The Gunflint Trail Winter

Winter is still in full swing here in the Northwoods. We have lots of snow and we seem to get more each day as noticed in the photos.

Winter enthusiasts will enjoy the beauty, peace and solitude of our Northwoods winters. Please visit the Gunflint Trail Winter Celebration at http://www.wintertracks.com/ from February 26-March 1, 2009 to see what winter is really like on the Gunflint Trail.

Deb

Winter Birds at Seagull

We have some happy birds at Seagull Outfitters in the winter. Some days we have as many as 100 birds at a time at the feeders. My cat Lucky likes to watch them from the office window. His ears go low and he thinks he is going to pounce on them through the window. He hasn't made it yet as he is an indoor winter cat. He keeps trying though.

Office work is keeping me busy. We are hiring summer staff too and have some great applicants. Reservations are coming in good and we are thankful for that.

Dave and his son Duane will be laying all the flooring in our new house real soon. Dave is getting ready for that as well as installing the new water filtration system.

That is life in the woods today!

Deb

2008 Annual Photo Contest Winner

Congratulations to John Robinson for being chosen as the winner of our inaugural annual photo contest. John (AKA plexmidwest, as he is known on the seagull message board) was the winner of the month of April 2008 photo contest which automatically entered him into the end of the year contest for the grand prize of $100 gift certificate toward outfitting in 2009.

John's photo features 14 year old Dan catching a nice smallmouth bass on his first trip ever to the Boundary Waters. The smile on Dan's face is something that we all can relate to as we remember back to our first fish in the Boundary Waters/Quetico. What a special moment that is/was, and this photo sums up the joy and emotion that no words can express.

Thank you all who entered photos in 2008, we enjoy and appreciate your involvement on the message board. Although the contest for 2008 has concluded, 2009 monthly contests have already begun with the theme, "Waterfalls and Rapids" for January.

Remember, if you're selected as a monthly winner during the year, your winning photo is automatically entered into the end of year contest for the grand prize. Visit the discussion board for how to enter.

Congratulations again John.

Debbie, Tom and Johnse

Winter in the Northwoods

View from the business looking towards Maraboeuf Cabin

Ogish Cabin on Seagull
Maraboeuf Cabin on Seagull

View from the dock out the Seagull Bay and Narrows

Sadie walking to the store!

It is - 32F as I write this tonight....the moon is rising over the treetops and one hears the crunch of the snow on this cold winter night. It is the dead of winter in the canoe country. The photos were taken yesterday around Seagull to show you all what a real winter looks like!

Deb

Happy New Year!

Snow, snow and more snow is the lingo on Seagull Lake these days. Dave continues to plow the driveways frequently. This is good for the winter businesses and spring lake levels.

Our new house is progressing nicely and we hope to move into it in early March. I am just returning from another trip to Phoenix to give my Mother and Gene a little moral support as she continues her rehabiliation.

You will find me in the Seagull Office again catching up and getting ready for 2009. The reservations and calls are strong for this early in the season and I am very happy about that. Let me know how I can help plan your summer vacations, or if we can customize a cabin/canoe trip for you as another option.

We are hiring summer staffers too for the season for anyone that loves the canoe country and would like to spend a summer in the Northwoods.

Happy New Year to All!

Deb

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