Washington Island 23 :: Day 03

Time to leave the island. First stop was Red Cup Coffee before hitting the road. They were running all five ferries that day, so we didn't have to wait long. Our van made it into a smaller ferry with less than an inch to spare on the top. Fortunately, the captain was an expert, and they were able to have us drive out a bit when exited, then raised the platform a bit so we could get out. Crazy. We were one of four cars on that boat. It was such a peaceful ride. Once on the mainland, we traveled through some of the more touristy areas of Door County. We stopped in Gills Rock to pick up smoked whitefish from Charlie's, and discovered an adorable little shop called Hill House. Then we went to Ephraim to stop at Island Orchard Cider. In Sister Bay, we got wild ramp chevre from Door County Creamery. Our favorite taco place in Fish Creek closed a few years ago, so we ended up at the Fish Creek Market and grabbed sandwiches to go before driving back. We are so lucky to have this place less than three hours away from our house. It's absolutely amazing. 

Washington Island 23 :: Day 02

What a jam packed, fun day. We caught the first ferry over to Rock Island and spent most of the day exploring. It was originally settled by Native Americans. The lighthouse that still stands was constructed in 1836, and is the oldest lighthouse in Wisconsin. It made the island a stop along the Grand Traverse route. The first settlers came around that time. By 1863 settlers moved to other parts of Door County, and it was deserted until a wealthy investor named Chester Thordarson purchased it for his summer estate. Fortunately, most of the land was left untouched, and what he did construct is truly remarkable. Just check out the boat house! The inside has board games and is a great space for campers. The hike around the entire island is about 5.3 miles. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed on the island so it's basically trails. We walked to the lighthouse then decided to do the entire parameter of the island, ending at the gorgeous beach. It was so fun. On the boat ride over that morning, someone mentioned we had to stop at Jackson Harbor Soup for a sliced of cherry pie. It's right next to the ferry parking, and he was right -- it was delicious. Brian had bumbleberry, which was also fantastic. Then we went to Nelsen's Hall & Bitters Club, the oldest continuously-operating tavern in Wisconsin, thanks to a loophole to serve alcohol during Prohibition, and joined the Bitters Club. A shot of bitters is pretty nasty, but when at Nelson's.... After that we had whitefish caught that morning at K. K. Fiske then went back to The Albatross for ice cream. How cute is that scoop I got? Needless to say, we all crashed pretty early that night and slept like babies. 

Washington Island 23 :: Day 01

What a crazy, fun week. Besides everything else we had going on, Brian & I (Van too) went to Washington Island for a couple of days. Brian's been there on his motorcycle before, but it was my first time. What a special place. On the way up, we stopped in Bailey's Harbor, where there was an art show and farmer's market happening. Loved seeing the cute alpacas. Next week took the ferry over to the island. We lucked out big time, and pulled right in to the last spot before it took off. I love being on a ferry. The short ride over was beautiful. First stop once there was Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. It was a bit of a racket ($8 a person just to wander the fields) -- but it was really beautiful and I'm glad we got to see it. By then, we were starving so went to The Albatross for a cheeseburger. So good. Then it was time to go to our campsite. There is only one campsite on the island -- Washington Island Campground. It's a private campground, that also has cute little cabins. And horses. After a big day, we enjoyed just staying at our site and cooking there. We had a beautiful spot with forest all around us. And fortunately, not nearly the amount of mosquitoes we had earlier in Michigan. It was a lovely night.