Fall at the Cabin

This past weekend we spent at the Cabin (only one more weekend to go before it is closed up for the winter - so sad!). The weather had definitely changed from summer to fall. The temps during the days were warm in the sun, cool in the shade and wind. The nights were cold! We actually had to turn the heat on in the cabin and we had a fire going in the stove our first night there.

We did two hiking/walking trails this weekend. One on the Tislon Creek hiking trail and one on the Tilson Creek ski trail. Eric's cousin Blaine joined us on the hiking trail on Saturday. The leaves were perfect! I think we made it up there just in time to see all the peak colors. There was a lot of yellows but also some red and orange. On the Tilson Creek Ski trail we walked about a mile. It was hard walking because this area is kinda swampy and is only used in the winter for cross-country skiing. The DNR had just mowed the trails though (to get ready for winter) and the ground wasnt that wet so we gave it a try. Not my fav. place to walk but it was pretty.

Eric and a few crazy family members did get in the water last weekend. Eric did a short run around the bay on Saturday and Blaine did a quick Wakeboard run. They both said the water was cold but the worst of it was the wind whipping you while being wet. I was not brave enough to try skiing again in these temps. I guess my next try water skiing will have to be next summer!







On Sunday a few more people joined the ranks to ski in the cold water. Eric's Uncle Charles and family friend George showed up in their wet suits all bundled up and ready to ski. Blaine and cousin-in-law Tara also got in the water -without wetsuits- they are so brave!! I dont think I would ever do that. Tara did come prepared with her winter hat and tried to start off the dock - so not to get wet.

Over all we had a great weekend with family. Even though it was cold, we had fun and still enjoyed being at the lake!

Last Days of Summer

Here are a few pics from our weekend at the Cabin over Labor Day. It was the last warm weekend we would have here. There are always good memories to be had on Rainy Lake!

It is already Fall!

We have two more weekends scheduled at the Cabin and they will most likely be too cold to really enjoy the lake by swimming and skiing. We were last at the cabin over Labor Day weekend. I unfortunately was sick for the first full day while we were there but as the weekend went on, I got better! As always, we spent a lot of our time with Eric's family and went water skiing/wake boarding, and the like. I am sad to think that this was probably my last time getting in the Lake. Eric will probably jump in once or twice more but he is crazy!

The secret this summer is......I learned to water ski! I started out about mid summer and over labor day I did a full loop around the bay we are on. I was scared the whole time I was being pulled by the boat. It was such a weird feeling! Of course I don't have any pictures of myself, but once I get one from someone else, I will post them!

We also had a family awards ceremony for the best in water sports! Eric won "best fall" and I won "most determined"! It was a lot of fun and I cant wait to be "most improved" next year!

Its hard to think the Fall is already here in MN. The leaves are turning and I have switched up my wardrobe for the season. I am excited for the change and to hopefully be less busy soon. But I am also going to miss being at Rainy Lake, being on the boat in the St. Croix, and enjoying all the fun things Minneapolis has to offer in the summer.

SHT: Reeves Rd to Castle Danger

Well, we have finally hiked some more of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)! It has only taken almost a year but we did it! We hiked about 11 miles in two days. We decided to do day hikes so we could spend more time with Eric's Aunt and Uncle who live up there. We got some decent mileage in and decided to try to get up at least one more time before the snow comes. For now, here are some pictures of where we were.

60th Birthday Weekend

My dad recently turned 60 so we spent a weekend with him and my mom on their boat for the big event. We took the boat down the St. Croix in Stillwater to Red Wing, MN. It was a nice boat ride and the weather was wonderful. At the end of the weekend we pulled off surprising my dad with a big party at their Marina. I think he was pretty surprised and had a great weekend for his 60th! This weekend reminded me why we love being back in MN. It is so wonderful spending time with my parents and being able to be around for special events!



ps. Go UGA!!



Costume Ski Party

And I am behind again. Sooo.... after our camping trip we celebrated Eric's cousins birthday. She was turning 14 and we had an awesome costume ski party! Everyone was supposed to dress up to the party and then go water skiing. Eric as a wizard, I was a witch, and we also had Katniss - the girl on fire, characters from Star Wars, and a few other crazy costumes. It was such a fun day and I couldn't stop smiling and laughing! I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story....

The birthday girl!



Our Crazy Family!




Katniss - the girl on fire!



Eric, the wizard