Door County - A Weekend Getaway

It is already Wednesday of the week after my trip. Because of a test (another one) in my Anatomy class I could not sit down and type up my observations and experiences this past weekend. I did take the time to load the pictures! It is now Wednesday evening, my test done, and the phone at work is quieting down some so I can begin to tell the tale.

I cannot know where my life path is going to take me. I’m not making too many plans for very far out, because all is in transition, and increasingly I am learning that nothing is permanent. Anything could happen! Because I embrace the possibility that I will leave this state once my training is completed, I have decided I need to be sure to see the things that should be seen, lest I regret not having done them at some later date. Door County has beaconed to me for some time.

Based upon the tourist information brought to me by a co-worker (Thank You Sandee) as well as everything I picked up on my own trip, Door County offers a wide variety of activities. Primarily the towns offer high-end shopping, museums, art galleries, fine dining, and expensive lodging. It is possible however to do the Door on the cheap! And that is exactly what I did. I did not come to see art, or stay in a cushy over-priced bed, or take a jaunt on a sailboat. I did want to see the landscape, and try out the apples and cherries.

I dropped my hawk off at Dave’s (thank you once again for hawk-sitting) and was on my way. It was a pleasant day, and besides the fact that all my Saturday morning WPR (Wisconsin Public Radio) shows were interrupted because of pledge drive week, I managed to balance out listening there to other stations I picked up on the trip. Once I got up near to my destination I found a station (The Bay) that played a nice mix of music from the last four decades. Somewhere in my storage shed I’ve safely tucked away my own music . . . so very safe it is secured from my retrieving it, so I must rely on the radio.

My goal was Potawatomi State Park, just North of Sturgeon Bay. I had to check in before 3:00 or my camp site would be forfeit. I made it about 2:00 with time to spare. After a chat with the Ranger, and purchasing my State Parks Sticker from her (because I’ve managed to not get out and go anywhere all year) I entered the park to find my site. I’ve never camped before! My own family just never did this! I (we) had all the camping gear during my married existence, but just never seemed to get around to doing it. In hindsight now, I don’t know why I waited so long. It was easy, it was fun, and best of all, it was cheap! To camp is only $10 a night.

After setting up my tent, and putting what few supplies I was going to use into it, I decided to take a little nap. I had not slept much the night before, having worked, so a nap was in order! The campground was rather full, and noisy, but that has never prevented me from sleeping. I dozed for about an hour. After the nap I got up and drove around the park. I found a 75 ft tower on one end, climbed to the top, and took pictures of the opening of Sturgeon Bay. This is the very first picture below, a couple of posts down. I did not linger long, for I had specific evening plans, and needed to get off to undertaking them.

My friend, Darla, who lives south of Chicago had a family get-together for this weekend. Previously I had thought about going to visit her on my long weekend, but instead decided to go to Door County. She called me a day before I left and asked me where I was going again. It turns out her family decided to have their get-together in a nice resort hotel . . . in Sturgeon Bay! What are the odds?? So I was invited to an Italian feast! Her family is quite lively and close. The party (besides being a good opportunity to get together) was to celebrate the 18th birthday of her cousin, Jennifer, as well as the 80th birthday of her Aunt Grace. They were calling it the “180 Party”. The guests of honor, especially the elder, were quite lively and entertaining. There was much joking and laughing and playful teasing. I had a good time! In the picture above, her mischievous uncle Joe decided he needed to be in the pic with all the pretty women!

I had to get back to the campground before close at 11. I think I actually arrived around 10. I was surprised to see that it was very quiet, and most people had gone to bed. There were some campfires going. I myself tried to light one, but I was dismal in my attempts that first night. It having been a long day, and my true plans for the visit taking place the next day . . . I turned in.

(Side Note – I shall never, ever be able to go camping with my dog, Anubis. I’m certain he would bark all night long. And besides, I don’t think I’d like to be in my tent with him!!)

Door County - Lake Michigan Side

I awoke, as usual, at about 7:00 AM. The light was increasing enough to see by. However, the campground was deathly silent. I decided that it was not necessary for me to get up quite so early, and I didn’t want to be the first person to start making noise. I just dozed in my sleeping bag. As time slowly passed, I began to hear the stirrings of my neighbors. Also, I needed to make a visit to the bathroom. You get very spoiled when your facilities are in the next room. Ah, the hardships of camping!! By 7:30 I went ahead and got up. I made ready to leave, with my destination to go back to visit with Darla. She promised me the use of the shower, so I took advantage of it! So, no need to stay upwind of me this weekend!

