Piragis Northwoods Company Enews
March 25, 2011
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Greetings!
Well, we talk about the weather here a lot. It is something that many of you ask about. It is something that changes, or seems to, by the hour here in Northern Minnesota. It keeps us on our toes and yes, it makes things interesting.
 | | A snow pile twice as tall as Josh |
This year the Twin Cities received plenty of snow, probably more than we did, but it was a banner year for snow and cold here in the Arrowhead Region. We took some pictures to show you the pile that got shoveled off the roof. On a year like this, it piles up until it nearly touches the roof itself.  | | Halfway through the winter :) |
If you ever wondered how we get our solar panels cleaned off on a snowy day, here's Aaron hard at work. (This is the easy roof, the flat one you can walk out on -- the other one requires some more skill at not falling).  | | Hope the Sun Comes out Soon! |
Remember, that we are holding a two-month long Canoe and Kayak Sale. Unprecedented in the industry, Your Friends in the Great Northwoods, are offering you 10% off New Canoes and Kayaks plus Free Shipping within 500 miles of Ely, Minnesota. If you live farther away, call us and we'll give you a delivery quote. When you take into account no sales tax you are really getting some great savings. This sale will end on May 1st, 2011. Steve Schon and Steve Piragis are your contacts, call them on our toll-free line 1-800-223-6565 and get the best deal on new canoes you'll find anywhere!From the end of the road,
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News from the Outfitting Desk by Drew Brockett
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News from the Outfitting Desk
Can you believe it's getting to be the end of March? It's incredible how the paddling season is getting closer and closer. Although we are still frozen up here, the warm sun is melting the snow and ice and getting us in the mood for paddling in the wilderness.
 | | Get away from all the noise and pollution this summer! |
Bert and I are busy taking calls, answering emails, and booking trips for the upcoming season. Thanks to all who have set up their trip with us. We appreciate it and will make sure you have the best adventure possible. For all of you who are about to call or still deciding on a trip, remember that we are here to help you every step of the way. No matter if it's just a rental canoe and permit you need or our well-known Full Outfitting Package, you will get the best service from us. Plus, keep in mind that our entire fleet of canoes is new each season so you know you are getting a canoe that is in great condition. We also have new gear for you every year so you get the top-quality, tried and true, packs, paddles, tents, tarps, etc when you rent from us. Our gear is simply the best and our service and attention to detail is second to none. Give us a call and make your journey a reality this summer.
Keep the bugs out!! One of the items we have for rent is a Screen Tent (Tundra Tarp with netting along the sides). This is made by our friend Dan Cooke so you know it's extremely well made. For all of you who don't like bugs and want a good place to eat your dinner and hang out, call and get one reserved soon. Quantities are limited and we have two sizes: 10x10 and 15x15. This is a wonderful addition for your trip anytime of the summer, but for the June trippers, think about renting one, especially since it's black fly season.
 | | Walleye fillets cooking over a MSR WindPro stove |
Permits for the Boundary Waters and Quetico are still available. We can check the dates you want to start a trip and figure out what are the best entry points to fit the kind of trip you are looking for. Certain dates in the summer are filling up for the popular entry points like Mudro, Gabbro, or Moose River North, but Bert and I are happy to direct you to other areas should your specific date have a problem with the entry point you would like as your first choice. What does this mean? We always suggest getting a permit (and your trip set up, for that matter) sooner rather than later. At least one of us is here each day of the week so call anytime.
We have a few new Wenonah canoes in the rental fleet this season. The original boat that started the Wenonah brand is called the 17 Wenonah. It's a tandem canoe with a beautiful traditional look. We also will have the unique Canak for you. It's a decked solo boat. Check them both out here:
http://www.piragis.com/images/2008wenonahcanoes.jpg
Tell all your friends and paddlers to sign up for our e-newsletter at our home page. Stay up to date on what is happening with Piragis Northwoods, the BWCA and Quetico Park, as well as Ely and the important issues that are in the news recently like possible mining near the South Kawishiwi River. Also, please check us out on Facebook (go ahead and "Like" us today!!) and find out info as quickly as we can get it to you. Plus, you may find some special deals we offer only on our FB page. Here is that link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Piragis-Northwoods-Company/44039868227
Did you know we also have a Blog? Read fun articles at this site including some winter day trips, canoe reviews, and of course, canoe trips from last summer.
http://piragisnorthwoodscompany.blogspot.com/
Our Guided Group Trips still have room for you and your friends. There are many exciting adventures to choose from and for anyone who has wanted to take a trip where just about everything is included, these are great options. Please call us to find out more about them or to reserve a spot. Leave the planning to us and come on up to Ely, MN!!
http://www.piragis.com/outfitting/guidedgrouptrips.html
We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please don't hesitate to call/email us with questions so your trip planning can get started. Paddling through this impressive wilderness is something that we all should have an opportunity to do. We have the experience to make sure your trip is the best it can be. Get ready for a fantastic time on the water!
 | | Caution "Buck Crossing" Disappointment Lake, BWCAW |
From the land of ravens and wolves,
Drew 1-800-223-6565
Piragis Northwoods Outfitting
Call or email Bert or Drew to plan a trip into the Boundary Waters or Quetico wilderness in 2011!!!
