Thursday, December 27, 2012

What is there to do today?

What is there to do today?........asked by many on a regular basis.  Well, we certainly think there is a lot to do at Seven Oaks but we know you can't come here everyday.......even though you might like to..........so I am including the "Boone County Bucket List: Top Ten things to do before you kick it"......taken from the Chamber of Commerce website.  I think you will find it informative.  A lot of people make a weekend trip to the Boone area and take in a lot of these things........


  1. Zipline at Sunstream Retreat
  2. Bike across the 1/2 mile long, 130' high, High Trestle Trail Bridge
  3. Ride the Boone and Scenic Valley train out into the valley
  4. Float the Des Moines River, or ski the slopes with Seven Oaks
  5. Marvel at the 40 acre Living Library, the Iowa Arboretum
  6. Witness the IMCA Supernationals in September at Boone Speedway
  7. Gawk at the 190' high, double-track Kate Shelley Memorial High Bridge
  8. Catch a meal at Jimmy's BBQ, the Gigglin Goat, or the Lucky Pig
  9. Wash it down with a classic ale from Boone Valley Brewery or sip a crisp red from Snus Hill Winery
  10. Shop til you drop in Boone's downtown specialty stores
Come see us in Boone County..........


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Hear Ye .....Hear Ye.....

As of fifteen minutes ago Willett's Way, Elwood's Hideout, Central Park, Kenzie's Korner, the terrain park and the snow tubing park are added to the  list of trails now open at Seven Oaks.  There is only the top of Drop Zone that is not yet open............and it will be opened when we groom tonight!  Hoooooray!

A BIG Thank You to the team that made snow and pushed snow and groomed snow on Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day........You made it happen!

And........I am told that snow is in the forecast for Thursday night.........some say 2 to 3 inches............bring it on!

Going to be an awesome 2012 - 2013 Holiday Ski, Snowboard and Snow Tube season.........and don't forget we are open til 11 pm on New Years Eve......

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Let's talk about snow......


I sit here waiting in great anticipation for our FIRST recognizable snow event in a long, long time.....hoping each meteorologist is right and that we get about ten inches.....10"..........oh my gosh won't that be great on Friday  Even with this much snow coming, we plan to turn on our snow machines tonight as soon as the conditions allow it.  Which brings me to the question we are often asked............

Q: How cold does it have to be to make SNOW?

A: The humidity is just as important as the air temperature when we consider making snow. 


As a rule of thumb, if you add the air temperature to the relative humidity together that sum total needs to equal 100 or less for us to make decent snow. 

We will typically start making snow at 105 IF we know the temps and or humidity will continue to drop. The lower that sum total number is, the more water we can flow to each machine and the more snow per hour we can produce.

Example: If it is 24 degrees with 88% humidity ...112...we will not try making snow. If it was 24 degrees with 75% humidity, which when added together equals 99,  we would be making snow. 


When the humidity is 60 or less and the air temps are in the low teens, we have the maximum amount of water flowing through the snow machines.........and are making a LOT of snow per hour with those conditions........

So we'll set here tonight........waiting for the right temps and humidity and hope we can add to what mother nature is giving us.........during the snow storm.........and we like it.........

Friday, December 14, 2012

Opening Day is Here!

We open today at 4 pm for day one of the 2012-13 season.....and we are anxious to see all our winter friends and especially YOU!

The snow is made, pushed into place and groomed.........



The chairlift is ready to carry you to the top....for a fun ride down.........



Some features have been set for the adventurous.......



The new approach to Abby's Alley and Freeway is covered with snow.............



.......and check out the new pipe.........

















........employees are trained, instructors are ready, the rental shop with the new boots is ready, Snow Joe's has plenty of food and Coal Creek Lounge is stocked......

.....IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT SEASON!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Getting Ready........You and Us

As we are rapidly approaching the end of November....... and since early December is the usual time that Seven Oaks opens for the winter season, we have had multiple lists of things we have to accomplish to be ready.  And those lists are dwindling down to almost nothing left......which is a good thing.

And speaking of lists, let's review another check list to make sure you too are ready for opening day.  It's been about nine months since you were last on the snow and you put your winter stuff in the closet or maybe the basement or even the garage.

  • So first things first........find your equipment!  Where exactly did you store it?  Can you locate your skis,  snowboards, boots, ski poles, helmet and goggles?
  • Once you have relocated your equipment, check it over to make sure you have no surprises when you're ready to go out the door and hit the slopes.  Might be time to wax the board or skis ....and maybe a tune up as well.
  • Kids especially need to make sure they didn't outgrow their equipment over the summer.  Try on those boots and helmets. 
  • Might as well get clothing located too.  If you think remembering where you stored your boots is challenging, wait til you try to remember where you put all your winter clothing!  Jackets, pants or bibs...........got 'em..........but where did you put the favorite socks.......and your classy beanie and the gloves or mittens?  
  • Once again........those kids in the family might have grown some since they last had their winter clothes on so to avoid the last minute panic, they should be tried on to make sure they still fit.  And hey......that big Thanksgiving meal might have changed your size too..........so to be on the safe side, maybe everyone needs to try on the clothing.
  • We know everyone uses their legs a lot when skiing or snowboarding.......so a few extra minutes of walking, climbing, stretching and general exercising will pay dividends on day one.
Taking a few moments to run through the checklist will help you be ready to enjoy your first of many days on the slopes this winter.  Let's have some fun!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Unique

Today is one of those unique days that only happens once in a while...............October 11, 2012...................or 10-11-12.........we'll have to see if something special happens.......

