6/15/08 – Sawbill played host to a memorable guest yesterday. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty went on a trip with our wilderness guide Dave Freeman. Freeman led Pawlenty, wife Mary and daughter Mara, along with two friends, through the Kelso Loop. Freeman said they had a sunny, relaxing day paddle, aside from a few sprinkles of rain around lunchtime. The Pawlentys were in the Arrowhead region for a short summer vacation taking advantage of vacation destinations on and around Lake Superior’s North Shore. – Lee

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty gets ready to lug the canoe across a portage while his wife Mary and daughter Mara collect the other gear in the background.