Camping along the Gunflint with the Bieter Family

The Bieter Family which consisted of Marilyn, Sarah, and Imania arrived towards the end of our week long stay. They came in around 4 pm, we had dinner, and sat around the campfire. Dinner was served outdoors close to the main lodge in an open fire pit oven. Barb and Greg (the lodge owners) would roll out homemade dough and give each person enough dough for a personalized pizza. We then were able to choose our toppings, which then Greg would put it back in the oven to bake. The pizza was fabulous. So much so, that Geno learned a new word Pia (pizza). Geno also made a group of friends his age and had a great time pushing a small trailer with wheels around with them. They reminded me of the show The Little Rascals. Marilyn, Nick, Geno, and I took the canoe out at sunset and saw some spectacular views as well as two loons (Marilyn's favorite). It is amazing to me how close you can get to wildlife in their natural state when canoeing. Once they got settled into their cabin that night, they played cards and had a good time.

The next morning, it was too windy to go canoeing, so Nick and I went for a hike to Honeymooner's Bluff. Marilyn was gracious enough to watch the kids. Although the views were spectacular, the hike itself was quite short. Once we made it back to the cabin, we learned that Auntie Sarah had taught Geno how to give "raspberries" where you press your lips onto the person next to you and make the equivalent of a farting sound on their belly, arm, leg, or neck. They were all sitting in a circle at one point giving each other raspberries and giggling hysterically. Sarah finished knitting some beautiful socks for Marilyn and Marilyn enjoyed putting a puzzle together. That night we all made food and shared it buffet style. Then we decided to sit in the cedar wood sauna and jump in the lake. It was exhilarating. I was the first one brave enough to jump in, and the the others followed suit. Afterwards we hung out in our cabin talking and listening to music. Sarah, Imania, Nick, and I never laughed so hard in all of our lives. They are truly missed and I hope we can do this again next year.