Speaking of special........last week was special to me......ran a dozer for six straight days.....We decided it only made sense to enlarge the upper pond to create more water holding capacity for snowmaking during the winter months.  I think we now have enough water to make it through any normal cold snap early on the season and not run out of water when the temps are still low enough to be blowing snow.  All that dirt Joel excavated wasn't relocated very far from it's origin.  We moved it to the Valley View......Riblet........chairlift unload to make the top section larger........both the east side and the west side.........but especially the east side..............and we made the profile of the unload better for skiing at a uniform angle all the way to Abby's Alley and more uniform leading into Freeway as well.......think you will like it.........

We are getting real close to the annual Season Pass Sale and Equipment Swap........Sunday October 21 from 10 to 5.............we are looking forward to seeing all the equipment Matt from Waynes Ski and Bike in Mason City brings to sell.

Believe it or not............canoes and kayaks are still floating the river..........leaves are still colorful but were probably at peak about ten days ago............they were so beautiful for several days.............then we had the windy day and it was like a blizzard of leaves for several hours............

Paintball continues to be active........weather is so conducive to playing......fifty and sixty degrees is pretty ideal.........

The lodge continues to be as busy as ever too.............still a lot of weddings, wedding receptions, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and business meetings ...........and ISU house parties too...........our event planner Brandie is so good at keeping all the details straight and helping each group hold a successful event.

Winter is coming..........we are getting ready and excited at Seven Oaks............when Wild Mountain got a trail open last weekend..........first in the nation............it really got us pumped...........

See YOU at the swap.........


Friday, September 14, 2012

A quick update

I haven't posted for a while but it doesn't mean we are not here.  Quite the contrary.  Yep canoes and kayaks are still floating despite the drought.  We shut off river tubes a while back due to low flow more than low depth of water.  The rain we got two nights ago is causing the river to rise a little........not a raging river by any means but we'll take every inch we can get!

Paintball groups keep on coming and the campgrounds still have campers every weekend.  Last weekend was the 24 & 12 & 6 hour mountain bike race........

Tomorrow is the Dragoon River Romp with about 200 volunteers picking up garbage in and along the river from Highway 30 boat ramp to the E57 boat ramp.........followed by a meal in the lodge.  Looks like the weather is going to be ideal tomorrow.  Geez I wish people would NOT throw their old tires and old stoves into the river!!!!

Had a meeting today with 41 North Racing........you know the guys that put on the Adventure Race consisting of canoeing, trekking and running....oh and orienting too.......with participants choosing the 8 hour course or the 12 hour course that takes them all over the county!  Their second Boonecrusher is being planned for April 2013.

Loaded all the materials from the Gladiator race that was here this past spring onto a semi..........destined for Wisconsin for their Gladiator Challenge coming up in a couple weeks.        Yep.......we will be hosting another Gladiator Challenge here in May 2013.........WOW.......

Kris finished servicing all the snow making guns.........chairlift grips have all been tested for this year.........and we spent a couple hours today planning the Annual Seven Oaks Season Pass Sale and Equipment Swap that will be held on Sunday October 21............which will be here before you know it.  Check out the other resorts that are part of the Seven Oaks Sister Ski Program this season.........

Later..........

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

High Trestle Trail Bridge

Have you had the chance to visit the High Trestle Trail Bridge..........located just a little south and east of Seven Oaks?  It is an awesome piece of art and a heck of an accomplishment...........and it is right here in our back yard.  The bridge is a half mile long and thirteen stories high over the Des Moines River.........about 3 miles west of Madrid and 3 miles east of Woodward.

As we spent the eleven days in the Boone CVB booth at the Iowa State Fair, the bridge was one of the destinations a lot of people wanted more information on..........and a lot of people stopped to tell us how awesome the bridge was and shared their experiences of either walking across or riding across.  Seems more have visited during the daytime.........but if it works for you, you should consider an evening visit too.........the lights are quite the sight.

Speaking of night visits.........one piece of information that was shared at the booth was that while the bridge is lighted..........the trail is not...........so be sure to bring a light with you for the trail.  Good advice.

There are several web sites that offer pictures, history, specs and maps of the bridge.....but I liked this one to get you started.

http://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/2011/04/wow-our-new-neighbor-the-high-trestle-trail-with-its-amazing-half-mile-long-bridge-that-is-13-stories-high-is-even-better-than-people-were-saying-its-going-to-be-dignitaries-and-the-media-got/

Seven Oaks was the host site for the West Central Coop customer appreciation following day one of the Farm Progress Show last night..............and wow........as usual.......West Central put on a good spread for their 400 invited guests.......it was a lot of fun.....

Brandie just returned from a five day trip to visit her daughter in Texas..........military graduation...... and said she had nine email and phone message inquiries for wedding receptions in 2013 to follow up on when she was gone.......wow........that's a lot of weddings..........a lot of people beyond us missed you Brandie......glad you had a safe and enjoyable trip............

