News from Ely and the Boundary Waters

Piragis Northwoods Company

Outfitting Enews

February 3, 2012

Greetings!

Happy Friday! The Ely Winter Festival is in full swing and the snow sculptors are crafting their works down at Whiteside Park. We have been having some warm weather which, is creating a bit of challenge for them, but I for one am very excited to see what they come up with. In related news, Ely store fronts are decorated with works of more than 150 local artists. Ely is a great place to be for the Arts!

Though we are celebrating Winter up here in Ely, I can't help but start looking forward to canoeing this summer. Permits reservations are now open and Drew and I have been talking with a bunch of excited paddlers about their upcoming trips. If you are thinking about a Boundary Waters trip this season, now is a great time to start planning. We are eager to answer all of your questions and look forward to helping you put an unforgettable trip together. Hope to see you in Ely!

Sincerely,
Adam Macht
Piragis Northwoods Company

Ely Winter Festival February 2 - 12

The Ely Winter Festival is going on now. There are activities for everyone, and don't miss the Ely ArtWalk. Click here to see more information about the Winter Festival.

Outfitting Notes

We are excited to help you book your next canoeing adventure, and answer any questions you may have about paddling the Boundary Waters and Quetico. At least one of us is here each day of the week to answer your call. Contact Drew and Adam for all of your outfitting needs!! The summer is getting closer so make your reservation soon.

FACEBOOK

For all you fans of Piragis Northwoods, we have a suggestion. Go ahead and "Like" us on Facebook. We have a lot of fun with it by posting photos, asking questions, and giving you important and timely news about the Boundary Waters and the Ely area. For our outfitting friends, this is a great resource for information about fire restrictions, permit updates, and Forest Service news. Head on over to our Facebook page and take care of this today so you don't miss anything.

PERMITS

BWCA - All the permits are on a first-come, first-served basis now. You can call us and we can check availability on the spot, as well as figure out a perfect route for you.

Quetico - Reserving permits for this wilderness is done on a 5 month in advance or less basis. So anyone looking to take a July trip will want to get your plans set so a permit can be reserved soon.

CANOES ARE HERE

Throughout the winter we start receiving our rental canoes. This week we just got a full load of 42!!! Thank goodness the weather was mild without any wind. We have had to unload these Wenonah trailers in single digits with a serious windchills in the past. One of the benefits of outfitting with Piragis Northwoods is that our rental fleet is new every year so you know you will be getting a canoe that is in great condition. There will also be some new models this year so look for an update on that in a future newsletter.

SHUTTLES AND TOWS

If you need help with transportation to and from entry points, we can do that for you. Start your journey at one entry and end it at another. We'll get you to the landing and pick you up at the exit point at a specified time. No worries for you, and you can leave your car at our place in Ely.

For tows, we can set you up on the Moose Lake chain to Ensign, Birch or Prairie Portage and beyond. To get to the Crab Lake Portage, take a tow across beautiful Burntside Lake. Call us to schedule and find out more info.

WHAT SOME OF OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Drew,

Our trip to the Boundary Waters was the highlight of the year for many of our scouts and we are already discussing a return trip. The trip was my fifth trip to Ely and the fifth time using Piragis Northwoods. This is not a coincidence, but a tribute to you and your staff for the excellent service and gear you provide time and time again. It is with much gratitude that I tip my hat to everyone at Piragis!

Dave Herbster - Sabetha, KS

Drew and Adam,

We had a great trip. It met and then exceeded expectations. I have no suggestions for how to improve your approach.

Andrew Lynn - New York, NY

Piragis Northwoods,

We had a great trip. Your outfitters were wonderful to work with, and all of the gear we used was in top notch shape, as usual. I plan to continue to do business with you in our future BWCA adventures.

Devaughn Rackham, Rochester, MN

Call 800-223-6565 or email Drew or Adam to start planning your next adventure!

2012 Guided Group Trips

Each year we offer several Guided Group Canoe Trips throughout the paddling season. These trips are Guided and Fully Outfitted. This means all you have to bring is your clothing, personal toiletries, fishing gear, and we do the rest. We provide lodging in Ely at the beginning and the end of the trip, permits, shuttles, guides, and all of your equipment. We get great people from all over the country and it makes for a great group dynamic.

This is a complete list of this year's Guided Group Trips:

Smallmouth Fishing Canoe Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: June 2 - 8

This trip is geared to take you to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing around. It is at the peak of the spawn, so get your topwater lures ready.

Fire Ecology Canoe Camping Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: June 23 - 29 and September 1 - 7

The Pagami Creek fire has provided us with the unique opportunity to explore how a wildfire affects the BWCA landscape. See first-hand what the fire has left behind, and the regeneration process. It's going to be a great learning experience!

