Embedded Files
The map below shows the stops on our circle tour of Gitche Gumee. Why is Lake Superior also known as Gitche Gumee? Lake Superior Magazine will tell you all about it! Keep reading below for a chronological (most recent at the top) blog account of our trip.
The map below shows the stops on our circle tour of Gitche Gumee. Why is Lake Superior also known as Gitche Gumee? Lake Superior Magazine will tell you all about it! Keep reading below for a chronological (most recent at the top) blog account of our trip.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
LAST day of Vacation #1! Waking up in the beautiful Nestledown B&B is perfect, especially because of the breakfast that awaits us each day! Today was Finnish pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee - and a strawberry compote and/or yogurt to top off the pancakes. This was so delicious! Our hosts, Sue and Ken, are so kind and accommodating. A better B&B you'd be hard pressed to find. We will be back!
LAST day of Vacation #1! Waking up in the beautiful Nestledown B&B is perfect, especially because of the breakfast that awaits us each day! Today was Finnish pancakes, bacon, fruit, coffee - and a strawberry compote and/or yogurt to top off the pancakes. This was so delicious! Our hosts, Sue and Ken, are so kind and accommodating. A better B&B you'd be hard pressed to find. We will be back!
We were so lucky on this trip - no rain until the last couple of days! Not too hot, not too cold....perfect June weather up north. We got into storms our last night here, which was actually lovely to hear from the safety of our B&B. The rain followed us home, and came down on us several different times as we drove southward. I stopped on the shores of Lake Michigan for these two pictures. You can see the storm clouds brewing up some mischief!
We were so lucky on this trip - no rain until the last couple of days! Not too hot, not too cold....perfect June weather up north. We got into storms our last night here, which was actually lovely to hear from the safety of our B&B. The rain followed us home, and came down on us several different times as we drove southward. I stopped on the shores of Lake Michigan for these two pictures. You can see the storm clouds brewing up some mischief!
Top 10 things we learned on this trip:
Top 10 things we learned on this trip:
10 - go off the beaten path - follow your heart
10 - go off the beaten path - follow your heart
9 - talk to people
9 - talk to people
8 - there are MOUNTAINS in Canada, north of Lake Superior
8 - there are MOUNTAINS in Canada, north of Lake Superior
7 - planning is worth it but give yourself permission to un-plan
7 - planning is worth it but give yourself permission to un-plan
6 - cars get real dirty
6 - cars get real dirty
5 - stay 2 days in each spot instead of just 1
5 - stay 2 days in each spot instead of just 1
4 - Lake Superior is huge
4 - Lake Superior is huge
3 - Lake Superior is cold
3 - Lake Superior is cold
2 - Lake Superior is beautiful
2 - Lake Superior is beautiful
1 - we will be back!
1 - we will be back!
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Father's Day! We couldn't be with the kids today but we had a great day. Nestledown B&B does a great breakfast - cardamom bread toast, scrambled eggs with havarti cheese and spinach, and fresh fruit. Coffee of course! Delicious.
Father's Day! We couldn't be with the kids today but we had a great day. Nestledown B&B does a great breakfast - cardamom bread toast, scrambled eggs with havarti cheese and spinach, and fresh fruit. Coffee of course! Delicious.
Then I went rock hunting. And more rock hunting. This is the place for agates!
Then I went rock hunting. And more rock hunting. This is the place for agates!
IMG_3129.MOVClick on the movie to the left....this will show you a panoramic view of where I was rock hunting on Presque Isle this afternoon. I've been told the ducks are common mergansers - I'm not very familiar because we don't have these around much in Illinois. they floated by in the fog, looking so peaceful. the rocky beaches here are amazing..... so many to bring home!
Click on the movie to the left....this will show you a panoramic view of where I was rock hunting on Presque Isle this afternoon. I've been told the ducks are common mergansers - I'm not very familiar because we don't have these around much in Illinois. they floated by in the fog, looking so peaceful. the rocky beaches here are amazing..... so many to bring home!
Of course, when in the UP eat what the Yoopers eat. Jean Kays Pasties is famous up here! (Thanks Julie Hand for the reminder and recommendation!)
Of course, when in the UP eat what the Yoopers eat. Jean Kays Pasties is famous up here! (Thanks Julie Hand for the reminder and recommendation!)
More beauty from this afternoon's rock picking on Presque Isle.
More beauty from this afternoon's rock picking on Presque Isle.
IMG_3135.MOVWatch the fog roll in. Soon after this little video was taken, the fog came onto land and I couldn't see my car!
Watch the fog roll in. Soon after this little video was taken, the fog came onto land and I couldn't see my car!
