Black's Cliff Birch Bark Blog

Excerpt: You never know who is going to arrive in my driveway. Today I had Tom Weiss a chain saw carver arrive with a truck load of his sculptures taking a few days to enjoy the Northwoods before going home. Calling Tom a chain saw carver is not right I think I would put him in the category of chainsaw... Read more

Excerpt: To all those who were disturbed by the hole in the roof pictures of Restawhile, it is done. For some reason I seemed to disturb a few folks who were planning on staying in Restawhile in the next few weeks with pictures of the hole... did you really doubt Craig would not get it done... Don't you know... he... Read more

Excerpt: Time to put the raft in place. Notice the relatively calm lake as Steve starts out Hooked up and starting out rowing. I can do this no problem. Paul Zaremba could not but I can Um....where did that wind come from? HELP I am headed to the otherside of the lake Throw the motor in reverse and PULL!! Wind... Read more

Excerpt: Time to put the first pontoon boat in. All cleaned up and loaded with beach chairs. When they asked me to help launch, I looked at them remembering how many times a flat tire, trailer popping of the ball, and motor with mouse nest in it has happened causing major delays and thought about my chicken boiling on the... Read more

Excerpt: One picture, a thousand words, this is what being in a family business is all about, family that works together stays together and getting the blue dock in, in time for the weekend is a good thing. Something binds you together when you have to get in freezing cold water twice a year with your brother inlaw and father/father... Read more

Excerpt: http://giftcard.minocqua.org/ I would love to hear that one of our guests wins this money! Sign up can't hurt to try No pictures today... sorry to busy with a paint brush in my hand not a camera will make up for it tomorrow... Read more

Excerpt: The leaves slowly coming out on a calm day on the lake Calm and not a ripple to be found Wish I had a cup of coffee to just sit by the lake but that did not happen Docks slowly going in. Big docks next week after Restawhile gets its new roof on The water was clear and I... Read more

Excerpt: These loon pics were shared to me my the Rotter family who was up for the first time last week. They caught these amazing pics of our loon family on Lower Kaubashine. Thanks to them for sharing, the pictures are amazing I had a cancelation on Craig's 2bdr Blackwood for August 23 - Labor Day if anyone is interested I... Read more

Excerpt: I knew many years ago that relaxing Mother's Days were not going to happen. Instead a breakfast at Paul Bunyans and back to work painting. One painting job I can not give to anyone else painting the numbers and names on the boats Paul Bunyan doughnuts being worked off with paint brushes and John Deere Green. Nothing makes mom... Read more

Excerpt: We have a small problem... that hole in Restawhile got just a little bigger from the picture the other day... Think anyone will notice... Craig is calling it a sky light.... not sure that is gonna fly with Atlanta Once Craig starts ripping you never know where he will end. I do know he went to Pro Build and... Read more

Excerpt: Lower Kaubashine ice free this morning. Loons have been spotted, just not with my camera We have a 45 plus inch Muskie that has staked out the shallows of the swimming area as its spawning site. Every time you go down the steps you can spot him cruising through. He was eyeing up floating Cliff the other day as... Read more

Excerpt: I learned of a new sport today Waterfall Bagging. www.waterfallbagging.com explains what it is. Competition to see how many waterfalls you can get your picture taken at in the UP. Troy and I have a good start this year with our trip recently to the Porcupine Mountains. This waterfall, Bond Falls, is a beautiful one just outside of the... Read more

Excerpt: Happy to update everyone that through some miracle, John Thompson is doing well. After and aneurism, and 3 strokes he is doing well and recovering at a rehab center. He is defying the odds and we are all cheering for him. Now to get that wedding planned and up to Wisconsin for a swing in the swinging bed and... Read more

Excerpt: You know spring is here because Craig is back and back to work on a roof. His one big spring project he had to return for New roof on Restawhile. I kept renting Restawhile and closing off the times he had to work on it, so he is in a time crunch for May 11th. Ohh and Linda will... Read more

Excerpt: Joe and his buddies were up for the fishing opener it was their first trip to the resort. They headed over to the Willow Flowage and were very happy with their catch of Walleyes this weekend. I heard nice and fat fish and lots of them, sorry they did not take pics to share. Walleyes were biting and one... Read more

Excerpt: Pictured above: The Old Hiawatha Inn now Jacobi's. Maynard is at the head of the table and Millie in the front. I believe that is the same door today that goes into the kitchen Last night my girlfriend and I attended the Taste of the North. Restaurants brought samples of their best to the table and we went around... Read more

Excerpt: There are many reasons I had kids, one of the many is so that I no longer have to help Troy put in docks. I am not sure who liked putting in docks less Troy working with me or me working with him. I thanked Jake for taking over this job for me. Troy said thank you as well... Read more

Excerpt: I just found out Lauer Aviation is offering seaplane rides and will pick you up on your dock. They are out of Mercer and charge 250/hour and that hour starts when they leave Mercer. I know many folks remember taking seaplane rides from our dock up into the 70's and may be interested in arranging a group to do... Read more

Excerpt: The leaves in the area are just starting to pop out. The vivid green of new leaves is a color that is hard to capture but easy to remember I took all of these tree pics down where the road meets the water. The first picture was taken looking over at Blackwood, Craig 2bdr rental Spring is here to... Read more

Excerpt: What has been going on the last few days.. lots of little projects here and there I stopped in woodruff to see a new store in downstown that carries crafts and a resale shop in the back Cathy does several of the crafts herself with her husband and also has several local crafters displayed as well Wood Burning is... Read more