raking or nailing something or erecting more signs. I have decided that humans must Love signs because we have them everywhere. Us canines don't read so we just find our way by following our noses but I do notice that all the humans read the signs and arrows every day.

I've been eying up those garden's that Mikes mom planted and the flowers are all dying off now so I'm thinking that I might get away with sleeping in those flower beds again. Haven't tried it yet on account of how mad mom looked when she saw me do it just after she had planted in the spring. I think I'll try it when Mikes around before I get brave enough to do it when she is in camp -- after all she is known to arrive with her pockets full of dog treats and I wouldn't want to miss those.

Last week Mike took me to the farm in Sprucdale and I got to see my little feline friend called Dumpy. He is fully grown but he is quite small. He has grey and white stripes and big whiskers. Dumpy and I love to play and I think he was pleased to see me.
Mike named him Dumpy because he brought him home from the dump when he was just a little baby. Someone had left him there and Mike told me he likely saved him from the wild animals. Mom loves Dumpy but she hates that name she says its quite embarrassing when she has to call him inside. My Mike thinks its cute and besides, as he tells mom, one of his friends found a stray cat in town and they named him Towny. I miss Dumpy and sometimes, I wish that he lived here with us but mom says we cant have cats at the camp because unlike me, they may sneak into the kitchen.

Did everyone notice that the other morning we had frost! Mike tells me that this time of year is called Fall or Autumn as Ollie calls it (Ollie says a lot of things differently than Mike) The grown ups say this time of year is pretty with all the different color leaves. Like all of my canine buddies, I am partially colour blind so I don't see what they see but I do like to lay in the piles of leaves, its like there are blankets or mattresses on the ground. I wonder if Dumpy and other cats are colour blind as well or is it just us canines.

Well Guys & Girls, its 5.30pm and I know that its time to head towards the kitchen door and take up my endearing type pose ready for when everyone comes out.

So its so long for now
Lots of Hugs & Slurpy Kisses
from
Your Special Pal Sir "Fudge" A - Lot
at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Its SEP---TEM----BER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-02T20:05:00.004-04:00

Hey There Everyone,

Yes, You guessed it its your canine friend Sir-"Fudge"-A-Lot from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp. There I spelled out all the words and called Spirit Point by its rightful name, that should be good for a special thanks, a hug for sure and maybe even a treat.

I don't have much to say this time, and well, to be honest, actually, I'm pretty busy with the return of the nice weather and lots of swimming to fit in before the lake freezes up for winter.

But busy or not, I could NOT miss the opportunity to remind everyone that it is finally SEPTEMBER and I am very excited because this is the month that the children return to Spirit Point.
On the weekend, we had a small group in and it was sooooo good to hear the constant sound of laughter echoing again. Not to mention of cause all the extra attention, the games and the tit-bits that came my way. Maya & Paddles were here with Jen as well but I don't mind sharing, they have become my best friends. Maya has certainly learned all the camp tricks but even Paddles is learning the tricks of the trade now that she is no longer a baby.. Maya and I try to show her all we can.

Mike tells me that humans believe that we canines are colour blind and I guess we do see things differently than they but we were talking the other day those two girls and I and our main topic was what an attractive bunch we make. There's me A Chocolate Lab with my brown shinny coat and what Mike calls a big melon, by the way that's my head. There's Maya who is actually a mixed breed but she looks just like a Husky to me. She is very pretty "I think" and then there is the little red coated Paddles or orrange as Mike calls it. I don't know what colour humans see us but I think we look absolutely stunning together.

We have a new guest for six weeks. His name is Ollie and he comes all the way from England. Ollie represents World Challenge but he is staying with us in the Lodge so he is right here when the CHILDREN come. He too likes children, I can tell by the way he smiles and talks to them.
Speaking of talking, Ollie sounds very different than my Mike, Mike tells me it is because he has an English accent and he sounds to me a little bit like Mikes mom.

Today I met the new cleaning ladies from Trout Creek, they seemed nice and paid me a little attention but they did not carry treats like the children do nor did they seem to have time to throw sticks for me. Oh well, maybe things will change when they know me better.

Jen helped my Mike put up another new sign today right at the end of our road which Mike calls Tyne Lake Road. Of cause it is another piece of his personal artwork like all the other signs he has made. I wasn't supposed to be out on the road but my excuse today was that I wanted to see what the sign would look like. When they were done, and satisfied that it was level, I stood back with them admiring it and after he thanked Jen for her help, I heard Mike say "see even "Fudge" is impressed" and not a word was said about me being out on the road (Tee-he).

