the great "proverb" of Canada

The Saturday we got back from camping we went to our friend Jenni & Matt's house in Blaine. They were talking about going up to Canada to do some landscaping (they own their own business http://www.barefootmn.com/ ) at Matt's uncles, but they would not be going if Jenni didn't get her updated passport. They mentioned it would be fun if we could go with, but we didn't think we would be able to get time off after just being out of work Memorial Day week. Well, Jenni got her passport and we got the call/email to "please come with, it will be so much fun!" so lucky for my PTO and Brian being reduced to 30 hour work weeks, we of course, said YES!

So Thursday night (June 4th) we packed up and headed on our journey to the "proverb" of Canada. This is where the first story begins. We were trying to figure out the quickest way to get "up north" and the Garmin kept telling us to go up through I-Falls instead of through Duluth. We just could not figure out how that would be faster. So I was trying to use my satellite GPS on my blackberry and it asked for the State/Prov. So as I am doing this, I said "So what "proverb" are we going to? Ontario, right" and then busted out laughing, knowing that I said Proverb instead of Province...well there was my blonde moment of the weekend causing quite a ruckus in the truck. We ended up going through Duluth and realized that the only reason I-Falls would be quicker was due to the fact that Thunder Bay is considered eastern time. So at least we figured that one out!

We got to the cabin (literally in the middle of no where) about 3 am. I really had to use the bathroom as did Jenni and this cabin does not have electricity or running water, so we were on a mission to find the out house. Well we found it. (see photo taken in the daylight...it was too dark) So - this restroom/outhouse did not look like it had been used for quite awhile and we know that Matt's family comes to this cabin often...so we were a little confused. There were cobwebs over the seat and leaves down the hole, but when you have to go you have to go. Needless to say, the next morning, after Matt worked on the new sidewalk, he comes back to the cabin laughing and telling us that the "NEW" outhouse was up the hill and to the right about 50 yards. We said, "you are lying, there isn't another outhouse" well there really was, it was like a 5 star outhouse without electricity! (again, see photos)

So onto our day. Matt's uncle and aunt had us to their motel for lunch. We went there and then loaded up the 4-wheelers and boats to finally get out fishing (after all what else is there to do in Canada). So after an hour or more drive on the 4-wheelers in the middle of no where, we arrive at the lake. Threw the boats in and off we went. The best fishing was definitely on Friday. We caught many walleye and some bass and northern. It was COLD and windy and rainy out on the lake, but we survived. We ended up on shore and started a fire and cleaned the fish. Then it was back in the boats, back to shore and then back on the 4-wheelers to head back to the cabin. When we got back (almost after 10) we cleaned the fish more and started to cook dinner. We had a feast and finally at about 11:30, then it was off to bed for another busy day of paving and fishing.

Saturday we started our day with a delicious breakfast of pancakes and eggs. Then we went fishing on the lake right by the cabin. Then we went to the motel and spent time with Matt's aunt while the boys worked on the patio. We cooked up a shore lunch after they guys worked for awhile and then headed back to the lake for some evening fishing. Jenni and I decided to go in the Sauna while the boys fished more. Brian caught some really big bass and we could not resist taking the classic picture. ** please note that is was only about 32 degrees outside, so it was freezing. I almost wish there was snow on the ground to make the photo more appropriate!!! We then roasted marshmallows over the fire in the cabin, had some drinks and made smores and got ready for our last day of fishing on Sunday.

Sunday was fun as both Matt's aunt and uncle came out fishing with us. Again, we loaded up the 4-wheelers and boats and off we went. Fishing was not as good, but at least the sun was shining a little bit. We fished for awhile and then had a bonfire on the shore and made brats and smores again. Then we headed back to "camp" The boys went to finish up the walk and we cleaned up the cabin and packed and met everyone back at the motel. We finally hit the road about 5:30 Sunday night to head back home after a very fun 3 days in Canada! On the drive we saw a sign for some waterfalls and made Matt stop, despite the fact he was hungry and just wanted to drive and find food, but thank goodness we whined enough because this is what we saw (see below!) There will be many stories and memories to hold onto. Especially the moose that Matt saw, but didn't take a picture. We are hoping to go back this summer or early fall to enjoy some more fishing!!!!!!