As I left the campground, and stopped to get gas, I saw the sun rise. I was on the wrong side of the peninsula to get a sunrise over water. Oh well! I got my coffee fuel there at the station, and tried out a new cream flavor, Pumpkin Pie. It was good! Another nice note, there was simply a drop can for purchasing coffee. No price was indicated, nor demanded. I paid 75 cents! After a visit, a shower and a good-bye to my bud Darla, I was off to explore the peninsula.

I set off on Hwy 42, which has Hwy 57 split off and going towards the east side. Door County is only about 60 miles from North to South, and only 15 or so East to West. You can see it pretty much in one day, if you don’t stop to linger too long. Also, the distance between the little towns is not great at all! The speed limit pretty much for most of the peninsula is 45 mph. It just doesn’t take much speed to get around.

My first stop was Whitefish Dunes State Park, on the Lake Michigan side. There is somewhat of a surreal impression upon exiting my car. All around are very tall pine trees, yet clearly there is the sound of “ocean surf”. In my life experience, ocean surf is exclusive to sandy South Texas beaches, where the tallest plants are grasses. Our great lakes are truly GREAT!! They are large enough that there are waves, and vast enough to appear as oceans! I walked the shore for awhile, and simply enjoyed the winds. A small flock of Canada geese and mallard ducks were lounging in moss covered rocks along the shore, more evidence that I was on the edge of a lake and not the ocean. They posed nicely for a picture! The shore structure here was exclusively sandstone, rugged and rocky.

A short jump up the road brought me to Cave Point County Park. The pounding of this ocean-like surf against the rocky sandstone erodes away the land, forming beautiful and interesting formations. My most profound observation of this geological formation was the raw power that was transferred up through the rock. Of course, the waves crashing into the cave can be heard, but more amazing, was that it was felt up through the rock. Prior to leaving, facing South, I took the picture that I feel was the best one of the entire weekend. You'll find that in a post below claiming it to be my preferred favorite!

I continued North and stopped at Ridges Sanctuary at Bailey’s Harbor. At this point my camera started to act up, and take really poor pictures. Fortunately, the landscape was nothing too impressive, so I’ve not posted any of the pics. Soon I think I’ll need to invest in a new, better, higher resolution camera. I passed on the opportunity to see the Cana Island Light House. It is actually out on Lake Michigan, and I’m not certain how you get to it. Maybe on some future trip I can look in on it.

(The above picture is from Newport State Park, on the Lake Michigan side, but I visited it after going to the tip. Some of my pics are a little out of order!)

I proceeded now to cut across the peninsula to the Green Bay side. Most of the touristy towns are along the western edge of Door County. I stopped halfway across at the Koepsel’s Farm Market (http://www.koepsels.com). There I purchased some preserved sweet cherries (as it is too late for fresh cherries), a blueberry scone, and a hot cup of apple cider. I would have liked to purchase a gallon of cider, but I had no place to keep it, as it should be refrigerated. I look a picture of my little morning snack!

Door County - The Tip

Sister Bay is the epitome of Door County! The surrounding cliffs and hills are filled with pricey condos and time-shares. The bay is filled with expensive and tall yachts and sailboats. The streets filled with yuppie professionals on their weekend trips, flitting from expensive shop to expensive shop. I stayed long enough to take a picture of the bay (which didn’t come out) and moved on up the coast. If you like quaint little shops, then this place is for you! My shoe-string budget and simple tastes, not to mention my very casual attire made me inclined to not stay and linger.

The brochures I reviewed said the Ellison Bay Bluff had a spectacular view. Somehow, while looking for it, I made a wrong turn and ended up down a pretty steep and possibly private drive. Well, I stopped and got out for a look anyway. The “beach” was lined with many small “ankle-turning” stones. I explored it for just awhile. There were lots of spiders ducking under the rocks. A few plants had found a foot-hold. I took a picture of some dried milkweed as it was giving up its self-propelled seeds. Most of those seeds would drift out over the water to a useless fate. Some others may find a place between the stones and spiders to grow up more milkweed next year. Retreating I then found the road to the actual Ellison Bay Bluff. Yes, the view was spectacular! Again, however, my camera simply did not catch the view clearly. I gave it a good whack in my hands, and that seemed to help, as later on up the road the pictures were improved. Turning off the back road and getting back onto Hwy 42 I noticed an old and unused orchard. I was tempted to go for an apple or two, for the old trees were heavily laden with them, but decided thievery may not be wise in broad daylight. And besides, apples are pretty cheap, I could acquire them legally!