Well, I should go, Mike tells me there are going to be children here tomorrow and I need to turn in and get well rested ready for the Meet & Greet after all,first impressions are important RIGHT!!!

So I'm going to sign off now, spend some quality time with my Mike then I'll rest until morning, have a quick early swim and be shiny clean to meet my new friends.

Lots of Hugs & Slurpy Kisses
from
Your Canine Friend
Sir- "FUDGE" A-Lot
@
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Today is Mike's Birthday

2008-08-24T14:24:00.004-04:00

24th August 2008.

Hey there Everyone,
It's me, you re Canine friend talking "Sir-Fudge-A-Lot" from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp. Sorry, I have been busy doing what all canines do at this time of year which is to make the most of those last few lazy, hazy days of summer. Therefore I realize that I haven't talked to you all for a while but could not forget the significance of today. Today is ---- My Mike's Birthday, and he told me to be sure not to quote his age. Us canines are quite proud to post our age but I guess our human friends do not always feel the same way, so I must honor his wishes.

Anyway, there has been a family of people at the camp for the week renting the lodge and they came with children which is always great for me because I make new friends and new playmates. Early in their stay, Mike (showing me off) had me show them some of my tricks and they were quite fascinated. The part that was especially special was that Mike showed them I get a treat after I perform every trick. So for the rest of the week, the children would meet me outside with tasty morsels of human foods and fruit which they carried as rewards for seeing me do tricks. The funny thing is, I would have done all the tricks they wanted with nothing in return just to be around children for the week but us canines rarely turn our noses up at treats, so the moral is, I performed and they fed me. Its probably a good thing that Mike did not see how many treats I actually consumed because he watches what I eat because he says that I don't know enough to stop. By the way, he is right, eating is one of my passions.

Today that nice family, along with their children left to go back to Toronto. I got lots of hugs and kisses from all before they left and there were big hand shakes and birthday greetings for Mike. They were sad to leave and I was certainly sad to see them go but they had such a good time that I'm sure they will be back again one day.

Today things are fairly quiet, but Mike tells me that Tanya and John (remember, our web site people) are back out tomorrow to stay for a couple of days.

Mikes Mom & Dad (Jan & Larry) were out yesterday to say an early Happy Birthday to Mike. I was a bit disappointed that they did not bring my little brother Hunter with them. They said it was just too hot for him to travel because they planned to stop a couple of times on route so I guess I understand but I cant see why he couldn't have cooled off here with a swim. Oh well, they left extra treats for me which I shared with Maya and Paddle who were out with Jen.

Speaking of Maya and Paddle, the three of us got into a little hot water last week. We were with Mike & Jen while Mike was helping Jen clean up at a camp site. Well as adults (humans) often are,they were busy and we decided to investigate the new area that we were at. Well, I guess we lost track of time and for that matter of each other too. The girls and I got separated and I guess they (Maya & Paddle) were 1 1/2 hours late back and I took a different route meeting Mike on the roadway near by. I could tell he was pleased to find me but his words were stern about the fact that I had wandered of. There were NO special treats for any of us canines that night.

Mike and Larry (as usual) have been busy working at Spirit Point. They have had ladders up at the buildings doing things that they call preparation for the up coming winter months. There has been no major constructions since I last talked with you all. Mike and Larry say the excess rainfall has been a hindrance and that certain jobs have had to be postponed until the fall when things hopefully dry up a little.

Speaking of fall ---- Mike tells me that September is only one week away and September is when the children return to Spirit Point so I cant wait.

In the meantime, I am going to sign off and spend some quality time with Mike before his friends arrive to help celebrate his birthday.

So it's so long for now and as usual,
lots of hugs & slurpy kisses
from your friend
Sir "FUDGE" A Lot at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

To correct a mistake.

2008-08-02T15:35:00.008-04:00

Hey There Everyone,

Its your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A Lot speaking from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp and I'm signing on to talk about a mistake I made while talking to you all last week.
I spoke about the little bird with the big feet and long claws that had just learned to fly and was visiting us at the cabin.Well, I
referred to it as a Hawk and since I have listened close to my human friends talking with Mike and I hear that it is actually called a Merlin> which apparently is from the Falcon family. No wonder I didnt like the look of those claws growing out of his big feet. While I realize that my Mike was not afraid, I am certainly glad that I stayed away from it, my rabbits are much safer playmates.

Anyway, it is still flying around as are its brothers and sisters. It does not come to visit any more, I guess it has learned to judge where it is going, either that or it is no longer as lonely now that the others fly with it.

