Duluth.Minn 7/14-16 Tuesday and Wednesday

Since the weather was going to be very windy and possible showers we decided to take a road trip to Duluth for a couple of days. We drove into downtown Duluth, decided on a strategy then drove to CArlton to Black Bear casino and hotel resort to stay the night. Our first intentions were to take there shuttle into downtown Duluth to spend the day, but we decided to check out and drive in ourselves. We walked around Bay Harbor, went to the maritime museum and had some lunch. We then drove to Two Harbors, Gooseberry State Park and got a room at a B&B for the night. It was a great two day trip and we are now back at the boat and it is 54 degrees and dropping. They are expecting it to be 47 in the morning. To top it off it is raining. Well , we wanted some cooler weather!

Island hopping today

Today the lake was perfect. It started out this morning around 49 degrees and warmed up to 76 by the end of the day.We left the dock and cruised to Oak Island first and went on a 4 mile hike. The view was breathtaking and the workout was good for both of us. Alan caught a fish of the back of the boat, but no keeper. They are small mouth bass, but it has to be 22 inches or more to keep. It was fun though just to catch them. After Oak we went to Rocky Island and docked for a bit to check it out. We then cruised by Twin Island, Otter Island on to Stockton Island to check out the docking facilities there for a future overnight stay. They are docks that are managed by the National Park service. Hiking trails and picnic areas. It was the perfect day so far for cruising around the Apostle Islands and to top the day we went to Bayfield to fuel up , top off the water tank and ate dinner at Maggies in Bayfield. ow we are suppose to have windy weather for the next two days so we will stick to the land and explore the area in the next two days.

Cornucopia, Wisconsin

The water was too rough so we decided to take a ride and see the area some. We drove over to Cornucopia to see the Ehler's General store that is still like an authentic general store. It was a cute little town that consist of the post office(really tiny) , marina, coffee shop, and 2 restaurants. Even the has station was closed up and for sale.

Red Cliff, Wisconsin (Apostle Islands)

We departed from Winneconne around 12:30pm after waiting for garmin chip to arrive we had ordered for Lake Superior. We pulled the boat out of the water, loaded and unloaded stuff for the road trip. We took the scenic route, so therefore it took us longer to arrive in the bayfield area. We stopped at the visitors center and got some good inside scoop n launch ramp and marina 3 miles north of Bayfield. We pulled into Buffalo Bay campground and marina at Red Cliff and launched the boat and got a slip with electricity. We decided to stay for the month here(@ $8.34 a day with electricity and wi-fi, you can't beat that) and explore the area by boat and car.

It is on the indian reservation and very laid back.

Lake Winnebago, Wisconsi

Left Debbie and Phil's dock around 7am and headed towards Oshkosh. We took our time enjoying the view and taking pictures. After cruising through Oshkosh we were in Lake Winnebago and headed to Manasha for a lunch stop. Walked around a bit, ate at Naut's Landing(the only one open on a Monday) and then headed to High Cliff State Park marina. Docked at the marina and Alan went for a long hike on the hiking trails and I chilled out. They actually have Wi-Fi at this state park. Will leave in the morning for Fond du Lac.

Winneconne, Wisconsin

Arrived at Debbie and Phil's around 10:30am. It was a beautiful ride, since we took the back roads and avoided the interstate view. Will be here until Monday and celebrate the 4th here at their house. They have an annual party here on the 4th. Debbie has worked really hard in the yard and it shows. It was real relaxing to sit on the porch and watch the boats go by on the river. You never know what you will see. We always enjoy visiting them and they are great host.

Starved Rock State Park Utica Illois

Left early from Benton and drove to Utica Illinois. Camped at the campground Starved Rock state park for the night. Alan went on a 2 and half mile hike and I picked him up at the parking area. This is the same area that we stayed last year on the Illinois river in the Starved Rock marina. We were seeing the area from a different view this year. Pulled out at 4:30am headed to Debbie's in Wisconsin Wednesday am.