"Up to the Lake Cabin".....That's How You Say It!

Breneman Cabin on Lake Kabtogema

We have now officially entered the "Great Cousin Connection of 2015" part of this adventure!  First stop:  Littlefork, Minnesota to reconnct with Steve's cousin Don and his wife, Lynne...and fine kitty Midnight.  We arrive Littlefork, the tiny northern town south of International Falls, where Steve was born...um...some years ago.  Like 69 of them ago.  And, yes, many things are recognizable from time spent here as a child when the parents returned to visit family.

The part of this country that really "sticks" with Steve...still today...is the water part.  No surprise there.  So, we can't wait to get "out to the lake" and spend time at the cabin and on the water.

Paddle boards unpacked and waiting

Fine spot for the kayaks

Thunderbird Lodge for lunch

Awaiting the walleye sandwiches! (photo by Don)

The fearsome foursome (plus to fur pals) head to Thunderbird Lodge on Rainy Lake for lunch.  How can you pass up walleye sandwiches?  You can't.

The fun never ends as we tour the little town of Ranier on the U.S. ~ Canadian border.  As seems to be the way of many small northern towns, once logging communities, then family farming communities....today there is not much left of "town."  A train still runs through Ranier and there is an ice cream shop...and...an opportunity to be a moose for a moment!

Once in a lifetime.....you betchca!

Back to the lake to get out on the water...and cool off.  Whose big idea was it to travel away from the cool Pacific Northwest to the hot pockets of the U.S. during July?  Oh wait...mine.

12 foot board!

With the boards and boats off the top of the Jeep, and waiting patiently by the lakeshore, we pack a picnic everyday and head for the cabin.  It's the place to be!  We trade paddle board lessons for boat rides and photography lessons with cousin Don.

Don and Steve

Headed out they are both in dry clothes...and...well....at least the water is warm!

Don and the board!

Taking the aqua-lele out for a test paddle

Waterproof!

Bath time....

Tryin' it with a kayak paddle!

My new ride....a 12 ft. SUP by Creed!

Are you tired yet?  

One night we get back into town in time to head off to...the Koochiching County Fair.  Parking is $3 and entry is free.  Steve remembers his first job...ever...being a "go-for" at this tiny fair for a grand total of $13.00.   His words: "A fortune in those days!"  Especially for a 13 year old boy!

Oh...noo!  Not the funnel cake! (photo by Don)

What got Jessica going so many years ago....at our fair.

Every fair has to have one....

Uh ohhh Lynne...hard to keep one of these in the city!

One evening finds us taking the boat over to The Rock Garden.  However, the deer flies are aware of our arrival and welcome us at the dock...in a BIG way.  Here a man with time and passion has created a unique garden of rock sculptures and flowers....however,  Nan retreats to the boat after a quick photo.  

A brief pause at the Rock Garden on Kabtogema.  (photo by Don)

How can a week fly by so  quickly?  But wait...on one of our last nights we grab a quick dinner at a favorite local watering hole...(still there after all these years), The Bait and Bite (slogan: Eat Here and Get Worms...yes, they sell worms...and leeches, and minnows...for the bait part)...and then...off for an evening photography tour on the lake!  We find some fantastic shots...but, that's the next post!

Midnight and Lynne say "Good-night!"