My Mike still finds it facinating to watch them and he says they become braver everyday because they are flying further distances from their home in the top of the big pine but they are now more than able to find their way back. He (my Mike),likes to hear them squawk, he tells me that they are calling out to each other. I wish they could speak a little softer. Us canines have very sensative ears and they are VERY loud and do not seem to realize that they hurt my ears. Mike tells me that soon they will grow up and leave their nest, eventually having families of their own. At first, I thought this was great news but I've been looking around and I see lots of tall tree's, so I'm thinking, will they all make thier homes in my back yard. I figure that if I'm right, Mike will have to fashion me some ear muffs so I dont end up deaf.

Speaking of noise, those chinkers were back this week running their machines plus what Mike calls a Boom-Genie. They seem like really nice guys but I wonder, is it possible that all humans like things that make noise? Mike & Larry are happy now because they say all the buildings are sandblasted and all except the top level of the lodge are chinked and sealed. Like most of my canine friends, I am a little colour blind so I dont see the difference but just like before, company seems to see the difference in colour right away.
The part that I like is "that low maintenence thing" because the way I see it, its one more thing that wont make my Mike as busy.

This past week it rained quite a bit which meant we spent much more time together. Mike used the time to drive to different places talking about things that we are going to get done like the rocks for landscaping and stone for the pathways etc. This meant that I got to ride with Mike and his Dad (Larry) which was great because I got to see all sorts of new places and everywhere they went, I got to get out while they talked. I met new friends, found new smells and usually managed to guilt them into a morsel of human food here and there when they stopped for lunch. Mike feeds me good dog food and I gets lots everyday but its always the same and I dont see him or any other human eating the same thing over and over, so like them, I enjoy the occasional treat and that made this a very special week.

Today is Saturday and Mike's Mom & Dad (Jan & Larry) came out to visit. As usual they brought my little brother Hunter and we swam and played catch the branch as mom threw it over and over for us. Hunter was a bit bossy today, Mom says its because he has just turned two and is becoming an adult. He always wanted to beat me out into the water for the branch. At first, I was swiming fast to compete with him, but in the end I gave up and Mom started throwing two branches so we could each go at our own speed. I liked that better, life out here at Spirit Point is restfull and layed back and thats just the way I like it.

Speaking of restfull, all that swimming and chasing branches with Hunter has made me tired and its time for my afternoon nap, so having corrected my mistake about the bird thats called a Falcon, I'm going to sign of and snooze.

Talk to you soon, so till the next time;
Lots of Woofs (quiet ones) Hugs & Slurpy Kisses
From Your Canine Friend
Sir "Fudge" A Lot
at
Spirit Point Willderness Academy & Camp.

Almost the end of July.

2008-07-27T16:45:00.002-04:00

27th July 2008.
Hey There Everyone,
Its your chocolate friend "Sir "Fudge" A Lot" speaking from "Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp".

Well, overall its been a quiet couple of weeks at the camp, Mike & Larry have continued to be busy doing that maintenance thing.The little excavator has left now and along with it the noise and I cant say that I am sorry. While the machine was running, those pesky rabbits stayed way back in the bush which just means they are harder to chase. By the way, even though I pride myself on being fairly fit, I still haven't managed to catch one. I hear my human friends say to hop like a bunny but I don't know what they mean because those little critters run and run fast.

Among our many visitors, last week I saw Mike talking to the people next door at the hunt camp. The ladies it seemed were up for an "All Girls visit" because I didn't see any of the guys around. They stayed to chat for a while and my Mike was very interested in the history and to hear how long they have been coming to Hinsburger Lake. I was very quiet while they were visiting for fear that Mike would find out that we had already met. You see, I start of swimming from our dock but once I am out in the lake, I loose my direction and often come out onto their shoreline (that's my story anyway, and I'm stickin to it) One part of the family has a canine of their own, a blonde fellow with long hair called "Tucker" and when I heard people there, I thought maybe "Tucker" was with them but I was wrong. Anyway, the ladies were real nice and they did not mention having seen me so I was relieved. After their chat, the ladies left with paddles that Mike had loaned them to do canoeing I guess. Mike told me they were very nice people and that they too owned part of Hindsburger Lake and had for a very long time so that I should stay away and let them enjoy the privacy of their holiday. As always, I try to please so I found other pastures.

I have lots of people that I go to visit, I don't know if my Mike knows the half of it. On occasions, I am a little embarrassed when folk stop by and the children say "Oh, I saw you this morning Fudge" that's usually my cue to slink of somewhere before Mike asks further questions.

