The Big Lake

Wisconsin really is a beautiful state. I grew up in the hills and coulees of La Crosse County, believing it really was "God's Country," just as Heileman Brewery's beer slogan claimed it was. After a few more years of traveling around the Badger state, I think the term can be applied to almost everywhere in Wisconsin. The Dells, the Mississippi River, Door County, the Pike River, Lake Michigan, northern Wisconsin lakes, western Wisconsin bluffs and farms...and, of course, Lake Superior--the place that has seemed to captivate me more than anything in the past five years.
Fred and I headed to Bayfield Wednesday on the Harley, hoping to escape the hot mugginess of the past few days here. We took a slightly out-of-the-way route since he had a meeting in Drummond first. As we drove highway 13 approaching Bayfield, the scenery was gorgeous--glimpses of Lake Superior on the right, fields of pink, purple, and white lupine, and green hills surrounding the little town on the water. We arrived around 5:30 and checked into our hotel, the Winfield Inn and Gardens. Every room has a view of the lake, and the flower gardens and landscaping make it a lovely, peaceful haven. We freshened up and decided to eat at Maggie's--a multi-colored building decorated with all varieties of flamingos! The food was excellent, and the specialty margarita I had was even better. After dinner we took a ride around the apple orchards on Highway J, a road the locals call the "fruit loop." The lake in the background made it a spectacular picture, Madeline Island there just waiting for us.
Yesterday morning we were up early to take the ferry to the island. It was a huge ship that held several cars, plus two large trucks and a tour bus on our trip. I was a little worried when Fred said, "I have a dilemma. If the boat goes down, do I save you or the Harley?" Hmm...what a guy! The ride was about 20 minutes, the view of Bayfield on the hill so pretty as it receded behind us.
Madeline Island is much less "touristy" and crowded than I expected it to be. I'm fascinated by the people who choose to live on an island in far northern WI, so far away from everything I take for granted. No fast food or big box stores here! (thank God) We had breakfast on the deck of Grandpa Tony's restaurant and then took off for Big Bay State Park. We hadn't planned to hike--it was pretty hot--but we walked out to the Point for the spectacular views of the lake and rock formations along the shore. Of course, Fred had to raise my blood pressure by crossing the fence--and going out onto a high, narrow rock with huge boulders and the water right below. We walked down to the sandy beach where the water was shallow and two families of Canada geese were swimming with their babies. Fred wanted to take the boardwalk to the "lagoon", but we went down the wrong trail the first time; after walking, walking and getting hotter and hotter, I was sure he planned this just to keep me from doing any shopping! We finally found the boardwalk and the lagoon, then headed back to the bike. Suddenly Fred stopped me and pointed at a doe, heading straight toward us on the boardwalk! She didn't seem afraid at all. Of course, that was the moment I discovered my camera's memory card was full, and I quickly deleted some old pictures to get a shot of the deer.
We were hot and thirsty, so headed back to LaPointe. We went to the island's historical museum to see some of the local history and items from the early settlers there. At 2:30 it was time to take the ferry back to Bayfield and the long ride back home. The weather certainly cooperated with us--both days were beautiful and perfect for riding. We took Highway 2 home, through Ashland, Hurley, and then 51 to Minocqua. We stopped for ice cream at Culver's, where CNN was running nonstop the news of Michael Jackson's death. Back to reality...but we are already talking about other things we want to do in Bayfield the next time we go back. Like SHOPPING!
425 miles...more sunburn...another sore butt. But definitely worth it to spend time on the Big Lake.