On Vacation: The Apostle Islands

Hal writes:




After leaving the Twin Cities, we have spent the past few days in the northeast corner of Wisconsin. We drove to Bayfield, WI and took the Madeline Island Ferry to bring us and our car to Madeline Island. There are other islands that we could have camped on, but we don't (currently) own the kayaks and/or canoe that could have brought us to the other island. Pictured below is Anna and the PT cruiser ready for the 2.5 mile "cruise" to La Pointe, WI, the only town on Madeline Island.


We choose to spend two nights at Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island. It was a nice camp ground that provided plenty of space in between camp sites. Below, Anna is cooking our first meal of the trip.

I set up the tent for our first night. It was a wedding gift and after three years we finally put it to use. It was bigger than I anticipated and with the additional wedding gift of an REI lantern with non-drip candles (thanks Kirk!) it worked out well for the two of us.

Back to Anna's campfire cooking. The first night we had a "Campfire Pot Roast" which consisted of stew meat, carrots, potatoes and Tastefully Simple "Onion Onion" spice that Anna had prepared and frozen before we left. 30 minutes on the coals, with a bottle of Swedish Blackberry juice from IKEA, we had a feast.

Other meals included basic staples: oatmeal for breakfasts, peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, and some cheddar wursts for dinner. Additionally, Anna made some fun campfire desserts. The first night she put chocolate and marshmallows in a banana, wrapped it in foil, and put it in the coals for a little bit. The next night we wrapped Pillsbury Crescent rolls on a stick, cooked them over the fire, and then dipped them in butter and then cinnamon and sugar mix for hot "campfire doughnuts".

Not all of our time was spent at the camp site. We explored two different nature trails that went around the island. There were a number of squirrels and deer, but no bear sightings for us. We also walked around the small town on the island. For fun we looked up some of the real estate for sale (there was a lot!) and inquired about pricing, taxes, etc. There is a newly remodeled 6 bedroom, 4 four bathroom house on 6 acres with a detached three car garage and pole barn. If there is another two couples that want to split the $300,000 cost ($100,000 per couple) for a nice vacation spot, be sure to let us know.

One of the landmarks that I found interesting was an Indian cemetery. The Ojibwa in the area believe that their people are descendants of Madeline Island (perhaps their version of Eden?). When the Catholics came to the island and converted the tribes, they established a grave yard on the island. In keeping with old traditions along with the Christian rite of burial, small houses were constructed over the grave sites. These places are where food was placed for the dead to assist with their four day journey to heaven. A very interesting mix of two cultures with one faith background. Pictured below is part of the cemetery.

After three days on the island, we came back on the field and toured around Bayfield. In the marina we looked up my high school choir teacher and her husband who spend a fair share of the summer on their boat in the harbor. They were not home, but Anna got a picture of me next to their ship, the H.M.S. Loon.

In an effort to not waste money eating at restaurants all the time, we purchased groceries and kept them in a cooler in our car. Below Anna is preparing lunch for us in a Bayfield park. (My colleagues will recognize the mayo and cans of chicken as items purchased with the use of our meal plan from this past year out of the C-Store.)

The weather was too nice and there was much yet left to explore, so Anna and I drove around until we found another campground we a vacancy. We ended up pitching our tent in Washburn, WI and then exploring both Washburn and Ashland. While in Ashland, we took a self-guided tour of Northland College, which is a liberal arts college with an environmentally friendly focus. It is a beautiful campus and a dream for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Pictured below is my favorite part, the campfire pit ON CAMPUS. Hm, I'll have to check what job openings are available there...

For the evening entertainment we went to Big Top Chautauqua. Anna and I are pictured below with the tent off to the left ant the ski hill in the distance.

In the summer, the big top is placed and there are musicals and other entertainment available all summer. The creator wanted a vibe similar to the old vaudeville shows that traversed the country providing entertainment to rural areas prior to radio. This summer the Big Top will host Garrison Keillor, the Smothers Brothers, the Kingston Trio, and a number of musicals written by creator Warren Nelson. We went to see one of my most favorite musicals, "Keeper of the Light". Mr. Nelson used old journal entries from Lighthouse Keepers of the Apostle Islands to tell the stories of what life was like living on the islands.