Send me your trip stories and pictures: piragis webmaster
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Tune in to WELY for "Let's Talk Books" with Anna on Wednesday Mornings
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 | | See how much fun books can be! |
From the New York Times Bestsellers' List to the local flavorites born and stamped into print, right here in Ely, we cover it on the air every Wednesday morning at 7:30. Tune in to WELY to listen and you might just find your next book. In this age where ebooks and ereaders and eEverything are all the rage it is good to hold an old fashioned book in your hands. It is good to pull a well-worn favorite out of your pack and turn right to a dog-eared page. It is good to fall asleep with an old favorite or an exciting new thriller and not worry if it falls onto the floor or the rock you are crashed on. Good Books, with real pages that look, feel and turn just like real pages. That's what we specialize in here at our Second Floor Bookstore. Believe me, we're all about saving paper, but C'mon man! Some of my best friends are good books! Catch Anna and tune in to the latest, greatest on the horizon! Piragis Northwoods Company, where good books find you!  Here's the link to listen to WELY's Live Stream.
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| NEW Trip for 2011 - Kayaking in Quetico |
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Join the group on this trip. After last weeks newsletter, this wone is now booking up. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Quetico for the first time or do a first time kayaking trip!
We are excited to offer a trip for all of you who like to kayak in the wilderness. Imagine paddling the clear waters of Quetico this summer and experiencing lake travel with new friends and a superb guide in Dave Maynard. Dave just recently retired from his position as Assistant Superintendent of Quetico Provincial Park. He is certainly the person you would like to have guide you in Quetico as he knows the lakes and history better than anyone. Not only will the paddling be great, but the talks around the evening campfire will be very interesting and rewarding.
Here is a little more from Dave: 
"I have a true admiration and love for Quetico Park. I now know I can enjoy Quetico in a different way as to pass on my experiences and knowledge of what Quetico has to offer the visitor. In thinking back, I believe the park doesn't owe me, I owe the park to what it has made me what I am today". Some trip info for you: - The dates for the journey are June 18-24, 2011. Arrive in Ely on the 18th, trip starts on the 19th.
- Our popular Full Outfitting package is included.
- Guide included - Dave Maynard
- Starts at Prairie Portage Ranger Station
- We take care of the overnight camping fees associated with a Quetico trip
- You are responsible for your RABC permit (we will tell you all about that), and fishing license if you plan on trying your luck.
- Passport is also required.
- Most of the adventure will be on the Canadian side of Basswood Lake where there are miles and miles of shoreline to explore.
- Motel rooms are included on June 18th and June 24th.
- Cost of the trip is $1495 plus tax
- $300 deposit required to sign up
- Limited space available so sign up soon!
For all of you who have thought about a kayak trip, this is the year to do it. We make it easy for you; so leave the worrying of planning a trip to us. Please don't hesitate to call/email Bert or Drew and we'll answer any questions you have and then get you signed up. For all of you who have called about taking a guided kayak trip up here, this is your chance. Come on up to Ely and make your dream a reality. Kayak tripping in Quetico! Can't get any better than that!
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Join us on FACEBOOK. Help us grow our Facebook followers. Share Piragis with your friends and click the old "LIKE" button.
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We use Facebook to post quick news about Ely, special sales, fire-ban status in the wilderness, current events and fun stuff.
Thanks for your social media help and thanks for sharing us with your friends as we continue to promote Piragis Northwoods Company and the Boundary Waters Catalog and utilize all means necessary to keep you, our valued customers and trip clients, in the loop. |  |
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Your Friends in the
Great Northwoods | 105 North Central Avenue
Ely, MN 55731
1-800-223-6565 |
SNOWSHOE SALE
End of season Clearance Sale. No backorders will be taken.
On Sale Snowshoes: The Guide Series Now 20% OFF CLICK HERE
On Sale Snowshoes: The Hiker Series Now 20% OFF CLICK HERE
On Sale Snowshoes: Youth Snowshoes Now 20% OFF CLICK HERE
On Sale Snowshoes: Snowshoe Poles Now 20% OFF CLICK HERE
Our Best-Selling Axe Sharpening Stones from Gransfors Bruks are now back in stock. These tend to fly off the shelves so quick that we didn't even put them in our paper catalog this year. GOT AXE? NEED STONE!
Get your axe back to it's original sharpness with this 2 1/4" round stone. It is coarse on one side and fine on the other. The bottom of the case can be left on the stone for a secure fit and easy grip surface.
Your Price $45.00
We Are Solar Powered Click the link above and you'll find a graph of our energy production and consumption here at Piragis in Ely.
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