May 24, 2016. Apostle Islands, Duluth and North.

May 24, 2016.  Apostle Islands, Duluth and North.  We stopped by the visitors center outside of Ashland this morning.  It is very well done with exhibits showing the history of Bayfield Peninsula, including the Apostle Islands.  We spent an hour learning about the area before departing to drive around the peninsula. 


The Scenic Byway passes through several quaint towns, including Bayfield.  Bayfield is the location of the ferry service to the islands.  There are 20 islands and all but Madeline Island form the National Seashore under the governance of the National Park Service.  Madeline boasts a small community, La Pointe, and two campgrounds.  We deliberated about camping on the island but decided not to.  We also deliberated about ferrying over to La Pointe for lunch, but decided not to do that either.  In the end, we climbed back in Harvey and continued driving.


We passed by the Fairlawn Mansion in Superior, WI.  It was built as the family home for lumber and mining baron, Martin Pattison, his wife and their six children.  Fairlawn was completed in 1891 at the cost of $150,000; an equivalent of well over $3 million today. The mansion has 42 rooms and is now a museum and event venue. 


One of the reasons we bypassed Madeline Island was that I wanted to see Lake Superior from the North Shore, Highway 61.  We hit patches of fog while on Bayfield Peninsula.  However, when we left Duluth, we were socked in by the fog.  There were times when we couldn't see the lake from 100 yards.  The good news is that we will return by the same route, so maybe we'll have a clear view of the lake then. 


After dinner we began a walk around Temperance River State Park.  Our walk didn't last long.  First, I wanted to descend a bank of stairs to the rocky shore of the lake.  Annie wasn't eager to go down, then up four flights of stairs.  In fact, she got downright cranky about it.  However, she relented and followed me to the shore line.  But, she wouldn't let me play on the big boulders.  She was afraid I'd fall in the lake.  Humph.  That woman has no faith In me.  Some would say a justified lack of faith.   


But, the walk continued until we saw the sign warning against black bears.  From the sign to Harvey, it was pretty much a straight line.  Annie doesn't cotton to bears, black, brown, white or any other color.  We are now safely ensconced in Harvey and here we will remain until move time in the morning.


From here, we'll complete the drive up the coast of Lake Superior to the Canadian border.  I doubt we will cross over.  Although, I do have about $40 in Canadian money.  Maybe we'll cross over for lunch and spend it.  By now, you know that planning on a road trip is not my strong suit.  I am not sure I have one. 


Internet signal permitting, I'll be back tomorrow night. 


Goodnight.