Piragis Northwoods Boundary Waters News

April 9, 2013

Greetings!

Greetings!  April in Ely is following a more traditional route.  Snow some, melt some, freeze some.  Repeat.  Usually it is muddy and grey, and it lingers.  So far, that is what it has been like here.

The good news is we're getting the moisture that we didn't get last Spring and there's a slow peacefulness that pairs well with the anticipation of Spring.  It is part of what makes life interesting around here.  We'll keep you updated on the condition of the ice as we all look forward to the first canoe trips of the year.  Right now the good money is on the first week of May for ice-out and open water in Ely for 2013.

Do you know that still moment when you look at the horizon reflected in the still water and for a brief second you cannot tell the difference between the real image and the "mirror"?  That beautiful, seemingly timeless, few seconds that are captured by the camera of canoe country paddlers each summer...  The picture in my mind.  That's the moment I've been waiting on all winter. 

Reflection

Mirrored state of sameness,
with angled refraction switched.
Careful and long consideration less
the original enriched.

Origin: a "bending back"
...we follow trail and winding water;
mirror images retracing our own track.
as on adventure's edge we totter.

Where ends reality and begins the dream?
Our paddle blade bisects the plain
as lonely ripples unzip the length of seam.
In memory our reflection does contain.

� Timothy James Stouffer, 2013
All rights reserved.

(plain is spelled this way to draw the mind away from the ordinary as opposed to plane)


From the End of the Road,

Tim Stouffer, Webmaster at Piragis Northwoods Company

p.s. Hope you enjoy our Boundary Waters News from the North!  Give us a call with any questions or needs you might have.  1-800-223-6565.

 

Outfitting Notes
Call Drew or Adam to reserve your canoe trip and find out how to get 10% off your catalog and retail store purchases!
 
If you haven't started thinking about your canoe trip this year maybe this will help:
 
Kevin and his son Jayden on their trip to Wood Lake.
 
 
Jayden enjoying a cookie outside the outfitting building.
 
Take a cue from these guys and enjoy the sun on your canoe trip.
 
Bring the kids! These are the days they will never forget.

 
Views like this are part of what make the BWCA great!
 
Jayden all loaded up and ready to hit the portage.
 
 

Don't wait!  Call Drew or Adam at 800-223-6565 to create you Boundary Waters memories today! 

Guided Group Trips
Boundary Waters Smallmouth Bass Fishing Trip                  
June 1-7        $1195

At the peak of the smallmouth spawn our seasoned fishing guides will lead you to lakes where the action is fast and furious. Join us in canoe country for 6 days of nothing but fabulous fishing on wilderness lakes where the fish are hungry and never see a boat with a motor on it.

 

Women Exploring Wilderness BWCA Canoe Trip                 

July 13-19    $1195

Join new friends on a wilderness experience this summer. Paddle, portage and camp in America's canoe country with other women who share your spirit of adventure. This is our most highly rated trip by past participants, and judging by the laugh meter it must be the most fun, too. Take a break from the humdrum and discover a pristine wilderness and maybe a little about yourself at the same time.

 

Canoeing with Cliff Jacobsen & Steve Johnson                     

(Trip is full, sign up for the waiting list.)

Aug 10-16    $1495

Cliff Jacobson is one of North America's most respected outdoors writers and wilderness guides; Steve Johnson has been guiding for Piragis Northwoods for over 25 year. The wealth of canoeing and BWCA knowledge the two of these guides hold is immeasurable.

 

Howling with the Wolves Boundary Waters Canoe Trip    

Aug 24-30    $1195

The Boundary Waters Wilderness has been home to wolves since the retreat of the glaciers. From your campsites, you can still hear wolves' lonely howls or catch a glimpse of one along the lakeshore or portage. We'll start our week by studying captive wolves at the International Wolf Center and visit sites where wild wolves are known to rendezvous.

 

Stargazing in the BWCA 

Sept 7-13      $1195

Nowhere else can you see the stars and Northern Lights so clear at night than the wide open wild spaces of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Our backyard is void of man-made lights and it is far from the plumes of industry that cloud and obscure the natural beauty of night's canvas. There is something ethereal, surreal about the constellations when you view them in solitude.

 

Autumn Colors and Wilderness Wildlife Canoe Trip      

Sept 21-27   $1195

Autumn in the Boundary Waters means no bugs, fewer people, warm days, cool nights, and great vistas of saturated yellows, reds, and green. Travel the BWCAW during the quiet season and see the boreal forest in all its vibrant splendor. The colors start early in September with the maples and peak with the great forests of aspen and birch in late September and early October.

 

Quetico Canoe Trip with Dave Maynard                                

Aug 17-23   $1495

Travel into the Canadian Wilderness and see its amazing landscape and natural history, fish its pristine waters, and learn from one of the most experience Quetico paddlers around. Our guide Dave Maynard spent 20 years as a Conservation Officer for Quetico Park, paddling and portaging his way throughout most of the park. He has been to almost every lake with a portage to it, and even a few that don't.

 

Call Adam or Drew at 800-223-6565 to sign up today.

Video Blog:  Steve Piragis, "Granite Gear Portage Packs make canoe trips efficient and comfortable."
Ever wonder why we make the choices we do about the gear we outfit you with?  Discover what happens when thoughtful design and state of the art materials meet together in the perfect pack for the Boundary Waters.  Granite Gear and Piragis Northwoods Company have been meeting the needs of paddlers for a long time :)
 
Granite Gear Portage Packs Overview with Steve Piragis
Granite Gear Portage Packs Overview with Steve Piragis
Early Season Footwear
One of the most important pieces of gear for your spring trip is footwear.  Pair the Chota Caney Fork with the Chota Hippies for dry feet all spring! 
  

 
 
Chota Hippies Adjustable Socks.mov
Chota Hippies Adjustable Socks.mov

Blog -- FAQ: Stuff You Trust

By Cliff Jacobson

Here's a frequently asked question:

We're planning a wilderness canoe trip and want to be prepared with the best equipment. I hear there's a great new trail stove (tent, rain parka, canoe pack etc.) on the market that is absolutely terrific. It was top rated in the last issue of "Fun Camping Magazine". What do you think of this hot new product? Should I buy one?
  
 
Hightech Harry
  
Click HERE to read Cliff's answer.
Used Canoes for Sale
We still have some of our 2012 Rental Canoes available immediately.  If you are looking to get a boat before this paddling season NOW is the time.
  
2012 Rentals Available NOW:
Wenonah - Minnesota 4
Wenonah - Minnesota 3
Wenonah - Minnesota 2
Wenonah - Boundary Waters 2
Wenonah - Escape
Wenonah - 17 Wenonah
  
In addition to our remaining 2012 Rental Canoes, we are already taking deposits for our 2013 fleet.  (These boats will be available for pick up October of 2013.)  Click HERE for more information about all of our used canoes, or call Steve Schon at 800-223-6565.  

 

Your Friends in the
Great Northwoods
105 North Central Avenue
Ely, MN  55731
1-800-223-6565
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Wenonah Canoes sponsors Piragis Northwoods Company ENEWS

Ely Echo Sponsors the Piragis ENEWS