There has been a lot of excitement this week because one of the baby Hawks that have a nest way high in one of our tree's came down for the first time. My Mike was fascinated but after a while he became quite concerned that the little fellow might not know how to get back home. He hung around on the ground for maybe three hours but he did eventually figure out how to fly again and get back to his nest. Now he comes down quite often, there are others up there because I can hear them squawking but so far only the one comes down close to Mike's cabin.
Mike watches him very closely, I think he is trying to make friends with him. He's a cute little thing with lots of white down on his chest but he seems to have big feet with claws at the end of them. I stay away from him, he's small but I don't like the look of those claws and I would rather chase the rabbits.

Maya and Paddle have been out quite a bit with Jen, she (Jen) is busy getting things ready for the fall programs and I like that because I get to play with my friends while she works.

On Saturday, Mikes Mom & Larry came out and as usual brought my brother "Hunter" I took the little fellow swimming because he does not have a lake at his homes in Huntsville or in Sprucdale. I don't know why I call him the little fellow, he is younger than me but he sure is a lot wider. Sometimes Mike says he's getting fat but Mom is quite protective and she tells Mike its because he is short which he is. Anyway, we enjoyed our swim together and as always, enjoyed the treats that mom brings.

We had more company at the same time, Paul's cousin came out and she brought a little girl and they swam. Mike said we were to stay out of the water while they were swimming and I has put in the cabin for a while. I managed to sneak out when someone came to get something and Hunter & I snuck down to the lake and we swam with them. I remembered Mike saying that I was not to try to save anyone unless then looked in trouble so we stayed away but at the same time swam fairly close just in case I was needed.

Eventually everyone left and Mike went back to refurbishing the canoes so I snuck of to have a nice afternoon nap and recoup my energy from the afternoons swim.

Today is quiet, not too much happening so I thought that I would take the time to catch up on my blog and as I started, I glanced at Mike's calender on the wall. Now I realize what he means when he says there is lots to do and summer is ticking away. This is almost the end of July and that means; Only one more month until the children come to "Spirit Point". That's GREAT NEWS for me but I guess it reminds Mike & Larry of how much they have to do before the children get here.

Well Guys, Girls, Moms, Dads and Grandparents, its time for me to wind up. Maya & Paddle are here so its time to go outside and play.
Until Next Time we talk;
Woofs,Hugs & Slurpy Kisses
from your Canine friend
Sir "Fudge" A Lot @
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Some New Special Friends !!!!

2008-07-17T20:32:00.004-04:00

Hey There Everyone,

Its me again, your friend Sir "Fudge" A-Lot from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp. Did you notice today how I remembered to call Spirit Point by its whole name? Well, Mike has been helping me practice. He is telling me that I often shorten it to just Spirit Point and leave of the Wilderness Academy & Camp and I know he is right but sometimes, I really don't understand humans because the way I see it; My full name is Sir Fudge A Lot but everyone including Mike just calls me Fudge so really what is the difference. Oh well, I try to please, so this time I did it right and I'm not dumb, because I know that when Mike see's what I have done I will get an extra hug or even a treat for being what Mike calls being "A Good Boy"

I guess you are all wondering what is new at Spirit Point and I cant wait to tell you because its been a very exciting week.

We had company on the weekend, Tanya & John came to stay and they brought their three children called Mackenzie who is 11, Jacob who is 8 and Ally who is 7. Jen from Chocpaw was here with Mya & Paddle and did we all have fun, it was like a party. The children especially Ally spent a lot of time with us canines and we got lots of hugs. Ally thought I was pretty cool because I catch horse fly's in mouth and she said that she really likes my my stories on the blog. Her Mom Tanya owns fxwebdesign.ca and Mike tells me that she built the web site for Spirit Point which is the reason that I have this blog and I love to write the stories so cudo's to Tanya.

Anyway everyone had a great time and the children loved the rope swing and swimming. They also leaned how to play pool in the Rec Hall, their Dad John taught them and they played for a very long time. I was patient until they were finished and then it was back out to play again. Poor Jacob had his first introduction to Deer Fly's and he was bitten. He was pretty scared at first but handled it like a little trouper and I tried to catch lots that day so he wouldn't get bitten again. Mackenzie is a Great little swimmer and she spent lots of time jumping off the end of the dock. Later they all played a fun game that they called Talent Night and there was lots of laughter. Tanya cooked a Great meal and she said that she really liked our kitchen. My Mike took all the kids for a ride in his Kabota which they thought was swell. That's my Mike, always doing his best to help people enjoy themselves and leave with good memories. It was sure fun to have Tanya, John and their family,I was sad to see them go especially Ally who gave both myself, Mya & Paddle lots of hugs and attention, I hope they all come back again soon.

