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Piragis Northwoods Company
 105 North Central AvenueEly, Minnesota 55731 1-800-223-6565 www.piragis.com April 1, 2009 Your Friends in the Great Northwoods News from Piragis Northwoods Company and the BoundaryWatersCatalog.com:
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Not so Common Trail Sense
Portages -- The Dreaded "P" Word By Bert Heep One of the adventures of canoe tripping is finding and negotiating the portages. In fact, “portage stories” are a big part of any recounting of the time we spend paddling. It is almost like wearing a badge of honor when we tell about the grueling mile and a half portage that was littered with rocks and boulders, full of mud holes, laced with tree roots, inhabited by killer mosquitoes, and mostly uphill. Then we end the description with a straight face and say, “It really wasn't too bad!” Some paddlers hate portages and will avoid them at all costs. Others don't mind them but would rather not have to deal with them. Then, there are some of us who actually enjoy them. Seriously, Diane and I really do like portages. A long time ago we realized that portages are a big part of canoeing and so we had best get used to them and stop complaining. In the process, we found reasons to actually like them. So, here are a few things to think about that may help you look at portages in a different light. In fact, you might even start to look forward to them. Single versus double. When Diane and I started canoeing we somehow were under the impression that “real paddlers” only made one trip on a portage. I vividly recall our first trip down the Little Indian Sioux River. We came to the portage between Lower Pauness Lake and Shell Lake. This portage is 215 rods long. “Let's see if we can single portage,” I told Diane. I helped Diane get our big gear pack on her back and the smaller clothing pack on in front. The fact that she could not see where she was putting her feet didn't matter - we were going to be real trippers. I strapped on my waist pack and struggled to hoist the kitchen pack. Then, with great confidence I proceeded to lift the canoe onto my shoulders. Well, there I stood all prepared to tackle 215 rods. Those of you who know this portage, know that it really isn't that bad. It begins rather sharply uphill but then levels off to a well-worn path. I huffed up the hill and was grateful to see a canoe rest at the top (this was back when the longer portages still had them). I lowered the bow of the canoe on the rest but stayed underneath to catch my breath. I asked Diane how she was doing. She smiled and looked at me with that “you're nuts” look. I decided to get out from underneath the canoe and in the process my pack caught on the yoke pad and over I went with a loud crashing that I was sure could be heard back in Ely. There I was, lying on the trail, pack on my back and canoe on my head. Diane, who was sitting on a log, looked at me and smiled. Then she began to laugh. Then she began to really laugh. Then she fell over backwards. Then I began to laugh. How are we doing on becoming “real paddlers”? I started to struggle to get upright and Diane said, “Wait, let me take a picture”. “Well, hurry up, someone may be coming,” I urged. I still have the photo and we still laugh when we look at it. After we were on our way again, I told Diane that if she ever told a soul about what had just happened I would never paddle with her again. Its OK for me to tell it, but not her. As we negotiated the portage we encountered another couple with three kids. They had packs, life jackets, fishing tackle boxes, paddles and canoes spread out along the portage, as they were leap frogging along. The wife looked at us and said, “Wow, look at these guys, they're making it in one trip!” I puffed out my chest, picked up the pace and said, “Have a nice day”. Yep, we were well on our way to becoming ‘real paddlers”. Guess what? That was the last time we ever tried to single portage. Frankly, it's just not worth it. Since that day we have come to believe that portages are a part of journey, something to be enjoyed, not just endured. We have also come to realize that by double portaging we are able to bring along a few more amenities that make a canoe trip more pleasant - more fresh food, crazy creek chairs, a sun shower, a bigger tent, etc. Enjoy the walk. After a long period of paddling it's a nice change to get out and stretch and use some different muscles. On days when you're battling the wind and waves it is also good to be on terra firma. Especially enjoy the walk back after the first trip. It feels so good to be walking without carrying anything. Learn to stroll. Don't be in such a hurry on this trip. Stop and look around. Most portages require attention to where you put your feet, so stop often and just look around. For those of us who carry the canoes, it is especially nice to be able to see things above the 5-foot level! Discovery time. I am continually trying to be a more observant person. It is so easy to go through life with out really seeing what is around us. The next time you are on a portage try to see it with new eyes. Really look around and try to see things you have never seen before. Stop and carefully inspect some flowers, plants, or mushrooms. Carry an identification book and keep a record of what you find. Stoop down and look carefully at some animals scat. Take a stick and break it apart and see if you can tell what the animal had eaten. Look around at the trees that you see along a portage. How many different species can you count along the way? Stop and look up at some of the big white and red pine. Look deep into the woods, beyond the trail. Pause and listen to the sounds - birds, running water, and wind in the trees. These pauses will often result in wildlife sightings too. Observe some of the big erratics that the glaciers left behind on their slow retreat. How many different animal tracks can you identify? We have to walk these portages anyway, try and discover something along the way. Time for a workout! Most