Day 8 and 9, (Thursday and Friday): Northern Wisconsin

274 miles (plus 5 kayaking and 5 hiking miles): Camped at Cornucopia, Wisconsin.

The Wrights and I decided to visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Northern Wisconsin. We packed and were on the road about 1:00 PM. Now you have to realize that Dave and Ann are retired, and their day does NOT start before 9:00 AM at the very earliest. The GPS indicted about a 4 hour - 30 minute drive. The truck was loaded with 3 people and 2 dogs. Lake Superior, here we come. We hit the Bayfield area about 6 PM. Did not have reservations to camp, but hey, its a Thursday. Boy were we suprised. Bayfield is like a mini Lake Placid, except on the shores of Lake Superior. The first 3 campgrounds we checked were full!! After wandering around awhile we found a small one in Cornucopia. And it turned out to be a vey nice find. Quiet, peaceful, and only 4 miles from the beach to launch the kayak. Finally got parked, set up, and dinner made by 9:30, and to bed at midnight.

Now, 3 adults and 2 dogs living in an 8 foot camper can be crowded. Some rules have to be set up. There was no way that I could stay in bed until 9 AM. Wright said there was no way he was going to get up at 5. So, we compromised (sacrificed, in Ann's words) at 7 AM. So far, the truce is working. Dave cooked bacon and fried eggs outside on the Coleman stove, and left for the kayak beach by 9:30.

Dave owns a Folbot. It's a 15 foot double kayak that can be taken apart to travel. It is made of an aluminum frame with a heavy duty rubber skin that stretches over the frame. It takes about 30 minutes to put together or take down. There is a 2 mile section section along the lakeshore where there are amazing red sandstone sea cliffs. Click on the video below to catch a glimpse of the lakeshore.




Later in the day I hiked the trail above the cliffs while Dave and Ann took a kayak ride. The views along the trail were amazing. A really good example of Mother Nature at work.

Saturday we plan to do some general sightseeing in the area, and then back to Amherst by evening. Sunday will be a catchup day. Laundry, napping, etc. Monday I leave for Montana and Glacier National Park.

See ya.