The Seasons:
With hardly any snow the winter of 2000 was a big disappointment for snowmobilers. All snow-related reservations were cancelled. Winter fishing was, however, the best in many years, especially walleye, perch and tulipee, so overall reservations were up for the winter.

We experienced the most difficult spring since we arrived because of one thing: maple syrup! Our brother, Bill, and his friend, John, delivered all the equipment of collecting and cooking maple sap into maple syrup. After nearly a month of collecting firewood, tending the fire, gathering sap, straining the syrup and no sleep, we ended up with 20 gallons of maple syrup.

The summer months, with a record number of reservations, passed too quickly. This year we had our first wedding ceremony — congratulations to Allen and Louise Kugler.

Fall has been a full-out effort to get projects completed and getting ready for winter again. Our brother, Larry, did a great deal of the work while insisting on the use of his "patented" deck-construction methods, much to the delight of our observing dad.

Construction Work:
After several years of making major improvements to the resort underground utility infrastructure, including sewer, water and electrical work, we have finally had an opportunity to do some visible work.

The major project for this year has been the redevelopment of Cabins 16A, B, C and D. Work started in the spring with the addition of entrance and deck roofs. Then the Auburndale High School FFA students scraped and painted the exterior walls and trim. Meanwhile reroofing work was underway with the help of friends and family. This was the fourth year that these hardworking guys and girls, along with their teachers, have spent several days working and fishing at the resort. In the fall, lakeside decks were constructed and the picture windows were replaced with full-height glass doors and windows. Other work included regrading the front of the cabins for good drainage, new entrance steps, new gas lines throughout, and tree and ground cover planting. The final result provides guests with better lake views from the cabins and sunny decks on the south side of the cabins — with nice views and access to Leech Lake.

We hope to finish the screened-in fish cleaning area before spring-opener to augment the interior area of the boathouse.

After replacing the harbor channel blinking light, which helps people find their way back to the resort at night, Butch Devries came down with "chronic blinking-eye syndrome. His efforts at self-pity resulted in a blinking light being placed in his living-room window.

Fishing Report
The quality of fishing started out very good especially in May and June. Unfortunately fishing was not as good in July, August and September. Inconsistent weather patterns failed to concentrate fish in typical locations. Unlike past years, the best perch fishing shifted from September to late August. Roger Larson won the guide division of Muskie Northern Derby Days. Chuck and Liana Emery took second place in the Pro Team Walleye Tournament on Leech Lake.

For a while, the harbor, affectionately called Big Rock Bay, was the fishing "hot spot." In July, David Thompson caught a 27 1/2" walleye off the harbor fishing dock. It's best to check in at Zack's Harbor Guide Service for the latest harbor fishing information.

In 2001, Big Rock Resort will host the first annual Big Rock/Rock Bass Tournament. This fun event will be held on Thursday, August 9. The tournament committee, consisting of Bill Chopp, Lavern Jensen (celebrating his 55th year as a Big Rock guest), Gwen Suntken and Jerry Emery, have developed fair and impartial rules. These rules are being reviewed by the Florida courts to be sure there are no conflicts or inconsistencies.