Mya, Paddle & I ammussed ourselves for the rest of the day after they left because Mike & Larry were both busy doing that maintenance thing and Jen was busy getting organised for the canoe trip that she was doing with another bunch of children. When the canoe trip was over, everyone came back to Spirit Point for a big meal and this time we had Paul & Marg form Chocpaw, plus Martin & Kathy, The Children & Jen. Mike was in the kitchen with them whilst us canines stayed outside but we didn't mind because we had plenty of canine things to do.

Everyone has gone now and things are quiet again except for the noise of the little excavator that Larry and Mike are working on to dig trenches. Honestly, those guys never stop especially my Mike who tells me all the time that we have to make use of the summer months in order to be ready for our open house in late August and the fall programs starting in September when The Children start coming back to Spirit Point. Yippee !!!!!
Well Guys, Girls, Moms, Dads & Grandparents, enough people work for me today, its time for me to get back to being a canine and go looking for puddles to roll in.

Talk to you all soon.
Hugs, Woofs & Slurpy Kisses
from
Your canine friend Sir "Fudge" A Lot
at
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

News from Spirit Point.

2008-07-08T20:01:00.002-04:00

Hey There Everyone,

This is your freind Sir "Fudge" A Lot from Spirit Point just checking in as I usually do every couple of weeks. Boy its so hard to be inside at this time of year when there always seems to be something interesting to do outside.

Well, my eaves dropping paid off -- I was right -- The Children Came to Spirit Point on the July 1st weekend and guess what- they were all newbies that I had never seen before. As the bus pulled into the driveway, I felt that old glimmer of excitement run through my bones, the bus stopped and Mike climbed on board to welcome them and I couldnt wait for the driver to park and let everyone stept out side. To my surprise, when the did disbark, several of the children were afraid of me, some said I was very big and dark, some talked about my huge head and some just seemed plain scared without a reason. Jen was there also with my dear freind Mia so that helped break the ice because Mia is older and though I dont admitt it to her, she often displays great wisdom. She whispered to me to just let them take their time and that they would come to me. This seemed to be working until Mia's new little sister "Paddle" got all excited and started running around in circles but in the end it all worked out and before long I had many new freinds that I was only too willing to share with my Mia and even Paddle.

As for Paddle, well she is cute but sometimes she annoys Mia and I a little because she is always hanging around and expects us to show her all of our special haunts. We start out into the bush seemingly letting her follow but we are never to far in when she turns to go home - opps did we maybe speed up a little to fast - well, we will never tell.

The chlidren were around for several days sometimes at Spirit Point and sometimes of on canoe adventures that sounded like school work because they all earned badges, some silver and some gold. If I heard right, the ones who earned silver have to come back again next year to try for their gold, so I like the silver best because that will bring Children Back to Spirit Point.

While they were out on trip, Padle stayed with Mike and I and even slept with us in the cabin. I dont think Mike told Jen but at night, she curled up on the bottom of Mikes bed with me and she slept there mostly all night.

Speaking of Mike, as usual he has been busy. He has done more tidying in the bush, a little more work to the driveway, sided inside the pump house, put up numerous new shelves to store things, he is constantly turning the solar panels to maximize the suns rays and I even saw him the other day tending moms gardens. The Great thing about Mike is that no matter how busy he is, he alway finds time to to spend with me.

Larry has been comming and going as usual and I hear him and Mike talking about new docks. They sound pretty fancy to me but Mike says it will enhance the waterfront and they will make it easier for both swimmers and canoers. I am sure that just like anything that Mike and Larry plan, they will turn out swell but as for me, I just climb in whenever or from wherever the mood takes me.

The sandblastes/chinkers come and go attemping to finish the Lodge which is the only building left to do. Mike tells me they have been hampered by the weather and the rain showers that humans seem to get so bent about. You all know my feelings on showers and those glorious puddles.

Well Guys, Girls, Moms, Dads & Grandparents, its time to sign off, nature calls and I have a hankering to be in the great outside.

Talk to you all again soon and hopefully see many of you at our August Open House, oh and please bring your children.

Woofs, Hugs & Slurpy Kisses.
from
Your Canine Freind Sir "Fudge"
at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Children are coming back to "Spirit Point"

2008-06-24T21:25:00.003-04:00

Hey There Everyone,

This is going to be a short entry because I'm so full of what Mike calls nervous energy. When I'm full of that sort of energy, its hard for me to sit or even stand still. Mike says I bounce like Tiger.

