A Seagull Winter Wonderland!

The first big snowstorm of the winter hit us today. We have over a foot of snow and it is still coming. This is great for all the winter businesses on the Trail. The middle photo was taken looking south out of our Seagull Bay towards the larger part of Seagull. Sadie is enjoying the snow and posing in front of our outdoor Christmas tree. We will be plowing and shovelling in the morning. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

Deb

Important Paddling Dates for 2009

Winter is upon us on Seagull Lake as evident in the photo above. This photo overlooks the narrows from our bay as you paddle/motor out to the larger part of Seagull.

Since the Holiday Season brings lots of friends and families together to plan vacations for next year, I thought it timely to provide some permit and opening dates for you all.

December 1, 2008 Boundary Waters Permit Lottery Begins
February 1, 2009 Boundary Waters Permit Phone Lines Open
May 9, 2009 Minnesota Fishing Opener
May 16, 2009 Quetico Fishing Opener

In addition, for those paddling the Quetico this summer, we can reserve your Quetico Permit 5 months in advance of your trip departure date.

In the meantime, if you find yourself dreaming of open water, think about joining the 2009 Seagull Bay Ice Out Contest on our discussion board at
http://forums.seagulloutfitters.com/tool/post/soseagull/vpost?id=3127781 . Winner takes home a $100 gift certificate to be applied towards a canoe trip or cabin this summer. Or, join the monthly photo contest at http://forums.seagulloutfitters.com/tool/post/soseagull/vpost?id=3082586 . Stay in touch with Seagull friends and customers that are planning for 2009!

Deb

Off Season at Seagull

October has been a pleasantly quiet month of working on projects, relaxing, sleeping in til 7am and planning for 2009. We have had some great fall weather. Just last week, it was 65 degrees. Even today we have had rain and 45. I think it will last a few more days, then the white stuff will be upon us. It is very peaceful and quiet in the Northwoods.

Sadie had surgery for a torn ligament in her knee and is recuperating from that. My Mom had a total knee replacement and is in rehab for that. Dave and I are busy with projects and just relaxing. It is wonderful!

My thoughts will soon be turning to 2009 rates, newsletter and planning.

Deb

Take a look at those colors!

I thought you might all enjoy seeing what the fall colors are around the shower building at Seagull. We are closed for the season. I was slowly driving the trail today and enjoying the colors. During the course of the season, I rarely take the time to stop and "smell the roses." It was a relaxing drive today.

Off Season at Seagull!

The colors are alive in Cook County as we head into fall and our off season.
Whew! We are ready for a break from the daily routine at Seagull. The time has come to take life a little easy for awhile. We are excited. Our canoes are put to bed, cabins cleaned and ready for 2009.

Our first priority is taking my yellow lab Sadie to the vet tomorrow for surgery in Two Harbors. She has a ruptured ligament in her left knee that requires surgery to get her running and fetching again.

We finished another great year at Seagull thanks to all our loyal paddlers and cabin customers. We had a great staff once again which makes our job easier.

I am planning to relax a bit before diving into 2009 plans. My Mom will have surgery in AZ in October to get her back on her feet and I plan to be there for that surgery.

Life is good at Seagull and I hope it is good for all of you as well!

Deb

Foggy Mornings in September

It is the time of the year when we often wake up to foggy mornings. Some of the images can be incredible. It also slows down our towboats a bit if we can't see more than a couple blocks in front of us.

The mergansers are hovering around the Seagull dock each morning lately. I think they are enjoying the quieter mornings at Seagull.

My garden is producing lots of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and lettuce and is wonderful on the dinner table. We planted those raised garden beds several years and my goal was to be able to have my own salad in the Northwoods!

Our fall is busy with starting to close down Seagull Outfitters for the season. We are working on fix it projects, remodeling and a host of other chores. Another great season at Seagull is nearly behind us. Thanks once again to such wonderful customers and staff that make it all possible!

Deb

There is still time!

Hello Everyone,
Do you have an itch for a fall canoe trip in the BWCA or Quetico? You still have time to plan that fall trip. The weather and scenery are beautiful. No bugs, fall colors, cooler temperatures,and water that is still swimming temperature are just a few reasons to come up with friends and family in the fall. Fishing is also a great reason to come up during the fall months. The fish are getting their feed-bags on in preparation for the long Northwoods Winter.
Wylie caught this 29.5 inch walleye this week.
The fishing will only get better from this point until your favorite northwoods lakes freeze over. If you have any questions planning your fall trip, give us a call or email.

Thanks and keep your line in the water,
Van