Ready to Plan your Next Route!

Can you believe it's already September?  The season has flown by with many wonderful paddlers coming through our doors and we truly appreciate you choosing us as your outfitter.  Of course, we still look forward to more of you arriving in Ely in the next month for a great fall journey through the wilderness.  Come on up!  There is still plenty of time to experience the Boundary Waters in 2011.
 
We still have spots available on our Autumn Colors Trips.  The dates are September 24-30.  The cost is $1195 plus tax and included just about everything you need.  Feel free to call or email Drew or Adam to find out the details.  It just might be the best time to take a trip up here so sign up soon!
 
There are a few fires in the BWCA these days.  Here is a list:

Slim Lake Island Fire - detected and suppressed on September 5.  Human caused, on a small island in the south end of the lake. 3/4 of an acre.
North Arm Road Gravel Pit Fire - detected and suppressed on September 5.  Lightning caused.  3 acres.
Lady Boot Bay Island/Lac LaCroix - (On the LaCroix Ranger District) Crews on scene. Cause unknown at this time.
High Lake Fire-continuing to monitor, 30 acres. Cause undetermined at this time.
Pagami Creek Fire -  Currently in the "monitoring phase"  Thanks to all the Firefighters who worked hard on this one over the last couple weeks.  For more information see the latest news on our blog.
 
We will be selling our used gear soon.  You'll see the list in this newsletter soon and we'll also have it on our website.  If there is something you know you are looking for, please email Drew or Adam and we'll make sure you get what you want.  There may even be a few things that we'll let go early. 
 
We would love to see more photos from your trips.  Please send them to us and see the good ones in future newsletters.  Also, have one of your paddlers write about the trip. A specific story or about the entire journey.  These all make great items for our newsletters and you can express your love of this wilderness by sharing stories and photos with others.
 
Water levels are low these days.  You'll especially see this on the rivers and streams.  Horse River, in the Mudro area, has been one place that people are mentioning.  The forecast is calling for great tripping weather.  But, the outfitters, Forest Service, and Ely residents all know that we really need rain for many reasons.  On the plus side, no rain means that there are hardly any bugs and everyone enjoys that aspect.
 
If you've been thinking of a canoe trip this fall, give us a call and we'll set you up with an ultralight Kevlar canoe and any gear you need.  Good permits are available and we'll help you figure out the best route.
 
Call Drew or Adam anytime at 1 800 223 6565!

STARTING SEPTEMBER 15th our Outfitting Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 
See you in Ely!  Drew Brockett, Outfitting Manager 

Cheers, Karen

By August, I knew I wanted to do a solo. I chose Crab because the long first portage would lead to a more remote experience. Crab is also near many small lake loops, which is my favorite way of tripping. I really like loops for some reason.

Sunday, 8/14

I got to the Burnside boat launch a half hour early, but so did my tow! He took me lickity split to my landing, while yelling out explanations for landmarks and navigating for my return paddle. By 10am, I was portaging the 420 rod portage to Crab Lake. I leap-frogged, which allowed for water breaks and shoulder relief along the way.  There were a few parties going out and a few of us going in. Everyone was in great spirits on such a lovely day.

The portage landing is sandy and sweet.

Read the rest of the story and see some great paintings from Karen here:
http://tremoloart.blogspot.com/2011/08/molo-solo.html

2011 Wilderness Fishing!

"Thought we would send you this picture of our BWCA trip this past August. We are at the pictographs just west of Warrior hill on Lac LaCroix. We are looking at a group of boys that are jumping into the lake from the cliff. We had a great trip and the equipment was excellent."

Mitch Thomsen

"Thanks for setting us up so well.  I always know that the details will be taken care of when I use your outfitting service.  You guys are the best.  Thanks again for doing such a great job setting things up for me.  I really do appreciate all your efforts." 

Dave Brown - Santa Rosa, CA

"Drew I thought you guys did an excellent job.  This is our 3rd trip and by far the best.  The entire staff from the store to the outfitting seemed to be genuinely interested in us 6 guys who they never met from Kentucky having a good trip and we did.  Even returning the equipment after the trip, everyone was asking where we went how was the fishing?  All around great group of people.  Well I could go on and on but anyway already looking forward to another trip."  

Frank Miller - Benton, KY 

"Thanks Drew, We had a fantastic trip.  Thanks for all your help.  We'll definitely recommend you guys.  Beth just put together a write-up for the Seattle area canoe club and gave you guys a top review. Cheers.

Carl Gronquist - Seattle, WA

• 4 pole square umbrella screen house sized to fit a picnic table.
• Quality, shockcorded aluminum frame is longer lasting and offers better performance in wind and rain than steel
• UV resistant 150D StormShield polyester splash cloth and roof is longer lasting than 75D polyester for maximum use.
• 50D polyester No-see-um mesh wall panels
• Eureka! hub and ring and pin assembly offer easy set up
• Near vertical side walls provide more useable interior space
• 2 full length doors zip completely open and out of the way for easy entry and exit

Was $269.99 now $215.99  Click Here

• Deluxe, vertical mesh channel on back panel provides cooling comfort
• Cushy shoulder harness is sleek and anatomical
• Improved, anatomically correct, load-spreading hipbelt is lined with soft tricot
• Huge, zippered side entry to main compartment
• Improved zippered sleeping bag compartment access

• Weight: 3ls 14oz
• Volume: 2750 cubic inches
• Fabric: 420D nylon, 420D mini-ripstop polyester

Was $129 now $103  Click Here

Was $29.95 now $23.99  Click Here

Still got some left :)  Segmented floatation makes this paddling vest super comfortable with features for birders, paddling naturalists, and anglers. Features 2 "easy stash" pockets coupled behind the large clip-cargo pockets.

 - Pin on retractor holder, lash-tab, & D-ring
 - Safety reflective tape on front and back for higher visibility
 - 420 denier nylon shell
 - USCG approved: Type III
 - Bouyancy: 16 lbs, 6oz   

click here to save

Let them know about us.  We love to introduce people to the beauty of the Great Northwoods!  Forward this newsletter to them or just have them give Drew or Adam a call!

If you were a facebook fan of ours, you'd know that a moose was spotted
right in town Ely and what the latest specials were ahead of time.





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.