3/22/20 – With all that is going on in the world I figure a few more newsletter posts couldn’t hurt as we all do our part to hunker down. To start it off; below is a quiet moment on Alton Lake. If you look on the snow covered rock (bottom left corner of the picture) you’ll see some otter poop. -Jessica
3/7/20 – The end of February certainly went out like a lamb. On the 22nd we reached 51⁰ F, which was hard to believe with my own eyes (yes I checked multiple thermometers around Sawbill to confirm). My backyard snow-person especially felt the burn. The southern side of it’s head looked like it had been attacked by a zombie. The flesh eating disease it contracted (from said zombie) progressed quickly in the days that followed.
I’m happy to report, however, that winter is definitely not over. In recent days we’ve received 4″ of fresh fluffy snow and there is still plenty of the white stuff in the woods more than willing to swallow you up if you step off the beaten path. Happy March! -Jessica
2/23/20 – Sawbill has recently become a member of the Weather Underground online community! You can now view real time measurements of our temperature, wind, precipitation, and more by following this link to the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters personal weather station. -Jessica
January 29, 2020 – Every now and then, a great opportunity pops up, and we have one to offer now. After 30+ years of hosting at the Sawbill Lake Campground Jim and Rachel TerBeest have decided to retire. Their contributions to the campground were many and they will be missed! Their Sawbill family wishes them peace and happiness as they spend more time with their very cute and very busy grandkids in Omaha.
Their retirement leaves an opening, for the first time in decades, for the Sawbill Lake Campground Host position. If you are interested in learning more about what it means to be a Campground Host, please send an inquiry to info@sawbill.com.
Clare
1/26/20 – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon started today! This is always an exciting time in the northwoods as the race travels its way across the arrowhead region (see map below). If you are nearby, it is certainly worth making a stop at one of the many road crossings or checkpoints to watch teams at work, but not to worry if you’re unable to attend in person. This year, live coverage of the race is available to stream and can be found on the Beargrease’s official website, along with lots of other great information about the race. -Jessica
1/20/20 – Sawbill customer, Bobby Phelps, recently passed along a few pictures from a canoe trip taken this past summer. Although I’m definitely enjoying the winter conditions, I can’t help but look forward to paddling season a little more after seeing these.
As a friendly reminder, entry permits become available next Wednesday, January 29th, from www.recreation.gov. Happy planning! -Jessica
1/16/20 – This past weekend we welcomed round two of visiting crew members. Brian Henry arrived first and took it upon himself to head out on skis to provide a little lake condition reconnaissance. He reported 21″ of ice, along with a firm crust of snow on-top of the early season slush. Great news for future lake travel! His route zig-zagged across the south end of the lake, eventually heading around Boundary Island, and back. The only slush he encountered was when he dug his ski pole down into the snow to find it.
Other highlights from the weekend included; a sunset ski, music at Papa Charlies in Lutsen, lots of coffee drinking, bird watching, vinyl record listening, and football. Hard to beat. Thanks to Claire, Lindsey, Drew, Tess, and of course Brian for making the trip! -Jessica
1/4/20 – As the tradition goes, Sawbill crew members made the pilgrimage to the end of the Sawbill trail this past week to ring in the new year. This time around we were rewarded with clear skies, a very mild temperature of 0⁰ F, and no wind (unheard of in recent New Year’s Eve memory). We finished out 2019 under the stars making a lap around the freshly groomed ski trail and welcomed in 2020 on the lake. -Jessica
12/16/19 – This past week The Big Lake, along with Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground, hosted their annual It’s a Wunderbar Life Holiday Market. Local artists and businesses were in attendance, including Clare and myself representing Sawbill. Per usual, this event tested all of my self control when it comes to buying every hand made coffee mug within sight, and the amazing artists of Cook county didn’t aid in the struggle. In the end I narrowly escaped with three new coffee mugs to add to my vast collection. Is there really such a thing as too many beautiful coffee mugs? I think not. -Jessica
12/8/19 – On my way out of the office the other afternoon, I suddenly felt the need to head to the lake. The lazy snowflakes drifting to the ground, light blanket of clouds, and a pleasant 20 some degrees left me no choice but to hurry up and get down there before sunset. As I approached the lake I caught the sound of wolves howling in the distance (apparently I wasn’t the only one enjoying the beautiful evening). They fell silent shortly after my arrival, so I waited a while to see if they would start back up. After about 15 minutes of quiet I asked myself, what would Cindy Hansen do? She’s a howling savant, so the answer was clear, I had to give them a good old-fashioned “Hey, hi, how are ya?” I let out a howl, and wouldn’t you know, the group started back up across the lake. I’ve heard wolves howling a few times in the past, but never in the daylight. Pretty darn cool! -Jessica
