Bayfield Apple Fest

Because our kids have a four day school week and usually have no school on Friday, once in awhile we can spend the whole day doing something as a family.  A few weeks ago, we went to the Apple Fest in Bayfield, Wisconsin.  Bayfield is about 2 1/2 hours away from here, and much of the drive is along Lake Superior.  The fall color was outstanding.  The entire drive was a scenic delight.  At one point we saw a bald eagle roosting in a tree right next to the road.

The weather was cloudy and chilly, so we all bundled up in winter coats, hats and gloves.  This was my first trip to Bayfield, and I definitely want to go back again in the summer.  A ferry takes people across to Madeline Island, and it would be fun to take the family there, too.

The ferry to Madeline Island

The festival itself was pretty typical, with booths selling their goods to festival goers.  Forgoing the usual fare of cotton candy, turkey legs and funnel cakes, we opted to try some of the apple specialties--apple brats, caramel apples, apple crisp, and apple dumplings with rum caramel sauce.  On our way out, we bought apple cider and five pounds of apples to take home with us.  The kids also rode a few rides at the carnival.

Blackened Whitefish with "Derty" Rice

Artisan booths

Do you think he's having fun?

 Good times!

Big sister making little brother feel more comfortable

Jackson and Raina rode the Ferris Wheel together

Barry rode with Remy

 Ollie in the Fun House

Raina on the carousel

Batman guards the cotton candy/caramel apple booth

We then drove a couple miles of out town to Hauser's Superior View Farm.  The old "Red Barn" houses all manner of apple goodies, as well as the Bayfield Winery.  We were able to sample some of their fruit wines, and bought a few bottles to enjoy at home.

What a gorgeous view!

 Farm mascot?

On the drive home, we enjoyed the scenery once again, stopping at one point to see the Wisconsin side of Lake Superior up close.  The wind was brisk, but invigorating.

We finished off our day with pizza in Superior, and made it home in time for the kids to go to bed with smiles on their faces.

Sugarloaf Cove

The weather has definitely shifted here, and it's been chilly all week.  Last week, however, was a little warmer and perfect for getting in an after-school hike.  We went to Sugarloaf Cove, just a little bit north of us.  From the 1940's to the 1970's, Consolidated Paper dumped logs into Lake Superior and rafted them across to Ashland, WI.  Now Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association is working toward preservation and restoration of the natural surroundings.

We hiked around to the island (but not on the island, it's protected) seen across the way

 Ollie always has a smile for the camera

 

Kids and Barry make their way across the rocks

Late afternoon sun shines through the trees

Getting closer to the island

Jackson with his "tough kid" look

The family outside the root cellar that previously stored food and is now used for storage and to protect seedlings

Remnant of the logging days on the beach

Waves break on the shore; almost to the island

 More logging remnants

Rusty bolts among nature

A last look at Lake Superior before we turned inland

We built up an appetite after all that fresh air and exercise, so we went to Papa Charlie's in Lutsen.  The sunset in the hills was visible from the outside dining area.  Raina thought it was the best restaurant ever because it had a ping pong area where the kids could play while they waited for their food.