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Sault Ste. Marie to Marquette is a quick drive. Going across the St. Mary's River to America and through customs and border patrol was a breeze. No wait at 8 am!
Sault Ste. Marie to Marquette is a quick drive. Going across the St. Mary's River to America and through customs and border patrol was a breeze. No wait at 8 am!
A little history of Sault Ste Marie - its names is French and comes from the phrase "Les Saults de Ste. Marie" which loosely translates as the "rapids of the St.Mary's River". There is a Sault Ste Marie in Ontario, and right across the river and Soo Locks is Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. They used to be one city, before the War of 1812. After the war, the Canadian/USA border was established and split the cities into two. Five hundred years of native Ojibwe peoples living here gave way to the fur trade and Jesuit Missionaries.
A little history of Sault Ste Marie - its names is French and comes from the phrase "Les Saults de Ste. Marie" which loosely translates as the "rapids of the St.Mary's River". There is a Sault Ste Marie in Ontario, and right across the river and Soo Locks is Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. They used to be one city, before the War of 1812. After the war, the Canadian/USA border was established and split the cities into two. Five hundred years of native Ojibwe peoples living here gave way to the fur trade and Jesuit Missionaries.
Breakfast in the USA side, at a cute little family restaurant called Pure Country Family Restaurant. The best omlette I've ever had! And it was HUGE - I could only eat about 1/3 of it! Complete with homemade hashbrowns and home baked cinnamon raisin toast.
Breakfast in the USA side, at a cute little family restaurant called Pure Country Family Restaurant. The best omlette I've ever had! And it was HUGE - I could only eat about 1/3 of it! Complete with homemade hashbrowns and home baked cinnamon raisin toast.
This site along the drive was especially beautiful, but it's supposed to have a man's face carved into the rock from long ago. I searched with my 300 x lens and couldn't for the life of me find it!
This site along the drive was especially beautiful, but it's supposed to have a man's face carved into the rock from long ago. I searched with my 300 x lens and couldn't for the life of me find it!
The road from there goes straight west (Rt. 28) .... and is another really good roadway. It slowly curves northward and ends up again on Lake Superior in Munising, home of the Pictured Rocks. If you get to this place, you MUST do a boat tour of the rocks. They are amazing!
The road from there goes straight west (Rt. 28) .... and is another really good roadway. It slowly curves northward and ends up again on Lake Superior in Munising, home of the Pictured Rocks. If you get to this place, you MUST do a boat tour of the rocks. They are amazing!
We stopped for lunch in Au Train, a tiny town with one traffic light! Lunch was great though, at the Brownstone Inn. Quaint place and delicious food! The best, most unique thing on the menu here - pepper slaw (below on the right). Tasted rather like a sweet pickled pepper! Yum. The regular slaw is also in the same photo.
We stopped for lunch in Au Train, a tiny town with one traffic light! Lunch was great though, at the Brownstone Inn. Quaint place and delicious food! The best, most unique thing on the menu here - pepper slaw (below on the right). Tasted rather like a sweet pickled pepper! Yum. The regular slaw is also in the same photo.
And then there's beautiful Marquette. We arrived at our B&B and there were storms all around us. You can see the black clouds over Lake Superior! But we escaped the rain....again!
And then there's beautiful Marquette. We arrived at our B&B and there were storms all around us. You can see the black clouds over Lake Superior! But we escaped the rain....again!
I love B&Bs.... Mark, not so much typically. Until now! This place is great, my favorite B&B anywhere. It's called Nestledown B&B and is across a little street from the beach. It's a new house, very beautiful Scandinavian decor and friendly and welcoming hosts, Sue and Ken. This is my second time staying here and will definitely come back again and again...especially because Mark loves it too!
I love B&Bs.... Mark, not so much typically. Until now! This place is great, my favorite B&B anywhere. It's called Nestledown B&B and is across a little street from the beach. It's a new house, very beautiful Scandinavian decor and friendly and welcoming hosts, Sue and Ken. This is my second time staying here and will definitely come back again and again...especially because Mark loves it too!
We drove to Presque Isle before dinner and it was just as beautiful as I remembered it! We even caught a wedding photo shoot that was beautiful! I set up a pic of Mark and me and asked a random guy to snap the pic. Turns out, it's my new favorite picture!
We drove to Presque Isle before dinner and it was just as beautiful as I remembered it! We even caught a wedding photo shoot that was beautiful! I set up a pic of Mark and me and asked a random guy to snap the pic. Turns out, it's my new favorite picture!
