Winter Caretaker Blog 2025 Volume 1
Sept. 26-Oct. 17
Hey there ! My name is Ben and I am the winter caretaker at Gangler’s North Seal River lodge for the first part of the winter.
I arrived at the lodge on September 26th and was greeted by Ken and a few of his employees as soon as I landed. During the flight here it was easy to see the vast & rugged beauty of the area. I was glad to be welcomed right into my position with the Gangler’s crew immediately upon arrival.
The following week was very busy. I cheerfully assisted with various tasks the staff had to perform to close down for the season- from hauling boat motors, to unloading barrels of fuel and even a trip in a float plane to one of the many outposts Gangler’s has to offer. I jumped right into the hustle in order to experience all I could while I had company.
I was lucky to have a few of the previous caretakers go over some of the off grid systems we use and I received a full rundown with some shared wisdom from Ryan, Annette & Dennis. All were very helpful and encouraging about the challenge I was about to face.
When the time came I helped the crew load their bags onto the plane that would take them home. It was as if old man winter was giving the staff “the boot”. The first sight of snow came that day. As the crew hopped on the plane and sped down the runway I was left to myself waving goodbye to a new group of friends in what seemed to be an oncoming blizzard.
As if on queue the snow stopped, the sun began to shine and the plane went out of sight. I have now been alone for nearly two weeks and it has been unseasonably warm since then, which is a welcomed surprise.
Aside from some hiccups with the solar battery bank, my experience has been extremely enjoyable and peaceful. I have kept busy with my routine. Running and maintaining generators, patrolling for bears as well as hunting, fishing & hiking.
To say it is quiet up here is an understatement although the Ravens, Squirrels & Whisky Jacks continue on in their calculated preparation for winter. The Wolves make their presence known but from a distance and will occasionally run behind me on the ATV in a curious fashion. I have not spotted a bear yet but I have noticed some tracks within a few kilometres of the lodge.
Every day I am reminded of where I am and who my neighbours are. I feel very blessed to have this experience- a solo adventure in one of the most naturally beautiful places an outdoorsman could imagine.
I’m looking forward to the changing of seasons in the next few weeks and will be diligently tracking my experience. I’m very excited to share more, here’s-to the start of one great adventure !
