5/23/07 – With many of the nearby entry points reopened, including Sawbill
Lake, things are getting busier around here. Fortunately, our crew ranks have been fortified by the recent arrivals of Clare Hansen, Katie Nulicek and Davey Bodeau! – Caitlin

A long-time crew expert, Clare has returned to Sawbill after completing her sophomore year at the University of Montana.

During her first week as a new Sawbill crewmember Katie honed her canoe washing skills. Katie will be a senior art major next year at Northern Illinois University.

Davey spent his first day back drying out the fire prevention hoses up on the roof. Davey returns to the Sawbill crew this summer after his freshmen year at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.

5/22/07 – Mike Valentini, a friend of Bill and Cindy’s, shot this stunning image of a moose taking stock of the Ham Lake fire’s aftermath on his property near Seagull river, which feeds into Big Saganaga. Fortunately, Mike’s cabin survived the fire. Thanks for the photo Mike! – Caitlin
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Moose near Seagull river. Photo courtesy of Mike Valentini.

5/21/07 – The surly spring weather continues, although it came down as rain instead of snow today. Considering the temperature outside, everyone coming into the Sawbill store over the past few days has been remarkably cheerful. We figure everyone must know how badly needed any fire-dousing weather is here.
I think this may only be part of the reason though. As a new Sawbill crewmember, my first impression is that much of the good natured energy coming into the store can be attributed to the fact that it is generally kind, patient and interesting people that choose to spend their valuable free time exploring the wilderness in a canoe. – Caitlin

A chilly but lovely view of Sawbill Lake.

5/20/07 – Only in Minnesota. Ten days ago it was 89 degrees and we were all wearing shorts and sandals. This morning it is 29 degrees and everything is covered with a thin layer of snow! – Bill

Snow covers the roofs that were baking in the hot sun last week.

Kevlar canoes weigh more when they are covered with snow.

Ferns that so eagerly sprouted last week now seem to be feeling some regret.

5/18/07 – Here is a Forest Service Press Release:
BWCAW Entrance Points To Re-Open
Superior National Forest announces the planned re-opening of the following BWCAW entrance points beginning May 20th. The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), at bwcaw.org or 1-877-550-6777, is now taking reservations for trips that start on May 20 or beyond.
38 – Sawbill Lake
39 – Baker Lake
40 – Homer Lake
41 – Brule Lake
41A – Brule Lake Only
43 – Bower Trout Lake
44 – Ram Lake
45 – Morgan Lake
47 – Lizz and Swamp Lakes
48 – Meeds Lake
60 – Duncan Lake
61 – Daniels Lake
62 – Clearwater Lake
64 – East Bearskin
66 – Crocodile River
68 – Pine Lake
69 – John Lake
70 – North Fowl
78 – Brule Lake Trail
79 – Eagle Mountain Trail
L – Clearwater Lake (day use motor)
M – East Bearskin (day use motor)
It’s the Forest Service’s intent to have the following entrance points open by June 14, or earlier if possible. In anticipation of this re-opening, the NRRS will begin accepting reservations on May 18 for trips that start on June 14 or beyond.
49 – Skipper and Portage Lakes
50 – Cross Bay Lake
51 – Missing Link Lake
52 – Brant Lake
54 – Seagull Lake
54A – Seagull Lake Only
55 – Saganaga Lake
55A – Saganaga Lake Only
56 – Kekekabic Trail East
57 – Magnetic Lake
58 – South Lake
59 – Partridge Lake Trail
71 – From Canada (E. of Basswood)
80 – Larch Creek
81 – Border Route Trail – West
82 – Border Route Trail – Center
83 – Border Route Trail – East
J – Saganaga Lake (day use motor)
K – Seagull Lake (day use motor)
The Forest Service emphasizes that these re-openings are based on current information and encourages visitors to monitor the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior or the NRRS website at bwcaw.org for updates. Note also that two previously closed campgrounds outside the BWCAW have been re-opened: East Bearskin and Flour Lake.

5/17/07 – Today is a big day at Sawbill for two reasons. It is Cindy Hansen’s birthday and Norwegian Constitution Day. Cindy celebrated with presents and cake. Carl Hansen celebrated his mother’s birthday by marching for hours with his band in Hamar, Norway. – Bill

Carl Hansen (snare drum closest to the camera) marching in the Syttende Mai (17th of May) parade in Hamar, Norway, where he has been an exchange student since last August.

Here is part of the crowd in Hamar that turned out to celebrate Constitution Day and watch Carl’s band lead the parade. Lake Mjosa, the largest in Norway, can be glimpsed at the bottom of the hill.

5/16/07 – 3:45 P. M. We have received official word that the Sawbill, Baker, Homer, and Brule Lake entry points will be open starting May 20, 2007. No overnight permits for these entry points will be issued for dates before May 20, 2007.
The Ham Lake Fire is officially 55 percent contained in the U. S. today, but the Forest Service is predicting that it will be 100 percent contained in the U.S. by Sunday, May 20, 2007. We got another trace of rain last night and it is very cool with high humidity. The weather forecast is fairly optimistic for regular moisture over the next couple of weeks. We need a ton of rain to really break the drought, but we’ll settle for no forest fires as an alternative! We are all heaving a cautious sigh of relief. – Bill

5/16/07 – As of now, you can reserve permits for Sawbill, Baker, Homer and Brule Lakes for entry on May 20th or later. Go to www.bwcaw.org, or call toll free 1-877-550-6777 to reserve a permit.
That is all we know for now, but we’ll have more specific information in an hour or so. – Bill

5/15/07 – Based on recent developments (rain and cold temperatures), I am guessing that the Sawbill, Baker, Homer and Brule Lake entry points will be re-opening within the next few days. The Forest Service said tonight that they will be announcing the schedule for entry point re-openings soon. As Sawbill was the last and most distant entry point closed due to the fire, we expect that it will be the first to re-open. We will post here the minute we hear something.
I know it has been trying for people to change or even cancel their vacation plans at the last minute. But, I can’t help thinking of all the people who have lost their homes and cabins. It makes me feel very, very lucky to have only suffered some inconvenience. – Bill

5/14/07 – Despite the closure of the Sawbill entry point, work continues around here. Between groups leaving out of the Kawishiwi and Hog Creek entry points, and making sure our sprinkler systems are up and running (just in case), we’re all managing to stay pretty busy. Right now, the Sawbill, Baker, Homer, and Brule entry points remain closed, but we will certainly post any new information here as soon as we get it.
News from the Ham Lake fire has been positive today. Gunflint Lake got one inch of rain last night, and mid-trail, near Poplar Lake, got a half an inch. The controlled burns the Forest Service has been conducting have been working very well, and reports are that the fire is 20 percent contained. However, keep your fingers crossed for the heavy, steady rain that we still desperately need. – Jessa

Bill and Adam worked on installing a pump down at the lake today. The pump connects to a hose that runs into the cistern tank which operates the sprinklers.

Adam, home for a few days after surviving his second year of law school at the University of Minnesota, briefly considers a new career path.

Father and son try out their system. Looks like they’re ready!