Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew...you will be missed

I'm sure you heard about the Hotshot crew in Arizona that died a few days ago. Just found out they were here in the Ely area fighting the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. Our prayers go out to all their family and friends. We are thankful for each fire fighter and all they give to their community and those in need.  Thanks Granite Mountain Hotshots. You will be missed.

Turtles are laying eggs

One of our guests reported painted turtles and snapping turtles are laying their eggs. A bit later than normal.
The painted turtles moved onto sandy/gravel shore, laid their eggs and then a snapper moved in; trashed the painted turtle's nests and laid her own eggs over the top.  Sounds like a bully momma to me.

Painted turtles sunning themselves

Snapping turtle laying her eggs

Shagawa Lake and a kid from Indiana

Tommy D from Indiana and his dad were fishing Shagawa Lake this past week. Dad pulled in a 6.25 lb walleye (on the right) and bragged to his son..."what do you think of this one?"  Tommy then pulled in an 8Lb 8 oz, 28 3/4 inch walleye, topping his dad's catch. This is the biggest walleye Tommy has caught yet.  Sounds like he is not done.

Great fishing.

Fish registered at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, Ely, MN. Submitted to Ely Angler fishing contest.

Basswood Lake produces again, Mayflies on White Iron

 Walleyes, bass and northern pike are biting on Basswood. Use a gold jig with a leech or Gulp. We've been told northern pike in this area do not have any manners: they are stealing walleyes directly off stringers! Taking the end one and biting through the stringer and releasing the others.

Mayflies are hatching on White Iron. Walleyes are gorging themselves. Night crawlers are a bait of choice this week.

Stop in at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, Ely, Mn for an up-to-date fishing report and for all your live bait and tackle needs. Open 6am-9pm daily with fresh bait arriving twice a week. We offer minnows, leeches, crawlers and wax worms. Check us out at www.elycanoetrips.com

Wild flowers are blooming

The late Spring delayed the blooming of many wild flowers. Traveling along the Echo Trail this weekend stopped to enjoy the wild Lupines blooming. seems the flowers are 2-3 weeks behind average year.

A number of our guests report spotting pink Lady Slipper orchids, Minnesota State flower. Their flowers, the slipper, are on a 6-8 inch stalk. Wild strawberries, wintergreen mint and more are readily visible. Be sure to watch carefully along your next portage trail.

New product - Darn Tough Socks

We have been looking for a high quality sock that is comfortable to wear, has a great fit and looks good.  Darn Tough socks is a good choice. I have been wearing them for the past two month (Yes, I do change into clean ones) and they have lived up to everything the manufacturer claims. 

Darn Socks comes with a manufacturer unconditional lifetime guarantee..."If you can wear these socks out, we will replace them. Free of charge. No questions asked. For life. When you're really serious about something you make it yourself."

According to the manufacturer website:

Made in Vermont   We live and work in Vermont. Our backyard is the perfect testing ground to make the finest Premium All Weather Performance Socks. We ski, snowboard, hike, bike and run in the most unforgiving climate in the lower 48. It is under these conditions that we design, test and manufacture our socks.
High Density Knitting   More knit stitches per inch equates to durability and cushioning without bulk.
Performance Fit  From form fitting toe boxes to sculpted heel pockets and knit-in elastic support at the arch, our knitting techniques produce the finest fitting performance sock available.
Merino Wool Our custom count, shrink treated Merino wool enhances the comfort and durability that outdoor enthusiasts have come to expect from this fiber.
Coolmax®  Because wool is not for everyone. We use an exclusive Coolmax® blend to create a sock with exceptional softness, durability and superior moisture management.
Full Cushion  Full Cushion socks have dense terry loops that surround the entire foot creating maximum cushioning and warmth without bulk.
Cushion  For those who prefer a sock with less cushioning. Our cushion socks have dense terry loops on the bottom of the foot producing cushioning and warmth without bulk.
Ultra-light  Flat jersey construction to meet the demands of both the shell-fit customer and the Nordic athlete.
Mesh  Open knit mesh construction is lightweight and extremely breathable. It's one fast sock.
Ribbed Knit  Form fitting to the contours of your calf, shin and ankle ensuring a custom fit.
Ribbed Ankle Support  No Slipping. No Bunching. Helps prevent blisters.
Elastic Arch Support   Knit into the arch of all of our socks to provide added endurance.
Ring Toe Construction  Terry loops surrounding the toe create a comfortable invisible seam.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outdoor store and Outfitters, Ely, MN carries a wide selection of Darn Socks and other outdoor clothing and camping gear for you wilderness adventure. Open 6am-9pm daily for you convenience.

Weather is fine in the BWCA

The sun has been shining in Ely this past week. A bit of rain but nothing like southern Minnesota. Temperatures have climbed into the upper 70s during the day and 50s at night. Water temps are in the 60s. Some guests are swimming which means summer must be here!

Now is the time to make plans for a BWCA summer. Call or email Spirit of the Wilderness to start your plans today.  800-950-2709 or email at info@elycanoetrips.com