Apostle Islands

“Okay, I think we've decided that Apostle Islands is where we are going... and then through the UP of Michigan and back down to Mid-Michigan.

We have about 9 days to explore starting in Chicago, and ending in Lansing, MI...

For those of you who have been to Apostle Islands, how much time did you spend there?

Would you recommend 5 days there and then go towards the Porcupine Mountains? or maybe some other places in northern Michigan (pictured Rocks, Tacquamenon Falls, etc.)?

Thinkbubelz & I have not camped in the Porcupines, nor have we traveled much to Wisconsin... Are there other places we need to check out?”

“Let me know when you will be in Chicago. We could do lunch, dinner, drinks.

Cannot help on the Apostle islands, however that is a place I want to visit”

“I'll be there for the Breast Cancer 3-Day (Aug. 8-10. Probably coming in a day early and leaving sometime on the 11th or 12th. :-)

Email me with your phone number and I'll give you Eric (THinkbubelz' cell number) He'll be in town with some of my friends for the 3-Day and being "walker's stalkers" along the route. I'm sure they'd love to check out the town, since I will be "camping" in a tent on Friday and Saturday nights. :-)

LOL... I think I can add those 2 as bag nights, right? LOL”

“Send me your email

backpakn2@sbcglobal.net”

“man, that is a LOT of driving... like 9 hours to the islands, 3 to the porkies, and 10 to lansing... 22 hours or something like that total. you seem to have willpower and time. the drive itself will be fun, for a while at least. the areas you will be passing through are great. have a blast and take lots of photos! stop at the farm stands. :)”

“We have some friends in Wisconsin, so we will probably stop along the way to sight see (if there's anything that anyone would recommend--car-camping, small nature areas along the way to the Apostle Islands, that would be cool!

We'd probably stop in some places down from the Porkies to Lansing-- break the trip up into smaller bite-sized pieces....

It can't be worse than driving straight back from Mt. Rushmore in 1-1/2 days... LOL”

“Hey Wounded Knee,
I sent you a note (test), drop me a note back. ;-)”

“Apostle Islands for me in (hopefully) one more year---by kayak!!!!

Some good stops:

Ashland Wisconsin

Bond Falls

Agate Falls

Porkies

Pictured Rocks

Seney Wildlife Refuge

Tacq Falls

And of course Marquette if you're passing through.”

“"We have some friends in Wisconsin, so we will probably stop along the way to sight see (if there's anything that anyone would recommend--car-camping, small nature areas along the way to the Apostle Islands, that would be cool!"

There's Nimblefoot's world famous Poultry Palace in Jerkwater, Wisc.”

“"Apostle Islands for me in (hopefully) one more year---by kayak!!!!

Some good stops:

Ashland Wisconsin

Bond Falls

Agate Falls

Porkies

Pictured Rocks

Seney Wildlife Refuge

Tacq Falls

And of course Marquette if you're passing through.”

We would love to see you and Tara if we pass through!! Last time we were in Marquette was maybe 4 or 5 yrs ago-- and we were camping through a really bad thunderstorm (could see the black clouds and 40 mph winds... not a fun time... LOL

I think we went to Presque Isle and it was beautiful!”

“In northern Wisconsin my favorite spot is Anvil Lake, about 15 miles or so East of Eagle River. But, of course, it's the memories that lure me back there.”

“We've never been to Wisconsin, except when passing through, so this will be new to me.
Looking forward to some good cheese. LOL :-)”

“Cheese curds, pinkbubbles. Those are the best. Pick up some kringle too - sort of a danish. :)”

“deep fried cheese curds... a gift from the gods and a must-try treat.”

“OOOOH.
Both sound very decadent (and probably should be taken in small doses.

Any suggestions as to particular restaurants in various cities that we should visit??”

“If you are passing through the Minocqua area let me know if I can be of assistance. My e-mail is available on here. There are so many beautiful places to go in both WI and the U.P. you really can't go wrong!”

“Thanks!
I'll send you an email.
Not sure where Minocqua is or if we'll be going near there...

We picked up the "Hiking Wisconsin" Falcon Guide by Eric Hansen today.... Am also going to see about getting a copy of "Off the Beaten Path" as well....

We like to go on more leisurely vacations-- and not rush around everywhere--especially since we haven't been to Wisconsin before!!!

I'm also looking forward to seeing the UP of Michigan again-- it's been ages since we've been there and haven't had a chance to camp in the Porcupine Mountains yet.”

“Awesome, Graska,
Hopefully, we'll be able to meet up and maybe do a little day hike! :-)

Have never really visited Wisconsin, aside from driving through Madison... so this should be interesting! Anything particularly quirky that we should know about (a la the Jello Museum in New York State)?

BTW-- how are the black flies at the Apostle Islands during this time of year? Should we be covered from head to toe? Any particular trails/places there that you would really recommend as a "don't miss"?

Depending on how much fun we have there, we are hoping for some time in Northern MI, too... but since we only have about 8-9 days between the 3-Day and going back to Lansing for work... I am starting to wonder what we can pack into our trip and not be completely exhausted... LOL”

“If you pass by Rhinelander, toot your horn really loud and I might hear it, but I'll probably be up in the U.P. myself on the 11th and 12th.

Bayfield is a nice village to visit before heading out to any of the Apostles. A few good small bars/restaurants -- Maggie's is very popular but can be crowded; the big plus is that local zoning doesn't allow chain/corporate stores/restaurants/hotels. Great marina that is mainly home to sailboats.(It's where Reino and I took our sailing course.) Lots of sea kayaking action.

Have fun.”

“That's great to know. I hate going to a new city and realizing that there are no "local" restaurants due to the infiltration of chains!!! Whatever happened to "local charm"?

Sadly, we've noticed this more and more over the past 16 years of travelling!”

“OK, I had recommended the Apostles, as ya may recall, and was just there over the Fourth of July.

I could refer you to some columns I did on the trip (in the order of our adventures):

1. http://bluffcountrynews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=21730&SectionID=14&SubSectionID=59&S=1

2. http://bluffcountrynews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=21803&SectionID=14&SubSectionID=59&S=1

3. http://bluffcountrynews.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=21876&SectionID=14&SubSectionID=59&S=1

That gives you a good idea of how our trip went, leaving home and getting there Wednesday and a few stops then driving home on Sunday. There were some cool things to see in Washburn (brownstone buildngs) and in Ashland (ore dock and HUGE old steam engine used on it... as well as the North Great Lakes visitor center west of Ashland)

We didn't kayak, so I can't share any info there. I know a local guy got some info from me before going up there. I think he and his wife may have kayaked. If you like, I could get that info to post here. It's less blah-blah-blah column and more guidebook style. (yes, I go BOTH WAYS, lol, with my writing)

Have fun!”