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It is the time of the year when we get the annual newsletter from Canoe Country Outfitters up in Ely. This means it is time to begin planning for the annual pilgrimage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. At this point, Roomie and I are weighing the pros and cons of camping in the various months. June is black fly month; July transitions to mosquitoes in August, and September can be a little cooler. July and August have warmer nights, which means one can travel with a lighter pack. Once we pick a time of year to go, I will apply for the permit. Then we can see who is willing and able to schedule so far ahead for a summer canoe trip in the Wilderness.
I already have nearly a week of vacation time coming to me, but I will be taking Boxing Day off. At any rate, I shall certainly have plenty of time banked by June.
Not coincidentally, we also received in the past week gift certificates from Piragis Outfitters also in Ely. Two years ago this past August, I celebrated my 40th birthday up in the BWCAW. Among the invitees were my mom and stepfather, who were the only folks to take us up on the invitation into the wilderness for a few nights. I swam to Canada on my birthday. The following year, Roomie was under deadline and unable to make the trip. I was prepared to go by myself into the wilderness but at the second to last minute my stepfather volunteered to take the bow seat and make a weeklong trip with me. At the last minute, my mom decided she was not fit for the portages but would come out and use Biscuits & Gravy while I paddled with her husband. She spent the week in an Ely motel and exploring the Arrowhead region on Lake Superior. The two of them had been looking at alternatives to Palo Alto, where they had me and spent the past quarter-century. The trip was a resounding success, as was my mom's week in Ely. When the two of them were at MSP airport returning home, they said to one another "You know real estate is pretty reasonable up there; maybe we should come back and take a look." And they did. Roomie and I had already moved to Higglety Pigglety Farm, but I was called away in October to take a look at a house with them. That deal ultimately felll through, but they did make an offer on another house (one I had seen with my stepfather at the realtor's suggestion). Last May, they moved to Ely. As of this past weekend, they are delighted with their decision. They love the small-town life and the myriad opportunities for real involvement and real friendships.
Posted by Underblog at December 19, 2006 7:02 AM
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I'm sure your parents will love Ely -- my parents have lived about 40 miles down the road in Isabella for about 20 years.
The test for them will come with a real winter (not this winter, for sure)--- by then they'll be so in love with the community that they won't mind the weather!
Posted by: PhilosopherP at December 27, 2006 6:46 PM