I headed on up to the tip of Door County, passing through Gills Rock, and noticing as I went past a coffee shop with WiFi. Hmmmm . . . will have to take a coffee break on the way back! I followed the road until it ended with the Washington Island Ferry. Because of time constraints Washington Island was simply not on the agenda. I picked up a brochure about riding the ferry. At some future date when I have more time I’ll have to go over to the Island. I happen to know the man who runs the power plant. I worked with him at my previous job for many years. Sometime I should look him up and see how he and his family are doing. I did ditch the car for awhile and walked on the tip. The shore was filled with deep drifts of fresh water shells. You can see the island against the horizon. The water is very cold! I picked up two white stones to take home . . . one to give to my room-mate, and one to keep for myself!

Passing back through Gills Rock I stopped in and had a cup of cappuccino courtesy of Dewey at the GT Coffee. It was good coffee, strong! I checked my e-mail and sent messages to my friends. “Hello from the Tip!” He had a humorous sign on the wall. It stated: “Unmonitored children will be given an Espresso and a puppy!” :-P

Door County - Green Bay Side

After my coffee I easily flitted back to the other side of the peninsula. It is very thin here, so very quick and easy to do. I popped in for a quick visit to Newport State Park. This park has remote camping. You can hike in to your site. I’ll keep that in mind for possible future visits. However, I’m not prepared as yet to camp serious! I took more pictures, and spent a bit of contemplation time on the beach. I caught my shadow against the beach.

The day was moving on, and I still had the major state park to check out . . . Peninsula State Park. Here I climbed another tower, named Eagle Tower, and took pictures of the Eagle Harbor. Peninsula is a very sizable park and has enormous camping prospects. I stopped at the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, the only one I had access to my entire trip. There are tours offered, but I was too late, and frankly not really very interested!

(The above is the view off Ellison Bay. Again, some of these pictures are not in order according to my text! Sorry for any confusion!!)

The view of Eagle Harbor from Eagle Bluff Tower.

The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

Below is a scenic cliff in Fish Creek.

Door County - Fish Boil - And Time to Go

As the afternoon wore on I knew I wanted to focus my travelling efforts around Fish Creek. On my way there I stopped at the Seaquist Orchards (www.seaquistorchards.com) for a bag of apples, and to check out what else they had to offer (a lot) of which I did not purchase. I also saw a small shop above, the sign catching my attention. I wonder why?? They only sold crafty stuff, and not fruit, though fruit was grown there.

In all the literature of the area I kept reading about something called a “Fish Boil”. Apparently it is the quintessential Door County activity to participate in. Prior to leaving home I had done a little research and found a location to get in on this event. Being late in the season, the opportunities were becoming increasingly rare. However, the White Gull Inn at Fish Creek was still hosting these events. I arrived in the town, and still having a bit of time, went to the Fish Creek Kite Company (http://www.fishcreekkites.com/. There I bought myself a kite, which I have not played with for years. Soon I’ll have to take it out flying!

I located the White Gull Inn, (http://www.whitegullinn.com/), parked my car, and went inside to confirm my reservations. They were offering 3 fish boils that evening, and I was reserved for the latest one. I moved my reservation up to the 5:15 boil, because I was early enough to do so. I had about an hour to wait. So I walked around the town a little bit, took some pictures, and went to the harbor and watched the sun go down. The town, the shore, the restaurant . . . everywhere people were visiting in pairs. My single status was painfully evident to me. Here, walking around a honeymoon kind of place, sometimes it creeps into my consciousness, and bothers me. Well, I can’t wait the rest of my life for someone to show up, so I can start living again. Just start living . . . maybe some day . . .