Now, I gotta tell you why I am so full of energy, remember in my last entry, I said that I overheard about children coming back to Spirit Point, well it pays to eavesdrop because I was right. All week I have felt like something special was about to happen. Mike and Larry have been making sure that everything is sparkling clean and all the beds are once again made up in the Bunkhouse then today as I sat patiently not making a sound just listening and waiting for lunch scraps ---- I heard what I've been waiting to hear.
There will be Children at Spirit Point this weekend.
And this is what causes me to have the nervous energy - I call it excitement.

I cant help wondering, will there be anyone I know, if so, that will be very exciting but if not, it will be Great to make new friends. Next week I will tell you all about it, for now, its time for me to go burn of some of this energy so as when I get back to the cabin I will be able to settle down as Mike puts it. I think a night swim and a quick look for a rabbit to chase will do it. By the way, I still haven't managed to catch one of those little critters. I thought I'd been practicing my speed but I think they have been too.

Talk to you all soon.
Hugs, licks & slurpy kisses
Yours & Everyone's friend
Sir "Fudge" A Lot
from
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

The Big "Spirit Point" sign.

2008-06-10T20:02:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys & Girls,

Its me, your faithful Friend Sir "Fudge"-A-Lot from Spirit Point. Its been a Great couple of weeks with lots of sunshine and the odd shower creating - you guessed it puddles.

Mike is still busy with his maintenance and Larry comes most days to give him a hand but my Mike he works from dawn til dusk. Now I finally see what all Mike's winter carving was about, we have new hand carved signs everywhere. There is a sign that says Lodge, one that says Bunk House, one that says Kitchen, one that says Power and one that simply says Welcome. I'm guessing that Mike wants everyone to know which building is which, either that or he doesn't want people to get lost.

Still the Biggest sign of all is the one at the end of our driveway and it seems to be generating lots of attention. People actually stop to look at it and they ask questions about it like, who did you get to build that for you and who lifted its giant form in place. I don't know if he knows it but my Mike glows
with pride when he tells them it was he who designed it, built it and lifted it in place. Its kind of funny that some people use Mikes words as he explained it all to me, they say "Son its a Great land mark and it will be there for years to come bearing a testament to your art work" of cause what they don't realise, is it bears a little of me also - remember?

The Sand Blasters and Chinkers are now almost done. The buildings that are completed with what Mike & Larry call top-coat are now shinny and very new looking. The lodge is still a work in progress.

Mike has been placing big rocks everywhere and he tells me there are lots still to come because that it what he plans to use to define the foot paths. Larry talks about solar lights buried in the rocks to light the paths, I'm thinking that will look pretty neat not that canines need light but people seem to enjoy it and with the lights, I wont get in the way so much, you see I'm dark brown and I don't show up too well at night.

On the weekend, Mikes Mom (Jan) came out with Larry. I was pleased to see them pull in, I really like visitors and I do like the treats that Mom always brings. I was a little disappointed that they did not bring my little brother Hunter. Mom said she was going to be busy so she would not be able to watch him. I wondered what she would be doing to be busy but then they started to unload the van it was flowers . This was my worst nightmare because I remembered Hunter telling me "stay away from the gardens if you want to keep Mom happy" She & Mike planted gardens all around his cabin in that soft new earth that Mike calls top soil. Do you know how cozy and cool that was to curl up in, well I guess those days are over. Then they went to the bunk house and I knew it, those nice raised area's where I could lay and survey the entire camp ground. Sure enough, my intuition was right, those raised beds as Mom calls them now have flowers, solar lights, rocks and strange looking pieces of drift- wood. I stared up really just watching what they were doing but Mom gave me the glare and it brought new meaning to Hunters words - I decided to go for a swim instead and by the time I returned, everyone was pleased to see me again, and I even got a treat for being a good boy and staying out of the new gardens.

Paul from Chocpaw Expeditions was out last night. He and Mike stood talking for a while I was busy wandering but I did catch word of Children in camp at the end of the month. I've been very patient but I cant wait for those children to return.

I also heard talk of a Big Open House at the end of August. Don't really know what that means but there was talk of lots of people and food so it sure sounds like fun to me. Mike tells me everything so I will keep you all posted once he has explained it to me.

Well guys & Girls, I gotta go, nature calls and besides which while I was sitting quietly looking outside, I saw that little rabbit out there hopping around. This could be a fun chase - I know I'm getting faster, been practicing you see.