Now....I have to talk about dinner tonight. This is turning into a food blog/travel blog! But the restaurant we went to tonight is Elizabeth's Chophouse. Wow! If you're ever in Marquette and want a super nice restaurant for dinner, this is the spot. All the pics below are from our dinner tonight. There's a patio, too, which is enclosed with screen. Amazing views compliment the awesome food and service.
Now....I have to talk about dinner tonight. This is turning into a food blog/travel blog! But the restaurant we went to tonight is Elizabeth's Chophouse. Wow! If you're ever in Marquette and want a super nice restaurant for dinner, this is the spot. All the pics below are from our dinner tonight. There's a patio, too, which is enclosed with screen. Amazing views compliment the awesome food and service.
The view.....
Salads - blue cheese wedge and shredded brussels sprout salad with dried cherry, bacon, pine nuts, and chopped apple. My favorite!
Jumbo shrimp and asparagus with prosciutto & blue cheese.
Maine lobster and filet.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Friday, June 15, 2018
Woke up at our hotel in Marathon (Marathon Harbor Inn) - which is perfectly clean and adequate for a one night stay. We passed up their "breakfast" - went across the street to a new restaurant that has only been open a month called The Happy Cafe. We're so glad we did - we met the most interesting waitress and had a great home-cooked breakfast with excellent coffee!
Woke up at our hotel in Marathon (Marathon Harbor Inn) - which is perfectly clean and adequate for a one night stay. We passed up their "breakfast" - went across the street to a new restaurant that has only been open a month called The Happy Cafe. We're so glad we did - we met the most interesting waitress and had a great home-cooked breakfast with excellent coffee!
It was a pretty but long drive today.... did a 4 1/2 hour drive in about 7 hours with all the stops! But it was worth it - such beautiful landscapes again. Stopped for coffee at a Robin's - a chain of coffee and pastry shops up here. Had my first raisin buttertart. It was good but super rich! They're little individual tartlettes filled with a raisin custard. They're a lot like my mom's famous funeral pie so it brought back memories!
It was a pretty but long drive today.... did a 4 1/2 hour drive in about 7 hours with all the stops! But it was worth it - such beautiful landscapes again. Stopped for coffee at a Robin's - a chain of coffee and pastry shops up here. Had my first raisin buttertart. It was good but super rich! They're little individual tartlettes filled with a raisin custard. They're a lot like my mom's famous funeral pie so it brought back memories!
This is just one of the many roadside stops along the way. This was a gorgeous spot in the Lake Superior Provincial Park. It clouded up today and was overcast most of the ride but still .... we would gasp each time we went around a corner and had a stunning view of Lake Superior, mountains, or one of the zillion inland lakes. Moose signs everywhere, but not a single moose to be found. Forest and more forest, water and more water. What could be more beautiful?!
This is just one of the many roadside stops along the way. This was a gorgeous spot in the Lake Superior Provincial Park. It clouded up today and was overcast most of the ride but still .... we would gasp each time we went around a corner and had a stunning view of Lake Superior, mountains, or one of the zillion inland lakes. Moose signs everywhere, but not a single moose to be found. Forest and more forest, water and more water. What could be more beautiful?!
Also in Lake Superior Provincial Park is an amazing site.... ancient Ojibwe pictographs on Agawa Rock. Disclaimer - I didn't take these pictures but the story here is fascinating. These white granite cliffs hold stories from ancient peoples - canoes, animals and birds can be seen still. It is thought that they were painted in the 17th and 18th centuries; the Ojibwe consider this a sacred site still today. Many of the paintings have been worn away by weather, waves, and erosion. It's a treacherous climb down and out onto the bedrock ledge. In fact, the site is often closed due to weather and water conditions.
Also in Lake Superior Provincial Park is an amazing site.... ancient Ojibwe pictographs on Agawa Rock. Disclaimer - I didn't take these pictures but the story here is fascinating. These white granite cliffs hold stories from ancient peoples - canoes, animals and birds can be seen still. It is thought that they were painted in the 17th and 18th centuries; the Ojibwe consider this a sacred site still today. Many of the paintings have been worn away by weather, waves, and erosion. It's a treacherous climb down and out onto the bedrock ledge. In fact, the site is often closed due to weather and water conditions.
Lunch at The Cookhouse of Voyageur's Lodge on Batchawana Bay of Lake Superior. This resort and restaurant honors the original Voyageurs that came through this area in search of a westward passage. The canoe is an authentic replica, and much of the decor and information in the menu is great history of these explorers, trappers, and fur traders.
