Island 2017 - 1st Trip Day 4: Departure

Thursday, June 23, 2017

It's always hard to leave Dale behind. However, I need to be home tomorrow for a meeting so go I must. Athena and I made the 12:30 ferry and just as we turned onto Highway 63 outside of Hayward I noticed my back and buns were starting to get really hot. I had no idea our car had seat warmers and figured I must have inadvertently hit a switch while messing with the CD player. I tried every button on the dashboard that didn't have an obvious reason for being there but nothing seemed to help alleviate the problem. I opened the car windows as I continued to search for the hot seat controls. Suddenly, just a I was breaking into a sweat, I noticed things were cooling down.  I drove for a few miles in semi-uncomfortable warmth. Finally, as I completely cooled off and sweat was no longer dripping down my lower back, I figured the problem was solved. I was thankful I didn't have to pull over to look through the owner's manual to figure out what was going.  Three more hours of driving in an uncomfortably hot seat would have been unbearable! After driving along for a few more miles I sensed Athena, who was sitting next to me in the front passenger seat, shuffle and I heard a click. The seat started to warm up again. I looked over and saw a lighted button peeking out from under her front paw. Problem solved!

After Athena moved her paw, I realized I'd seen the hot seat buttons before. I just never questions their purpose.

Island 2017 - 1st Trip Day 3: Grandpa Tony's & More

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Lunch of BLT and fries at Grandpa Tony's. 

Stopped by Bell Street Gallery after and bought a pottery coffee mug.

Afternoon on Dale's deck with a cigar and a martini. 

Island 2017 - 1st Trip Day 3: Marie's Muffins

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Stopped by Mission Hill this morning for a blueberry muffin but they were out. Marie, the proprietor, told me they go fast. I told her that I'm from Minnesota and that we actually have a state muffin, blueberry of coarse, but that the best blueberry muffins I've ever had are from Wisconsin - hers! She told me that the secret is less sugar and more blueberries. I told her she read my mind and that part of the reason I love them so much is that they're not overly sweet. She also said they're not cake. I told her she read my mind again because the other reason I love them is because they're not dense. I asked if she ever gave out the recipe. She said she would and that that was a wonderful compliment.

Island 2017 - Day 3: Good Morning

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Got a great nine hours of sleep last night. Was able to have coffee with Dale before he had to leave for work. Chilly but sunny morning.

Island 2017 - Day 2: Sunset

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Island 2017 - Day 2: Athena and the Duck

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Ice cream at Grandpa Tony's after dinner at the Beach Club and then a lovely long walk with Athena. At one point when she was pretty close to shore we pointed out a duck that was not too far out into the water. When we said "duckie?" she went NUTS! Needless say, the duck sped off quickly.

Island 2017 - Day 2: Back on the Island

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

At around 5 p.m. I headed over to the Beach Club for a cocktail. Dale had been on a bike ride but I ran into him returning as I was hoofing it to the bar. He said he'd join me after he cleaned up. He made it over as I was about halfway through my first Old Fashioned and ordered a beer. After eating out last night we had every intention of eating at home tonight but with a cocktail each under our belts we lost our resolve. We each got the broiled whitefish sandwich with fries and another round of drinks.

Island 2017 - Day 2: A Trip to Ashland

Tuesday June 20, 2017

Longest day of the year today in terms of daylight although I have to say that for a 24 hour period it all went by quite quickly.

I got in the car and was on the ferry to the mainland around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival in Bayfield I stopped at Big Water Coffee and got a latte and a molasses cookie. I then stopped in at Roxanne's, Sweet Sailing, and the Swedish store.  

Big fish on Lake Shore Drive in Ashland.

Next I hightailed it to Ashland to pick up my meds. Walgreens was able to do a partial refill to cover me for a few days. I also picked up some toiletries while there. Then I was off to Walmart where I picked up a pair of jeans, shorts, a couple shirts, socks, and underwear to get me through until I head back to Mpls.  Finally, I stopped at Dale's landlord's vet who was willing to do a refill of Athena's meds upon receiving the prescription from our vet. They had it all ready for me.

While on my return trip to Bayfield I stopped at the Steak Pit in Washburn to see if I might get an Old Fashioned cocktail. There was only a white pickup parked outside. As I pulled up to the door I noticed their sign said they didn't open until 4 p.m.  Being only 2:30 I deemed it way too long to wait. I mentioned the Steak Pit to Dale later in the evening and he said he had heard that it had closed for good.  I groaned my disappointment but recognized we had at least had one chance to experience an old school Wisconsin supper club in all its glory.

Island 2017 - Day 2: Mural by Holly Tourdot

Tuesday June 20, 2017

Beautiful walk this morning with Athena. We headed toward Lori's store and I noticed this new mural on one of the buildings.

Island 2017 - Day 2: Irises

Tuesday June 20, 2017

The irises back home are past peak. Not so on Madeline Island.

Island 2017 - Day 2: Lupines

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Beautiful, bright, sunshiny morning. Took Athena for a walk right after Dale left for work. The lupines are looking lovely.

Island 2017 - Day 1: Arrival

Monday, June 19, 2017

I made it up to the Island today for the first time this season only to discover that I forgot to load my suitcase in the car! Needless to say, I only arrived with the very clothes on my back. Did I discover this mistake when I was stopping for gas only an hour outside the Twin Cities? NO! I realized it when I went to grab my sweater from my suitcase in the trunk while parked first in line waiting for the ferry in Bayfield. Dale informed me yesterday that it's supposed to be on the cool side up her for the week so thankfully I threw my biker jacket in the trunk as it was to big to fit in my suitcase. At least I had that for the chill.

Not only were my clothes in the suitcase, but my toiletries, meds, AND Athena's meds were in it too. With a Walmart and a Walgreens in Ashland my clothes and meds were the least of my worries. Athena's incontinent and I was worried about her peeing in the apartment while in her sleep. Thankfully Dale's landlord gave us the name of his vet in Ashland. With a fax of the prescription from our vet he told us he'd replace her meds. I can get everything taken care of tomorrow in Ashland.

Anyway, Dale and I had a fantastic dinner of whitefish at The Pub. We then took Athena for a nice walk afterward.