Spring is in the air??

What beautiful weather the North Shore has been receiving throughout the last few weeks! I have been sleeping with my window open every night and waking up to birds chirping in the morning! If that and the unbelievable weather we've been having doesn't say spring I'm not sure what it says! I have checked my thermometer outside on multiple occasions over the past few weeks and it hasn't been uncommon to see temps in the 50's! I must admit.... it always seems to be the point in the day when the thermometer is in direct sunlight! Daylight savings time occurs on Sunday and then it will be on summer paddling time! Hopefully this nice weather transitions to a beautiful spring paddling season.

We have been very busy in preparing for summer 2013. This includes completing the staff for the summer, ordering new equipment, ordering shirts, and taking more and more reservations as summer approaches. Please feel free to provide us with any suggestions that you may have. We love feedback and strive to make your trip through Seagull Outfitters as flawless as possible!

Remember to spring your clocks ahead!

Katelyn

North Shore Day Trip

I decided that a day trip to the North Shore was definitely needed by me! My boyfriend and I made the trek and stopped at a few amazing places along the way. We were traveling up from Duluth and took the scenic route to Two Harbors. Along the scenic route we stopped out at a pier and boy, that lake effect made for a cool walk! It was beautiful... There was a cool fog over the lake and the wave were entering into the bay creating more ice. 

From there we kept heading north to Gooseberry where we were able to roam around and take pictures of the beautiful frozen waterfalls and even hike under them! We then went to Split Rock and Tettegouche State Park. We capped off our adventurous day with a slice Heath Cream and French Silk Pie at Betty's Pies! We figured we burned enough calories throughout the day to splurge!

Take an extra day on your trips North and stop to enjoy the beauty around us!

Katelyn

Ice Out Contest

With temps around 50 degrees today, it's hard not to look forward onto summer. We have a lot of great equipment ordered, summer staff is about complete, and reservations are coming in heavy. The warm weather gets me thinking when the ice will be out of the bay to allow the paddling season to begin again. As always, we are hosting an ice out contest on our discussion forum. Dates are a first come, first serve basis! Predictions are accepted through March 30th! Winner will receive a brand new Kelty Coromell Long 20 degree down sleeping bag! Head to the forum now to make your guess!

It should be quite the battle considering there are portions of the North Shore that are still making ice! Hope you join in!

Katelyn

MN Moose Hunting Suspended

On Wednesday, February 6, Minnesota suspended moose hunting indefinitely. Minnesota's moose population is down 35% from last year and 52% from 2010. These numbers are scary for people who love the solitude and wildlife of the Northwoods. A news article from the Twin Cities Pioneer Press stated that "Pregnancy and birth rates among MN moose are strong." With these rates being so strong, there is definitely something to think about in regards to a double in moose population in the spring and by the end it is 35% lower. These numbers are being closely observed by the DNR. Moose are something that draws people up to the North Shore and into the Boundary Waters. We want the moose and other wildlife to still be a factor in drawing people north. Hopefully the suspension of moose hunting in MN will be a step in the right direction!

Katelyn

BWCA Permits

Boundary Waters permits become available for reservation tomorrow, Wednesday, January 30th. Call us now so we can assure that we get the permit you desire. We have many great trip route suggestions on our website at www.seagulloutfitters.com/routes.htm . In addition, we are happy to discuss and assist in planning new and unique trips into the Boundary Waters. There are over 1,000 lakes, rivers, and streams stretching over 1,500 miles of canoe country. The Boundary Waters allows you to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and truly find the inner beauty in this world and in yourself.

Beyond Boundary Waters permits, Quetico permits are available five months in advance of your trip. The 1,500 miles that the BWCA has to offer extends into over 600 more lakes on the Canadian. Planning a trip into the Quetico adds a little extra paperwork. Let us know if you are interested and we will get you set up!

Give us a call and we'll help get it all set up for you! We look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Planning!!
Katelyn

Gunflint Greenup 2013

If you are available the weekend of May 3-5th, the Gunflint Trail could use your support!! The Gunflint Trail will be holding the 6th annual Gunflint Trail Greenup. The Ham Lake Fire of 2007 has affected many areas throughout the end of the trail. Throughout the past few years, we have worked at cutting the vegetation that had been crowding other plantings. The upcoming year provides a variety of activities including tree planting, additionally vegetation cutting, as well as maintenance of trails at the Chik-Wauk Museum. Any help in assisting the natural disaster is greatly appreciated.

To cap off the weekend, the Gunflint Trail is also hosting their annual Ham Lake Half Marathon. In addition to that, there will be a Ham Run 5k and a Little Runts Run. For additional information, head to the website at http://www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com/. 

Seagull Outfitters and the Gunflint Trail truly appreciate the endless support and commitment. 

Katelyn

Brisk Winter Weekend

We have survived the brisk weekend on the end of the Gunflint Trail so far. The temperatures haven't surpassed zero yet and are not looking promising for the next few days... Lows around -25 and highs around -2. The cold weather allows for beautiful scenery and wildlife though. The winter weather really brings about the moose as they enjoy laying out in the middle of the roads to lick the salt. The photo below was taken along side the Gunflint Trail... How beautiful!!

Although the weather is cool and brisk, there is no lack of enthusiasm for summer 2013 canoe trips and cabin stays. The phones have been busy and the trip planning has begun!! We are here to help if you have any questions. Please don't hesitate to call. To get you started, head to our website at www.seagulloutfitters.com/routes.htm to get a jump start on your route planning!

Stay warm!

Katelyn