An unorthodox arrival at Naniboujou Lodge in Hovland drew a crowd in July. Len and Marge Busch of Orono, MN arrived for their reservations at the historic lodge by helicopter.
Len and Marge Busch, retired rose growers from Orono, MN, certainly know how to make an entrance. When they visited the North Shore in July for a relaxing weekend at Naniboujou Lodge, they arrived at the historic Hovland lodge by helicopter.
Len Busch, who will turn 80 in November, is the helicopter pilot. He has been flying since 1992 and the couple owns the bright yellow Robinson R44 helicopter that surprised and delighted a crowd as they landed on the expansive Naniboujou lawn between the lodge and the home of Naniboujou owners Tim and Nancy Ramey—a perfect helicopter landing spot!
According to Diane Stoddard, who greeted them, they fly the helicopter around the Midwest and they love coming up to the North Shore.
Len Busch, who prefers to say he “graduated” instead of “retired,” said it takes them about two hours to travel from Orono to Hovland. The helicopter travels at 130 miles per hour—if visibility is clear. On this trip, the Buschs encountered fog and had to fly inland. And, they ended up staying at Naniboujou Lodge for two nights instead of just one. A delay that was okay with Marge, who said, “It’s a wonderful place to be stranded.”
Helicopter pilot Len Busch with grandsons of Naniboujou Lodge owners Tim and Nancy Ramey. Andrew and Luke Rudolph got to take a unique look at the North Shore when Len gave them a ride in the helicopter.
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