of us don't get enough physical exercise so look at portaging as a way to work your heart and give your body a work out. It really is a good way to lose weight and get in shape. Would you rather be on a portage or a Nordic Track? I know where I would rather be. So when portages get tough, try to think about how good they are for your body. Grab that pack and that canoe and get that body you have always wanted! Go back in history. Think about all of the paddlers who have walked the very same trail that you are on. Go way back. Dream. Fantasize about it. Many of our canoe routes are the same trails that the Voyageurs traveled. Ancient peoples long ago used the same trails and carried similar burdens. There is something special about that. We all need those links to the past, a connection with what has gone on before us. What a connection it is. There are not too many opportunities in this life to make that kind of intimate link. Not much has changed over the years. Think about it. Sing. That's right, I said sing. We all sing in the shower from time to time, so why not try singing some of your favorite songs while you portage? Diane and I made it a point of memorizing some of our favorite hymns. As we paddled and often when we were on some long and arduous portages we would sing. It helps take your mind off the tedium and focus on something else. You're not constantly wondering if the sight of blue water will be around the next bend or over the next hill. I have a habit of timing our portages. It helps me check distances and gauge where we are on a given portage. I specifically remember gauging one portage between McNiece and Kahshahpiwi by the number of times I could sing this one song. That portage will always be known as a “10 song portage”. It is also a good time to memorize a favorite poem. Let's face it, there are just times when we need a distraction to get us through. OK, we may never get to the point that we like portaging more than paddling. If we did, we might as well go backpacking right? But at least we can start look at portaging as a something to be enjoyed and not dreaded. So, the next time you are pouring over maps and planning your next trip, you can look at those red lines, even the long ones, and smile. Call Bert or Drew today for help planning your next wilderness canoe camping trip. 1-800-223-6565 to reserve your permits, canoes and gear today. |
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Round the Bend - Real Experiences in the Wilderness
Double Take on Agnes Lake, by Kerth T. Lundell Sigurd Olson, the great wilderness writer from Ely, told us that we should "listen to the wilderness." Last night we fell asleep surrounded by spring peepers, and this morning we awoke to the sounds of a pileated woodpecker and loons on beautiful Montgomery Lake. My nephew, Drew, and I have been base camping on Montgomery Lake in a remote part of the Quetico Wilderness. This lake is, without a doubt, the most beautiful and isolated lake we have ever seen. Montgomery is a medium-sized lake lined with thick old growth pines, and it is full of rocky pine islands. Our campsite sat high on a point of one of these islands. There was a spectacular ancient pictograph on the cliff immediately below the campsite. We had now gone four days without seeing another human being, and we loved this isolation. However, it was time to break camp and move through another section of the Quetico. As we loaded the canoes and began paddling, we were treated to one of those rare mornings with fog on a perfectly calm lake. As the sun rose the fog slowly lifted, and the lake was a perfect reflection of the sky and shore. It was, to once again quote Sigurd Olson, "as if we were paddling through the very sky itself." We made several lengthy portages and reached Kawnipi Lake by 8:00. Luckily, the waters on this great lake were still calm. We traveled twelve miles, making several more significant portages, reaching Agnes Lake shortly after noon. Agnes is a magnificent lake fifteen miles in length. Its waters are crystal clear and it is known for its lake trout. After setting up camp on a beautiful site overlooking Agnes, Drew and I decided to try our luck. The wind was kicking up a bit, so we paddled out and used the breeze to troll around several nearby islands. Having had no luck with this strategy, we headed over to a reef that was indicated on our topographical maps. As soon as we got over this reef, Drew yelled, "I've got one." Ten seconds later I had one on the line. While both of us battled our lake trout, we realized that our lines were tangled together and the wind was blowing us into the shallow rocks of the reef. Just as I netted my lake trout, Drew, rod in hand, stepped out onto a rock to steady the canoe. Then his trout was also netted. This was, without a doubt, one of the most exciting fishing experiences we have ever had. It was especially exciting for me as this catch completed my first Boundary Waters "Grand Slam," catching all four major species on a single trip. Back at camp Drew, in expert fashion, filleted our catches and we feasted on sizzling lake trout and hashbrowns. At that moment we felt that we were the luckiest guys in the world. Perhaps we were.. If you have Trip experiences and/or observations you'd like to share with other newsletter subscribers, email them to our webmaster. We would love to get your help with our e-newsletter. Please send a picture or two from your trips from the past and this year's trips after they happen, too. We will probably feature them in upcoming e-newsletters. Write a story about your entire trip, about a specific event, your favorite lake or route, how your kids enjoyed their first journey, how the wilderness makes you feel, what you like to cook in camp, or any number of things that make you want to share with other fellow paddlers. Send pictures of wildlife, scenery and big fish! Keep ‘em coming! Everyone likes to see pictures and read about other’s adventures up here. It will only fuel your fire to get back up here and take another canoe trip.
