Been looking on rec.gov every day; there are quite a few permits available compared to past years in August. There are new ones every day. Thought I'd mention it if somebody had given up. I suppose the fires caused more cancellations than usual.

Thanks! Just was able to get a sawbill reservation for next tuesday!

dogwoodgirl: "Thanks! Just was able to get a sawbill reservation for next tuesday!"

Have you used Sawbill Outfitters before? We have twice and let me tell you they are a GREAT bunch of people!! Always super friendly, even when it was 100 degrees and they were hauling canoes out for people. Super knowledgeable people and really seem to love what they do.

I've used them in the past when I needed an extra canoe, but I have everything I need for this trip. Agree, they are great.

DWG: I've got a permit for Tuesday as well. Maybe I'll say hi. I'll be one of two old guys with an aluminum canoe and a wise-ass comment. Jello-mold disciple here.

Cool Lundojam! We'll be gals 2 in a souris river Quetico, maybe with an older brindle Pitbull mix.

I don't think it's the fires as much as it is the hoarding. Keep watching, permits start opening up about two weeks from today and more show up in the system as you get closer to the date. If it was the fires the Vento unit wouldn't follow the same pattern but it does. I found out last Thursday afternoon that I didn't have to work Friday. Headed to the Ely area and had my choice of 6 or 7 EPs for Friday morning. FRIDAY. IN AUGUST. The entire month of August was booked solid from February to July at most of these EPs. Did I mention it was also a Friday? And these weren't undesirables like Angleworm and Bog, I narrowed the list down to One, Snowbank and Moose before we chose Snowbank. Keep in mind that all of the EPs along the Echo trail were still closed for the fires which should have funneled more people east towards Ely where I was looking.

Reserving more than a week ahead of time is for the birds.