What is a “Fish Boil”? We were told it stemmed from earlier days, when crews of hungry sailors could be fed easily and quickly out of one big pot. I was told to arrive about a half hour before the meal, and so I was there. Out back a large pit is set aside, and there a huge pot with a fire under it was already boiling. I arrived in time to see the potatoes go in, and salt. These would take the longest to cook. The chef monitored the progress, and the flames. He stacked around on the outside more wood up against the pot where it would get hot. He would come every few minutes and spear a potato and test it for doneness. Once it reached a critical tenderness, he brought the fish. We were told it was fresh steaks of Lake Michigan whitefish. Each item in the pot has its own basket. Potatoes first, then the fish. The salt is not for seasoning so much as it is for increasing the boiling point of the water. The chef also spooned off fat from the top of the boiling contents, as these could interfere with the final step.

The fish boiling was timed. At a critical moment, the chef then introduced kerosene onto the burning wood on the outside. This created a fabulous flair up of all the wood, causing the water in the pot to become instantly flash heated, and to boil over. It was rather a dramatic event to see. Once done, a couple of kitchen staff were on hand to lift the pots out of the boiling water, and we all marched in behind them into the restaurant. Shortly thereafter we were served fresh boiled fish and potatoes, with cole slaw and an assortment of breads on our tables, and cherry pie for dessert. The fish was all-you-can-eat, and should be for the price I paid! It was worth it, a delicious meal, and a notable memory of my visit. Oh . . . and all the time while we ate a man played on an accordion!

The evening getting late, and I being pretty full and rather tired, I headed back to my camp. I skipped checking out Egg Harbor. Oh well, all I had planned to do there was eat ice cream. Next time!

Back at camp, everything was very quiet. It being a Sunday night, most people had already left and gone home. There were just a few die-hard folks in travel trailers. I pretty much had the evening and the area to myself. I was determined this time to get a fire going, having purchased some wood the night before. I took a tip from the chef at the fish boil, and this evening introduced some of my lamp oil to the wood. OK, it may not be considered safe, but I only poured small quantities from a cup, and was careful to not spill it on me or the table or any where else I didn’t want it. IT WORKED!! The wood caught, and I had a cheerful fire for a couple hours. This then again is the difficult time when you are entertaining a camp fire by yourself, when it should be shared with either friends, or a special someone. I spent quiet contemplation time with myself. Oh, and boiled some water for a cup of tea. I monitored the flames until they died down into a bed of hot coals. If the night had not gotten cold or windy, I might have still had hot water in the morning. However, the night turned cold, and windy.

I rested fitfully enough, but my dreams were filled with wind and rain, and the thought that my tent might collapse in on me. However, it held firm. I was actually protected in a little valley next to a cliff, but the wind danced in the upper branches of the trees around me. It was interesting to hear the zephyrs move around the area, as they shook the dried leaves. Like waves the wind moved around the valley. I was tucked into my sleeping bag and was warm and toasty! It probably got into the 30s. I don’t think I’d want to use the equipment I have for much lower than that!

The morning again was very quiet. This time however, I didn’t care if I made noise. I got up and packed away my things, then took a last picture of the road down the park, and as I was leaving, a shoreline picture of Sturgeon Bay. I went into town and topped off my gas tank, and this time used their bathroom to tidy up a little, oh, and get coffee again, for 75 cents into the drop can. The morning was cold and windy, and I was glad that my Sunday had been a bright, sunny pleasant fall day. I returned up the road a few miles until I located an orchard, and purchased a few small items. I then hunted down a coffee shop in Sturgeon Bay reported to have WiFi. I found them! Over a cup of hot chocolate I loaded up my pictures, and check my e-mail.

OK . . . on the road again . . . to home.

I stopped in Necedah and had lunch with my friend Chris. I stopped for awhile at Dave’s house while picking up Nina, and participated in some trapping at the end of his grass runway, and watched and helped a little with training of new birds.

I should come back here soon and write about trapping using a bow net and pigeons.

For now, my little trip done, I got on home.

I will have to go camping more often! To go with a friend or two would be even more fun!

Any volunteers??

Best Picture!!

Of all the pictures I took on Sunday, I think this one is the absolute best!!

Once I get home, I'll post all my pics, and write about the experience. It was a Great Weekend!

Door County

I'm on vacation! I have not been on vacation in like . . . FOREVER!

I'll write more later . . . but this is where I am right now, and below is my first picture of a large body of water. This is the outlet of Sturgeon Bay.

More to Come!!

Enjoy!