Location: Big Bay State Park, Madeline Island, WI
Today our adventures led us to Madeline Island in Lake Superior, next to The Apostle Islands. Seven years ago we stayed on this island in the fall. It was cold and rained on us the whole time. We vowed to come back and are so glad we experienced it on a hot summer day.
We caught the ferry from Bayfield midday. As soon as we got on board, I hightailed it to the top deck to get some photos. Uh-oh. Poor Ned was stuck in the van squished between several cars. They really pack the cars on like sardines. Here's Ned trying to climb out the window.
A view of the town of Bayfield as we head over to Madeline Island.
We decided the best way to explore the island was on bikes. We put another 20 miles or so on the odometer and found some really beautiful spots. Lake Superior is way too cold to swim in, but there are tons of kayakers and canoers enjoying the summer day.
I'm still amazed at how clear this water is.
We stopped along the way to take in some hikes. Here's Ned out on a point.
We decided to ride into the "town" of LaPointe. It consists of 2 blocks. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in vibe. There's a definitely beach, art community that thrives during the months of June thru October. After that, I think there are only about 100 people that live on the island.
There were some tunes and good times coming from this place.
We opted for the ice cream shop and enjoyed just hanging out watching the tourists go by.
A favorite way to get around the island is on scooter. Fun to watch the tourists buzz by.
I just love some of the creative art displays in town. This one inspired me to recreate this when I get home. (Denise, Miss Master Gardner, want to help?)
The island has more wildflowers than I've ever seen. Fields of brightly colored flowers are everywhere.
Here's Ned riding next to some lupine. (What's that in his pocket? A local magazine for me and some mustard he picked up in town for the brats tonight....in case you're wondering).
Yep, I'm always happiest on my bike. We've clocked 200 miles so far this trip.
Before we left Bayfield, we made a stop at a fish market we had discovered in the fall of 2009. It had the best smoked whitefish we had ever tasted. We've compared many a smoked whitefish to this place and no one ever came close. We bought some and dang...it is still the best! I don't know how much longer they'll be around, but if you are even in Bayfield, WI do yourself a favor and stop in.
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