Lunch at The Cookhouse of Voyageur's Lodge on Batchawana Bay of Lake Superior. This resort and restaurant honors the original Voyageurs that came through this area in search of a westward passage. The canoe is an authentic replica, and much of the decor and information in the menu is great history of these explorers, trappers, and fur traders.
Loved the signs in their front yard overlooking Batchawana Bay.
Loved the signs in their front yard overlooking Batchawana Bay.
I had heard about Old Woman Bay - and it was spectacular! So many rocks, so little time!
I had heard about Old Woman Bay - and it was spectacular! So many rocks, so little time!
Tonight is our last night in Canada - we're in Sault Ste Marie on the Canadian side of the Soo Locks. Super nice hotel tonight to treat ourselves - the Delta by Marriott overlooking St. Mary's River. Our view looks at the bridge to America.
Tonight is our last night in Canada - we're in Sault Ste Marie on the Canadian side of the Soo Locks. Super nice hotel tonight to treat ourselves - the Delta by Marriott overlooking St. Mary's River. Our view looks at the bridge to America.
Daytime View.....
Sunset View...
One of the best parts about adventuring is meeting people from all cultures and walks of life. Be adventuresome. Say hello and meet a new friend! Try a new restaurant. Sample the local chains. Flavors aren't just for taste buds.... experience the many flavors of wherever you are!
One of the best parts about adventuring is meeting people from all cultures and walks of life. Be adventuresome. Say hello and meet a new friend! Try a new restaurant. Sample the local chains. Flavors aren't just for taste buds.... experience the many flavors of wherever you are!
OOOOH one more thing! I just looked outside again and noticed that the bridge to America is lit up! And even better, the Canadian side is red and white, and the American side is red, white, and blue! I tried to capture it through our window - and without a tripod so it's a bit shaky. But you get the idea!
OOOOH one more thing! I just looked outside again and noticed that the bridge to America is lit up! And even better, the Canadian side is red and white, and the American side is red, white, and blue! I tried to capture it through our window - and without a tripod so it's a bit shaky. But you get the idea!
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Thunder Bay to Marathon, Ontario is the best drive EVER. The Trans-Canada Highway (17) is such a nice road, easy to drive, and the views are unsurpassed. I felt like I was in the Canadian Rockies (almost) with all the mountains and lakes. Absolutely spectacular views!
Thunder Bay to Marathon, Ontario is the best drive EVER. The Trans-Canada Highway (17) is such a nice road, easy to drive, and the views are unsurpassed. I felt like I was in the Canadian Rockies (almost) with all the mountains and lakes. Absolutely spectacular views!
Our first stop (of about a zillion) was to the Terry Fox Memorial. Terry Fox is a Canadian national legend. He lost a leg to cancer, and then ran (yes RAN!) a marathon every day from the Atlantic Ocean to Thunder Bay. He was hoping to go across the entire country, but the cancer returned and he was forced to stop. He ran 26 miles a day until then! Great views from the monument, too. Great to learn something new about a Canadian hero!
Our first stop (of about a zillion) was to the Terry Fox Memorial. Terry Fox is a Canadian national legend. He lost a leg to cancer, and then ran (yes RAN!) a marathon every day from the Atlantic Ocean to Thunder Bay. He was hoping to go across the entire country, but the cancer returned and he was forced to stop. He ran 26 miles a day until then! Great views from the monument, too. Great to learn something new about a Canadian hero!
From the Terry Fox memorial, we could see the famed "Sleeping Giant" out in Lake Superior.
From the Terry Fox memorial, we could see the famed "Sleeping Giant" out in Lake Superior.
Sleeping Giant - out in Thunder Bay of Lake Superior.
Lunch was something special. We were getting hungry and thought we'd go all the way to Terrace Bay - but saw a sign for a little town called Rossport. It was on a bay, so we went to explore. Soon we discovered the tiny fishing town of Rossport was one of the coolest places! The restaurant we found was called Serendipity Gardens and Cafe. The best! Everything was homemade, including the desserts. The trout Mark had was caught that morning and was great. Wish we could just stop by there again. Service was extraordinary too!
Lunch was something special. We were getting hungry and thought we'd go all the way to Terrace Bay - but saw a sign for a little town called Rossport. It was on a bay, so we went to explore. Soon we discovered the tiny fishing town of Rossport was one of the coolest places! The restaurant we found was called Serendipity Gardens and Cafe. The best! Everything was homemade, including the desserts. The trout Mark had was caught that morning and was great. Wish we could just stop by there again. Service was extraordinary too!
Below are just a few of the amazing views.....
Below are just a few of the amazing views.....
Just outside of Rossport we found Rainbow Falls.
