Cave Point and Whitefish State Park

 Couldn't help but take a lot of pictures of Lake Michigan and rock. The wind was blowing quite a bit on this side of the peninsula which made for some dramatic crashing waves. The water was many colors of blue.

A couple of nights ago while watching the sunset, a couple overheard us talking and suggested that we visit these two places. We always appreciate good suggestions and this was one.

The sound of the waves against the rocks were quite loud.

For the past 5 weeks, we have had spotty phone and internet service along with occasional TV. While in Fish Creek, we would go down to the beach concession area and get some pretty good internet. It was nice to sit along the beach watching the boats, kayaks and people while checking emails.

Door County has a land trust that is purchasing properties to keep as parks. There are a suprising number of properties for sale here.

 



Whitefish State Park is a large white sand dune with very fine sand similar to Cancun and few people on the beach.

Not many people here except, as the locals say, Newlyweds and early to beds. I have heard it said "almost deads" but prefer early to beds myself.

There are many ship wrecks in the great lakes and parts on one are on exhibit in the state park.

We enjoy looking at the dairy farms and apple orchards as we ride our bikes or drive. Mike grew up helping his grandmother in Vermont on a dairy farm. The farms are kept very tidy around here. There is very little traffic except the occasional womp, womp of the tractor or combine

After our bike ride today, we stopped by the bakery to pick up the bread we had ordered. The owner of the place was beside herself that she had sold it to someone else. She insisted that we take a loaf of day old bread at no charge. We were a little sad but thought the loaf was pretty darn good. She wouldn't let us pay for it, so we picked out a couple of other things to pay for. What can I say?

After a 23 mile bike ride thru the countryside and another bee sting, we thought about how they say (whoever "they" are), "Leave them wanting more." We would have to say that Door County has definitely done that for us. Now, we head down the road to explore in Madison, WI,

 

 

Door County Century

 

Fall is definitely in the air with crisp 55 degrees in the morning and the sound of the leaves in the breeze. Perfect cycling weather.

Where did the time go? We left 7 weeks ago and are starting our way back to the southwest. It has far exceeded our expectations. We started this blog to help us remember as we go and share our adventures with our friends and family. We have used it a few times to remember where we were when something happened.

The lighthouse in the park overlooking Green Bay. Watch out for the poison ivy and wild parsnip.

What a fabulous route and sunshiny day for a ride along the peninsula and bay with a temp of 47 degrees at 7 am. Thankful for Tylenol and ice for the knees after 50 miles. With over 3000 riders today, these Midwest people love to ride their bikes.

 

Here come some of our friends.

Fish Creek Beach

Sometimes, it is difficult to decide where to ride next. We are trying all of them, yeah right.

 

 

A new jersey is always a conversation starter. Mike wore his Colorado Copper Triangle jersey and people just had to discuss it. People have been very welcoming and happy to give us hints on places to go and see or good places to eat. That would be all of them and we tried.

The overcast cloudiness made riding quite comfortable. The ride from town to our campsite is only 3 miles. It can seem longer after a long day but nice under the canopy of trees.

Egg Harbor

Artisanal breads and hot soup for lunch

Cheese curds have to squeak when you bite into them to know they are fresh. Nothing but squeaky cheese around here so far.

Checking out the local farms on our bike ride.

 

 

Yep, the goats are up there and the Swedish pancakes pretty darn good at Al Johnson's in Sister's Bay.

The bike ride thru Ephraim.

Thirty minutes after sunset, the bats come out of their homes. Most of the bat houses are on the side of buildings. This one was built with a special grant. But the seagulls would sit on top and catch the baby bats when they come out and eat them. The whitenose syndrome is killing off the bat population, not so good for the environment. Between the seagulls and whitenose, the bats aren't doing so well.

A camp host was watching the sunset with us and told us stories of the area and how she volunteered as a docent the Rock Island lighthouse for a week. It is very rustic but she had a bed, gas refrigerator and stove. Everyone else on the island had to bring in what they needed and walk to their camping sites. No cars allowed.

Another great sunset along Lake Michigan.

 

 

 

 

Pictured Rocks

 

After our morning hike, we grabbed a couple of Subway sandwiches for lunch before our boat ride to see the Painted Rocks.

We had hiked some of the trails in the Park. But the only way to see the Painted rocks is to take a boat ride.

 

The water is clean and beautiful.

Last night was stormy and windy after the fog rolled in. We could hear the waves splashing. It gave me bad dreams about my bad cruise ship experience. I finally put the fan on the cover the sound of the wind and waves.

I thought that I would post this part separately since I took so many pictures.

The caves from the erosion.

Minerals seeping from the sandstone paint the rocks.

The night before last the stars were so bright and northern lights dancing in the sky.

3 hours got a bit long. But the only way to see the rocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighthouse from 1800s on Grand Island

 

 

Nice people we meet along the way.

 

We are ready to be on our way in the morning back to Wisconsin. Our mission will be to find the cheese.