A quick reminder that the 24 hour mt bike race is coming right up........Saturday and Sunday,  September 8 and 9.......plus the Dragoon River Romp is right behind it on Saturday, September 15.......

And believe it or not...........we are still floating canoes and kayaks...........river is really as low and slow as I can remember but the group that took kayaks out yesterday told us it was still a blast.  Man oh man it is going to be hot again today and tomorrow...........

I feel like one of the luckiest guys around..........great people I get to work with .......Ken, Joel, Dee, Brandie, Kris, Steve, Nick, Mike, Lynne, Aaron..........and so many great guests too...........many becoming friends that we see repeatedly after their first visit......

A shout out to our neighbor Donnie that had a hip replacement yesterday.........Get Well Soon!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Transition Time is Here

Here we are just past the middle of August.  The annual Iowa State Fair is behind us........(great to see so many of our Seven Oaks friends at the booth in the Varied Industries Building, as well as having the opportunity to meet so many new people and introduce them to Seven Oaks).........with the recent rains and cooler days the grass is finally getting green again meaning we are back to mowing more often.......Steve is well into running the weed trimmer around everything on the ski trails that can't be reached with the large tractor and mower when we mow the hills in a few weeks..........full service river floats are continuing, but we are admittedly more concerned about the river flow now than we have been all summer...........the cooler temps have more groups booking and playing paintball - last Sunday a group of 41 military played and this Saturday there are three groups booked to have some fun........Ken, Joel and Rick had a detailed conversation yesterday regarding buying more rental ski boots, buying more rental ski poles, again increasing the upper pond size to gain more water holding capacity which will allow us more continuous hours of snowmaking when the time is right, finalizing the fall service on the two snow cats, installing a new electrical line to the snowmaking pump to free up capacity for more snow guns running simultaneously on the existing electrical line, adding a VFD to the snowmaking pump to improve the efficiency and consistency of the water pressure delivered to the system, picking up the snowmaking pump motor that was serviced by 3E in Des Moines, increasing the size and shape of the east side of the Riblet (Valley View) chairlift unload, changing the approach to Abby's Alley from the CTEC chairlift, building new unload ramps at both chairlifts, researching the purchase of more tables for the lodge for this winter, improving the lights in the original lodge building, Kris' status of servicing all the snow making guns, doing the annual service and inspection of the chairlift grips, taking oil samples from both chairlift drive systems for lab analysis, and even had a few comments regarding the October 21 Season Pass Sale........ .....WOW it was quite the meeting......and...........Brandie is busy meeting with couples that are using the lodge yet this summer and fall for their wedding receptions - yesterday she met for a couple hours with a couple having their reception in June 2013.............next week we will finalize the winter rates, hours and specials so we can update the website and brochure...............tomorrow we are at the ISU Welcomefest in Ames..............this Saturday is our first Mud Volleyball tournament........pits are dug........ready to fill with water......AND we still have room for more last minute teams..........so if you are interested, get your team assembled and register tomorrow........next Tuesday we are getting ready for about 400 coming for a Farm Progress Show customer appreciation in the lodge.......and we still have the 6/12/24 Hour Mt Bike Race on September 8............so basically it is too early to put the summer stuff away and too early to get all the winter stuff out.........but it is definitely transition time.............

........I would say that in 90 more calendar days we will be making snow.........lets see how close I come to that prediction............November 21.............and you can remind me !

........I should add that we had two scout troops camping here last weekend that gave our camphost Ian a big compliment before they left..........thanks for doing that and thanks to Ian for being a good Seven oaks amabassador.......
Happy Birthday to grand daughter Bella!

Friday, August 17, 2012

It Was A Hot Day

Back on July 29 when I posted, I referred to Kelly who had come out to Seven Oaks to get a picture taken in full snowboard apparel and equipment.  I do remember it was a really hot day and she was more than uncomfortable with all the winter clothing on.  But the trip was successful and here is the picture.  My guess is that the next time whe has her picture taken with snowboard at Seven Oaks........you won't be seeing any green grass in the background.............but lots of white SNOW!  That day is getting closer by the minute.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

I Know

I know it is still technically summer..........I know it is not even the middle of August...........I know we are in the midst of the Iowa State Fair........I know we still have a lot of days for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, camping, paintballing............I know we haven't held the 2012 Annual 24-Hour Mountain Bike Race...............I know we still have a Mud Volleyball Tournament on August 25th............I know Boone hasn't hosted the Farm Progess Show with a large gathering in the lodge on night one............I know the kids haven't returned to school yet.........I know we haven't had our Annual Season Pass Sale and Equipment Swap on the third Sunday of October...........I know there are still eleven wedding receptions scheduled for the lodge this year...........I know..........................BUT........



............ I AM GETTING EXCITED ABOUT OPERATING THE SNOW CAT...............Pushing snow and Grooming..........laying down fresh corduroy..............and I am NOT trying to get over it!



.........If you know what I mean..........

Thursday, August 9, 2012

It's State Fair Time!

It is that time of year again.............already............the Iowa State Fair.............eleven straight days...........and schools are about to resume for the new school year too...........OMG........time is a flying.......