Just outside of Rossport we found Rainbow Falls.
Aguasabon Falls & Gorge near Terrace Bay was the best! HUGE waterfall and whitewater sprayed me with its mist from quite a distance! So beautiful.
Aguasabon Falls & Gorge near Terrace Bay was the best! HUGE waterfall and whitewater sprayed me with its mist from quite a distance! So beautiful.
Marathon, Ontario is a nice quiet little town on the north coast of Lake Superior. Pebble Beach is hardly made up of pebbles....should be called Boulder Beach! Very pretty though.
Marathon, Ontario is a nice quiet little town on the north coast of Lake Superior. Pebble Beach is hardly made up of pebbles....should be called Boulder Beach! Very pretty though.
...and sunset across Marathon Bay tonight was stunning but I had to stay in my car with the windows up most of the time. Mosquitoes UGH!
...and sunset across Marathon Bay tonight was stunning but I had to stay in my car with the windows up most of the time. Mosquitoes UGH!
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Sleep is overrated. I watched the sky slowly clear and set up my tripod. At about 12:30 am the sky to the south cleared almost completely and I got a great shot of the night sky and my friend the Milky Way! So excited to see it again....it's been way too long!
Sleep is overrated. I watched the sky slowly clear and set up my tripod. At about 12:30 am the sky to the south cleared almost completely and I got a great shot of the night sky and my friend the Milky Way! So excited to see it again....it's been way too long!
Of course, I was up processing for a while - then tried to sleep - then noticed at about 3:45 am the sun was rising to had to get a shot of that too, over Flood Bay of Lake Superior at Two Harbors.
Of course, I was up processing for a while - then tried to sleep - then noticed at about 3:45 am the sun was rising to had to get a shot of that too, over Flood Bay of Lake Superior at Two Harbors.
After breakfast at the hotel (Superior Shores), we drove north. That feels so good to say! It feels even better to be here. I can't say enough about the north shore of Lake Superior. The road -Highway 61- is everything that you've heard about from Bob Dylan and more! The beauty of the landscape is unsurpassed. From Gooseberry Falls to Split Rock Lighthouse to Grand Marais, to great views and rock hunts all along the 2 hour drive....stunning scenery.
After breakfast at the hotel (Superior Shores), we drove north. That feels so good to say! It feels even better to be here. I can't say enough about the north shore of Lake Superior. The road -Highway 61- is everything that you've heard about from Bob Dylan and more! The beauty of the landscape is unsurpassed. From Gooseberry Falls to Split Rock Lighthouse to Grand Marais, to great views and rock hunts all along the 2 hour drive....stunning scenery.
In Grand Marais we found a cute little spot for lunch called the Blue Water Cafe. The most amazing bread on my turkey sandwich! Wild rice and cranberry bread. I'm going to have to try making it.
In Grand Marais we found a cute little spot for lunch called the Blue Water Cafe. The most amazing bread on my turkey sandwich! Wild rice and cranberry bread. I'm going to have to try making it.
We wanted to check out the Gunflint Trail since it's currently Moose Viewing Season. We were too late in the day, didn't see any moose -- but saw some great scenery and views.
We wanted to check out the Gunflint Trail since it's currently Moose Viewing Season. We were too late in the day, didn't see any moose -- but saw some great scenery and views.
Driving into Canada was painless - customs and border crossing ran smoothly and wasn't very populated. We were however, stunned by the mountains here! Between the border and Thunder Bay were so many seriously high hills ....who knew?! Beautiful Canada. Thunder Bay, not so much! It's a very industrial city, not what we expected. Nice hotel room though, and tomorrow we start turning east across the top of Lake Superior.
Driving into Canada was painless - customs and border crossing ran smoothly and wasn't very populated. We were however, stunned by the mountains here! Between the border and Thunder Bay were so many seriously high hills ....who knew?! Beautiful Canada. Thunder Bay, not so much! It's a very industrial city, not what we expected. Nice hotel room though, and tomorrow we start turning east across the top of Lake Superior.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Today was a travel and explore day. We started out with a beautiful sunrise over Bayfield Harbor. We drove down the small peninsula and into Duluth's "spaghetti bowl" of bridges and highways.
Today was a travel and explore day. We started out with a beautiful sunrise over Bayfield Harbor. We drove down the small peninsula and into Duluth's "spaghetti bowl" of bridges and highways.
We stopped at one of my favorite places, the Mocha Moose - a coffee shop just south of Two Harbors. Then we drove past our resort to Betty's Pies for a little dessert!
We stopped at one of my favorite places, the Mocha Moose - a coffee shop just south of Two Harbors. Then we drove past our resort to Betty's Pies for a little dessert!
