Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Weekend day trips to the north


It snowed this past week, and though everyone said it would be gone by Saturday, it was indeed NOT gone.  But that did not stop the Mad-missing-English teacher and I from striking out on both Saturday AND Sunday for points north! 

Now living where we (I guess, I, now) do, one wouldn't think that we would need to strike out farther north, and yet we do.  There are waterfalls to be found, and lakes to be listened to, coffee to be consumed, and breakfast to be enjoyed.  Among other things, you know.
A slam on the brakes moment that needed to be captured

The Chippewa River north of Glidden
 We set off bright and early to head north to our favorite place to eat- possibly in the world- Coco's in Washburn.  After the proper amount of nourishment, we set off on Hwy C towards Cornucopia to a water cascade area called Siskiwit Falls.  We'd never been there, and we are always up for something new- Always.
There was a lot of water in this river and it was quite exciting to be so close to it.  We had done a little research and we knew that there were several areas that could be looked at.  We went as far as we could, slipping a little on the leaves and pine needles- and the afore mentioned snow, but the problem was, for this location,  a gigantic tree had gone down effectively stopping us from getting over to the best vantage point for both our viewing pleasure and for photos.  Sort of a bummer, but you so couldn't get there, so....  on to the next place.
Part of Siskiwit Falls
Our next stop was a planned trip to Lost Creek Falls.  We had been there last spring right around the spring thaw- but there was not nearly as much water then as there was Saturday!  All the rain and snow we have gotten filled the creeks and made a really great show for waterfallers such as ourselves.


The path to Lost Creek Falls



Lost Creek

Through the trees 
The Falls- a lot of water here!
As we needed to ponder our next move, we decided to go to Meyers Beach, as we were very close anyway!  Wow was this ever a great idea.  The pictures don't really show the amazing waves that were occurring- they were huge and rolling.  When you looked out at the lake, it didn't look that rough, but as the waves came to shore they broke in beautiful rolls spreading along the shore.  wow!  The cool thing was that every point that we saw the lake during the day had a different look.  It was so interesting.
again, these photos can't show the power, rhythm and sounds that were present Saturday.  

Flotsam and jetsam on shore

Looking towards the sea caves

lovely driftwood pieces artfully arranged by Mother Nature and Lake Superior
 We decided that we wanted to explore a few places that we had seen signage for, but had never ventured off to look at ..... so off we drove to the north.  Our first stop was Little Sand Bay Campground waaaaaaay up to the north, but there really wasn't too much to see there.  So we decided to try to find a "rustic campground" called Point Detour.  Apparently Point Detour is the farthest point north in Wisconsin, which we decided was worth getting out of the car to investigate.  Rustic it certainly was, by the way, we can't even comprehend how anyone in a camper could possibly even get their camper in that place. But maybe this is a campground that people don't drag more than a tent.

The lake definitely had a different look here.
We had to stop at the top of these stairs as there was a board across them- because there were about 8 steps out in the middle.....  and upon further investigation from the bottom, the entire thing is more than a bit rickety.  We had to shimmy down the side of the stairs, which was quite an adventure to say the least.  Leaves and pine needles and snow added up to some interesting footing this entire weekend.

After hanging out on this rocky landing for a while, and you will notice that the lake has a totally different look than at the beach, we decided to head on over to Bayfield.  We of course landed in the coffee shop for a while, and then walked on down to the docks, where our favorite ferry the Madeline was coming into town.


We ended up in Ashland at supper time, and I had one of those (almost) tire screech moments where I had to pull off the road to one of the lakeside parks to take some sunset photos.  The colors were just too compelling and the lake was so gorgeous and calm.




The Mad-English teacher and I went waterfalling Sunday as well.  After a nice pancake Sunday breakfast we headed on up to Iron County and visited Potato River Falls.  We had also been there earlier this year, but it was nothing like what we saw that day.  It is unfortunate for the picture taking that we had to be there in the morning, as the sun was really difficult.  But oh well.  The fall were STUNNING.  So much water, so loud, so fun to see.  The footing here and at Copper Falls was terrorizing in many places.  The wooden stairs and boardwalks were very slippery in spots and I had some really bad flashbacks.  I will over come this I promise!

Potato River Falls- Upper Falls


We decided to head to Copper Falls as well, which I have to say people around here take this for granted.  It is a gorgeous place and the falls are just spectacular.  It was fun to be there during the off season where there were no other visitors....  However, I did miss the concession stand's ice cream cones.  haha.

Brownstone Falls I think.

Interesting patterns on the ground
We had a nice time climbing around and investigating the various places around the park.  Again, the Falls were spectacular.


This was a great GREAT way to spend a weekend!  Seeing the glory of the scenery that is northern WI gave me more than my share of joy, and spending it with my partner in all things adventure completed the experience.  

Thursday, June 12, 2014

My First Day of Summer Vacation! :)

Tuesday was my first day of full-fledged, honest-to-heaven, summer vacation. YAY.