......Seven Oaks has had a booth in the Varied Industries Building for ...........I think...........eleven years now...........many of you have stopped to get information or to say hi...........hope you will do that again this year too..........but we have moved!

.......this year we have opted to partner up with the Boone Convention and Visitors Bureau........which is in the same aisle that we have been in.........but a couple spaces west and on the other side of the aisle..........you really can't miss us..........

.......some of the more common questions we field include "when will the swap and season pass sale be held?".............and the answer is............the THIRD SUNDAY in OCTOBER.......save the date.......

........and "are you still floating the river?"............and the answer is.........yes we sure are, in spite of the unseasonably warm and dry summer we are still able to float.  We have had someone on a full service canoe, kayak or river tube float every day but two since we finished the Gladiator Race in May.  The river is low and slow...........about what you would normally see in late August..........but it is still flowing.............unlike many or most of the other rivers and streams in Iowa.

............and "when will you open for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing?"............and the answer is...........we don't know for sure but NORMALLY we are open for the winter season on the first weekend in December.............but like so much of what we do at Seven Oaks it all depends on Mother Nature.  Whenever it gets cold enough to start making snow...........which is normally just before Thanksgiving.......we start making snow at night.......even though it gets to warm to keep blowing snow during the day............and then we go again the next night............BASICALLY WE ARE ABOUT THREE (3) MONTHS AWAY FROM MAKING SNOW!  Hard to imagine isn't it.........with all the hot days we have had recently.

......I see the Gladiator Assault 2013 people are offering a State Fair discount for our race in May..........check it out at the fair booth..........

See you at the fair.........

Friday, August 3, 2012

Canoe

Sunday, July 29, 2012

24 Hours

Starting at about 4 pm Friday, several were arriving to set up their campsites for the weekend.  Ken and crew were getting close to having everyone off the river following their canoe, kayak and tube floats.  Brandie was meeting with a young couple that would be having their wedding reception in the lodge in three weeks.  And I took some photos of Kelly in full snowboard clothing and equipment while she sat on the chairlift...............she needed some pics for an advertisement at her employers place of business.....Scheels..........more on that later if she shares a photo.  A young couple from the Iowa City area came to ride the mt bike trails to gain familiarity before next weekends race.  Really nice people.

And then the cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and people started arriving for the fourth annual motor show.  It was a gorgeous night.  Right breeze, right temps, right forecast.  Frost was manning Coal Creek Lounge and Joel and Brandie moved to the food service as I started helping John park the classic vehicles on the lawn.......

In total there were 108 vehicles on display.  Jeremy, Ian (then Mike) and I gave free chairlift rides for the hour we promised.............starting at 5:45 and going til 7:30...............I know thats more than 60 minutes but it was a very popular attraction on a gorgeous night..............and the preparation of burgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches were keeping Steve, Connie, Sara, Brandi and Joel running........not to mention how popular Frost and Lynn were at Coal Creek Lounge.......

Jaslyn grabbed a camera and captured the evening for us...........thanks Jas............with some of the pics already on facebook............some here in the future.

The sun began to set and the Boone Class of 87 began arriving along with the band "Swing Crew".  The tiki torches on the patio were lit.........light jackets were retrieved from the cars and about 200 plus people enjoyed the evening.

Everyone at some point went home and slept fast so they could hit the ground running Saturday morning.

By 7 am we were well into cleaning the lodge and re arranging all the tables and chairs..........people from the campground were making their way to the showers.  By 9 am there was a steady stream of cars entering the parking lot with their occupants getting registered with Frost and Lynn in the lodge for their 9:30 float.......and that process continues until 2 pm.............sold out of river tubes again.........four buses in synchronized fashion carrying load after load of people to the river..........

At approximately10 am, food was carried into the lodge and a large PA system was installed in advance of two friends who were using the lodge for their 40th birthday parties. Ian stayed busy registering more campers and getting firewood for all to be used that evening.  At noon I counted 44 tents set up in the campgrounds...........another virtual tent city for Saturday night......... By 1 pm Steve and Mike were loading equipment and people on the buses as they finished their floats and got everyone safely returned to their vehicles.........while Kris, Ken, Nick and Aaron completed the process of transporting the final groups to the river to begin their floats.....

And by 4 pm Saturday night, the birthday party group was off the river and ready to eat and celebrate in the lodge............with more guests arriving over the next several hours.

That's it...........about 24 hours of action at Seven Oaks!

Friday, July 20, 2012

One week from today.......

One week from today, or Friday July 27, we will be having our annual classic car show (and trucks and motorcycles) combined with our antique tractor show.  We will be letting you ballot for the Peoples Choice Awards (best over the road vehicle and best tractor).  Meals will be available as well.....and oh yeah, some free chairlift rides for an hour or so as well.

Then at 9 pm when the show is pretty well over, the band Swing Crew will be performing in the lodge.  Understand there will be a 5 dollar cover for the evening entertainment.  It's gonna be a fun day!  Hope you can make it.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Groups Hustle

When I arrived at the lodge early............sorta early Friday morning, I was greeted with the news that the View / Gigglin Goat had sustained a major fire on their roof earlier that morning..........and then it started.

