Tuesday, July 15, 2025

up and at em day 1

We got up early and waited for the rain to die down on Saturday morning. We started across Snowbank, had a little lunch and then portaged to a beaver pond and then to Boot Lake. We paddled across Boot and then met a formidable portage from Boot to Ensign Lake. On each portage, I did three rounds—one with a canoe on my shoulders and two with gear. 












The first two were pretty fun, but the third was horrible! It said it was 220 rods, but I measured it as 1.3 miles. I slipped twice in the nasty mud and got many mosquito bites. We are an amazing group to get through that day!

After that three hour portage, we paddled Ensign. We had our sites set on one site, but then we saw lightening so had to stop at the closest campsite. We quickly set up camp, Nate and kids made Indian food and we all collapsed into our tents to dodge the mounting mosquito population. 

Friday, July 11, 2025

27…bye bye Batstone’s and hello Weaver-Olsons

Here we go…Brad and I celebrated our 27 years of marriage today! We took Erin, Ella and Judah back to the landing and then spent the day in Ely meeting up with Nathan, Natalie and Micah. I did some laundry and a little shopping and also got my steps in for the day. 

We’ve been away from home for nearly ten days now…seems like it hasn’t been that long. We’re heading into the BWCAW tomorrow morning, so I will likely be incommunicado until a week from today. It will be great to unplug. 





Thursday, July 10, 2025

3 years ago was our first trip to Snowbank

As I was reflecting on my snap memories and my Sudoku book that had it reported where I finished my daily game, I saw that it’s been 3 years since we first traveled to Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters before we paddled over to our cabin for the first peek. 

We’re currently hosting Erin, Ella and Judah Batstone for a few days. They went fishing (no luck), Osten and Brad paddled back to the landing (Osten’s practicing for our BWCA adventure on Saturday), went hiking, picked berries, went pedal boarding, set up our tents, killed







mosquitoes, saw a lovely full buck moon rise and enjoyed our day together. We plan on seeing the sunrise tomorrow…fingers crossed! 


Wednesday, July 9, 2025

this was Monday



Here are some pictures of a lovely Monday…totally forgot to post that day. We had so much fun hiking, fishing and berrying. 

farewell Stubbe’s and hello Batstone’s

This morning, Lynn and I went on a little paddle and jaunt. We picked more Service Berries and saw some beautiful butterflies. Then we said farewell until next time. 

Did some laundry with a little laundry washer that was left behind at the cabin. Then I hung it on the line. Time to do some vacuuming and tidy before our new guests arrive. Took a trickle shower in the bathroom at the cabin and feel so fresh and clean! We’re planning another night of hotdogs. 

Listening to the Twins on Alexa and enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Loving our new Aldi rug and table 









Tuesday, July 8, 2025

beautiful day

Started with yummy breakfast Sammies then a float in the lake, a tour around the lake on the motor boat, hotdogs and smores on the solo stove and a gorgeous moon/fire flies view. 






up and at em day 1

We got up early and waited for the rain to die down on Saturday morning. We started across Snowbank, had a little lunch and then portaged to...