12/8/11 – The Forest Service has simplified their system for reserving BWCA Wilderness permits for next canoeing season. At least for all the entry points around Sawbill, permits can be reserved on a first come, first served basis starting on January 25th at 9 am central time. As in the past, you can make your reservation online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 toll free.
There is no reason to panic if can’t get your plans settled by January 25th. In the past, the entry date quotas around here haven’t started to fill up until the end of March, at the earliest. Of course, once your entry date is firm, go ahead and reserve your permit. As always, if you would rather, we’re happy to reserve your permit for you.
Otherwise, there is very little going on around here right now. We’re keeping busy with chores and waiting for a little more snow to start the ski season. The lakes are frozen at least a foot thick already and we have about 5″ of snow on the ground. – Bill

Roy and Phoebe enjoy a run on the lake at sunset.

the moon rising above a very frozen Sawbill Lake canoe landing.