The phone was going nuts ............people desperately trying to find a replacement location for their event that had been scheduled at the Goat......a real hustle to find an alternative location for their wedding anniversaries, class reunions, receptions, meetings..............we were able to facilitate some but had existing groups already in the lodge on many of the dates people were needing..........but we were able to give them possible sites to check out for other facilities.

Brandie and Joel...........you two did an awesome job helping everyone........

Weather forecast continues to be pretty much the same but maybe a tad cooler...........in the 90's.  River is holding pretty flat with regard to changes in flow and volume.  Many think the conditions now are perfect for floating.  My point however is this........we have people floating seven days a week............literally...........and Saturdays are busy and Sundays are not much slower than Saturdays............so to insure you have the canoes, the kayaks or the river tubes you need.......DO make a reservation.............sooner is better than later.  Several other outfitters who use smaller rivers have already shut down due to the lack of rain.

Ken, Mike, Kris, Steve, Anthony, Aaron,Conner,  Dee, Frost, Lynn, Joel, Brandie ..........you are Team #1 when it comes to service to the Seven Oaks clients............way to go and a huge Thank You.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

A Rambling about Races

Most of you know we held the first ever in Iowa Gladiator Assault Challenge in May of this year with about 1500 people taking on the course ............great weekend by the way............and we are hosting another one in May of 2013 as well.

But did you know we are hosting a Cross Country Mountain Bike Race on August 5.............it is a points race for those who are in the sport.............spectators are free........

And did you know that our annual 12 and 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race will be held on September 8 and September 9......this is a very cool event.   Imagine your team having one rider on the trail for every minute of a continuous 12 or 24 hour period.  Pretty cool to see the bikes and riders with their light on the bike and a light on the helmet winding their way thru the course............more info can be found at www.24hoursofsevenoaks.com

AND I bet you did know that Boone is the site for the Boone Speedway...........a quarter mile dirt track with IMCA races every Saturday night during the season.  This track has been in existance for over 40 years and draws in excess of 2,000 fans each week  Of course the biggie is the IMCA Supernationals ........this year September 3 thru 8..............and man oh man what a crowd of race cars, fans and pit crews they draw.  www.raceboone.com is the offical web site.

What isn't a race is a leisure float down the river in a canoe or kayak or in a tube............just taking it all in.......

Friday, July 6, 2012

Wow


Yesterday July 4th my wife and I along with our 2 college age sons spent most of the day on the river. 

We had a great time but what I want to bring to your attention is your staff

From the time we checked in to the time we left we felt like we were treated like kings.

When we arrived at the drop location you were organized.  When asked what we rented without hesitation they grabbed the boats and put them in the water.  Loaded us and pushed us out.

Later on we stopped at the first bridge for a break and ran into another staff member clearing a path to the river.  He took time to explain the bridges and the significance along with a few other facts about the river.

When we arrived at the end of the trip we were greeted by two young men that came out and pulled the canoe and the kayaks up to the shore.  They asked us how the trip went and told us to leave all trash in the boat but take out cooler to the top of the hill and look for an Astro van.

The driver greeted us and immediately loaded our cooler and took us to our car.

I have been on many float trips where we would assist loading and unloading the watercraft but not here…it was refreshing. 

You folks took care of everything for us and that impressed us beyond words.

We are planning another trip later in the month and drag some of our friends along

I will highly recommend your company to others

Thank you

Terry from Ames iowa 

Thursday, July 5, 2012

OTH....OHT....THO....TOH....nope....it is HOT!

Well, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that it certainly has been HOT for the past several days and nights too.  There are only two good ways to beat the heat that I am aware of ...........air conditioning and water...........and a whole lot of you have chosen option two...........water.  (Well, I guess you could leave and go somewhere it isn't hot, but for most that really isn't an option.)  Just saw the forecast for Friday.........a high of 101...........and Saturday hot too but a few degrees cooler.  And as you can imagine, the full service river floats have been busy, busy, busy.  On Independence Day Holiday we were sold out of river tubes and kayaks and had most but not all the canoes on the river.  It would appear based on your on line reservations and phone call reservations that tomorrow thru the weekend will be quite busy as well.

We want you to have a GREAT time on the river but above all..........be safe and thanks in advance for always respecting the beauty of our natural resources! 

Got a really neat thank you..........compliment.........email from one of our groups that floated earlier this week that we have shared with each of the Seven Oaks team and I want to share in the blog with you........but I want their permission first so it will, I hope, be forthcoming.  The Seven Oaks team busted their you know whats on July 4th..........with the large number of floaters and the heat........but did an AWESOME job!  Congratulations and thanks to each of them and to you who take a minute to send a thank you compliment.............know we always share them with the whole group.......and thank you for taking the time to do it.

Last Saturday friends and neighbors of Seven Oaks (that would be the Wearmouths) held their daughter's (that would be Courtney) wedding reception at the Lodge at Seven Oaks.  It was a beautiful evening for a beautiful bride to have a beautiful reception.  It was a very fun night.  There are still a large number of wedding receptions scheduled for Seven Oaks from now to winter.

And before you know it Boone will be hosting the Farm Progress Show............and we will all take a turn visiting the county fairs and the Iowa State Fair............and then the kids go back to school..............

