My best friend, Sandy and I began planning a trip back in the late spring. Since we live over 800 miles(~1300km) apart, planning is a must. Originally she was going to make the 13hr (one way) drive but I convinced her to just find a flight. We picked dates then began the search for a getaway place. We were fortunate to find a great place to stay in a town that Mini-me and I fell in love with a coupe years ago.
This cute little town is Ely, MN. It sits on the edge of the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) It’s protected waters. No motorized vehicles allowed including boat motors. I’m not really a “camper” or canoe person but I love that we have this area in the state for those adventure types. I do love hiking though. 
We hiked the same trail Mini-me and I did two years ago. I love how the trees have wrapped their roots around the bedrock. 
The reward at the far end of the loop is a beautiful water fall. We did much more climbing around than I did on the previous adventure.
I’m hopeful this video will work for most people.
After our hike we explored in town…a little shopping and a fantastic burger.
I had to take a picture of this store front…and, of course, go in. My first job was at a Ben Franklin store. I thought they had been sold or went bankrupt. The nostalgia has great. I even bought some yarn…just what I need…more craft supplies. HA!
We laughed and talked and hung out until all hours of the night the first night. The moon was lovely across the water.
The mosquitos were fierce though…
Luck for us we had the cutest screen porch that was separate from the cabin which overlooked the lake.
We had some rain and Canadian wildfire smoke but we made the best of it sitting and enjoying the lake and each others company.
Sounds like you had the perfect adventure with your friend. I love the screened-in porch and the views looks so beautiful. Happy T Day
That sounds like wonderful fun (minus the mosquitos). Great when distances don´t matter and survive friendship!
How wonderful your friend from Texas could join you for a getaway. That water was rushing and a bit scary after seeing videos of Texas flooding.
I was really impressed with the town. Like a mini San Fransisco with the buildings sloping like that. I’m sure Ben Franklin brought back memories.
Those tree roots were amazing. I would be afraid of stumbling over one, since I’m so shaky. Looks like you two had fun, though.
I told Erika the mosquitos have been murder here this year. Seems you got that, too.
Love your cute Snoopy Happiness glass, too. It is appropriate for this time of year when we are all trying to stay cool in the states. Thanks for sharing your trip and your drink with us for T this week, dear friend. And yes, you WERE there from the beginning.
What a fabulous little get away Halle. That area is gorgeous. That little screen porch is adorable, and wow, the water falls are amazing. It looks like you had a super time, and it must have been get to spend time with your friend. Have a happy T day. hugs-Erika
Dear Halle,
800 miles between you and your BFF – that’s quite a distance! (Though our neighbor here in Austria has her best friend in the US – so that’s even farther! 😉) One of my dearest friends since the 1980s lives about 200 km from me, and even that makes it hard to meet more than once a year…
How lovely that you could take this trip to Ely, Minnesota together. And how nice of you to share it with us – the landscape looks absolutely stunning. The video worked well – that waterfall is glorious! 💦🌲
Warm greetings from Austria and a happy belated T-Day!
Traude
🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/07/walks-weingut-wohlfuhlmomente-mein.html
Such a beautiful getaway and it looks like you had a great time with your friend 😊. Loving that cute porch and the scenery is amazing. Happy 12th Anniversary T Day wishes ❤️. Hugs, Jo x
Yes, the video worked for me. I love the sound of a rushing river. What a lovely place.
Lisca
Halle, what a wonderful trip you and BFF had. I loved the video of the falls, especially the sound. I could listen to that sound and sleep.
The moon over the water was beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I am late, but happy t day. 🙂
I forgot to say I haven’t seen a Ben Franklin in years. I don’t know if we still have them or not! What a find!