1/30/08 - The weather has taken a dramatic turn here at Sawbill. The night before last, it was 34 degrees and raining hard. Due to the ground being very cold, the rain froze into a solid sheet of ice on the roads and paths. Yesterday the temperature plunged all day long and last night hit -22 degrees with 35 mph winds. I stood next to a healthy, hundred year old red pine last night and I could hear small cracking noises in the trunk. - Bill

The fast temperature drop, combined with high winds, is literally snapping branches off of trees. This large white pine branch landed on the store roof.

The big white pine next to the store is one branch lighter.

The birds are feeding frantically - trying to keep warm.

1/26/08 - Sawbill has a new dog. Roy Wonder is an Avon Terrier, just like Phoebe and the late Izzy. Cindy learned that the breeder was closing her business, so it was now or never for a new puppy from her favorite kennel.

Phoebe and Roy are becoming fast friends. Phoebe is teaching him good behavior and advanced outfitter security techniques.

Homer, Roy and Phoebe hold a meeting on Sawbill Lake.

The outfitter security team patrols for squirrels, pine martens and other threats.

1/13/08 - Today we had the great pleasure and honor of attending Cindy Hansen's great aunt Millie Mainella's 100th birthday celebration. She is a remarkable woman who still lives independently, just got her driver's license renewed and keeps up on world affairs. Millie was a life long accordion player along with her older brother Clarence. Our own Clare Hansen is named after Clarence, who is her great grandfather. Clare, who inherited the love of the accordion from Clarence and Millie, played some favorite tunes during today's celebration.

Clare and Carl Hansen with their great, great aunt Millie Mainella at her 100th birthday celebration today in Grand Marais.

Clare provides accordion entertainment.

Today was also remarkable for the freak snowstorm in the Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais area over the last 24 hours. We got nearly a foot here at Sawbill. Grand Marais received about two feet and just a few miles east of Grand Marais nearly 34" fell. Here is a view from the Sawbill Trail of the beautiful Temperance River valley filled with snow covered trees.

1/2/08 - We had our traditional open house over the New Year's holiday. Former crew, current crew, and friends spent several fun filled days together. It was a busy time of skiing, snowboarding, sliding, board games, saunas, and dancing. That's not to mention excellent food, drink and company. Thanks to Molly Breslin for snapshots of a few highlights. - Bill

Caitlin, Belinda, Chrissy, Matt, Nat, Pat, Tess and Claire watch Pat 4 start a run ...

... which comes to an abrupt end.

Alison reacts to the action.

Nathan, Carl and Clare sliding wildly.

Adam goes for speed. You know it's fun sliding when someone wears a helmet and goggles ...

... especially when he ends up in the ditch.

Pat gets some air time.

Belinda heads over the precipice.

Tess, showing style and grace.

Manwich (aka Matt) offers coaching and hill maintenance tips.

Clare, Carl, Adam and Nathan are a disaster looking for a place to happen.

Even though sliding chaos was going on just a short distance away, a lone rabbit left his tracks on the campground trail along the lake shore.

That night we all headed down to the Gunflint Tavern to welcome the new year while dancing to the Splinters.

The dance floor is packed as the Splinters rock in the new year!