On Thursday 8/10 we left Marquette and headed for Door County. This county is a Peninsula with Lake Michigan on the East side and Green Bay on the West. It's all really Lake Michigan and a very pretty area. Our campground was a little over half way up on the East side of the peninsula. The town is small but it has all that you need. Restaurants, shops, a gas station for gas and some food supplies.
The campground is Baileys Grove. It is about a mile out of town on County Road F. Very friendly people and a well maintained campground. We were there for three nights. The first day we just got settled and ate in the bus. Day two (Friday) brought rain so we timed a visit to the Cana Lighthouse between the storms. The light house is one of many active lighthouses around the lake and was a very interesting place to visit. I climbed the 97 steps to the top but Eileen wasn't able to go up because of her back issues. The unique thing about this site was getting there. There is a very narrow rock/sand causeway between the mainland and the small island where the lighthouse is. The water from the waves and wind driven surf cover a lot of the causeway so you either walk in the water or take the transport that is offered. (a wagon pulled by a tractor). It was fun. We found a nice place for lunch after the Lighthouse. Coyote Roadhouse. This is a local place out in the country near Baileys Harbor. It was crowded, but a good choice. Good food and nice people. We road around the country for a while and saw a little of the local wildlife. Friday night we ate at The Florian II in downtown Baileys Harbor. The restaurant is an old supper club owned and operated by the same family for many years. Good food. While we were eating the skies opened up again with thunder, lightening, and heavy rain. Fortunately the storm passed and we were able to get to the car without getting soaked.
On Saturday we headed to Sturgeon Bay which is on a bay on the West side of the peninsula. We visited the Door County Maritime Museum and got a very good understanding of the history of this area. The Native American history, the people who settled the area, and all the commerce that built this area over the years. One of the most interesting things was that ship building of war ships was very big here during WWII. The story with the Native Americans is the same as it is everywhere. We screwed all three of the tribes that inhabited this beautiful area. This museum is well worth a visit, I highly recommend. After the museum we went north to Egg Harbor. We found a place with bar-b-que and outside seating but because of the crowds we ended up eating at the bar. Decent food but NC and Georgia bar-b-que are still better.
After lunch we headed further up the peninsula to Fish Creek (pronounced krick) We entered Peninsula State Park and drove the park to see the sights. Lots of campgrounds and walking trails and many beautiful views of the Bay. They have a new attraction called Eagles Tower. It is a very tall walkway that allows you to get a panoramic view of the Lake. Unfortunately we needed to head to church so I didn't walk up the tower. I suggest you go if you get that far. The park is very clean and nice and well used.
We went to church in Fish Creek at one of five Catholic churches on the Peninsula. The masses alternate days and times because it is the same priest who says the masses. Very pretty church, and well attended.
We went from mass to the Whistling Swan Restaurant in Fish Creek. Another good meal. Some of the shops were still open when we finished dinner so, a shopping we will go!
Today, Sunday we headed to our current location Oakdale, Wisconsin. We will be boogying for the next three days. Tomorrow Welcome, Mn., Tuesday Oacoma, SD near St Joseph's Indian school, then on to Hot Springs, SD near Wind Caves NP on Wednesday.
The days are rolling by and all I can think of is that my RV'g days are soon coming to an end. Sad thoughts indeed.
We are near the highway I90 tonight so I don't think I'll be sleeping much.
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Moderate day, two foot waves!