Talk to you all again soon.
Hugs, Licks & Slurping Kisses
Your Friend
"Sir Fudge" from "Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp".

1st June 2008

2008-06-01T14:18:00.003-04:00

Good Afternoon All,

Its me, your faithful friend Sir "Fudge" A Lot from Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

Mike tells me that today is the first day of June and that soon those pesky black flies will be gone again for another year. I must say, I am not usually someone who complains much but I will be glad to see them gone.

Mike is bitten very badly from having worked in the bush. He has been beautifying the surroundings by getting rid of much of the fallen foliage that was cluttering up the woodlands. From a people prospective, it certainly looks better while from a canine prospective, it makes walking through a lot easier and allows me to reach my destinations without the rigour of climbing or jumping those hurdles of leaning tree trunks.

Mike has erected a Great new Spirit Point sign at the end of our driveway,
I was quite concerned for him as he lifted those giant pieces all alone in order to get it set in place. I know that his dad (Larry) was planing to help him the next day but that's my Mike when he wants it done -- well you know the rest. Suffice to say, it did work well and as he says it will now serve as a land mark for many years to come. Did I christen it? did you really feel that I could resist? Of cause I did. the way I see it, its Mike and I in this together so if it bears his mark as he says it does, then its up to me to see it bears mine also.

Even though this is, as Mike & Larry call it maintenance time, this was a good week for company. I got to see Martin from Chocpaw who came out with his friend and later in the week I got to see Jen from Chocpaw also. I did not get to take a long walk with my friend Mia but I'm sure I will again soon.

I went back to the rock face this week, the same one I visited with Ross, Jeromy & Rebeca. It was not quite the same without them along but the view was just as spectacular plus, I got to chase a rabbit for a while on the way home. I was disillusioned in the fact that I did not catch him, those little critters are fast but I enjoyed the chase and vowed to move faster myself the next time he passes by.

The allure of those springtime thoughts seems to be subsiding a little now and days take on the comfortable summertime routine of basking in the sun, swimming to cool off, basking a little more, the occasional walk and then repeating the whole scenario over.

This past week, I actually got to spend a little more time with Mike. Larry wasn't around as much so I sort of hung out to keep him company. I love lunch time on those days because he always seems to be so grateful that I have hung around so there is usually a tasteful morsel of lunch that comes my way.

Who told humans I wonder that it is better for us dogs to eat once per day.

Mike tells me that Neville will be in next week with fill for the new bus portion of the driveway. I guess they have been waiting for half loads to be done before they can put the weight of a full truck on the roads. I'm guessing that no-one told the moose about half loads because I saw two big ones plus a baby walking down the middle of our road just last week.

Mike's mom has been sick with a cold which mean she did not visit this week --- darn no treats but then Mike took me to see her on Sunday and I got treats there. Got to play with my little brother "Hunter" as well and he warned me, not to go near the gardens as this does not make mom happy.
This makes me nervous because Mike has been leveling top soil and tells me that she is going to plant gardens out at Spirit Point also. Somehow I know that this will NOT be a good thing for me because Mike has spread soil in all of those raised area's where I love to sunbathe and I bet this will be my new place to get into trouble from.

This afternoon when I was eave's-dropping, I heard talk of children at Spirit Point later this month. Cant wait for those children to return again.

Well, enough inside time for me, its starting to rain and you know how I love those glorious puddles.

Gotta Go.
Woofs, Hugs & Slurpy kisses
from
Your faithful friend
Sir "Fudge" A Lot
@
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.

2008-05-17T10:34:00.003-04:00

Good Morning,

Its me again "Mr Sir Fudge" speaking from Spirit Point. Its May now and as you can see by my picture, the ice finally melted and I have been able to re-live those glorious swimming days in my lake. On this day, my young brother came to visit, he lives with Mikes Mom & Dad in Huntsville so he's excited when he gets to join me here at the lake for a day. Sometimes when he leaves I feel a little sad just like when Mia leaves in the winter but the good thing is -- they always return.

Mike and Larry are still busy doing what they call maintenance and they have other men here doing a strange thing called sand blasting, chinking and sealing. All the buildings now look sparkling new again and Mike & Larry are happy because they say that not only does it look nice but that this will ensure that the buildings maintain their lusture for years to come. Such big words, its all Dutch to me and seeing as like all of my canine freinds, I am colour blind, they look just the same as they did before to me but I guess Mikes right because every one that pulls in says wow!

