It is snowing as I write this column. Enough to cover the ground. Enough for our first official “broom and shovel” event. We are even seeing frozen patches on Lake Superior inside the breakwater here at our Thunder Bay offices. So I guess this is it – drum roll please – Winter in Canada 2008-2009.

Here’s some good news for your wallet: Just ask those who have all ready taken advantage of two ways to save on their 2009 trip by booking now. First, we offer 10% savings on all trips paid in full by cheque by December 10th (7% when paid with a credit card.) PLUS – the exchange rate with a considerably strong U.S. dollar can deliver as much as 19% more savings. This graph shows the power of the U.S. dollar. If you need more information about booking your 2009 trip now, and saving up to 30%, please contact Tyler Lancaster at 1-888-465-3474.
In this report:

• we catch up with outdoor writer Eddie Nickens. He has now filed his feature story with the Audubon Magazine written about his canoe adventure with birder Jeff Wells last July.
• Our podcast production team combines the 1975 ballad of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” with the words of meteorologist Graham Saunders’ account of the storm that claimed the big ship 33 years ago.
• The scores are in on the Gulp vs Live “fish off” and you’ll read the findings below. Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada‘s Jenni McDermid answers the question “What happens to the fish under the ice?” in this newsletter as well.

Krista and I also know that next Thursday you and your families will celebrate Thanksgiving 2008. We want you to know how thankful we are for your business and for your friendship. Eat those turkeys. Watch those football games, and continue to dream about the Canadian wilderness.

Alan