10/1/18- One of the more popular hiking attractions on this part of the shore is Carlton Peak. It’s a crew favorite and should definitely be on your list. The trail is best accessed 2 miles up from Tofte on the Sawbill Trail at the Britton peak trailhead. It’s a short 1.5 mile hike to the summit with 550 feet vertical elevation gain. The summit itself sits 924 feet above the lake and offers a commanding view of the shore from north to south.  

Stop on by and let us know where your adventures are taking you!

-Logan

9/29/18- The BWCA saw its first snow of the fall last night and into this morning. We were greeted with 29 degree temperatures and a light dusting on the leaves. The day has turned bright and sunny, melting the remnants of last nights storm. With the newly welcomed snow I thought it would be a good time to remind folks of the importance of wearing appropriate layers and life vests as the weather and water cools. Canoeing in the shoulder seasons can be rewarding with the spectacular colors and lack of traffic but there is also increased risk. Keep your life vest on at all times while on the water and wear layers that will insulate when wet like wool and synthetic blends.

Have a great time out there!

-Logan

9/27/2018- The north shore has more to offer than just recreation opportunities and outstanding natural beauty. There are also a multitude of neat shops, restaurants and community events to occupy ones times. Recently the Sawbill crew went down to the Birch grove school in Tofte for a woodfired pizza night.

Trevor Huggins of Good Hearth Breads’ stayed open a bit later than usual to welcome the crew after closing up for the night around the store. He runs a permanent wood fired oven at the Birch Grove school in Tofte once a week from June through the end of September. The crust, sauce and cheese is provided. All you have to do is bring your own toppings and a suggested donation of 5 dollars per 11 inch pizza. It’s a fun family oriented atmosphere.

This is one of many treasures you can find along the shore. Make sure you check out the community events calendar before your visit!

-Logan

9/23/18- There has been an increase in moose sightings around the Sawbill area over the past few days. Anywhere from the local lakes to the trail itself, they’ve been making appearances. Fall and the cooler temps are a signal for them to begin their rutting cycle. Rutting moose tend to be more active, covering larger areas than normal looking for a mate. It’s an especially good time to observe younger bulls as they try to carve out a more permanent home area for themselves.  While out in the woods this time of year it’s prudent to be aware of your surroundings. Rutting moose show less fear towards humans and have a tendency to defend their territory. It’s especially important to keep your distance and be aware of your surroundings. Safe encounters can add that much extra excitement to your boundary waters or superior national forest experience.

 

-Logan

9/21/2018- Exciting news from the Sawbill trail! Owners Clare and Dan Shirley have welcomed another addition to their family. Sigurd Theodore Shirley was born in the very early hours of Sunday September 16th. He’s a happy, healthy little lunker at 20.5 inches and just over 9 pounds.

-Logan

9/17/18- It’s hard to believe we are already over halfway through September. Lingering summer like temperatures are giving way to cooler days and canoe trippers are pleased. Weekend entry permits still may need a reservation but the weekdays are opening up.

This is the time of year we get a ton of calls from folks looking for leaf color updates. Luckily, crew member Claire and I were able to sneak away from Sawbill duties for a color scouting mission. We drove along the Honeymoon Trail which is the last road on the right before the pavement turns to gravel on the Sawbill trail. The color was phenomenal on the higher ridges and just starting along the trail itself.  

In case you’re having a bad day, here is a picture of Huckleberry.

Let us know where your fall adventures take you!

-Logan

9/14/18- Despite the deceptively summer-like temperatures, the changes in the leaves around the canoe yard are getting more apparent by the day. The underbrush is yellowing and the white pine are dropping needles. It won’t be long until we see full blown fall colors on the trail.

If you’re planning a leafing trip around Minnesota, a good reference is the  Minnesota department of Natural resources fall color finder. It’s an interactive map on their website that shows the progress of leaf color throughout the state, among other resources. It will be updated every Wednesday until the end of October.

In other notable Sawbill news, the fishing is starting to pick up. Walleye are being caught fairly regularly in daylight hours and the smallmouth haven’t quite headed out to deeper water yet. Fall fishing can be incredibly productive as fish try to pack on the pounds before winter sets in. The fishing heats up as the water cools down.

-Logan

9/11/18- If you were lucky enough to stumble down to the Sawbill dock last night at about 3 a.m. you could’ve seen a legendary northwoods show. The clouds disappeared and the northern lights came out. With the naked eye we couldn’t discern much color, however, the pulsating and spiking was fairly active for a little while.

The boundary waters is a great place to be if you’re planning on doing some aurora viewing. The lack of light pollution is key.

-Logan

9/8/18 – With the changing of the guard comes the changing of the leaves. Fall is officially here for the Sawbill crew.  This past week we’ve had a few more arrivals trickle in.

Rubes first year at Sawbill was… a long time ago. He lives and works around Hollywood as a screen writer and producer and tries to get up to Sawbill when he can. You can often find him manning the store or cooking up some good grub for the crew.

 

Nick just graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and is joining us for the first time in the fall. He’s a veteran crew member whose first summer was 2016. His hobbies include woodburning, reading and taking long walks off short docks. His favorite job at Sawbill is working the store desk. Lukes first season at Sawbill was 2010. He’s works mainly as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and Washington. Between seasons he likes to head up to his favorite place on earth. Sawbill.

Come on up and join us for one of the most beautiful times to be in the north. We are on fall hours now from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. also, the Minnesota DNR will be doing some test netting on Alton Lake 9/10-9/14 and will be using an approved canoe and motor. With any questions please contact the Minnesota DNR at (218) 353-8857

 

-Logan

9/5/18 – As the season wears on towards Fall, we are sad to say “bye for now” to much of our summer crew. We are excited for them to come back and visit with stories of their travels and studies! Thankfully, the Sawbill network is vast and we are thrilled to welcome some reinforcements for the remainder of our season.

Jesse Bergeson worked a full season at Sawbill in 2017 and spent this last summer volunteering with a variety of outdoor non-profit groups in Missoula, Montana. Paul Ryda was a 2017 volunteer with the US Forest Service in the Sawbill area and we are happy to officially welcome him to the Sawbill family. Logan Sheets worked his first season at Sawbill in 2015 and has been calling Missoula, Montana home ever since.

Speaking of fall, Sawbill is now operating on fall hours. We are open 8am – 7pm, seven days a week, from now until the end of October.

-Clare