At the car wash? No, the showers! At the camp ground we stayed at, it cost 25 cents for every three minutes of showering. I paid 50 cents for my shower, but Anna may have used a few more quarters.

This morning we drove up to Duluth and spent time walking around Canal Park. We also went up to UMD (Anna's alma mater) and toured the new fitness center that had been built after she graduated. Pictured with Anna below is the bulldog mascot "Killer". Well, he's not named "Killer" anymore, the PC folks changed his name to "Champ", but when I went to UMD hockey games in the 80s, the name "Killer" was on the back of his jersey when he skated around the rink in between periods.

The next couple of days we will be in the Shell Lake area spending time with Anna's family.

On vacation: The Twin Cities

Hal writes:

Anna and I have begun our two week adventure vacation. I am taking an opportunity during the first part of our trip, while I have some access to technology, to share some pictures and add some comments.

The first stop was Kevin's ordination into the ELCA. If you need any baptisms/weddings/communions or any other sacrament performed, he's the man. You can't see in the photo below, but he has bright red shoes to match the stole.

The next day Anna and I went to Como Zoo and Conservatory with Anna's mom. The picture below of the outside makes me think of "Clue" but I suppose the next generation will view it as some Hogwarts like structure of magical plants.

Anna and her mom in the Japanese garden.

I took a few flower pictures, but you don't want to see them all. So here is just one of them.

After having lunch with Dale, we brought him back to work before we went shopping at IKEA. We then returned at the end of the work day to see Dale's office. One of the joys of his office is disposing of all he hazardous waste on the U of M campus. After proving that we were not a threat to the Security of the Homeland, we were given permission to enter. I'm not sure about you, but I'm a little alarmed that this guy has clearance to a door with all those warning signs:

Across the street from Dale's office is where they are building the new stadium for the U of M. The building in the background to the left is the field house, where I ran for four years in the MIAC indoor conference track meets. I'm not sure if the nauditorium is close by, but that is where my sisters swam for eight years (four years state meets, four years MIAC conference meets).

We got to see a lot of pretty houses around the Minneapolis/St. Paul border area. If anyone has a half a million that they want to spend on a house, I saw a couple nice ones. Pictured below is Anna and her Dad leading the way on one of our urban marches around the cities.

Minnesota, Hail to Thee

Today we are off to Bayfield to camp on the Apostle islands for a couple of days. Barring any unforeseen bear attacks, we'll be back to civilization later in the week.

Anna returns

Hal writes:

Anna and I will be leaving for two weeks of vacation starting today. My hope is that somewhere along the way we can post some pictures of our adventures. But if not, you will just have to wait until August.

Anna returned to Wisconsin last Saturday. The picture below is from her first night back. This may also have to serve as our anniversary picture as we didn't take any pictures on our anniversary.

Our goal this morning is to be packed up and on the road by 10am so we get to the cities in time for Kevin's ordination. We did most of the packing last night, so I am hopeful that we can get going soon.

4th of July

Hal writes:

I made full use of my day off as a Wisconsin state employee by participating in a number of hometown Independence Day activities. The first order of business was a 5k fun run. I don't know why they are called fun runs, because they really aren't that fun for the people involved. Perhaps the spectators named it. Anyways, I was pretty pleased with my race because I stayed pretty consistent with each mile split. There was a group of teenagers that took off after the police car leading the way when the "gun" (two pieces of wood slapping together) went off. The first half mile was all downhill, but I caught up to the sprinting pack when the road proceeded uphill. Here are my times:

1 mile - 7:07
2 mile - 7:40 (14:47)
3.2 mile - 7:57 (22:41)

Pictured below is me wearing my race t-shirt and first place medal (with red, white, and blue stripes on the ribbon). As impressive as the 22:41 1st place finish is, I was well behind the winning time of 17:30. I was first in the Men 18-30 category. Some high school XC runner was a good five minutes ahead of me. Oh well, he may be in my category next year, but I'm less than two years from breaking into the 30-40 age category.

