3/28/16 – The recent warm temperatures, and the discovery of a mostly ice free Kelso Lake, have inspired us to start the yearly spring ice measurements on Sawbill. Sawbill’s newest ice technician, Huckleberry, is pleased to report that there is still 17.5″ of solid ice.

Spring fever also inspired us to refurbish some of our Kevlar canoes, which are now listed for sale in our online store. There are more to come and we will be posting canoes as they are finished.
-Clare

3/7/16 – Are these the last days of winter at Sawbill this year? It feels like it right now, but we’ve sure seen plenty of March and April blizzards in the past.
We had a normal amount of snow this year. I measured 40″ on the ground a few days ago, but the heat wave has already reduced it by nearly 10″. The warm weather is predicted to hang around for awhile, including the possibility of a thunderstorm tonight. I’m quite sure I’ve never heard thunder here in the first week of March.
We had a wet fall, with a lot of rain in early December, so water levels should be very good once the ice goes out. – Bill

This is our house a few days ago, just before the heat wave arrived.

This is the workshop roof after the temperature soared to 47 degrees just a couple of days later.

2/10/16 – Phil Lindgren, friendly and helpful Sawbill crew member, sent this picture of himself enjoying some time on Baker Lake, the closest BWCA Wilderness entry point east of Sawbill.

Phil’s note said, “20 below didn’t stop me from enjoying the woods!”

2/2/16 – Here are the last three weeks of the Cook County West End News from WTIP, North Shore Community Radio:
West End News: January 14th
West End News: January 21st
West End News: January 28th

1/8/15 –

Amy and Dave Freeman, Sawbill guides and former crew members, are spending a year in the BWCA Wilderness, without coming out, even once. You can read their blog to keep up with their life in paradise!
Here is this week’s edition of the Cook County West End News from WTIP, North Shore Community Radio. – Bill

12/31/15 – Here is this week’s edition of the Cook County West End News from WTIP, North Shore Community Radio. – Bill

Everybody’s favorite non-traditional Sawbill crew member, Brian Henry, made this sweet composite picture of every crew member who worked at Sawbill in 2015. The paddle was a gift to Brian from the crew to thank him for being his awesome self.

12/24/15 – Here is the latest edition of the Cook County West End News on WTIP, North Shore Community Radio.
The gorgeous winter continues here in northeastern Minnesota. – Bill

Looking down toward the Sawbill canoe landing.

An honest 12″ on the ground now. I should be able to groom and set tracks on the Sawbill cross country ski trail!

12/18/15 – If you need help getting into the holiday spirit, a drive up the Sawbill Trail will put you firmly in the mood. Not only do we have 9″ of fluffy, pristine snow on the ground, but it is loaded on the trees in true “winter wonderland” style. – Bill

The Sawbill Store is looking naturally festive!

Sawbill Lake looking south from the canoe landing.

12/3/15 – Who knew that Mrs. Claus lives at Sawbill and not at the North Pole?

Mrs. Claus, who was distributing candy and goodwill at the recent Grand Marais Christmas parade, bears a passing resemblance to our own Cindy Hansen.

While in the Christmas mood, Clare, Dan and Huckleberry pose for a preview of their Christmas card on the canoe landing at Sawbill.

Snow covers everything, including every little twig and needle, looking south from the Sawbill canoe landing.

11/22/15 – Sawbill lake has officially frozen over. After several days of rain we are happy to have a nice fresh layer of snow on the ground. Keep your fingers crossed for some good wild ice skating as the lake ice thickens up.

Huckleberry, one of Sawbill’s newest residents, is sad about the end of the swimming season but excited at the prospect of long runs on the ice.

Ice crystals make the newly solid lake shimmer.
-Clare