And Remember...........in five months we will be skiing, snow boarding and snow tubing!  WOW..........



Monday, July 2, 2012

Turn those 9's into 7's



Yeah, there are a lot of people wanting to see some 7's as in Seven Oaks when all they have been seeing is a bunch of 9's as in 94, 95,97, 99.........for day time highs.  Hot isn't it.  I think we are sold out of tubes for Independence Day Holiday.......or darned close...........might be some canoes or kayaks not yet reserved.  You will have to call in and check.

  River height is still running good for the full service floats.......some rain predicted Sunday north of us which if it happens will be down here in a couple days.  But as of now it is fine.   Cool.........and wet...........

As always...........be safe out there!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Seems Americans are getting more serious

From what I hear and what I read, Americans are getting more serious by the day regarding getting their weight under control.  The Governor wants Iowa to be the most healthy state in the USA, people are more conscientious about the fat and calorie content of food and people are exercising more.  I would have to say some of the healthiest Iowans we see are those who have a passion for biking...........here it is mountain biking.  I am sure the muscles are toned and the calories are burning quickly when they tackle our seven plus miles of single track trails on property.  By the same token a lot of folks are seen walking our trails as well............still getting exercise and enjoying the serene natural setting of our timbered property. Some day we need to walk or ride the trail with a GPS to capture the cumulative vertical climbs one rides or walks on the trail system.

 Another great attraction in Boone County is the High Trestle Trail Bridge that spans the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward.  This bridge is equivalent to 13 stories above the river and is over one half mile long.  A very popular NEW attraction to our area.  So if you want to burn some calories, even if it is a mountain bike that you have just rode on the trails at Seven Oaks......or regardless of what activity you just finished at Seven Oaks.....take a road headed south of us and get on the trail in either Madrid or Woodward and experience an easier trail that will take you to the High Trestle Trail Bridge.  You will be glad you did.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

For the Day or For the Weekend

We see a lot of visitors at Seven Oaks  from  all over the state of Iowa as well as our bordering states.............a lot come for the day but a lot also come for a weekend of fun and relaxation.  Of course this time of year a lot of folks are tent camping at Seven Oaks before or after their full service river float.  In the winter we see several ski, snowboard or snow tube for two or three days...........not many camping during those months but instead stay at one of the partner hotels of Seven Oaks.  The hotel we have partnered with for the longest period of time is the Baymont Inn and Suites.....in fact I just spent an overnight there last week.......and yes I took advantage of the pool and hot tub....they are located just a couple miles away from Seven Oaks.

But with that said I wanted to mention here that there are a lot of interesting things to do when you come to Boone County. Make a week of it or a weekend..........recreate at Seven Oaks and take a ride on one of the train rides offered by The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad.  You will find  www.scenic-valleyrr.com has all the information you will probably need about their variety of rides and the new museum as well.  You might be at The Lodge at Seven Oaks attending one of the many class reunions or wedding receptions.......so before you make the drive home be sure to check out the train rides when you are here. 

I plan to highlight some more of the many attractions in Boone County in upcoming posts...........golf, racing, wineries, bridges, bike trails, parks, group camps...........so much to see here.

As you can well imagine we are really busy with this current heat wave............not just today and tomorrow but a lot of reservations being made for this weekend and Independence Day too.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Makin a Plug"

I wanted to make a "plug" for a couple friends that have started a new business in Oskaloosa.  This doesn't really tie into what Seven Oaks offers for recreation........but it is a popular item in many circles.......and they are friends with a new business.

Shakaya's Leather and Gun Works was started by Bill and Mary Carman.  They make hand crafted custom holsters and they offer a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship.  If you have an interest you can check them out at http://www.redturtleholsters.com/

I might as well plug river floats real quick as the temps are going to be hot hot hot this week and perfect for a cool cool cool canoe, kayak or river tube float.........we'ld love to have ya visit us.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Ooooops........my bad!

A couple weeks ago, I put the wrong date in the Seven Oaks E News blast for the annual car and tractor show.........my bad........BUT here is the real and accurate information:

The Seven Oaks Annual Motor Show will be held Friday July 27 from 5 to 9 pm.  Cars, trucks, motorcycles........street legal vehicles only........and tractors will be on display.  A plaque will be given to the first 100 vehicles.........and.....NEW this year........we will be having the Peoples Choice Awards.......every person will be given two ballots........one for their vote of the best car, truck or motorcycle and one ballot for their favorite tractor.......

.......and wait there is more.........free chairlift rides from 6 to 7 pm.......food will be available and Coal Creek Lounge will be serving cold drinks. 

.....a big thank you to John Tuttle for doing most of the leg work and organization of this fun event.

The gang is busy with river floats today.  The radar looked a little intimidating but the precip largely disappeared as it got closer to Seven Oaks......so virtually everyone that had reservations are on, or going on their floats.......with more being added ......

........ and I am in Oskaloosa with the three five-year-old grand daughters......yesterday was the Blank Zoo, make pizzas and perform a dance recital for grandpa and grandma.  Today so far has been a childrens book signing and now crafts.......later swimming.......then a movie.........yep we are going to do it all.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

95 and 194

 It was 95 degrees yesterday...........perfect float day..........when the 194 students from Cedar Rapids did the Seven Oaks tube float!  What a GREAT group of young people.........and what a GREAT time they had!







