Have you seen the Ely Visitor video yet?  Follow the link below and see what many people like about the Ely area. Watch closely and you will see a favorite logo.

• http://www.ely.org/discover-ely/the-wilderness-calls-to-us-video.html

Happy paddling! Well not yet...the portages are a bit longer this time of year.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store

It's not too late to plan your fall canoe trip.  September is a great time to canoe and travel the Boundary Waters (BWCA) or Quetico.  This time of year you will see a decline in the number of visitors in the park, fishing is pretty decent and bugs are gone.  Not to mention, if you time it correctly, you could catch the beautiful fall colors.  The leaves typically change early September. Don't forget to pack your camera!

Spring is getting closer and closer in Ely, MN.  We have had warmer days this last week.  There is still a bit of snow out there, but every day it melts a little more.  It is staying light out longer and longer each day.  What a great feeling!

Last year, in 2010, we had a very early ice out.  The ice was off the lakes about a month early.  So far this year, we still have pretty thick ice conditions on the lakes.  We are hoping for a more normal ice out near the end of April or beginning of May.

It won't be too much longer until we see canoes headed to the lakes for another season of BWCA canoe and camping trips.

Canoes are just waiting for you here at Spirit of the Wilderness! OK, maybe it will still be a few more months until we have open water and the snow melts. We just get excited, here at Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters, for the coming canoe season. This is about the time we get a little anxious to see some of that warmer spring weather.

Spirit of the Wilderness will be at Canoecopia Paddle show in just a few weeks. This is a great weekend to book and start dreaming  of your 2010 canoe trip in the Boundary Waters or Quetico.  Bring your 2010 trips dates so you can book your trip at the show and take advantage of the show specials. We will be in booth #N126.

Stop by the booth to:

It's hard to believe that we are part way through the winter and making our way towards another canoe season. How time flies when you are having fun! As some of you know, the Nelson's purchased Spirit of the Wilderness Canoe Outfitters, then Hill's Wilderness Trips, back in 1999. We had, and still have, a love for traveling the BWCAW. Our mission has been to introduce people to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the outdoors through a fun, helpful, educational and friendly approach.

What a winter we have had. Snow, snow and more snow. We are anticipating higher water levels in the lakes streams and rivers this Spring. And if you are like most of us in Ely, warmer temperatures will be welcomed sooner than later.

One of my favorite feelings when I enter the BWCA is the sense of camaraderie and courtesy. People spending time in our beautiful wilderness area are generally happy and willing to help a stranger that crosses their path.

Quick Note: Wild strawberries are blooming!