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Special Sale on Blemished (cosmetic only) Canoes from Wenonah Canoe!
All canoes are structurally sound and fully warranted. Contact us about arranging delivery for $75 to $300 depending on distance from here.
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Boundary Waters Catalog Specials Clearance Priced
We're discounting these clearance items -- Advantage YOU!
Air Bags: You won't find any raw edges or sloppy stitching on our gear. What you will find is an ultralight stuff sack that is "finished" and packaged in a way that makes it fly. Check out our online Boundary Waters Catalog. |
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Our new Canoeing Shirt is the perfect match our Boundary Waters Canoe Pants!
 http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,7540.html Perfect for canoe trips and still nice enough for a night out . Pairs well with our Piragis Canoe Pant. Get out and stay out with a shirt that offers protection from the sun. Made to be multi-functional and quick drying for the ultimate in comfort and performance. Active fit and vented. |
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Follow Piragis Northwoods Company on Twitter for Specials and News Updates!
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Ever wonder how Wenonah Makes a Kevlar Canoe?
Check out this great video! http://www.wenonah.com/video/ Wenonah Canoe steers straight in the recession by Sea Stachura, Minnesota Public Radio, March 20, 2009 Winona, Minn. — Every winter, the people at Wenonah Canoe build a forest of canoes in their warehouses. The company sells 12,000 canoes and kayaks every year to people around the world. About 40 years ago, founder Mike Cichanowski started with just one boat. READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/03/19/wenonah_canoes_economy/ |
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Is a true African Safari on your list of Dream Trips? Make it happen in 2009!
WE'VE GOT SIX PEOPLE SIGNED UP! JOIN THIS FUN ADVENTURE TODAY!
African safaris are frequently very expensive and lavish. But, there is an alternative to the high priced wine and cheese safaris. There is even a benefit to the less expensive tour. The group is tiny. We camp safely where the animals are and the other people are not. And, the chef is the guide, the company owner and the jeep driver all in one. I am looking for two or more clients to accompany me to Africa for a tour of Botswanna, South Africa and Zambia. The highlights include visiting 2 of the top 10 game reserves in Africa. Good chances of seeing Africa’s largest herds of wildebeest and zebra and the elephant eating lions of Savuti. We’ll visit Khama Rhino Reserve, Makgadigadi Gamer Reserve, Moreni Game Reserve of the Okavonga Delta and the famous Chobe National Park. Most nights we camp in safe, comfortable tents perched on platforms atop the jeeps. Sean Stones is our guide and chief cook. Some clients say the trip is worth it just for the campfire cooking. There are openings the last two weeks of September when the wildebeest migration just might be underway. 10 days in Botswana, 4 days in South Africa. This safari includes the following highlights; the scenic Waterburg region of South Africa, one of the largest reserves in Africa – The Central Kalahari, one of Africa’s most well known ‘Natural wonders’ – the Okavango Delta, the third largest Zebra and Wildebeest migration and two of Africa’s top 10 rated game reserves; Moremi game reserve on the shores of the Delta and Chobe game reserve in Northern Botswana. An excellent all round safari offering exceptional game viewing, Excellent birding, and a variety of changing ecosystems. Contact Steve Piragis today to discuss the trip and reserve your spot. DAY 1 Arrive JHB Airport DAY 2
DAY 7 DAY 8 & 9 DAY 10
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Guided Group Trip Updates
Our Smallmouth Fishing Trip in early June is FULL. But, we are taking reservations for another group. Dates are June 13-19. The Smallmouth fishing should be great. We head up to the South Arm of Knife Lake. Remember, this is a fully outfitted and guided trip. You bring your clothing and fishing gear and we do the rest. Great food, Kevlar canoes, and the best fishing guides in the country. Call us now for more details and booking information. We are offering two new trips this year: LOON TRIP - June 20-26 and STAR GAZING/ASTRONOMY TRIP September 19-25. We are getting great interest in these trips, so call us soon to lock up your spot. |
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Chocolate Moose Restaurant For Sale
Turn-key Business for Sale Highly successful well-known Ely restaurant located on the busiest corner in town. Features include a hand crafted log building with a loft, 4-season porch and extensive decks & awning which provide for al fresco seating in warm weather. This business is an Ely landmark with a well-established reputation of quality and creativity. Price includes furnishings and equipment; most of which is recently updated. Sited on a large lot with close to half a block of Sheridan Street frontage. Please contact Owner/Agent Trish Bulinski 218-365-3619 $399,000
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