Well kept secrets, the 22 Apostle Islands lie off the
nothern coast of Wisconsin in the deep, cold, clean waters of Lake Superior.
Early Jesuit priests named them the Apostle Islands because they thought there were only 12, which is as many as can be seen from any one point.
The best way to access the islands is via
Bayfield, Wisconsin, which is where Sarah, Kate, and I spent most of Labor Day weekend. This artsy little town with a population of only 611 made a perfect, relaxing get away with friends.
Strolling along the harbor in the evening, wearing a
sweatshirt and sipping a mix of fresh apple cider with cinnamon
ice cream, I sniffed the scent of wood smoke in the air and realized that fall is on the way. Even a few leaves are falling, and one tree was already in its element of bright red.
What you would not realize at first glance are the treasures hidden on the both the mainland and the islands! Amidst all shades of blue waters, the Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore harbors Utah like caves and arches as well as 8 lighthouses!
Varying with lighting and angle, the blues and greens of the water never ceased to take my breath away. I could have gazed for hours.
Sarah, I know the waters are
mesmerizing, but it's a long way down...
Sarah and Kate seem to have landed in a bit of a precarious position.
Other things to do with a bit more time and money include camping on the islands, driving or biking to the state park on Madeline Island, kayaking in the sea caves, and sailing or fishing on the lake. We did get to take the ferry to Madeline Island and the sunset tour around several of the outer islands.
For you hardy souls out there, I am hoping to visit the sea caves in January or February when the lake is frozen. The photos from walking into the caves on the ice are spectacular! If we go February 2-4, we would get in on the dog sled races! Who's game? Remember, this involves hiking at least a mile on ice to get to the caves. Of course, it is also dependent on the weather, but it would be quite an experience!
Arriving back in Rochester, I joined my roommates in preparations for high tea with the neighbors. It was a complete success; it was so much fun to meet many of them for the first time and see them laughing, chatting, and having a good time in our living room!
Here are a few pictures from the first few days at home.
The cattle were trained to follow a pick-up with feed, so Daddy led the way.
The cowboy and girls:
Milo harvest pictures on the way...
I'm going home for a week! Hopefully that will include lots of good times with family and friends while helping some with milo harvest!
Varying with lighting and angle, the blues and greens of the water never ceased to take my breath away. I could have gazed for hours.
Other things to do with a bit more time and money include camping on the islands, driving or biking to the state park on Madeline Island, kayaking in the sea caves, and sailing or fishing on the lake. We did get to take the ferry to Madeline Island and the sunset tour around several of the outer islands.