The Apostle Islands Marina

So of course it is perfectly logical for me, the Mad-Science Teacher, Laurie and the Mad-Young English teacher, Adam, to head north to Bayfield!  It makes total sense to up and drive to our favorite restaurant for breakfast, then to one of our favorite towns to visit and definitely our favorite coffee shop and certainly the greatest ferry ride there can be.  Yeah, I am a bit of a fan of the whole thing.
The interesting thing is that I never really had been to Bayfield before about 3 years ago.  I had driven through on the way to the orchards and the strawberry fields in the past, but we never went to Bayfield for fun. No idea why.  Anyway, when the Mad-Seester and Emily came to visit a few years ago, we decided to go on up and take the Apostle Islands Boat Tour, and it was fabulous!! I had such a great time with them on the Lake!!  I was hooked right then.
Yearning for a sailboat ride

Fast forward to last year and Laurie and Adam and I went up for berries and a trip to Madeline Island and a summer tradition was born.  We went a few additional times last summer, they went with out me once or twice and I went with my sister, and of course Adam and I went up for the Book Across the Bay and drove across that Ice Road!  YIKES!  And I am forever hooked on Sumatran coffee from Big Water Coffee Roasters (if you ever need a gift/bribe for me- you now have the details, now,  kids) and basically do not use any other brand.


Just yes!!
We began our trip with a requisite trip to Coco's in Washburn for breakfast!  It is SO good.  I had a vegetarian frittata and roasted rosemary potatoes and wildrice/cranberry bread.  #heaven

NOM NOM NOM!!!





Amazing beautiful morning




One of the boat tour boats on the left

After breakfast and lots and lots of coffee We headed on up to the Marina and decided to (after soaking up the atmosphere) to take the 5 plus mile walk on the Brownstone Trail.  This involved meandering through the waterfront area, and we went through an adorable park and saw some nice landscaping and of course the lake....
In a little park on the way over to the Brownstone Trail


Stairway to nowhere

The Brownstone Trail goes along the Lake front - and it is lovely.  There are all sorts of things to behold.  Views of the lake, various houses and barns and stair cases.  It is a really nice hike.

 A random barn and silo right off the trail

Some very impressive houses on the lake!

And there were very few mosquitos!

Breathtaking view

When we got to the second marina, which is where you end up before you turn around and head back, there was some beauty to behold there as well.  Interesting to see a boat lowered into the water and all.  No place to get a bottle of water or a Margarita though, until after 5pm.  Unless you are a member of said marina.
Lifting a boat to put into the lake



The other marina in Bayfield



There was plenty of whimsy along the trail.  I enjoy this very much




The Troll that lives under a bridge
Lovely wildflower along the path
A really cool slide!!
Metal creature fabricated out of old stuff!
Great walk with great friends
So after an awesome stop to cool off and get some cold drinks at the Big Water Coffee Shop (and check out their cool new coffee roaster) we headed over to the dock to hop on the ferry. We were fortunate enough to visit with Hannah in her "office" and she gave us some backstories into the beautiful houses and some of the characters that live in the area, both full time and seasonal.  She is pretty great- and it sounds like Bayfield is inhabited by awesome people.
Sail boats as far as you can see

Taking a nap on the ferry


After arriving at Madeline Island we wanted to go to the one place we never quite got to last year and that is Tom's Burned Down Cafe.  It is quite the fun place to be and quite eclectic and eccentric.  I LOVE it there!!  We treated ourselves (those of us who drink, that is) to a Salty Chihuahua!
This was beyond awesome and we proceeded to find the little beach where we sat and watched the lake and the people



Tom's selfie with friends




Lovely vista



Looking for a different viewpoint



soak in the view



Repetition and pattern

After hanging out on the island and deciding what we will do next time we come (get ourselves to the State Park that is 7 miles down the road) we wandered back to the ferry and rode back to the mainland. Where we were exhausted and starved!  After a very nice meal  (Pasta and vegetables with garlic toast) at Greunke's, we headed back to Park Falls via the Chequamegon Food Co-op.  I found myself nicely lightly sunburned and tired.

The interesting thing about Bayfield is the actual sun can feel warm and we got quite warm walking, however, the wind off the lake was chilly, dare I say cold, on Tuesday.  So in order to stop the sunburn from getting worse I just put on and zipped  up my sweatshirt.

 **note to self, keep the sunscreen WITH YOU!!**
Sculpture on the marina




One of the ferries passing as we are going to the island

So many pasttimes

JUMP

Daily routine

I put this in here to freak out the locals!!!  Hehehe  Hard to believe that this was the view not that long ago as I was driven across that bay!!
A mere 6 months ago - the ice road

This is the preferred view- no ice to be seen!

This is the life
You all know that we will be going back.  And that will be a joy!  Until next time, soak up all that joyful summer-time that you can.  And give some joy to those you know!
LOVED this mini-vaca!!