In their previous lives, he sold medical supplies to hospitals and nursing homes and she was a registered nurse. They still live in Warroad, Minn., during the off-season. But then came demands for a new sewer system to bring the place up to code. The boardwalks connecting the cabins with the lodge were replaced and the cabin logs were refinished. Big jobs anywhere, the challenges posed by these types of projects become even more daunting when they're on a remote island.
Supplies have to be trucked in by ice road in the winter, or by boat in the summer.
They hire some help such as Russell Hicks, a Newfoundland native who's in his fifth season as the camp's chef, and Native guides as the need arises. But mostly, it's a family affair. Daughter Kassie, who'll be 16 in a couple weeks, helps out with cleaning cabins and other camp chores. All are savvy at navigating the lake. Nice work if you can get it.