Even as a standalone event, this was actually a pretty neat stop. Hawk Ridge is an area set aside due to the efforts of the Audubon Society for preserving and observing the local avian wildlife, and the area is stunning. We didn't walk far along the trails at all, instead, we just stood in the observation area and watched small birds hop and flit among the bushes. Chipmunks ran around; one succeeded in climbing the metal railing to the small observation area, for what purpose no one, including the chipmunk, could guess; and his trials getting back down were pretty entertaining. I spent some time trying to take close shot pictures of the tiny birds move about. It was a peaceful and wonderful time.
Also notable on this side trip was just how many Minnesotans were out using these public spaces. We passed running and bikers galore on a day many Kansas would be inside. It got Alex and I thinking about the use of public space to increase public health; whether such policies would work in Kansas or whether demographically Kansans are not as inclined to get out and be active. I guess some of the healthiest states are also the coldest; apparently its easier to bundle up and go outside than to cool down when its already hot. But I digress; this was all to say it did our hearts (especially Alex's) good to see so many people out and active.
We then headed to the Maritime Museum, which was pretty awesome. Ran by the Army Corps of Engineers, this museum had displays describing ship cargo on the Great Lakes, different designs and strategies for shipbuilding through the years, famous shipwrecks, engines, and what the Corps of Engineers do. I have a friend who works for the Corps, but I had no idea just how important their work is. There are so many issues to be balanced and so many interests weighing in, and almost all of them involve water. I'm proud to say I've got a friend on the front lines, and as much as I'm happy with my job now, I'm a little sad I didn't go into civil engineering.
After this, we went to Grandma's (the restaurant, not a matriarch). It was ranked as one of the best restaurants in town, and very conveniently, it was right next to the museum, my feet were still giving me troubles. The food was delicious; I had a perfectly portioned plate of Cajun alfredo. This was perhaps my favorite meal of the trip, and fortified me well for the rest of the days adventures.
Bellies full, we happily made our way to Bayfield, Wisconsin. First order of business was finding some campground to spend the night. We originally intended to stay on a campground controlled by a casino, but that turned into something of a side adventure. We were told at the casino that we'd pay at the campground, so we drove, and drove, and drove 10 miles deep into the woods to the campground, where a sign informed us that we were to pay at the casino. We knocked at the door of an old camper that said "Office" along the side, but when no one answered, my tolerance for shadiness had been exceeded. We instead found a campsite closer to town actually run by the city of Bayfield, which was infinitely more satisfying.
Imagine a small coastal city in a Hallmark movie, and you get Bayfield. The area around it is used for growing apples and berries; and we went on a ride along the "fruit loop." As Kansas kids, it was neat to see agricultural endeavors for different crops than we'd normally see. One of the top vacation destinations by Midwest Living, Bayfield is set up for tourists. We went to the Apostle Island National Lakeshore visitor museum for a while, then just walked around town. We stopped in at a second hand bookstore, then poked around a small Scandinavian themed knickknack store. We had some difficulty finding a restaurant for dinner not already filled, but we found a pub that served us some great burgers and fries. After stopping in at one more bookstore (where I purchased a book about mathematical reasoning) we headed back to our campsite. The rain that had followed us all day continued to patter on the roof of our tent but we were blissful inside, dry, and cuddled up in our feather sleeping bags with our head lamps and good books before drifting off the sleep. Omnia Vincit Amor.
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