Happy Winter at Seagull

Winter arrived with a vengeance and I don't feel like it has let up much in the past week. I was out in Phoenix and Mpls for a week and came back the night before it all started. Since Sunday, we have had snow and blowing wind every day. Evening temperatures have ranged from 0 to 16 degrees. Dave snowplows every day and I get to shovel the deck and steps. Life in the woods that most people dream of eh? It is very beautiful for sure, but I do like the more moderate temperatures and less white stuff. There is nothing quite like a Northwoods fireplace though and we are enjoying that nightly.

Check out our Christmas Tree in the webcam photo daily. We like to bring you all a little Northwoods Cheer and Holiday Spirit.

2011 Rates have been posted to the website. Reservations are coming in good already and know that we are here to help you. Call or email with any specific questions.

Deb

November at Seagull

High 50 degree temperatures in the woods on November 8th....unheard of! I like this kind of winter. Having lived on the Trail since I was a kid, I have had my fill of snow and cold. These temperatures are like May at Seagull.

I am busy working on 2011 cabin rates and changes. We will be offering published rates this year on cabin rentals of less than a week with a 3 night minimum. Johnse is working on the layout and doing a great job of it as always. We hope to have the 2011 cabin info live on the site soon. We are already getting lots of cabin interest for next summer.

Dave is busy electrifying the new garage and upstairs loft. Actually the loft will turn into some extra guest quarters with a pool table!

Our off season will take us to see the penguins in South America and the Falkland Islands. Just as you all come north to see the moose, we are headed south for penguins. It should be a good time and one of those "1,000 things to do before you die trips".

Dave and I were at UW Superior over the weekend to watch summer staffers Katelyn and Kayla play ice hockey. They play for Concordia Moorhead and we had to come watch since they were so close. (3 hour drive). Katelyn will be returning in 2011 for her 3rd summer with us at Seagull and we are very happy about that. We are hiring now for 2011.

The starry night sky has been incredible and Dave enjoys watching the stars each night. They sure do fill up the sky! Stay tuned as we update for 2011.

Deb

Time to Relax at Seagull

September was one of the coolest fall months we have seen. October is making up for it and we have had really nice weather. The fish are all confused and suspended all over the place and not biting. Dave and I have been out the past 2 days with no fish. We can't even find them. However, the sunny blue skies and calm water make for a relaxing, lazy afternoon on the lake and who cares about fishing. We are closed for the season and it is just nice to not be on a clock.

The otter has returned to our quiet bay and I enjoyed watching him playfully dancing in the lake today. Bears are still around and hungry and we have seen a moose or two as well. The animals enjoy the off season too.

Dave, Nick and Jake have been busy building and finishing a garage at our house on Seagull. They did a great job and Dave installed the garage door openers today. Our staff are all back to school now and on to other jobs. We had a great staff this summer and a good season as well.

Deb

A Taste of the Gunflint

With classes back in session, the Northwoods has definitely slowed down from its August rush. Families were planning last minute vacations to the Boundary Waters before their children had to head back to school. Fortunately, for those who are able to still come up in September, the fishing has been great. We've had great reports of calm waters, still nights, and fantastic fishing in both the Boundary Waters and Quetico.

The Gunflint Trail is hosting their 3rd Annual "Taste of the Gunflint Trail" on Saturday, September 11th. This event is a fundraiser for the highly visited Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center, as well as a promotion for the Gunflint trail. Depending on the size of the "taste" you offer, please suggest a donation of $2 or $5. Chik Wauk's pie and ice cream social will have a suggested donation of $5.

We sell the "Taste of the Gunflint" cookbook here in our store, stop in and purchase yours today! Don't miss out on other great recipes from the area, and bring a favorite recipe to share with others!

Katelyn

The Change of Fall

A number of things begin to change as fall approaches... staff begins to dwindle, the colors of the leaves are slowly beginning to change, and the cool weather begins to approach as time passes.

We have had three staffers leave so far and three more heading back to school in the next four days. Suddenly the staff is cut in half and we begin to realize that we have made it over the big hump of the summer. The cool, calm September weather is all we have left. With the cool weather comes a change of color in the surrounding scenery.

We have had quite a few customers off the Falls Chain in Quetico Park and reporting back with spectacular fishing. They stated to me they got to the point where they were even debating whether they wanted to go back on the water fishing again because they were catching so frequently! They gave us their little secret... Berkeley Flicker Shad Raps in Perch color and Red Tiger. Walleye and Bass are flucuating in water levels of 15'-23'. The Boundary Waters have not been as consistent but still have had good reports!

Many of our used Kevlar, Royalex, and Aluminum canoes are making their way to our For Sale pile, make sure you check out our used canoes that we have available on our website at: http://www.seagulloutfitters.com/used_canoes_for_sale.htm.

Thanks for making this another great season!

Katelyn

Portage the Metro

Keep your eyes peeled for the Gunflint Trail Street Team. The following are times and locations you may be able to spot them!

Week of August 16th:

Tuesday-
If you're in the uptown Minneapolis area tomorrow (Wednesday) between 4 and 7PM look for a big red canoe being portaged by the "Send your Friends Packing" street team! They are giving away Gunflint Trail Mix, and the Gunflint Trail is giving away two amazing trips. Check out our new website, send your friend packing and get yourself a little getaway! http://www.gunflint-trail.com/.

Wednesday-
To celebrate the launch of the Gunflint Trail's new website, send your friend packing! If you know someone who deserves a trip to one of the most beautiful, most pristine places on earth, then sign them up to win a trip to the Gunflint Trail, and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Tell us why you think they deserve it, and they could have a chance to win a fully outfitted trip, for three days, two nights. http://www.gunflint-trail.com/send-your-friend-packing/

Thursday-
Today, the Gunflint Trail Street Team will be at the Minneapolis Farmer's Market on Nicollet Mall from 10:30AM-2PM. Register a friend who deserves a trip of a lifetime to the Boundary Waters or, register yourself for a little getaway!


Do your part to get involved! Stay tuned for more!

Katelyn

Mark Your Calendars

The Northwoods has been quite busy the past few weeks! With the peak of the canoe season in progress, things begin to slow down! In about a week and a half, the canoe country will quiet down dramatically as children are heading back to school and work is transitioning seasonal workers. Don't forget to try and squeeze a last minute trip in as there are still permits and cabin openings available.

Some dates to remember through Seagull Outfitters:

Last Cabin Rental-September 20

Last Bunkhouse night-September 26

Last Tow across Sag-October 1

If you have already visited Seagull for the last time this year, we hope to see you next year! If not, we look forward to your future stories and memories still to be made! All customers of Seagull, remember we just uploaded a new Trip Reports section on our web page! Tell us, fellow, and future paddler's your stories!

Katelyn