8/3/17 – The Sawbill crew is a close-knit bunch. Living in such close quarters certainly helps with getting to know each other on a deep level. In a celebration of that level of personal knowledge about each other, we celebrated with a Dress-Like-Another-Crew-Member dinner!
Coming in first place in the costume contest were Brian, Mark, and Tyler, who replicated the Shirley family perfectly.

From left to right: Brian as Clare, Mark as Kit, and Tyler as Dan

The real deal
Delicious food was served, including FOUR blueberry pies. That’s right, folks, four. Blueberry season is upon us, so be sure to be on the lookout. – Elena

8/2/17 – Can you believe it’s August already, folks? It seems like only yesterday that the canoes were being taken out of the Dome for the first time, and now we’re sending them out as fast as we can. During our busy season, it’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation!
With the long days of summer, we recommend fishing and sunset watching for your evening BWCA activities. These sunset photos are courtesy of Sawbill’s own Adam Hansen – thanks, Adam!

The sun starts setting at around 8:30 these days

The unique and every-changing nature of sunsets makes it easy to take a million pictures in one night!

Goodnight, BWCA! – Elena

7/29/17 – Sawbill’s annual hootenany, known as the Dome Dance, took place last night in the famed circular building behind the outfitters.

Terrence Smith called the dances to live music. One of the musicians, Jeff Greensmith, is a former Sawbill crew member!

Crew members and campers alike had a blast, dancing the night away. Thanks to everyone who made it! – Elena

7/27/17 – You’ll know you’re at the half way point of the 480 rod portage between Lujenida and Zenith when the trail disappears underwater. Don’t fret – the water is less than knee deep and the ground is solid. Just keep an eye out for the sunken boardwalks on the northern portion.

The simplest way to cross this section (and any other wet or muddy portage) is to simply walk right down the middle. Sure, your feet will get wet and dirty, but it’s the safest route and best for maintaining the trail.
As always, we recommend footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and is suited for the job. A popular option is Chaco sandals. They are equiped with heavy duty vibram soles and a simple, secure and durable strap system.
Happy trails! – Elena

7/26/17 – Blue skies and sunny as of late have been making it hard to stay inside. The pollinators seem to be taking advantage of the beautiful weather as well. Earlier today these butterflies allowed me to get close enough to snap a couple quick pictures. I seen many other types of butterflies, bees, and pollinating flies but I wasn’t quick or stealthy enough to capture their likenesses. -Jessica

According to Butterflies of the North Woods, by Larry Weber, the White Admiral butterfly doesn’t usually nectar on flowers (although this one was found resting on a daisy). Typically they get nutrients from animal scat, aphid honey, or wet sand and gravel.

Aphrodite Fritillarys can be found in their butterfly stage from late June through early September. Fun fact; late in the summer they deposit their eggs on violets. The eggs will hatch into caterpillars in the fall. The caterpillars then remain dormant over the winter, but emerge in the spring to feast on nothing but violets. Some might say they eat and sleep violets.

7/25/17 – Hot off the press; a shipment of shiny new Alumacraft canoes. Although the majority of our fleet now consists of lightweight Kevlar canoes we still offer the classic aluminum option. -Jessica

Tyler and Laura untying the load.

We were the last stop on the drivers route. At one time this trailer was packed full.

Laura, Nick, and Megan demonstrate teamwork to get the canoes safely off the truck.

7/22/17 – Blueberry season is upon us!…well, its almost upon us. Yesterday I conducted some berry reconnaissance and found they are coming along nicely. Its pretty early in the season, but blueberry pancakes could be on the breakfast menu if you’re heading out on a trip in the next few weeks.
-Jessica

A lot of the plants I found had a sprinkling of ripe berries, but many had reasonably sized, mostly green berries.

7/18/17 – Christy Prediger and her husband visited Sawbill last Friday to do a day canoe trip. During their time here, they spotted some wildlife. Christy was kind enough to send some videos our way, and we are so happy to be able to share them with you.

This loon family has taken up residence on Sawbill Lake. Loons will return to the same lake year after year, so this loon couple and their babies could be part of a long legacy.

Christy and her husband saw this young moose on their drive down the Sawbill Trail. Animals use the roads as corridors for their travel since the brush is often thick, so keep your eyes peeled on your drive up and back!
Thanks, Christy! – Elena

7/16/17 – Sawbill played host to a wedding this past weekend, between long-time campers Mike and Pam. Early in their relationship, Mike brought Pam up to Sawbill, so it was a fitting location for the beginning of their next chapter together. The wilderness treated them with good weather and a beautiful sunset.

Congratulations from the whole crew! – Elena

7/12/17 – Taking a stroll through the woods is always a good time, but sometimes it can be a little tricky to motivate when the weather doesn’t seem to cooperate. Today I decided to throw on my rain gear and get outside despite the persistent rain. – Jessica

The walk along the lake path provided a close up look at this moss, complete with sporophytes (the reddish stem releases spores, not seeds like an ordinary plant).

Along the way I spotted this beautiful porcupine sedge (ID courtesy of Dan Seaman).

As you can see, the dock is currently floating higher than the landing which is not the norm for this time of year. Fast moving high water will be something to keep in mind while approaching portages if this rainy trend continues.