Women Exploring Wilderness Canoe Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: July 7 - 13

Paddle, portage and camp in the picturesque Boundary Waters wilderness with other women who share your sense of adventure. Whether you want to brush up on your wilderness skills, experience the beauty of the woods, or discover the outdoors with your new friends, this trip is a must!

Lazy on the Lake Canoe Base Camping Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: July 21 - July 27

A new trip this year, it is designed for the canoe camper who is looking for a relaxing time in the wilderness. Spend your days fishing, exploring, taking day trips with our knowledgeable guides, swimming, or just bring a good book. If you have been dreaming about a relaxing Boundary Waters experience, this is your ticket.

Quetico Canoe Trip with Dave Maynard: $1495 + tax

Trip Dates: August 4 - 10

Travel into the Canadian wilderness and see its amazing landscape and natural history, fish its pristine waters, and learn from one of the most experienced Quetico paddlers around, Dave Maynard. Dave spent 20 years as a conservation officer for the park, and later became the assistant park superintendent. Needless to say few people know the park like he does; don't miss out on the chance to tap into all of his knowledge.

Quetico Kayak Trip with Dave Maynard: $1495 + tax

Trip Dates: August 11 - 17

Also guided by Quetico expert Dave Maynard, this trip heads north into the park via kayak. It's a great trip for those who love to kayak in the wilderness.

Canoe Camping with Cliff Jacobson and Steve Johnson: $1495 + tax

Trip Dates: August 18 - 24

Join two the most experienced guides and canoeing experts for the Boundary Waters trip of a lifetime. This trip will fill up fast, so get on board soon.

Howling with the Wolves Canoe Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: August 25 - 31

This trip starts with an afternoon at the world renowned International Wolf Center here in Ely, followed by an evening spent howling for wild wolves. Then it is into the Boundary Waters where we will set out into the wolf's natural habitat with the hopes of seeing or hearing wild wolves. If wolves fascinate you, this is a trip you can't miss.

Autumn Colors & Wilderness Wildlife Canoe Trip: $1195 + tax

Trip Dates: September 22 - 28

Autumn in the Boundary Waters means no bugs, fewer people, warm days, cool nights, and great vistas of saturated yellows, reds, and green. With wildlife on the move in the Fall, chances of seeing moose, bear, otter and beaver are optimal. If you have never taken a Fall BWCA trip, now is the time!

For more information go to our Guided Group Trip page

or call Drew or Adam at 800-223-6565

Some of our favorites!

MSR Wind Pro Stove

This is one of our favorite camping stoves. It is small, light-weight and easy to use, no priming necessary. "It's the best stove I have ever used." -- Drew Brockett

Price: $89.95

**We also have a few used outfitting Wind Pro Stoves available for $60**

Granite Gear Top of Thwart Bag

This thwart bag straps on to the TOP of the thwart for easy access. It's perfect for keeping your tackle box, rain gear, bug spray, and other essentials handy while you are paddling. Great for the canoeing angler!

Price: $59.95

Chota Hippie

A versatile wading sock that works in many conditions. Great for paddling and perfect for Boundary Waters and Quetico adventures. Take a look at this video to learn more.

Price: $119.95

Click here for more from the Boundary Waters Catalog

Vietnam Kayak Trip

Dear friends,

Come join us April 17 - 30 , 2012, as we paddle the ancient limestone formations of Ha Long Bay. This year we have reserved a new boat with large, comfortable cabins with private, full-sized baths. The chef on board is a master at preparing a variety of fresh seafood dishes that make every meal a culinary delight. Our days will be spent exploring sea caves, visiting floating fishing villages and enjoying the warmth and friendliness of the local Vietnamese people. After several days paddling the bay, we will move to Ba Be National Park in northern Vietnam. Here we will stay in the house of a local chief and get to experience village life. We will paddle a jungle river, go to a hill tribe market day and visit some of the schools we have helped the community build. Join us this April for the adventure of a lifetime.

Call Steve at 800-223-6565 or click HERE for more details

Used Outfitting Equipment

MTI Cruiser Pro Life Vest

One of our best deals!!

Retail Price: $75 Used Sale Price: $25

Granite Gear Superior One Portage Pack

Our favorite portage pack!

Retail Price: $209.95 Used Sale Price: $145

Piragis Ultralight Outfitting Paddles

Just 15.5 ounces!

Retail Price: $179.95 Used Sale Price: $129

Sierra Designs Bedouin 6

A great tent for the family!

New Price: $505 Used Price: $300 USED SALE PRICE: $225

(All prices include footprint.)

Used Rental Canoes

We still have a couple of boats from our 2011 rental fleet available. For complete availability, email Steve Schon

To see all our used gear click HERE

Call 800-223-6565 or Email Adam or Drew to order

Summer Retail Opportunites

Spend the summer on the edge of the Boundary Waters! We are currently seeking applicants for seasonal summer positions in our retail store. Please send a letter of application and your resume to our retail store manager, Michelle via email.