Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Echo Trail Detour Starting August 27, 2015

The latest information from St. Louis County on their project to replace the bridge over the Moose River on the Echo Trail is that the contractor will start work Thursday August 27th and complete the project in late October or early November. 


They will be using FR 464 (Moose Loop) as a detour route which will add approximately 5 miles to a trip across on the Echo Trail.  Moose Loop is about 30 miles northwest from Ely with entry point # 8, Moose River South. Be sure to give yourself extra time when traveling to entry point #14, Little Indian Sioux North. The bridge reconstruction is just past  #16, Moose River/Portage Rive North (Nina Moose).

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Travel the Boundary Waters - Fall Special 3 days / 2 nights

The Boundary Waters is calling you!  

Fall is one of the best kept secrets for canoeing or hiking the BWCA of northern Minnesota;
  • Warm days, cool nights
  • Fewer people than mid-summer
  • Good fishing
  • Hear the call of loons, see wildlife
  • And more…
The BWCA is one of the top 50 places in the world National Geographic recommends you visit in your lifetime.


Start your wilderness adventure in Ely MN, canoe capital of the upper Midwest . Easy access to a place where you can listen to the silence and slow down the pace of life.


Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitter/Outdoor Store is ready to outfit your needs and help you make lifetime memories.

Experience the wilderness for 3 days/2 nights with a complete outfitting package at a reduced rate. Spirit of the Wilderness is ready to serve you and help you make lifetime memories of a Boundary Waters adventure.

3 Days/ 2 Nights Complete Outfitted Canoe Trip

  • $199.00 per person, minimum 2 people (regularly $285.00/person)
Includes:

  • Kevlar canoe, life jackets, paddles, food (2 breakfast,3 lunch, 2 dinners), packs, tent, sleeping bags w/pads, cook kit w/utensils, stove w/fuel, matches, TP, water filter, detailed map and more.
  • BWCA permit and usage fees not included
  • Trip must start after August 16 and end by October 31, 2015
  • No other discounts apply
  • A $100.00 deposit per person required to confirm reservation
  • Additional days available at discount rate
           

Call today and let Spirit of the Wilderness, Ely MN outfit you for a Fall canoe or hiking trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Ph: 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709
email: info@elycanoetrips.com





Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Bear Encounter Report - August 17, 2015


This report is furnished by the USFS, Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely MN

  •       On 8/11 on Spoon Lake south side, first site to the right of the south portage. At 5:30 a.m. bear wandered into camp and was chased away. 10 minutes later bear was in food pack tree. Was chased out but stayed near campsite for some time.
  • .       8/15 and 16: south shore of Vera, second site to the south: Large bear pulled group’s food pack down while they were out on a day trip. Group returned before bear got into their food and they retrieved the pack. Bear continued to circle camp, woofing, most of the day.
  • .       8/14 Knife Lake site 16 south of Thunder Pt: Bear tore into hanging food pack while group was on a day trip, managed to reach into cooler inside pack and pull all the food out. Group was experienced but pulled pack high and the pack came close enough to the tree for the bear to reach it. Group did not see the bear
Bear Awareness
  1. Keep your campsite clean. Never eat or store food in your tent.
  2. Take all precautions to discourage bears from visiting your site, including hanging your food pack or using a bear-resistant container, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, lib balm, etc.)
  3. Some bears overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes island campsites since bears are good swimmers.
  4. If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or throw fist sized rocks at the bear, etc)
  5. A very persistent bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper spray into its eyes.
  6. When scouting out a campsite and you spot bear scat (poop) in the campsite, assume bear frequent the site and move to another campsite. If you do not know the difference between bear scat and wolf poop, assume it is bear scat and move to another campsite.
Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Outdoor Store, Ely MN rents and sells bear resistant barrels and pack hanging systems. Give us a call at 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709 today and start planning your September BWCA adventure.


30 liter, 60 liter barrels w/harness
Kondos pack hanging system