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  Voyageur Quote:  "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."  Greek Proverb  

 

 

 

Photo by Rusty Weiss

    

Weather Report

We had beautiful summer weather the week of July 27th with temperatures reaching into the 80's and now it feels like fall is here.  Yesterday it was cold and rainy and the temperature hovered around a mere 45 degrees!  This is quite unusual for August on the Gunflint Trail.  Average temperatures for August on the Trail are normally in the 70's during the daytime and 50's in the evenings.  We are getting some much needed precipitation and on the 29th of July we received .40".  It has been raining a little bit each day this week so it should help alleviate the dry conditions of the forest.  The forecast calls for more normal August weather starting again on Thursday with temperatures back up into the high 60's and 70's for the next 10 or more days.  There is still plenty of beautiful weather to be enjoyed yet this August and into September in the BWCA so come on up and enjoy it. 

 

  

 

 

Firefly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife

Firefly- The other night while driving along the Gunflint Trail I noticed a strange glowing spot on my windshield.  Upon looking closer I realized that a firefly had crashed into my window and the chemicals inside of it continued to glow.  This made me start thinking more about this strange insect that really isn't a fly, but a beetle.  I guess flies only have one set of wings and other flying insects have 2 pair.  I decided to look the species up on the internet to find out what they look like in the daylight.  We often see fireflies on dark nights in the Boundary Waters flashing their bright lights.  The male species is the most often seen flasher as it flies around flashing to attract the female.  The female waits on a branch or leaf until she sees a pattern she likes, then she flashes her own light to let him know she likes what she saw.  To find out more about fireflies check out this interesting website.   

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's New?

Voyageur's Website- After over a year of work on our new site it is finally up and running.  There are of course some links that are not functioning properly and we need to upload some new photos and information, but for the most part it is done.  Please let us know what you think of the new look and format.  We need to know if it is still easy to use and if it is still easy to find the information you are looking for.  If you notice a link not working or incorrect information on rates or otherwise, then please e-mail us to let us know your thoughts.  We want it to be a resource for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.  Any information you do not see there that you think should be then let us know.  We will do our best to make it the most comprehensive and convenient site out there for BWCA information.  

Dragon Boat Races- This weekend some of the Voyageur Crew will be competing in the 1st Annual Dragon Boat Races in Grand Marais.  Boats are provided and they hold up to 22 paddlers.  It should be a fun time in the Grand Marais Harbor.    

 

 

    

 

Platypus

 

 

 

 

 

Product Review: Platypus

Platypus makes a variety of water carriers and hydration systems.  There are many different styles and options to choose from but they are all lightweight and versatile.  The plastic used is tasteless and made with a triple layer laminate so it is strong and has a lifetime warranty.  Unlike a Nalgene bottle it is collapsable and takes up almost no room when empty.  It weighs 80% less than a conventional water bottle too.  You can freeze it for cold drinks or an ice pack or heat it up for warm drinks or a camp shower.  Be sure to check out their website to find out more about this product.

  

         

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

"Where the Trail Ends Your Voyage Begins"
Mike and Sue Prom
1-888-CANOEIT
www.canoeit.com

Tell us what you think!
email: vco@canoeit.com

Visit our Website at
www.canoeit.com

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Skills

Knowing Fire Restriction Levels: The fire ban has been lifted as of today.  Last newsletter I mentioned we were in a Level I Fire Restriction and I received a few questions as to what this meant.  Fire experts have determined different levels of fire risk in the BWCA and the USFS uses this information to determine when a specific restriction should be in place.  During different levels of restrictions campfires may be allowed only at specified times, like 7 pm until Midnight during a Level I restriction.  Gas and propane cookstoves will be allowed at all times during all of the restriction levels.  The following is what the Superior National Forest uses to determine fire risk in the BWCA.

  • General-During projected periods of extended precipitation, potential for a wildfire to spread rapidly is relatively Low.
  • Level I- During projected periods of occasional precipitation, fire risk is Moderate, but increases during hours of the day when fuels dried by the sun and winds are most likely to cause a wildfire to spread rapidly.  Historic Information indicates particular risk associated with morning campfires.
  • Level II- As dry weather is projected to persist, the risk for wildfire is High with potential to spread rapidly at all times of the day.  Increased risk on trail segments in areas of concentrated blowdown and potential for visitors to be trapped in the case of a wildfire.
  • Level III- Continued periods of dry weather and high winds create potential for Extreme fire behavior.
  

 

 Tony Arend 43" Northern 8/9/04

  

 

Fishing Report  

Night Crawlers-  Nearly all species of fish like a night crawler.  I don't know how they know what a night crawler tastes like since they are not normally found in the water, but somehow instinct must tell them it's going to taste good.  The key to fishing with a night crawler is to use a nice healthy one and replace it if it becomes limp or lifeless.  To conserve crawlers on a canoe trip you can place the lifeless crawler back into the container and usually it will be healthy within a day.  If not, then be sure to discard it as one sick crawler in a bunch can affect all of them.  In order to keep your crawlers healthy you must keep the bedding moist and cool.  One way to get the most out of a crawler is to place them in a tupperware container with ice and water overnight.  They will not die or drown in the cold but they will go into a hibernation state where they will not require oxygen.  This process will help fatten them up by swelling them with moisture.  Then you can place them back into their moist bedding.  For a special bedding try using cut up newspaper and moisten it with water often.  If taken care of properly then crawlers can last for weeks of fishing pleasure.