Firstly I would like to wish a big happy New Year to you all, here's hoping 2010 is as much fun as 2009, and the fishing keeps getting better!

I’m sure many of you think I spend the five-month winter break just sitting around, watching the TV and drinking coffee - yeah right!

The winter shut-down gives me the opportunity to make improvements and carry out essential maintenance on the lakes.

As an example, last week we had a thunder storm which washed away most of the gravel off the road down to Vert and Bleu. This now has to be replaced, involving a trip to the local stone yard and a few back-breaking hours shoveling!

I thought you might like to see some of the other behind-the-scenes work I'm planning for this winter...

Rouge

- The double swim needs a bit of maintenance to keep it looking smart

- The soak away drain that stops the swim flooding needs to be re-dug and cleaned

- Many trees need trimming back to stop them toppling in when they bloom

Bleu

Every year this lake seems to take most time and maintenance

- Cut back and remove many of the overhanging trees because they fall in over winter.

- Raise the banking where the water overflows when we get floods.

- Continue tidying up the fallen trees behind the long bank.

Vert

- Build a new drain to the stock pond.

- Continue maintenance of the forest along the long bank - keeping the brambles and Acacia trees in check.

Even though this is all a lot of hard work, I do genuinely enjoy my winters - nearly as much as meeting you all in the summer.

Once again, happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you all again later in the year, when the weather is warmer and the lakes aren't frozen!

Kind regards

John

posted by Exclusive Angling Holidays  # 5:07 PM