News from Ely and the Boundary Waters

Piragis Northwoods Company Enews
April 28, 2011

Greetings!

April's last days are upon us. Here in Ely we are vacillating between 65 degree days and 35 degree days with snow. The icy-cold fingers of last winter are slowly releasing their grip on us. The golf course is open, but not even orange balls will do you much good until the white stuff leaves.

We've taken the opportunity to go paddling wherever we've found open water. Shagawa Lake and Burntside Lake are still ice-bound. We'd be remiss if we didn't tell you how much fun it actually is despite the snow and ice.

Ely is a special place and we love it. We're looking forward to seeing all of you as the tripping season really isn't that many days away now. Until then, this is how we get in the paddling groove:

You can read more and see some other great paddle boarding pictures on our blog here: http://piragisnorthwoodscompany.blogspot.com/2011/04/piragis-paddle-boarder-makes-maiden.html

Remember, that we are holding our Canoe and Kayak Sale for a few more days. 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,

Sincerely,
Tim Stouffer
Piragis Northwoods Company

News from the Outfitting Desk.

Hi friends,

It is getting close. Ice Out that is. So come on up to Ely for that long awaited canoe trip. Now is a perfect time because there are no bugs, it is not crowded, and you don't need a permit until May 1st. Give us a call and we can give you an up-to-the-minute report on the ice conditions. Creeks and rivers are flowing, so there is some padding you can do now, Fall lake, Robinson and Wolf Lakes are open and before long the larger lakes will be open as well.

If you don't own a canoe, don't worry, because we have lots of them and are more than happy to set you up. We will throw in the paddles and life vests free of charge. Bring a set of long underwear because the nights are still pretty chilly, but you can leave the bug dope at home.

If you are coming alone, think about renting our newest solo canoe. It is called a Canak. This is the coolest thing to hit Ely in a long time. It is really a canoe/kayak hybrid of sorts. It has the hull design of the Wenonah Prism and yet you sit in it like a kayak. It comes with a spray skirt, so you will stay toasty and dry. It has two hatches fore and aft to pack plenty of gear in. Truly a fun boat to paddle. It can be yours for $30 a day. We even have a detachable yoke to make portaging easier.

If you are coming up later in the summer and need a permit, canoe or even a fully outfitted trip give us a call. Some timeframes are booking up, but there are still great permits and plenty of canoes available throughout the summer. We are not far from the Twin Cities or Chicago and you can even fly to Duluth where we'll arrange transportation to Ely. We have all of the equipment you will need plus the experience you can trust to help you set up a trip that your family and friends will find truly exciting.

Here's what some other folks have had to say about our service:

Everyone from my first call for reserving a canoe to dropping the canoe back off were very friendly. You have earned a repeat customer! I work in retail and understand the importance and can recognize good customer service. I have to say your people attend to the customer's needs in a very professional & friendly manner. I understand why the only rented canoes I saw in 4 days on the water were rented from Piragis. Keep up with the excellent customer service standards and I will see you next year for all my outfitting needs. - Todd Needles, Eau Claire, WI

We had a great trip! It was my friend's first trip to the BWCA and I think she is hooked. She asked if I would bring her, her kids and her husband next year - and of course I will. I also want to introduce our son and his girlfriend to the BWCA next summer. So we will be

renting again from Piragis - thanks for great service!

- Sue Knutson, Apple Valley, MN

Thanks for the help and the great equipment during our two BWCA trips this year. Maggie and I really enjoy the service, and everyone stands ready to help us right away in the morning of our departure. We can always count on you - and will be figuring out a way to fit in

three trips next year. - Todd & Maggie Loudenslager, Eden Prairie, MN

Had another great trip with the knowledge and help from the Piragis staff. The route you suggested was perfect for the skill set and ability levels of our diverse group. The canoe pickup and paddle/jacket fitting was about as quick as anyone could ever ask for. Even the canoe usage tutorial was quick but packed with all the information we needed. The weather couldn't have been much better and the fishing was fantastic. Once we get our pictures uploaded we will send them your way. Thanks again to you and your staff for another great adventure! - LeRoy DePas, Kaukauna, WI

I only rented a canoe (Bell NW) from you but was extremely pleased with the prompt check-out, fast check-in, and assistance in loading the canoe. You guys have it down to a smooth system. Also, the portage pads on the Bell were the most comfortable that I have

ever used. - Don Fritschel, Boulder, CO

Check out our Outfitting Brochure Here.

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

A great deal on Lifevests

The lifevests that we've been carrying the last few years have gone through some color changes and pocket changes with a few tweeks here and there and as a result we've had to update our inventory with the new models you'll find in our Boundary Waters Catalog.

That, or course, means that the previous models are NOW ON SALE. A PFD is a necessary piece of gear for anyone who gets in a canoe or kayak or on a paddle board :) [see picture above]. It is vital that you get yourself a lifejacket that is comfortable and allows you to move freely.

What can be even more vital is that there are times when you can save a little money on the essentials so you can have a little more to spend on the fun things in life. We like to give you these opportunities as often as we can. So, without further ado, MTI Cruiser Pro regularly $74.95, now $56.24.

NEW Trip for 2011 - Kayaking in Quetico

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!

First Canoe rental of the year? Well first overnight trip of the year, anyway!

Our first canoe rental client of the year showed up the other day. Snowy, ice on the lakes, water temperature about the same as an ice cube. He happened to be here around the same time last year when it was most likely in the 70's and we'd been paddling everywhere and canoe camping for almost a month.

He opted not to take a canoe out, but being as he was just in Ely to do some other business and have a good time, he borrowed some camping equipment and decided to camp out in the wilderness sans canoe.

Off to Stub Lake he went and he came back with birding pictures and this to say:

"Hi Drew -- These aren't all that great, but the one with the blurred wings and the rear-end shot are interesting. Also added a couple of the woods yesterday. It was really beautiful!! The shots of Stub Lake show what this place looks like in a late spring (or early fall) snowstorm. I missed being on the water, but the hike was every bit as good!"

Mike Smith

New Piragis Windshirts now in stock.

Our new windshirts are here. And that's a good thing because our days have been windy to say the least this week. If you've got one on or two on backorder, they should arrive at your home by the end of next week. If you've been waiting for us to get our newest jacket in, now we've got plenty of them on hand.

Get yours here:
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8614.html

Join us on FACEBOOK. Help us grow our Facebook followers. Share Piragis with your friends and click the old "LIKE" button.

If you were a facebook fan of ours, you'd know that the loons were back in Ely last week and just what the Kawishiwi Falls looked like right before the ice on Fall Lake went out.

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.