Bill and Jo Visiting the family home on Farm Lake 

  Owner, Jo Kovach, an Ely native, is an escapee from academic and corporate life.  She returned 'home' in 1994 and began planning Blue Heron.  Her own experience of canoeing and camping led her to believe that there were other folks out there who would appreciate a day of wilderness canoeing followed by fine food, hot shower and a wonderful bed.   Starting with two guest rooms (and Jo lived in the third room) the Heron grew and expanded as more people found it to be the quiet, hospitable haven they sought.  In 1997 the kitchen was brought up to commercial satndars, a guest room added and the dining room was opened to the public.  In 2000 she build her own home along side the lodge and with some remodeling in the lodge is was then renting out 4 rooms.
    A fire in January of 2001 destroyed everything inside the building - the logs themselves did not burn.  With the support of the construction community the building was rewired/plumbed, floored, ceilings and walls as well as a major expansion with an up stairs and we were  back in business in July!  Ask her the story of this incredible cooperative building project.  
    An outdoors kid from way back, Jo knows the wilderness flora and fauna and has stocked each guest room with books about the North Country.  After 15 years of watching birds outside the breakfast windows there are few Jo does not know.   Jo's mother came to live with her in 2005. Update:  Anna died on May 28, just 2 months short of 103 years.  
      Rounding out the full time staff is Jo's husband, Bill Quinn, (Just two years now) who fills in all the holes as needed.  And nobody makes better scrambled eggs than Bill.  His experience as a waiter in fine dining establishements really shines as he heads up our wait staff.  
    Responsibel for the fine grounds, our 5 (!) woodburing stoves and general maintaince is Drekke Brekke.   Enhancing our reputation for fine food is dinner chef Natasha Brekke. who joined the BH staff in Jan. 2010.   Check out the menu!   Meet these fine people:
                                        

Derek Brekke,

Derek, a native of northern Minnesota, has been working on maintenance and grounds for BH since 2007.   Derek is currently attending Vermilion Community College soon to receive his degree in Parks and Recreation. He is certified as a kayak instructor and is a Wilderness First Responder.  He hopes to start guiding canoes, kayaks and snow shoe outings and will  include photography into each one.  Derek is a skilled photographer, be sure to ask him for paddling and photography tips.  His photos enliven the Blue Heron website.   

Derek attended Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN for one year studying computer graphics - also a handy skill we make use of. 

Changing career course to better live out  his love of the out of doors and wilderness he moved to Ely in 2007 and began the Parks & Rec. program.  On January 1^st 2010 Derek married Natasha on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. 

                                     

                                       

Natasha Brekke

Natasha, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, School of Culinary Arts has been the head chef at the Blue Heron since April 1^st 2010.   Natasha completed her training with an externship at Alyeska Ski Resort in Alaska,  a four- diamond restaurant.   Natasha's youth belies her competence in her role here as the BH chef.   

Aside from loving the art of cooking Natasha has always had a love for animals;  she grew up on a Wisconsin hobby farm with chickens, goats, horses, and sheep.  Throughout her high school years she competed in many horse shows winning many awards for dressage and jumping. 

Natasha and Derek currently live in a small yurt on the BH property enjoying the wind in the trees, loons calling and starlit nights.  Ask them about your living.