Saturday, June 16, 2012

Something Like This

Phone:  "Ring"
Us: This is Seven Oaks, how can we help you?
Caller:  I have a group of 180 that want to go river tubing.....can you handle it?
Us: We got you covered.  Looking forward to it.

Couple days later........

Caller:  We need to change our group numbers for the river tube float for 180.  Are you okay with that?
Us:  What is the change?
Caller: We now need 192 tubes for our group.
Us: That's great.........we still gotcha covered. 


In a word.............AWESOME..........pictures to follow early next week.........stay tuned.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Another busy one.......but love it......

Tomorrow's wedding and wedding reception in the lodge are doing their decorating today.....as in now......looks really good by the way.......and their rehearsal is in the lodge tonight........what's really cool about the wedding is that the bride and her dad are making their entrance to the outdoor wedding on horseback.....unique and so Seven Oaks..........

....several mountain bikers on the trails riding today, people are streaming into the campground to get their tents and sites set up for the weekend, we have a scout troop canoeing and other sun and fun lovers are on the river tubing, kayaking and canoeing........have a corporate group on the water now and they will have a Seven Oaks catered meal at 1 pm then they are playing volleyball.........and the phone is pretty active too.........

........oh and I almost forgot that there is a fishing tournament this weekend and several people with nice bass boats are camping here as well..........

......definitely going to be a busy weekend but we expected it with the forecast calling for sunshine and in the 90's all three days........

.......and get this...........this coming Monday we have 180 river tubers going out together in a single group.......that's going to be awesome........we have to get pics........

.....Tuesday is another meeting in the lodge with catered meal.........

.....Come and join in on the fun when you can........


Sunday, May 27, 2012

Gladiator 2012 Pics

From the first of 30 obstacles

To the last of 30 obstacles........it was fun.......
And the shower at the end was enjoyed by ALL

Inflatables for the little ones

A huge donation of shoes at the end........
Great music by "Standing Hampton"



Ken, Seven Oaks Area Manager, kills the course in 54 minutes!


Team Seven Oaks.........with Ken being Knighted for his awesome time.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR A SUCCESSFUL GLADIATOR 2012.  PLANS ARE IN THE WORKS FOR GLADIATOR 2013..........STAY TUNED

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Gladiator 2012 Huge Success!

Well, the weekend of the Gladiator Assault Challenge is behind us and some of us (not Joel) have had a chance to catch our breath and get a couple extra hours of sleep.  Looking back at the past weekend, it was a weekend of a lot of work but more important, a lot of smiles.  There are tons of pictures on facebook of the event posted by us as well as a lot of the Gladiator participants........but I will get some on here as well.  The pre planning that was put into the weekend paid dividends as the event was flawless.  We know we will be hosting another Gladiator Assault Challenge but not certain as to when.........this fall or again next spring.  Your thoughts on this?  Steve, Ken, Mike, Darci, Red, Ian, Anthony and Aaron .........all part of the Seven Oaks team......each decided to run the course on Sunday as well...........Congratulations to all of them.......and Ken had the best time on Sunday as well...........Go Ken!!

All the obstacles/barriers have been removed and today we'll start removing all the mud obstacles, which should be finished tomorrow.  Get some grass seed down and move on to the next thing on the list.

This weekend is an outdoor wedding followed by a reception in the lodge.  Lots of action in the lodge the rest of the summer.  The river floats, paintball, mt biking and camping is ramping up as well with this great weather we are experiencing.

Congratulations to all our Seniors who graduated.........both from High School and College.  We had a lot of employees reach that milestone in their lives which is good and bad.  Good for them but when they move on to another part of the country.......Bad for us as we will surely miss them from the Seven Oaks team!

See you soon........

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Weather Forecast is Awesome!

Is it too good to be true?   From now til Gladiator the daytime highs are predicted to be in the 80's..........and again on Saturday and Sunday of Gladiator.........80's...........WOW..........a week of 80's.............should be a great weekend coming up.

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms.........

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Day of the Gladiator is Close!

Spent a lot of yesterday mowing all the acres that will be used next weekend for the Gladiator Assault Challenge.  It was a beautiful day, by the way.  We are ready.  Lists have been made, added to, checked and rechecked many times.  We are ready.  Are you?????

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Getting Ready

The GAC (Gladiator Assault Challenge) construction team ............9 of them.............arrived Thursday afternoon to begin the process of building the course.  I arrived friday morning to help where I could........and it turned out to be a full and productive day.  The final location for lot of obstacles was decided and construction began........ as well as finished for several.  A person can begin to get a little bit of a deviate mind when thinking about  the design of a challenging course!  I know I am biased but I think the race is going to be awesome..........the way they have it designed and the obstacles they built and are building.  Expect some pictures of the construction progress on facebook.

Went over to the Lucky Pig in Ogden for a good meal later friday night.  I was hungry and they took care of that.  My face was bright red from the day of sun.............in fact a five year old grand daughter told me she could keep warm from my face........  Belly full, tired........slept very well!

