Bayfield is a pretty town on the south shore of Lake Superior and a jumping off point for the Apostle Islands. It has sheltered bays and waters and means sailing is a big thing there. In many ways it's like a mini Door County. There are vineyards and plenty of apple orchards and when they're in blossom it's a great spectacle. After the drive from Plainview we arrived late Friday night at the beautiful guest house that had been generously donated to the race timers. It sat in some woods on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior and the islands and for a guest house I would have loved to live in it.
After staying up late catching up with family Jessica's dad and I were up early getting stuff set up while the girls (Jessica, her mother and sister) got the kids ready for the upcoming events. The wind was a little strong but apart from that the weather was perfect for a running race being a touch cool but with bright sunshine. The field wasn't Olympic standard but there were some respecetable times posted.
After heading back to the apartment for some lunch we headed down to the ferry to go across to Madeline Island. Jessica's father was asked to time a swimming race in August but wanted to check the site out before committing to it and we came along for the experience. Natalya loved being on the ferry and it was only a twenty minute ride. Once there we wandered up the main road and visited one of the parks so the kids could play on the swings and slides. Natalya especially had a good time. When Steve was done we met up and walked around a little until we found another park and Natalya convinced us we needed to check it out. We could only stay a little while as some nasty storm clouds were building and we only just made it back to the ferry terminal before the skies opened up.
Pierce and Jessica on the trip over to Madeline Island
Mandi and Natalya at the Playground
Natalya on the slide
The ride back was a little damper than going over
Even though it was raining on the way back Natalya wanted to be outside of the crowded cabin and I agree it was a more pleasant setting. The evening was relaxed and we all had fun just catching up as families do. We did go down and cross a big old bridge overlooking a small tributary stream flowing into the big lake (there were no steelhead in it - I checked) and Natalya wore herself out showing us how she could run when we called, "ready, set, go".
Mandi and Natalya at the Playground
Natalya on the slide
The ride back was a little damper than going over
The morning was as relaxed as the evening and by noon we had the place cleaned up and we set off to check out the yachts at the marina. Natalya found yet another park and we had a great time playing before heading off for lunch at the"pink flamingo". The food was good but the real highlight is always the hand drier in the bathrooms which is more like a jet engine than a hand blower. The drive home was pleasant as the trees were in that light green shade of early spring. All in all it was a relaxing trip and just what the doctor ordered.
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