Looking for something to occupy your time during this beautiful April blizzard? Search no more! Northstar Canoe would like help creating a new T-shirt design and prizes are involved. Follow this link to Northstar’s website for contest details. Happy designing!
-Jessica
Yesterdays Northstar canoe delivery and blue skies have us really thinking spring. Although we haven’t seen any change in the ice conditions, things can happen quickly once the melt begins.
-Jessica
The first official ice measurement of the spring reports 15″ plus of hard packed snow (perfect for skiing not so much for ice melting), followed by 24″ of crystal clear solid ice. So far we’re off to a slow start with more cold weather in the forecast, but we’ll keep updating as things progress.
-Jessica
The ice out countdown begins! We are still blanketed in a nice layer of snow and ice. Although temps remain quite chilly as of recent, the direct sun is slowly making a dent in the white stuff as we inch closer and closer to something that resembles spring. As always, stay tuned for periodic ice condition reports.
– Jessica
Singer/songwriter and avid canoeist, Jerry Vandiver, recently sent us this very cute video of his song “Canoeing With Daddy.” If this doesn’t get you in the Boundary Waters spirit I’m not sure what will. Happy listening!
-Jessica
We’re still here, and its still wonderfully snowy outside. Below is the view from the landing yesterday afternoon. Beautiful, isn’t it?
About a week ago the ice measured 24″ thick. The test hole was drilled about halfway between the landing and Mouse Island (pictured above). No evidence remains after the snow and wind we’ve received the past few days.
-Jessica
1/4/18 – Happily, the season is upon us for visiting past and present crew. Yesterday afternoon Brian, Claire, Meg, and myself embraced the -3 degrees while skiing through the snow laden trees around Sawbill. It’s always nice to see friendly faces during this chilly time of year.
-Jessica
12/22/17 – Sawbill’s remote location presents some interesting challenges when it comes to energy. This picture lends some clues as to how we capture the energy needed to heat the buildings and keep the lights on.
-Jessica
12/12/17 – As we approach the darkest days of the year its nice to step back and notice the long shadows and distinct thumping sound of ice forming on the lake. Today the sun will be above the horizon for only 8 of 24 hours. These shorter days give us a very good excuse to hunker down with a hot beverage, good book, and maybe some knitting. Happy winter everyone!
-Jessica
11/17/17 – With the arrival of snow came a deep sense of relaxation up here in the woods. While we love the long summer days, we do look forward to a little down-time come November. Cindy used to call it her “November Nap.” We’re not going to let it turn into full hibernation, though. We’re already working steadily behind the scenes to be ready for next paddling season.
We are thrilled to have Sawbill crewmember Jessica Hemmer with us through the winter season. She’s been busy updating the Sawbill Store with a wide variety of used outfitting equipment, used canoes, and some select merchandise.
While we’re officially closed for the season, we are still around and answering phones and emails. We don’t have an answering machine though (sometimes living off the grid really is as quaint as it sounds), so if we don’t answer try again later or shoot us an email.
-Clare
