Leelanau Coffee Blog

Ice Fishing Nearing The End

Michael Buhler — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:04:00 +0000

A little over a month ago Big Glen Lake froze over, and the ice fishing season began. And now, as the March thaw ensues, the top gets slushy in the sun and warmth, and soon the ice will break up and push away from the shore. Here is a photo of some Thursday evening fishermen, hooking perch for one of the last times.

March News & Special

Michael Buhler — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:02:05 +0000

Greetings, Coffee Lover!

February just flew by. I recall that years ago it would seem to drag on, with lots of grey days, but not lately. Cross country and downhill skiing, events like the Chili Cookoff, and riveting nights watching the Olympics really kept me busy. March is a time when most of us get our vacations in, and that also makes the month go quickly. Add to that the NCAA Basketball Tournament, and it will be April before we know it.

We’ve had another great, normal winter up north, and it was excellent for winter sports. As always, if it didn’t snow too much, I began to get lax in blowing off the driveway, so now it has about 6” of hardpacked snow on it. However, we are beginning to get daytime temperatures above freezing mixed with some sunshine, and that will (hopefully) take away the snow. Then again, last year we had that 15” dumped on us March 9th, so I would never bet against Mother Nature. Cherry Blossoms aren’t until around May 8th, so we have a little way to go until true Spring.

Our Cafe Manager Randy is having shoulder surgery this Friday, and we wish him well. Guess he won’t be able to report to Spring Training with the Tigers this year (should they call).

You liked the free Trail Mix back in January, so for the March Special we’re going to get out of the Irish Cream rut and offer you a free 3-ounce bag of our Coffee Peanut Brittle when you order 3 or more pounds of coffee online. Simply order your coffee, add a Brittle to your cart, and during checkout type in the coupon code brittle and you’ll see the discount appear.

For those of you who like Twitter, we now have an account! Follow us there. And I know that hundreds of you have Facebook, and we invite you to join our Fan Page (and invite your friends). We keep you apprised of the northern news, and sometimes have specials or post photos. Oh, that reminds me: post your own photos, testimonials, and recommendations to the Facebook page—we’d love it!

The final big news is that the James Beard Foundation announced the sem-finalists for Best Chef. Of the 20 Great Lakes region nominees, two are right here in Glen Arbor: Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux of La Bécasse, and Randy Chamberlin of Blu (who serves Leelanau Coffee!). We’re excited for them and hope for their advancement in the selection process.

See you in April!

Chili Cookoff 2010

Michael Buhler — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:01:51 +0000

We didn’t enter this year, preferring to enjoy the chilis and the hospitality. Here’s a little video of some of the participants. Music by my friend Adam Ahrens, who can be heard all around Austin, Texas.

Meet some of the participant/judges of this year’s Chili Cookoff in Glen Arbor, sponsored by the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The event is hosted annually on the Saturday of President’s Weekend, starting at noon. Hosted by Boone Docks Restaurant, Glen Arbor.

Proceeds from this event support college scholarships for Glen Lake High School students.

Ready for the weekend

Michael Buhler — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:33:36 +0000

This weekend holds so many possibilities! With our recent snow, cool (but not bone-chilling) temperatures, and sun in the forecast, all outdoor activities are looking fantastic. Add to that the President’s Day long weekend, Valentine’s Day, WinterFest in Glen Arbor, and the Olympics on TV, and there is plenty to do and see up north!

WinterFest in Glen Arbor on Saturday features the Perch Fishing Contest (check in with the Sportsman Shop), and the Chili Cookoff on the deck at Boone Docks at noon. Down in Empire are the Polar Dip and several other events.

Stopping by The Homestead this morning I saw this freshly groomed hill awaiting skiers. The lifts open at 1 p.m.

I heard that the cross country trail on Alligator Hill is in great shape, so will be working off my chili there, before I finally settle in and catch the Olympics with friends. Have a great weekend, and drink coffee to stay warm

Fresh Snow :)

Michael Buhler — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:04:55 +0000

The storm that might have skipped us rewarded Glen Arbor with a lovely, fresh blanket of snow overnight. It’s only a couple inches, but it covers up the woods, invites cross country skiing, and of course makes everything look wonderful. More snow may fall, and then the weather outlook for the weekend is outstanding: partly cloudy, highs in the 20s–perfect skiing weather for the long weekend.

A Beautiful Winter’s Day

Michael Buhler — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:36:17 +0000

Winter began with gigantic dumps of snow which took us through the Holidays. Then, in mid-January, we had a long, milder spell during which some of the snow melted, and we even had some rain one day. Usually we are then repaid by frigid temperatures and another snow dump. While the cold weather returned (and Glen Lake froze about two weeks behind its average date), we’ve had lots of blue skies and sunshine, and very little snow. Here along the lakeshore I think we’ve had about an inch since the thaw.

The good news is that there is snow in the forecast for today and tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll get the woods freshened up for snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

When Big Glen Lake froze, it froze amazingly clear, and here is a shot. The ice is about 6″ thick, and those apparent ice floes are just little patches of wind-whipped snow.

Big Glen is ready to freeze

Michael Buhler — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:42:29 +0000

With the sudden drop in temperature, Big Glen Lake is ready to resume it’s freezing. Last night ice pushed out about 50-100′ from the western shore, and the next two nights will have temperatures in the single-digits. I’d figure it to freeze Thursday night, except for the wind predictions. It needs cold and calm. Tried for a photo, but it came out looking flat. Maybe when the ice is out I can try again.

Sunny!

Michael Buhler — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:31:35 +0000

The thaw has continued a little, mostly creating icicles around our homes, but not really melting the snow. Today like yesterday is bright and sunny, and apparently it is going to warm up, rain, then the temperature takes a dive and snow will move in mid-week next week. We surely need a fresh coat, and I like when the pines are snow covered. Here is a meadow near D.H. Day Farm this morning.

Mid-winter Thaw

Michael Buhler — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:57:27 +0000

At 6 a.m. the temperature started rising above 32°, and shot right up to 38° now (at 11:00). We’re in a warm bubble for the coming days, and that will hopefully dry up some roads, and clean up some driveways and parking lots. It feels balmy, but we always know that in a few weeks we’re likely to get either single-digit temperatures, or a blizzard, as payback.

I went down to Glen Haven and took these shots at the Cannery.

The deer are rooting in my yard

Michael Buhler — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:41:37 +0000

After once again denuding my holly bushes, now the deer are digging deep, looking for acorns.