Two Harbors is a cool little town. Superior Shores is a fabulous resort! We're staying in a privately owned condo on the third floor. Full kitchen, large bedroom with a huge jacuzzi tub, living room, fireplace, and two balconies- one overlooking Lake Superior and Flood Bay, the other overlooking a small stream and forested area. For rock pickers, it's heaven. I walked the beach for a couple hours and found 4-5 agates. Then dinner in town at Blackwoods, complete with a lavender martini.
Two Harbors is a cool little town. Superior Shores is a fabulous resort! We're staying in a privately owned condo on the third floor. Full kitchen, large bedroom with a huge jacuzzi tub, living room, fireplace, and two balconies- one overlooking Lake Superior and Flood Bay, the other overlooking a small stream and forested area. For rock pickers, it's heaven. I walked the beach for a couple hours and found 4-5 agates. Then dinner in town at Blackwoods, complete with a lavender martini.
Just as the sun was about to set, I snapped the best photo of the day. It was the golden hour, and the sun was hitting the cliffs just right. Check out the cool clouds, too! Cool in the evening, frustrating after dark for night sky viewing. Love this photo though!
Just as the sun was about to set, I snapped the best photo of the day. It was the golden hour, and the sun was hitting the cliffs just right. Check out the cool clouds, too! Cool in the evening, frustrating after dark for night sky viewing. Love this photo though!
Monday, June 11, 2018
FISH DAY!
FISH DAY!
This day will go down in history as Fish Day instead of Monday. What a great day we had!
This day will go down in history as Fish Day instead of Monday. What a great day we had!
Starting off the day, we headed to a nearby fish hatchery called Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery. This place hatches lake trout, splake and brown trout for stocking in the great lakes and inland lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Wisconsin. There was a museum-style indoors walk through area, with informational signs and interactive stations. You can see the 34 tanks through the relative darkness in the background that was not on the tour. Then we went outside to see the man-made ponds full of fish. The sandstone 'barn' you see in the pictures was built in 1897. It is still used as additional space for fish rearing. Informational and educational!
Starting off the day, we headed to a nearby fish hatchery called Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery. This place hatches lake trout, splake and brown trout for stocking in the great lakes and inland lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Wisconsin. There was a museum-style indoors walk through area, with informational signs and interactive stations. You can see the 34 tanks through the relative darkness in the background that was not on the tour. Then we went outside to see the man-made ponds full of fish. The sandstone 'barn' you see in the pictures was built in 1897. It is still used as additional space for fish rearing. Informational and educational!
We spent the afternoon in smallmouth bass heaven. We fished with Josh Teigen, (as seen on Wisconsin Waters & Woods) a guide in this area and WOW does he know his stuff! I didn't get photos of everything.....Mark caught 11 smallmouth bass, all between 16" and almost 20" long. I caught 6 smallmouth, between 16 and 18.5". I also caught about 7-8 good sized rock bass. We fished in Sand Cut and Kakagon bays in Chequamagon Bay out of Ashland, WI. Changing weather conditions during the 4 hour trip encouraged the fish to turn on and feed. Sometimes everything must come together to make the perfect trip. Today was one of those days. Mark has caught hundreds or thousands of smallmouth bass in his lifetime but said this was the highest quality and abundance he's ever experienced. A lifetime event.
We spent the afternoon in smallmouth bass heaven. We fished with Josh Teigen, (as seen on Wisconsin Waters & Woods) a guide in this area and WOW does he know his stuff! I didn't get photos of everything.....Mark caught 11 smallmouth bass, all between 16" and almost 20" long. I caught 6 smallmouth, between 16 and 18.5". I also caught about 7-8 good sized rock bass. We fished in Sand Cut and Kakagon bays in Chequamagon Bay out of Ashland, WI. Changing weather conditions during the 4 hour trip encouraged the fish to turn on and feed. Sometimes everything must come together to make the perfect trip. Today was one of those days. Mark has caught hundreds or thousands of smallmouth bass in his lifetime but said this was the highest quality and abundance he's ever experienced. A lifetime event.
A DOUBLE! We caught two at once!
WHEW! We are tired and happy after all that! But we found a great place for dinner (thanks Josh Teigen for the recommendation!) Maggie's - Bayfield is unique. If you love pink and flamingos, this place is for you! Good food, quirky atmosphere, and amazing homemade ice creams. We shared a "flight" of ice creams - a sampler. We tried espresso chocolate, lavender, and black licorice. They were all amazing!
