9/15/08 Apostle Islands Wisconsin Day 2

We were blessed with a spectacular sunrise over Lake Superior and the best part was that we could sit in the warmth of the RV and enjoy it. It was a crisp 41 degrees at 6 am and the temp is expected to stay in the low 60’s for the day.

We will be taking a boat tour of the Apostle Islands and pass by at least two of the 6 lighthouses in the Apostle’s. Remembering how cold our boat ride was in June 2007 on Superior I decided that we would both dress in layers and bring our winter coats, hats and gloves. Ron also packed a thermos of hot coffee.

We sat outside on the top deck of the boat to enjoy the unrestricted views and beautiful day. As predicted it was very cold on the lake and within minutes of leaving the harbor we both put on our winter coats followed by our hats then gloves. Even fully dressed in warm gear we were still cold but not enough to seek shelter inside.

The ride was fairly calm and islands quite beautiful. We passed by many of the 22 Islands and slowed near Devil’s Island to view the multiple sea caves. The topography of each island is quite different and yielded a variety of resources in the early 1900’s. The government has taken the Islands as a National Park so the most anyone can do on the islands today is tent camp. The three-hour ride was spectacular to say the least despite the cold. That hot coffee came in handy, too.

We went back to the RV and had a light lunch then it was off to the area apple orchards. We were told to stop at the Hauser’s Superior View Farm for an experience. The place was unique and sat up on a hill. There were at least three dogs to meet us (one growling) but no biting dogs. The interior of the barn on the ground level was like a county fair with all types of jams, jellies and a variety of soaps etc. I did buy some pumpkin pancake mix and apple/almond French toast mix.

Upstairs in the barn was a scenic view of Superior but the most scenic part of the upstairs in the barn was all the “stuff”. Hundreds of baseball caps hung from the ceiling and walls not to mention all types of other stuff.

Back at the RV we relaxed and enjoyed the view for the remainder of the evening. Later we went into town to grab a bite to eat. Well, just about every restaurant was closed because it is Monday. We stopped at Greunke’s First Street Inn a 137 - year old Historic Inn located in the center of downtown Bayfield. Although historic we were amazed at the interior. It was fairly run down with junk everywhere. Every inch of the walls was covered with pictures of old movie stars, old hats, clocks, etc. The tablecloths and place mats were faded and wrinkled and all the chairs were mismatched. I think that is supposed to be the charm of the place. The coffee cups were old and stained – not something you’d give to customers or friends either.

Anyway, all we wanted was a pizza to share and since pizza was on the menu we didn’t think it would be an issue. Of course , it was!!!!!! As it turned out the pizza was not made on the premises but is ordered from a near-by pizza place. We waited and waited and waited. The owner of the restaurant was eccentric in her own way but did call the place to find out where our pizza was however she never came back to tell us if it was even being made. After one hour of waiting we finally got up and left. This place is supposed to be the place to stop in Bayfield but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Other patrons were voicing their surprise at us not getting service or even an apology for the delay and were glad they hadn’t ordered pizza. We did find another restaurant and did finally get to eat.
We will be re-routing our trip again because of the flooding that is occurring in Chicago. We met people from Chicago and they told us not to even try to get into the city. Soooo, no visit to Chicago this trip. We are going to try to get into the Detroit area where some of my family lives but we’re no too sure about that either. Reports say that they are under water also.