8/14/11 – We have a sort of loose policy of not publishing pictures of big fish here on the newsletter. It partly because it is a bit of a cliche (except for the fisher-person who caught the fish) and partly because if we published everyone’s big fish picture, we’d soon be posting little else. But, all rules have an exception, so we occasionally find a big fish picture that tells more of a story. In this case, the fish is certainly impressive, but my favorite part is the twinkle in his eyes. – Bill

Dave Baldwin is a former Sawbill crew member from the early ’80s.

8/13/11 – Our fine local, community radio station, WTIP was a favorite of my dad, Frank Hansen. Frank volunteered at the station, recorded a weekly commentary and strongly supported their development. WTIP is recognizing the first anniversary of Frank’s death by asking people to call into to their listener comment line and leave short memories and stories about Frank. The number is 218-387-3161. You can get more information at the WTIP website. – Bill

Bill, Frank and Mary Alice Hansen

8/12/11 – Yesterday the Sawbill boys completed yet another successful “Guys Night Out.” On their afternoon away from Sawbill they relaxed playing a round of Frisbee golf in Lutsen, followed by dinner at the Trestle Inn in Tofte. – Jessica

The Frisbee crew from left to right: Nils “Shingles” Anderson, Joe “Snowbaby” Daniels, “Handy Andy” Keith, Tyler “TC” Campbell, Carl “Carlos” Hansen, and Leif “Nordic Nick” Gilsvik.

8/11/11 – Earlier today we received an email from long time Sawbill friend, Bill Towner. It reads…
I wanted to thank the Outfitters and say that we had a lovely reunion in the BWCA this year. Your outfitting was great, as always. The fishing was exceptional, like I remember it as a boy.
It was fantastic to be in this place again that is so special to us, in magical, spiritual and joyfully sentimental ways. Very exciting to be coming back with our fourth generation, that we brought to the BWCA as children, now adults. Our relation with your family and the backwoods that we simply and affectionately call, Sawbill is one of the cornerstones of our family. We’ll be back!

Towner family from left to right. Front: Ted, Mark, Elyse, Josef. Middle: Bob, Helen. Back: Cherie, Bill, Marco.

8/8/11 – With a little bit of a lull in the action yesterday afternoon, a few of us decided to take some time to go see what we could find for blueberries. We were happily surprised to find mostly ripe berries. It may not have been a bumper crop like some years before, but we still found berries without too much trouble. -Jessica

A sample of some of the fine specimen.

The blueberry crew from left to right: Meg, Joe, Jessica, Nils, and Ellyn.

8/6/11 – A few days ago, in an attempt to beat the heat, Leif, Joe, and I went over to Alton Lake to try our hand at snorkeling. Alton is a very clear spring fed lake with lots of structure. These characteristics make it perfect for exploring under water. Sadly, we did not find any sunken treasure, but enjoyed ourselves in the process of searching for one. -Jessica

Joe and Jessica stopping for a break.

We got really high tech when Bill let us borrow his underwater camera to search for his glasses he lost in the water exactly one month ago.

8/5/11 – Our own Carl Hansen has submitted a short film to a film contest sponsored by Environment Minnesota to promote solar energy in Minnesota. Part of the judging process involves voting on your favorite file and Carl would sure appreciate votes for his film, titled “My Fellow Minnesotans…” The film features the solar system here at Sawbill which has been in use for more than 20 years. –

8/1/11- Yesterday afternoon the whole crew gathered together in the store to take our Summer 2011 Crew picture. We are all sporting our “do it firmly” crew shirts, which refers to the scene in the permit video addressing bear confrontations. Carl is holding onto the crank Vortex blender that we sell in the store, and former crew member Marc Le Voir is standing in for Tess, otherwise known as “Ted,” who will be arriving next week and will be working here for the remainder of the season.

Summer Crew 2011
Shortly after the picture was taken, we all changed out of our crew shirts and into something nice for the Dome Dance, which is held at about this time every year and is located in the dome building on the side of the canoe yard. The dance consisted of an interesting form of folk dancing which was made possible by expert dance caller Terrance Smith and a great band. There was a good turn out and several people staying in the campground joined in on the fun. Unfortunately, I was not able to get a decent/non-blurry picture from the dance, so if you’re curious you’ll just have to stop on by next year!
-Joe

7/30/11- This morning we welcomed back the Zackley High School Youth Group from a week long paddle. The Zackleys are part of the First Congregational Church of LaGrange, which is located in the suburbs of Chicago. This year they broke into four groups of seven people and conquered dozens of lakes and travels tens of miles. The Zackleys have embarked on canoe trips through Sawbill every year for over 40 years! There have been a few former Zackleys that have even become crew members here at Sawbill (including myself).
-Joe

The Zackleys are nice and clean after their first shower in a week.

7/29/11- Just a few moments ago, crewmember Carl Hansen shared some exciting news with us here at Sawbill. A couple weeks ago he submitted a video to Environment Minnesota in hopes of winning a solar energy video competition. He has just informed that he has been chosen as a finalist in the competition! Not only will he be judged on quality, but also by the number of hits that his video receives on youtube. So, not only will you be helping him by watching the video, but you will also be able to learn a bit more about solar energy and how we provide some of our own power here at Sawbill (so I’ve included the link to the video below). Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogCIBnSDrH0
-Joe