WHEW! We are tired and happy after all that! But we found a great place for dinner (thanks Josh Teigen for the recommendation!) Maggie's - Bayfield is unique. If you love pink and flamingos, this place is for you! Good food, quirky atmosphere, and amazing homemade ice creams. We shared a "flight" of ice creams - a sampler. We tried espresso chocolate, lavender, and black licorice. They were all amazing!
Best Day Ever!
Best Day Ever!
June 10, 2018
June 10, 2018
See you again soon, Lake Namakagon! This young buck was standing to pose so I could take a photo as we drove out of Garmisch's Resort. What a "deer" for posing so quietly!
See you again soon, Lake Namakagon! This young buck was standing to pose so I could take a photo as we drove out of Garmisch's Resort. What a "deer" for posing so quietly!
A short hour and a half drive and we're in the Ashland-Bayfield area. Ashland is at the bottom of the Chequamagon Bay and the Lake Superior water is super brown in color. It's clean, but with the iron in the water and the waves churning up the bottom of the lake, all the "stuff" ends up at the bottom of this beautiful bay.
A short hour and a half drive and we're in the Ashland-Bayfield area. Ashland is at the bottom of the Chequamagon Bay and the Lake Superior water is super brown in color. It's clean, but with the iron in the water and the waves churning up the bottom of the lake, all the "stuff" ends up at the bottom of this beautiful bay.
Just a brief 20 minutes later, we were almost at Bayfield. This turn-off of the highway was so beautiful and sandy! A great place for a swim....said no one, ever! Lake Superior is always freezing cold. Currently approximately 48-52° F. No wonder I had the beaches to myself! I admit, I stuck my feet in. Felt like an ice bath. No kidding!
Just a brief 20 minutes later, we were almost at Bayfield. This turn-off of the highway was so beautiful and sandy! A great place for a swim....said no one, ever! Lake Superior is always freezing cold. Currently approximately 48-52° F. No wonder I had the beaches to myself! I admit, I stuck my feet in. Felt like an ice bath. No kidding!
Bayfield is a quaint little town that reminds me of Boyne City, or a Nantucket tiny beachside resort town. Beautiful large marina, stores, restaurants and pubs are everywhere. Very hilly and picturesque. Bayfield is the place where you can board a car or regular ferry over to Madeline Island, where you can kayak, hike and explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Bayfield is a quaint little town that reminds me of Boyne City, or a Nantucket tiny beachside resort town. Beautiful large marina, stores, restaurants and pubs are everywhere. Very hilly and picturesque. Bayfield is the place where you can board a car or regular ferry over to Madeline Island, where you can kayak, hike and explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Breakfast early at Lakewoods Resort, then rented a ski boat for the morning. Toured Lake Namakagon by boat. So beautiful! We went in so many bays and connected lakes....I was lost but Mark did great navigating to all the scenic spots.
Breakfast early at Lakewoods Resort, then rented a ski boat for the morning. Toured Lake Namakagon by boat. So beautiful! We went in so many bays and connected lakes....I was lost but Mark did great navigating to all the scenic spots.
Loons, a bald eagle, and common goldeneye (ducks) were all frolicking in the water of Namakagon.
Loons, a bald eagle, and common goldeneye (ducks) were all frolicking in the water of Namakagon.
We found a great spot for lunch. Check out the Brick House Cafe in Cable, WI! Thanks to Mark's sister Jan for the recommendation. Fabulous!
We found a great spot for lunch. Check out the Brick House Cafe in Cable, WI! Thanks to Mark's sister Jan for the recommendation. Fabulous!
We also found an area Natural History Museum in Cable and learned a bit about the wildlife and geology of northern Wisconsin. We kicked around there for a while and watched this trainer with an injured red-tailed hawk. Pretty cool to see this huge bird up close and personal! The giant dragonfly in front of the museum was a big controversy in the town long ago, Mark remembers. But there it stands in all its glory! LOVE the dragonflies...they eat mosquitoes. We need more dragonflies!
We also found an area Natural History Museum in Cable and learned a bit about the wildlife and geology of northern Wisconsin. We kicked around there for a while and watched this trainer with an injured red-tailed hawk. Pretty cool to see this huge bird up close and personal! The giant dragonfly in front of the museum was a big controversy in the town long ago, Mark remembers. But there it stands in all its glory! LOVE the dragonflies...they eat mosquitoes. We need more dragonflies!
This seriously beautiful butterfly would not leave this plant alone! Anybody know what the flower/shrub is? There are a lot around up here!
This seriously beautiful butterfly would not leave this plant alone! Anybody know what the flower/shrub is? There are a lot around up here!
