News from Ely and the Boundary Waters

Piragis Northwoods Company

May 24, 2012 Email Newsletter

Ely goes from fire to (much) rain in one week.

Today we are soaked. Last Thursday part of Ely had to be temporarily evacuated as a forest fire threatened the town and residents' homes' on Highway 1. Last week the temperatures were high and the wind was blowing fierce having dried things out considerably already.

It was not your everyday Ely experience, but thanks to the men and women of the forest service, 8 different fire departments from the surrounding area and some help from above we are still here.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and it is ramping up to be a busy one here in the Northland.

We hope to see you soon!

From the End of the Road,

Tim Stouffer, Marketing Director and Webmaster

Piragis Northwoods Company

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I've discovered things in the wilderness

that your Grandparents found
long ago. Secrets ancient relatives
left uncovered. Paths that other men and women
traveled on the water highways.

Memories and deliberations. Campsites,
waterfalls and fishing spots that cross
the boundaries of time. Feelings that
come upon you when you're all alone;
as if you weren't.

Vintage Boundary Waters.
Older than a colorized postcard,
deeper. More than meets the eye.
Home to so many things I haven't met:
Yet.

Corners worn and edges yellowed;
like a favorite book at the bottom of my pack.
Each year's reading gives something:
New.

� Timothy James Stouffer 2012

What happened and where last Thursday?

For the specifics on last week's fire click here and get the official word. It certainly was a day of high excitement here.

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Tips for Fishing with KIDS in the Boundary Waters and Beyond

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Fishing Tips for Kids by Tim Stouffer

We've all heard about "Take a Kid Fishing" days. If we like to fish, we usually remember the first time we wet a line with Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa. Once you start, if you have a good experience, you are usually hooked. The key is that "good experience" feeling versus, well, you know - a bad one. The photo above is reflective of what a good one looks like :)

What can make those first few times of fishing great? What can go wrong and develop a distaste for the sport that so many people love and cherish? Whether by canoe, boat, kayak or just from shore, I'd like to share some tips for taking kids fishing (and hopefully catching).

If you're heading into the Boundary Waters with kids anytime soon, there's some great advice here for you.

Keep them in mind even if you are just heading down to your local river or creek.

Remember that even if you don't like to fish, your kids might want to. You could take along a book and a camera and it is a fantastic way to spend time together.

I remember my first tackle box, in fact I still have it, an orange plastic Plano box with three tiers of trays that folded out. My dad stocked me up with purple plastic worms, hooks, sinkers and some of his favorite spinner: Mepps. Bobbers, line, a stringer from my grandpa's stock and a good pair of pliers.

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Something New we Know you'll Like!

RAVEN TEE SHIRT by Shaun Chosa
"Pull at one string in nature and you'll discover it is attached to the rest of the world."

Exclusively designed for Piragis by local artist Shaun Chosa. We began working on new designs for tees this winter and talked with Shaun about some exclusive artwork to be created just for us. Hey, we've got time to come with lots of great ideas when the big white blanket comes down! As soon as our catalog hit homes earlier this March, we knew that our good idea was going to pay off. People love this design, the raven really pops off of the shirt and seems to stare right through you. It really is some of his best work. Shaun lives, works, teaches art to kids and creates art here in Ely.

Click Here

Cliff's Latest Blog - Purify your Water

I'm pretty lackadaisical about purifying my drinking water in the backcountry. I am, however, careful to take it from areas that are not prime sources of pollution. I follow these guidelines:

1. Don't take water from the shoreline. On lakes, go well out from shore.

2. Avoid green-colored water. "Green" indicates the presence of algae which attract microorganisms. Water that is brownish-tan is generally okay; this color is due to natural tannin from conifer trees.

3. Avoid beaver dams and lodges, and hence, a common source of Giardia.

4. Water taken from a sun-lit pool (UV kills microbes) is usually okay. But avoid water that flows over sunny rocks because the tumbling action mixes up microbes from the bottom. Microorganisms tend to lurk just below the surface of calm water, out of reach of sunlight.

To continue reading click HERE

Our Best-Selling DVDS

Alone in the Wilderness DVD Filmed by Dick Proenneke, edited by Bob Swerer

Dick retired at age 50 in 1967 and began to build his cabin on the shore of Twin Lakes, Alaska. Using only hand tools he cut and peeled the logs, made windows, doors, and furniture. He lived alone in this gorgeous mountain wilderness for 30 years, occasionally supplied by float plane. This film is often shown during pledge week on public television. You'll admire his cheerful determination and clever ideas. He makes construction without power tools look easy. This is an amazing film you'll watch many times. Companion to the book ONE MAN'S WILDERNESS by Sam Keith.

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Alone in the Wilderness Part II Filmed by Dick Proenneke, edited by Bob Swerer

Dick Proenneke's simple, yet profound account of his 30 year adventure in the remote Alaska wilderness continues in this sequel to "Alone in the Wilderness". Watch through his eyes as he continues to document with his 16mm wind-up Bolex camera, capturing his own amazing craftsmanship, the stunning Alaskan wildlife and scenery, and a visit from his brother Ray. His epic journey takes you on a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced society, and is a true breath of fresh air.

DETOUR THIS SUMMER ON HIGHWAY ONE To Ely

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Outfitting News with Drew Brockett

Water Levels

Plenty of rain over the last week has been wonderful for the entire area. Water will be at a great level for anyone coming up here.

Fire Restrictions?

On May 23rd, the fire restriction in the BWCA was lifted. You can now have a fire in the grate at any time of the day. Always be careful when you have a campfire and never leave it unattended.

Safety First

We rent Satellite Phones so keep that in mind if you are needing one on the trip. Please call to reserve these. I have a few Iridium and a few Globalstar models for rent.

Are there Bugs yet?

The bugs have started to come out - black flies and mosquitos. We have everything you need in our store - head nets, bug dope, etc to help you enjoy the wilderness. Also, we do rent Tundra Tarps in outfitting. These are the tarps with the bug screen sides. It's a great thing to rent when you want to travel during the bug season. Call to reserve one today!

Guided Trips

We still have room on many of our Guided Group Trips. If you want to take a trip where everything is taken care of: motel rooms, all the gear, all the food, guide, and trip planning; one of these could be perfect for you. Check them out and let us know if you have any questions.

Permits

It's always better to reserve your Permit sooner than later. Let us help you reserve one and tell you about the options that are available on your specific start date. It can be confusing on your own, but we'll walk you through it and make sure your trip planning starts off on the right foot!

Call Adam or Drew at 800-223-6565 for more details.