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Check It Out Before You Get Out
 
Well here you set. Faced with a night of yard work, or the season finale of Dancing with the Stars! Ughhh! I know my thoughts always turn to my upcoming trip into canoe country. One area that MANY of our guests fail in is preparation.
They tell themselves they are too busy to check stuff out until they arrive in our parking lot, and then find themselves faced with a long drive into town looking for an obscure battery or new boots. The most important preparation you can make for a wilderness adventure is actually the simplest. It is just checking out your camping gear and tackle.
Take these simple steps:
1) At the end of every season or trip, make a list of items that need repair, replacing, or adjusting. Now is the time to make sure you have taken care of your list.
2) If it is mechanical or electronic. Open it up, turn it on, make sure it works. Replace the batteries and make sure you have extra batteries. If it needs charging, charge it. If it needs lubricating, do it. Light your stove and make sure it is up to par. Get a supply of your particular fuel now rather than having to search for it on the eve of your trip.
3) Sharpen everything from hooks to the filet knife. Don't forget axes and hatchets. Get that razor edge back on your pocket knife.
4) Attend to your fishing gear. Replace your line. I replace mine every spring. Make sure your reel is working properly. Inspect your baits and replace those that have seen their better days. Make sure you have the little stuff like sinkers and swivels.
5) Tents and tarps should be inspected and maintained as required. This is the time for patches and seam sealers. What about that bent pole or ripped out grommet?
6) Put your canoe in the water. Make sure it is licensed. Check out all bolts and screws. If it needs work, now is the time.
7) Finally, inspect your clothing and foot gear. Holes in boots, ripped zippers and missing buttons are ripe for fixing.
Let us assure you that the small amount of time you spend checking stuff out will pay huge dividends in the woods. Having the right gear is only half the equation. Having it functional and in good shape is the other half. Treat yourself, check it out before you get out!
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PERMIT INFORMATION
 PERMIT INFORMATION Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The lottery is over we can now reserve your permits directly. It is now $6 to reserve a Boundary Waters permit, and $16 per adult for a one time User Fee and $8 per adult. If you have reserved a permit on your own and would like to pick it up at Williams and Hall, just go to your reservation and change the issuing station from default to Williams and Hall and it will be here when you arrive.
Quetico Park Permits are issued on a first come first served basis exactly 5 months to the day before your desired start day. This year the park will open May 20th, 2011. Our Crew will be happy to help you obtain your permits at no extra cost to you. If you are going into Quetico Park, be prepared to have the names of all group members to list on your permit. Also a brief description of your tents and canoes (for search and rescue purposes) also to be listed on your permit. Update: as of last July, camping fees for entering at Prairie Portage are $21.50 for adults and $8.50 per youth (per night) |
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UPCOMING DATES
 Mark the following dates on your calander: Ontario Walleye Opener, May 21st
Important Dates:
Quetico Park Opens, May 20th
(contact us for pre-season Quetico trip information)
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Because it was so popular last month we are extending our offer for a couple more weeks.
We are offering a day of FREE CANOE RENTAL when you rent a canoe for 5 days. A 6th day at no charge when you rent for 5 days.
*Offer applies to regular rates only. Does not apply to youth groups rates.
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