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As outdoor enthusiasts, Bill and Cheryl Batman were fi rst attracted to St. Joseph Island for its unspoiled natural beauty. As an avid hunter, Batman was motivated by the abundance of wild game. Cheryl, also an outdoor adventurist in her own right, loves snowmobiling, boating and four-wheeling. Yet as owners and principal operators of Batman Plumbing — the company they founded in 1983 in nearby Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario — the true appeal of their 100-acre wooded island escape, in addition to year-round adventure, is tranquility.
“We are opposites from most of the others who visit the island,” Batman says. “The majority of people come to St. Joseph Island in summer and early fall. We make it our permanent home during the winter. There are so many activities we enjoy doing together year-round, but we fi nd our cottage here to be a very special place in the winter. Less people, more wildlife and unbridled adventure … we love it.”
In addition to the large boat the Batmans use to traverse the pristine waters of nearby Lake Huron — and the couple’s spring and summer weekend home — the couple also has his and hers snowmobiles, and a host of other recreational and work vehicles. Among their favorites is a Bobcat®
The Model Year 2012 deluxe camoufl age limited edition Bobcat 3400 utility vehicle. The deluxe camoufl age limited edition incorporates Realtree Advantage Max-4 HD patterns on the front hood, cargo box side and tailgate.
“I am still the primary excavator operator, along with our son Cory,” Batman says.
Recreational companions
In 1994, while exploring sites for what the Batmans intended to be a hunting camp, the couple happened upon what they both agreed was the perfect getaway. The heavily wooded island acreage is more than just a hunter’s paradise; for the Batmans, it is also their winter wonderland. Having since expanded the original structure several times, what began as a modest hunting lodge has been transformed into the couple’s dream cottage and eventual retirement home.
3400
4x4 utility vehicle they purchased. Batman became a fervent supporter of Bobcat equipment several years ago after purchasing his fi rst compact excavator to help lessen the back-breaking labor from digging and excavating trenches for installing water and sewer lines. That was fi ve Bobcat excavators ago and 13 years ago.
“It’s where we plan to retire,” Batman says. “But until then, we spend the entire winters there. Most people fl ock to their cottage in the summer, but we’re just the opposite. Winter is a great time to be there. We like all the activities, and especially the tranquility and seclusion. It’s great for hunting and exploring woods and trails; very picturesque.”
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CHECK IT OUT!
Bobcat utility vehicle video Scan this QR code with your smartphone to
watch a video walkaround of the Bobcat UTV.
The utility vehicle’s cargo box is the perfect place to load and carry tree limbs and other materials on the Batman property.
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If you don’t have a smartphone, visit
www.MyWorkSaver.com/WSUTV to watch the video. EARLY FALL 2012 | WorkSaver Homeowner with Acreage 15
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