The day ended again with a gorgeous sunset. But wait, there's more! Keep reading.....
The day ended again with a gorgeous sunset. But wait, there's more! Keep reading.....
Did you know Venus is the brightest planet in our night sky in June? Well it is! I love this astronomy website called Earth Sky. Read all about it! I'll bet you didn't know that Venus casts a shadow, and can be caught reflecting in water!!! I tried to capture it below. So much fun to get outside in the northern night again!
Did you know Venus is the brightest planet in our night sky in June? Well it is! I love this astronomy website called Earth Sky. Read all about it! I'll bet you didn't know that Venus casts a shadow, and can be caught reflecting in water!!! I tried to capture it below. So much fun to get outside in the northern night again!
Friday, June 8, 2018
Friday, June 8, 2018
Starting the day out on the lake fishing is a dream! Even though Mark spent countless hours fishing Lake Namakagon in his youth, it's been a while -- so we found a wonderful guide for the morning. Pete Rich Guide Service was excellent! We caught a few Northern pike, walleye, and even a good sized perch! The lake was calm, bugs non-existent, and the temperature 70 degrees. Couldn't ask for a nicer morning!
Starting the day out on the lake fishing is a dream! Even though Mark spent countless hours fishing Lake Namakagon in his youth, it's been a while -- so we found a wonderful guide for the morning. Pete Rich Guide Service was excellent! We caught a few Northern pike, walleye, and even a good sized perch! The lake was calm, bugs non-existent, and the temperature 70 degrees. Couldn't ask for a nicer morning!
We had lunch at the Pla-Mor, a bar-restaurant that has been around for decades. It has a boat-up dock so folks with a boat can motor up, tie up, and walk up for a delicious burger!
We had lunch at the Pla-Mor, a bar-restaurant that has been around for decades. It has a boat-up dock so folks with a boat can motor up, tie up, and walk up for a delicious burger!
Deer are everywhere, even in the middle of the day. Tonight we saw 5-6 just standing on the edge of the road....and this doe ran away from us in the middle of the day.
Deer are everywhere, even in the middle of the day. Tonight we saw 5-6 just standing on the edge of the road....and this doe ran away from us in the middle of the day.
I've never seen so many hummingbirds at once! There were 5-6 at a time at this feeder just below our room at the outdoor dining area.
I've never seen so many hummingbirds at once! There were 5-6 at a time at this feeder just below our room at the outdoor dining area.
Dinner tonight at Lakewoods Resort. We're planning to rent a boat from there for tomorrow, as long as the weather is good. Tonight's sunset was amazing. Hoping for clearing overnight.
Dinner tonight at Lakewoods Resort. We're planning to rent a boat from there for tomorrow, as long as the weather is good. Tonight's sunset was amazing. Hoping for clearing overnight.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Approximately 7.5 hours from leaving home we arrived in the absolutely quintessential "north woods"! This is a beautiful area between Hayward and Lake Namakagon. The lake has a lot of character and is definitely NOT spoiled by civilization!
Approximately 7.5 hours from leaving home we arrived in the absolutely quintessential "north woods"! This is a beautiful area between Hayward and Lake Namakagon. The lake has a lot of character and is definitely NOT spoiled by civilization!
We are staying at Garmisch's USA Resort (below) on the lake. Our room has a panoramic view and it's so close to the lake you could hang a fishing line off of our balcony and catch a fish!
We are staying at Garmisch's USA Resort (below) on the lake. Our room has a panoramic view and it's so close to the lake you could hang a fishing line off of our balcony and catch a fish!
We drove around part of the lake and Mark showed me some of the spots he remembers from 40-plus years ago. We found the log cabin he and his family stayed in, and some cute spots, too.
We drove around part of the lake and Mark showed me some of the spots he remembers from 40-plus years ago. We found the log cabin he and his family stayed in, and some cute spots, too.
Dinner tonight at Garmisch's dining room. Our view from the table was great! I had "Famous Dave's Favorite" - complete with potato pancakes of course. The first "Famous Dave's BBQ" was right here in Hayward, WI! Dave is an interesting guy. Check out a brief bio if you're interested!
Dinner tonight at Garmisch's dining room. Our view from the table was great! I had "Famous Dave's Favorite" - complete with potato pancakes of course. The first "Famous Dave's BBQ" was right here in Hayward, WI! Dave is an interesting guy. Check out a brief bio if you're interested!
With our westward view from our room, we hoped for a spectacular sunset! Mostly overcast, but got a couple of fun shots.
With our westward view from our room, we hoped for a spectacular sunset! Mostly overcast, but got a couple of fun shots.
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