Son's wife had withdrawal pains from two girls ages 4 and 7 for my recent trip to Lake One. Demanded we get a SAT phone, so son looked up on phone as we travelled a couple of places to see if one could be rented. The answer was yes at VNO. When we arrived, service was perfect and a short line at counter soon made it his turn. Lynn did not know son and probably not me so much either since I was walking around store and taking care of one of the girls. I have used this outfitter some in the past and will do so in the future given logistical choices. End result: THEY ADVISED AGAINST USING A SAT PHONE AT ALL as we would very likely not need it. When I speak to the local experts, I tend to not pretend to know more than them and advised son to chance the non-rental. He agreed and all worked out well without one and the cell Verizon phone was used for a couple of evening calls to Mom. I know, many will cringe at that, but it probably extended the trip a day or so,

Obviously, a rental sale that day was not made, but the good will will not be soon be forgotten.

Every year it seems like cell coverage is getting deeper and deeper in to the wilderness. I was way down on the south east corner of lake 3 and had full 4g coverage. It is nice to be able to check the radar and weather.

How about we add some more "Positive" stories of outfitters and non-customers?

A cold May trip we were coming out on Clearwater and it was a bit windy and the waves were reaching my "Better half's" comfort level We pulled over in a nice spot and enjoyed an otherwise beautiful day. We had been there an hour more/less when Clearwater Outfitters came by after taking someone to the West Pike (or is it East, I get them backwards) portage. They asked if we needed a ride back and we graciously accepted. I had a devil of a time trying to get them to take any money, but I wasn't going to take "No" for an answer; what wonderful people!

I've always said we would go back to Clearwater and stay there sometime, but still never have. Since I was recuperating from my new pacemaker, I missed my BWCAW trip in June. Maybe in the next month or two we could get away and fulfill that promise?

I called laTorrel's back in may. I bought a new boat and motor. I was curious on the gas consumption on the 25 hp four stroke merc. I told him i was just running to wind and maybe Hoist bay.he said I would be fine with a 6 gallon tank. Maybe a couple xtra gallons if I went further. Just went to wind and back and still had 1/3 tank back at dock. Guy was nice . Gave me spot on answer and was on phone maybe 1 minute..

THANKS LATORREL'S

Nice stories, thanks for sharing! Most of the people I met when I worked and lived Ely were some of the nicest people I had ever met before.

Whenever I thanked someone they always respond with a " You Betcha! "

I've used the same outfitter for 18 years and like the classic cigarette commercial "I'd rather fight than switch". I can't begin to name all of the great things they've done for us.

I think outfitting is like the restaurant business: one happy customer and it may get you another one. One unhappy customer will cost you 100 customers.

I have little doubt the positive experiences out number the negative by a large margin.

I think outfitters would appreciate what the menu at the original James Coney Island in Houston used to say:

" If the service was good, tell your friends.
If the service was bad, tell Us!"

Look forward to hearing of the good.

Blue Skies!

cc

I have always had great service at Voyageur North. Just left there yesterday.

ozarkpaddler: "How about we add some more "Positive" stories of outfitters and non-customers?

I've always said we would go back to Clearwater and stay there sometime, but still never have. Since I was recuperating from my new pacemaker, I missed my BWCAW trip in June. Maybe in the next month or two we could get away and fulfill that promise?


"

Well, they are good people there, Terry. We have stayed at the lodge many times (in "Charlie's Room"), and in a cabin once, under three different owners, and it has always been a great place to stay. We will be staying there at "Charlie Boy's Cabin" in mid-August of this summer, so if you decide to be there, perhaps we will finally get a chance to meet up with you! :-)

Always happy with the service at Sawbill, previous and current owners (same family involved). Not directly affecting me but they went above and beyond to assist the campers/family involved in the recent drowning there.

Voyageur North has always been awesome to me and my family.

My first trip was with Cliff Wolds, Cliff personally dropped us off at our entry po8nt because it was our first trip, a true Northwoods character.

I’ve used Canoe Country Outfitters for tows and always spot on.

Seagull outfitters gave us a tow to Cache and was great.

Spirit of The Wilderness bailed us out when our pack broke on the Mudro portage. Plus the Owners are customers of mine and I know them personally they are great people. I

A lot of great experiences over the years.
T

I once stopped in at VNO looking for a last-minute piece of gear. Asked John and they didn't have it, but we got talking about where I was going and what I was chasing, and he gave me some very good--and free--information that paid off in spades.

Good folks, those.

Big fan of Voyageur North. Last trip the seat on my Prism became unattached to the boat. They fixed it while we went to lunch. $25 for the repair. Since we had to haul it home bottom side down so the epoxy could dry, John gave me a foam kayak pad so the canoe could ride on the truck cab. Never mentioned charging me for it. And he personally tied it down for me. Super nice people. I always get my license & bait there at the least. I won’t go anywhere else. I am very loyal once I find a place and people I like.

VNO has lots of fans here but I have to add my own story.

Got into Ely at 1am and filled up with gas. Asked where to get leeches (I was talking about the next day since its 1am) and the lady at the counter said VNO owner was always up doing books and she would call over there. I told her not to do that since I am not a jerk, but she did anyway and we picked up leeches at 1am saving us a drive back to town in the morning. I have other stories from there as well.

Great place, I always buy a few items from there even if I dont need them now.

dhfish: "VNO has lots of fans here but I have to add my own story.


Got into Ely at 1am and filled up with gas. Asked where to get leeches (I was talking about the next day since its 1am) and the lady at the counter said VNO owner was always up doing books and she would call over there. I told her not to do that since I am not a jerk, but she did anyway and we picked up leeches at 1am saving us a drive back to town in the morning. I have other stories from there as well.


Great place, I always buy a few items from there even if I dont need them now. "

I think I remember that one! :-) Lisa at the Clark station usually notices if I'm still at work and a few times a summer sends me a few people who need live bait. She is a very nice lady and only sends over ones she thinks well of, so you were obviously one of those.