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.