The largest cabin, which we stayed in, sleeps 12-16 people, has a large plasma tv, air conditioning, 2 fridges (plenty of room for beer, etc.) and very comfortable beds. Certainly not roughing it, but certainly more my style... In the large cabin, we had 6 couples and one very adorable Golden Retriever, named "Chief". In two other smaller cabins we had more couples, along with 2 chocolate labs. The dogs were all very well behaved and hilarious to watch on the boats...One of our friend Jack's two chocolate's is still a puppy ("Guiness), and liked to jump in the water after Jack's bobber...sure that scared the fish away! Guiness' big brother, "Chip", was not impressed by the water or floating "ball" at all.
The first day we got there we were suddenly greeted - right behind our cabin, by a black bear cub. Pretty cool! The resort owner has a HUGE NewFoundland dog, which they then used to scare the bear up the tree until the DNR could get there. The dog, known as "Timber", could be more of a bear than a dog at a quick glance! On day two, they ladies drove to Ely, only 15 miles from Babbitt. We had breakfast at the Chocolate Moose; yum! We just strolled around town looking at all the giftshops and then went to DQ for ice cream. The boys were almost always fishing in both the morning and evening. The ladies opted for a little less fishing time, and usually only went after dinner. Every day we had a "pool" for the biggest walleye caught; just $1 to put your name in. Very serious competition, however; more about the bragging rights than the size of the prize! On Friday, the rookie fisher of the group (ME) caught the winning fish, at 16". I think I was so excited, because I got to beat Jack who is very competitive about the fishing. It was all in good fun.
The rest of our time was spent playing Cribbage, cards and just visiting. Oh, and did I mention drinking?! Many people woke up in the morning and made a bloody mary; which I now like if the proper mix is used, and needs to have seasoned salt on the rim.
We had so much fun spending time with our close friends who we don't get to see often, along with some new friends as well. The boys have officially invited the girls back for next year. In Sept, the boys have their annual trip planned, which I guess the really big fish are out for. That trip can include two of our friends who just returned from Iraq.
I have a picture of my winning fish below: To my right is our good friend, Glenn. I was in Glenn's boat, with him and his wife Deb.
