Day 7. July 15, 2018

Voyageurs national park, Mn. has proven to be well worth the trip. We woke to a cool morning tucked in a well shaded spot within view of the lake, and Sun dancing on the lake. We had yogurt, berries, granola and hard boiled eggs with instant coffee. We checked into the Kabetogama visitor center for our Kettle Falls Cruise tour. The boat was open to the wind and water, and two rangers told the story of the area. We can't even count how many Bald Eagles, nests and even young we saw. We saw the Common Loons, ducks, gulls, pelicans, and Herron. We learned of the history of the fairly new park, established in 1975. As a result, many private residences, resorts, and even lumber businesses on the islands came about. Those still stand, some of which over 50 years old are now part of historic preservation and can remain.
We learned of I.W. Stevens whom lived year round on an island running a small resort named Pine Cover on his own and living exclusively off the land. He built the buildings, split the wood, collected food and prepared, he withstood the weather of -11 degrees in winter to 95 degrees in summer. The lake water freezes 4-5 feet thick, when collected and housed in sawdust insulted ice house it remained for up to 2 years. He lived at the lake until 93 years old, and lived to be 104.
We checked out the Kettle Falls Hotel at the portage built 1910-1913, still in operation. The dam nearby still in use by the joint committee of U.S. and Canada. We enjoyed a simple lunch, and embarked on our your boat again.
As soon as we arrived on shore the kids ran off to jump in the lake and swam until the sun went down, again. This evening was full of frogs, butterflies, and dragonflies. We took turns on the double kayak, paddle boats and floating lily pad swimming platform. The breeze was enough to take the mind off the sun kissing your skin. The air was filled with laughter, smoke from grills, and fisherman's catch of the day. Kinda sad to leave tomorrow. After dinner, showers, a load of laundry, we took in a game of Qwixx and everyone fell asleep fast.