I may do two races in the upcoming weeks. Another 5k fun run in the Barnum area and possibly the Park Point 5-miler coming up in a couple of weeks. I've issued a challenge to my siblings to participate in the 5k, I'll let you know if any of them rise up to take the challenge.

For lunch in the afternoon I went to the Mining Museum in town. The Music Boosters were selling Brats and other food items. I know I have been in Wisconsin too long when I automatically choose a brat over a hot dog. In addition to fun yard games for children, a music tent was set up for The Wundos to play. The gentleman playing the upright bass on the left is my supervisor's husband.


Darn Wisconsin hippies...

In the late afternoon I went to KJ and Mike's new house for some pre-fireworks fun. Pictured below are Nolan and Bob playing lawn golf. I played five games and lost everyone, but I blame my golf partner.

The fireworks in town are best viewed from the outfield of the local ball field. Some friends went early to secure good seats by laying out some blankets and chairs.

Andrea and I enjoy popcorn with a new RD, John, prior to the fireworks.

I tried my hand and taking pictures of the fireworks just to see what the camera could do. This was the best shot. I will understand if you don't "ooh" and "ah".

Tomorrow is Anna's last day of PT work in Phoenix and she flies back to Wisconsin on Sunday!

2 week hiatus

Hal writes:

It's been about two weeks since my last post. Since leaving Jim's wedding, I spent a little over a week in Arizona and then some time in Minnesota before returning back to SW Wisconsin tonight.

To follow up on my last post, here was my sixth row view for the Diamondbacks baseball game. (You can count six rows up on the other side to get an idea of how close I was.) Oh, and did I mention that they served Coldstone at the game?

I randomly found a candy company that gave a free tour in the afternoon. Besides watching the chocolate, creams, and caramel at the Cerreta Candy Company, we also saw a 400 pound cactus made of chocolate and decorated with other candies. Anna the PT student enjoys that they also make chocolate hip bones.

We spent a couple of days up in Flagstaff including a visit to the Grand Canyon. Anna's cousin Kip lives in Flagstaff with his wife Beth and their two daughters. Anna and I were able to go out to dinner with Kip and Beth (the first time to eat Thai for Anna and I) and get to know them a little bit better. Pictured below is Kip giving a rickshaw bicycle ride to his two daughters and his mom Carol. (Anna and I stayed with her aunt Carol and uncle Jim in Phoenix most of the trip.)

We left early one morning to visit the Grand Canyon. We walked a couple of miles along the South Rim and saw several different views.

Anna and I at the Grand Canyon.

When I returned to Minnesota, I spent a couple days with Kevin. He is getting ordained in two weeks, but in the mean time he is trying to relax and take time off. We went up to visit my parents at the cabin. Here is Kevin showing what his life will be like in 50 years: retired, enjoying lunch on the patio with a blanket to keep him warm.

My dad continues to have a variety of projects at the cabin. The next project is to create a level area for Anna and I to pitch a tent when we visit. In addition to creating a level surface on the hillside, he also has to make sure that when it rains, the water is directed elsewhere. He and my mom have a bet as to whether or not it will be completed when Anna and I visit in mid-July. Pictured below is dad with the beginning of his engineering project, piling stones to hold the dirt back before laying some sod on top.

In an ancient Scandinavian tradition, Kevin and I took kayaks across the lake to pillage some unsuspecting commoners. Pictured below is the victorious return.

This weekend Anna and I spent in the twin cities with her parents and sister Kat. On Saturday we went to Michelle and Steve's wedding in Red Wing. Kat and Anna know Michelle from college. They are pictured below with the bride and other UMD friend Katie.
Hal and Anna at the wedding.


Guess it's time for me to get back to work...