They, Mike & Larry have changed the driveway which necesitated moving two of my favourite land marks those big geen posts that you all saw when you first arrived. The gate now has backed up about fifty feet and the old green gate has been replaced by a shinny new grey metal one which hangs on new wooded posts. I dont think that Mike saw me, but I have already Christened those new posts if you know what I mean.

The driveway is changing, they have taken out some brush and opened it up
to where you can now see the diesel room as you pull in. More of my stomping grounds gone and at first I wasnt too happy but then Mike explained that it was to make better accomodation for the busses. Well, I like busses because busses bring children who add life to Spirit Point not to forget many new playmates for me so I resigned myself to this being a good thing. Cant wait for those children to start arriving again!

Life here is pretty ideal, lots of room to roam, tree's to christen, a lake to swim in whenever the mood takes me, good food, always fresh water and a great master but lately I've been getting in my share of trouble. As if stealing the tools wasnt bad enough, now as I awake in the morning and as usual sniff the air, sudenly I am getting scents that are alluring if you get my jist and as much as I love Mike, those scents are calling out to me. On several occasions I have left in search of well, lets call it a special freind. I am always on route to those pastures when I hear Mike calling. What an oxy moron that presents, The Master that I love so dearly or the allure of springtime for an adolescent male. Thus far, I have returned to that freindly summoning voice of my master but I do feel there will come a day when it will be very hard to listen ----- I will leave the rest to your imagination.

Last night we had company in the form of faces I have seen before. The other Mike & Andrew were here plus Jeromy, Ross & Rebeca both representing World Challange, They stayed in the lodge and there was talk of them camping for the next night but concerns about the fact that it is surposed to rain all weekend. What is it I wonder that humans have against the rain. For me its great, those puddles return again and I get to role in them which perpetuates the cycle of Mike saying that I have to stay outside to dry off but for me its all worth it. I heard once that people pay big dollars for mud baths and I always think that I could save them the costs if they would just role in the puddles like I do or even with me.

Well guys, girls and grown ups, nature calls, I have been inside for a while to up date you but spring is not a time that I like to be inside other than at night time so I'm going to say "So long for now, will talk to you all again soon"

Woofs, hugs and slurpy kisses.
from
Your canine freind.
"Sir Fudge" of "Spirit Point".

Good Morning All

2008-04-15T16:31:00.007-04:00

It’s me Sir "Fudge" speaking from Spirit Point.

Just wanted you to know I had a great winter season meeting many new friends and affiliates from Chocpaw Expeditions. I experienced long winter walks showing people around my hunting grounds, watched and followed children and adults doing some funky stuff on long thin things that they called cross country ski's, sat quietly beside people as they placed poles into holes in the ice and marveled when they caught fish, got to hike with all sorts of people as they used strange shaped pieces of wood and rawhide that they called snowshoes and enjoyed numerous one on one times with kind people as they took the time to just pet or play with me. Once I even consoled a little boy who was missing his family. I found him outside crying, he looked so sad, he told me he had a black dog at home. They tell me that I am brown but I thought what’s the difference between black and brown so I nestled beside him, gave him a few warm kisses and soon he was smiling and we were friends. He sure enjoyed the rest of his stay, I missed him when he left but there were daily there were many others to take his place.

As the snow left so did they and as much as I love my master "Mike" I do miss the comings and goings of new guests and the tit bits that I would receive after their meals were over. Mike assures me that there will be many more as the seasons come and go. Right now, it’s kind of yucky here. I love the mud puddles but Mike makes me lay in the sun to dry off before I can go inside. I hanker to swim again but no matter how often I visit my favorite spots, the water is still solid with ice. Mike tells me to be patient that it will soon be gone and those long glorious summer swimming days will return.

Mike is rather busy these days, he and Larry are doing what they call maintenance. There are no jobs for me in that area so sometimes I snatch a piece of wood or tool from them and run off to make my own fun. Sometimes I get in trouble because they say it was a piece that they needed but I enjoy the chase as they have to stop what they are doing and find me.

I miss my other canine friends especially Mia (Jen's sled dog) whom I became quite close with we loved to take our morning walks together and I enjoyed showing her around in my neighborhood. I sure hope that Mia visits me occasionally throughout the summer months I could show her my favorite swimming spots.

Well good friends enough time inside for me, it’s time to go find another glorious mud puddle and lay in the sun to dry off. I look forward to seeing you all as spring approaches.

For now, Take Care
Your Canine Friend

Sir "Fudge"

From
Spirit Point Wilderness Academy & Camp.