Winter in the north

I had been waiting for this adventure for quite a while- this little trip to Bayfield.  It was originally made to give us a place to crash after the Book Across the Bay, which we decided for a variety of reasons to nix.  Much of it is related to my fear of ice(y water).  Lol, say what you will that and a few other things made us decide to snowshoe on dry land.  Good decision for us, really.

Ravine Trail in Bayfield

Ravine Trail

Jerry Jay Jolly Trail

Jerry Jay Jolly Trail

We - meaning the Mad-Science Teacher and the Mad-English Teacher and I - began our journey by heading up to Washburn and ate at the fabulous Coco's.  This of course is no big surprise, and our breakfast was fantastic, which is also no big surprise.   After eating, we went to check out the Jerry Jay Jolly Trails to see where it was, and then took a drive over to the Big Ravine trail over by the Bayfield High school.  These were two fantastic places to snow shoe.  Big hills, beautifully groomed trails and a sunny day made for some amazing hours out in the snow.  These are some really good wide trails that made it a pleasure for us to walk.  

Ice 

While one of us stayed at the Bayfield Inn, the other two of us stayed at the delightful little Isaac Wing house- in the QEII apartment.  It is a cozy little place on the bottom floor that has a reasonable view of the lake.  Reasonable enough for photographer sorts to notice amazing sunrises and have to dash out to the dock in really, really, cold weather!!  Anyway, it is such a nice place with a little sitting area and a mini kitchen and most importantly, 1 block away from Big Water Coffee!!  :)

The ice and the ferry trail

Ferrys in dock

We enjoyed a really nice meal at Gruenke's where we entertained ourselves quite nicely with lively conversation and a few unexpected purse surprises....  it was one of those  you had to be there moments.  The rest of the evening was filled with us chit chatting, walking around in the dark, and finally turning in a little early.  I was tired but unfortunately as is my weirdo habit, didn't fall asleep.  Until way late.  ugh.  But all was well, I do well with a day or two of poor snoozing.

A sad little photo of the docks at night...  lol

The next morning, as I alluded to above, while began as not the greatest looking sunrise, developed into a spectacular one.  I am so excited to have captured this.  I felt like my trip was done.  I had a wonderful Saturday, but that moment was just amazing.

Sunrise over the ferry and the dock

Waiting for summer

Clouds and color

 Well, of course we were not done, as we had some Island visiting to do.  There was a powerful need for the three of us to get over to the island and that need was met.  It is a very interesting thing to ride that ferry through the ice. The ferry rides sort of low in the back and shakes and rocks and makes quite a noise as it cuts its path through the slush.  It is a little unsettling when it is your own car on that ferry! :)

Heading out on the ferry

slushy

The Science teacher in her element

We spent the morning on the island walking at Big Bay State Park, looking out at the ice formations, chatting with people and their doggies (of course we talk to their doggies)  and generally having a great time.  Got a couple of good pictures too!

It was a great weekend, though we surely should have stayed another day, but that will have to wait for summer....  which cannot come soon enough.

However we should not be wishing our life away, so I will find my joy every day.