Hello from Ely. The winter chill is still in the air here in the Northwoods. Snow and negative temps are in the forecast for the next couple of days. This looks like it could be the last cold snap though, as the weather is supposed to warm up early next week.

Even though the temps are still cold, the sun finally has some warmth behind it, which means the paddling season is fast approaching. If you have been putting off planning your canoe trip, now is the time. The permits for certain areas are starting to get filled, so call us today to start the reservation process.

It won't be too long before we get the first taste of open water and see the greening of the wilderness begin.  The first trip of the year for some paddlers can't come quick enough and early Spring trips not only beat the crowds, but they are a perfect time to beat the bugs.  With long underwear, fleece and extra clothing and high energy food in tow, early-bird adventurers and anglers hit the water as close to ice-out as they can. 

Here in Ely, with the first hints of open water, we'll see the return of some waterfowl.  At the second bridge in Winton we've been graced with the presence of a pair of Swans the past few Springs.  Their quiet beauty is usually stark against the muddy waters of the river and you can lose sight of them quickly with the residual snows.  The pair glides through the current reminding us that soon we'll be doing so in our canoes.

If you've got the canoeing fever, call Adam and Drew today!

p.s. Our newest catalogs are in the mail and we've got over 150 new items online.  From Knives and Axes to fantastic new T-Shirt Designs and all of the cutting edge new gear for the Boundary Waters, you'll find it by clicking our Catalog Picture below.

From the End of the Road, 

Adam Macht