Saturday was another good day.  More features were finished...........and we did a lot of walking on the trails..............I mean a LOT............and it was 85 degrees with high humidity.  Joel and I walked two large sections and then showed GAC our thoughts on the first of two sections...............then this is where I said........bye bye.........I will get the truck and meet you on the east end to give you a ride back from section two.  Man it was hot...........and I was thirsty.  Joel walked this section with the guys...........they made some adjustments as they went ...........and they were hot and thirsty when they got done as well.  The whole upcoming weekend of fun and racing is taking shape. 

Speaking of shape..........I bet I dropped five pounds over two days............If I were to walk those trails on a regular basis I bet I would get in shape..........and I should.....
Got cleaned up about mid afternoon to head into Boone for Austin's ISU graduation party.  What a great young man he is........wish him the best as he finds his niche in life now.  His brother Zach worked at Seven Oaks one ski season a few years back.  Had the opportunity to visit him as well.  Austin has worked in the front office for a few years.........

Had a great group in the lodge Wednesday........the state wide Keep Iowa Beautiful annual meeting spent the day with us.  What a worthwhile organization.  Everyone should do their part in Keeping Iowa Beautiful and Mother Nature wholesome.

Saturday afternoon and evening had an ISU grad hosting a party in the lodge and there is a high school graduation party in the lodge Sunday afternoon.

Boats were on the water friday and saturday..............there was a paintball group on friday and another on saturday and there were campers all weekend as well.

Heading to church in a couple hours then probably chill a big part of today...........especially with thunderstorms predicted for a good part of the day.........

See you at Seven Oaks.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

I am still ALIVE!

I know it has been a long long time since I posted........my bad!  But I do have some updates for you so here goes......

Paintball has been busy........mostly on weekends......and the weather has for the most part cooperated.  Last weekend was a group doing a bachelor party and when they checked in, it was obvious they were going to have FUN.  If I hadn't been busy with other things, they would have been a fun group to watch. 

Last Saturday was the Adventure Race put on by 41 North Racing.  What a great event.  It was overcast and a little cool but it didn't rain on the racers at all.  Some said it was near perfect conditions which makes sense if you are running, biking and canoeing either 40 or 60 miles.  I know we had racers entered from Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas as well as from all corners of Iowa.  It was my first exposure to such an event and I was impressed.  The promoters did a good job planning as was evidenced by how smoothly the day went and the racers had such positive and good natured attitudes.

Of course May 19 and 20 is the Gladiator Assault Challenge which consists of about five or so miles of race course with thirty or more obstacles that the racers accomplish along the way.  There is a parking fee and spectator fee, and spectators are certainly welcome.  Some maybe present as support to a racer or just curious to what the event consists of and of course some may be scoping it out to see if they want to race the next time we host this event.  We will be offering one way chairlift rides pretty much all day, which is a good way to get to the top to see the obstacles that can't be seen from down below.  Live music will start on Saturday at noon, there will be inflatables for the kids and food and beverage will be available throughout the day.  I think this one will be a blast as well.

The lodge has been busy with meetings, tomorrow is the State meeting for Keep Iowa Beautiful......a great and worthwhile group.......and coming shortly will be several graduation parties for kids graduating from Boone, Ogden and ISU......and then the floodgate of weekend weddings, receptions and class reunions opens for the rest of the summer.

Had both canoes and kayaks on the river for the first time this season last Saturday.  It was good to get back into that groove.  Lots are booking their groups outing now as they know how fast Saturdays especially can be sold out.  Little cool yet for river tubes.......but wow, it is May already and Memorial Day will be here before you know it.  Certainly had no river flooding this spring, so we should be good to go.

Okay........here's the promise........I won't wait so long til I post again.  Will try to post right after the Gladiator at a minimum.  See you at Seven Oaks........

Saturday, February 25, 2012

On a scale of 1 to 10 today rated a 12

Not everyone took a break at the same time........but a lot did..........I call this art.........







It was an awesome day. Fresh Snow.......Sunshine........and Lots of Smiles.......TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE SWEET TOO!

Lookin Good

After a pretty dicey week, we got three or so inches of snow Thursday night and early Friday morning.........then we turned on the guns last night and made snow from 10 pm til 7 am or so this morning.............Lookin Good!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Sunday, February 19, 2012

10:00 AM Today



We open at 11:00 AM today and are open tomorrow, Monday February 20 Presidents Day from 10 to 6......



Saturday, February 18, 2012

Breaking News!

Small Child Gets the Boot At Seven Oaks..........but will definitely be back later......!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Meet some of the Seven Oaks Instructors






Here to teach YOU a new sport for life! Today is going to be a great day at Seven Oaks!!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Awesome Experience



Yesterday, 20 people who only dreamed of leaning to ski......made it a reality........it was an awesome experience.........thanks to the Iowa Sports Foundation (Mike Boone) and the Adaptive Adventures group from Chicago........and all the volunteers. I don't remember everyones name but I know Joel, Ron, Vern, Suzanne, Shelly, Matt, Jesse and all the rest had a good time.......we were SO happy Seven Oaks was invited to participate!






See you on the slopes soon.......

Sunday, February 5, 2012