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Day one with Keith & Company: From the 30th of July, departing on the 1st of August,
we spent time with Kim's brother Keith, his fiance Yvette, and all their kids. This leg of
the vacation took place in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. Up in Door county, near the end of the
peninnsula. We stayed in a couple little cabins while we were here.
Preparing the feast: While we visited Ellison Bay, Yvette's family was in town. They all
gather (from around the country) in Ellison bay for a family reunion around this time of
year. Here (and previous), Keith & Yvette are preparing food for the entire group. Well
over twenty people managed to fit into one tiny cabin.
Minor rainshowers: While we were visitng Keith, Yvette and all the kids, rainshowers
kept everyone inside for a good portion of the day. Here's Leah stepping out just after
the rain stopped.
Ellison Bay - Door County: We spent three days and two nights near the town of Ellison
Bay, WI. Here we stayed in some cabins. Due to the poor weather, we didn't get to
spend much time outside.
The beach? Leah showed me the way to the beach? A tiny launch area leads into a very
shallow part of Rowley Bay. I don't think I would swim here Leah. There are a lot nicer
beaches in the area.
Go Fish! What's a kid to do on a rainy day? They did their best to weather the rain, but
eventually they were driven indoors. Card games followed; here they're playing
something called slappy? Pictured here: Keith's kids (Leah, Chantelle, Austin, Amber),
Yvette's daughter (Kaitlyn), and the twins - Friends of the family.
Ferry to Washington Island: We took the ferry from North Port to Washington Island. We
left the Volvo behind, as we were planning to take a guided tour of the island.
Lakeside beach: Here is a nice stone beach in North Port, WI. Just west of the pier. The
waters here are shallow, feature hard packed sand and small stones. Too bad we didn't
have time to do any swimming.
Lighthouses of Door County: There are lots of light houses in Door County, Wisconsin.
Here's one on Plum Island, in the channel between Washington Island and the
peninnsula.
Just the tourists of us! Here we are - Robert & Kim - See if you can guess who's who?
Taking the ferry to Washington Island takes approximately one hour. Bring a book, or
you to will end up with photos like this!
Headed for Detroit Harbor: The ferry we took acommodates a few vehicles, but we left
our vehicle behind. There are bicycle and moped rentals on the island.
Stavkirke chapel: A stop on our tour of Washington Island, here is a replica of traditional
Norwegian Stave church. This evangelical Lutheran church is a replica of the original in
Borgund, Norway. The original settlers of Washington Island came from a variety of
Scandanavian nations.
School House beach: Another stop on our tour of Washington Island. Here is School
House Beach. So called because there used to be a school very nearby. The school was
moved years ago, but the name remains. Kim and I tested the waters (she's in blue). It
wasn't bad. Too bad we didn't have more time.
A day at the beach: The beaches on Washington Island are primarily rock. The stones
are well worn and the harbors quite shallow. The water (lake Michigan) were crystal
clear.
Art and Nature Center: Another stop on our tour of Washington Island. The Art and
Nature Center. A great little shop, chock full of local arts and crafts. It also had some
nature displays for kids.
The Cherry Train: Our tour of Washington Island took place on a day with perfect
weather. The Cherry Train was a great way to see the island. Unfortunately, it was too
short. Here's Kim taking a break. We decided to forego the stop at the Ostrich and
Exotic Animals farm.
Washington Island: Washington Island, Detroit Harbor pier. Waiting for the ferry to
depart. Here we're looking back at Washington Island just prior to the trip back to
Northport.
Docks at Rowley's Bay: Not far from the place where we stayed. Here there is a small
harbor for boats, and a playground for the kids. If we had stayed longer, we might have
had the opportunity to do some boating with Keith and Yvette - Maybe next time.
Enjoying the last hour of daylight: Here's a small playground near the boat harbor at
Rowley's Bay. Pictured here are Kaitlin and Austin. Hiding somewhere nearby is Leah.
Evening approaches: As the sun sets on Ellison Bay, the mosquitoes come out to play.
Kim and I had completely forgotten how bad the little buzzing beasties could get.
Walking about near sundown reminded us how lucky we were to live in a very dry
climate.
Rowley Bay: Rowley Bay is one of the bays along the Eastern shore of the Door County
peninsula. This part of Wisconsin is very picturesque. I grew up along the shores of the
Great Lakes (Michingan and Superior), and their size never fails to amaze me.
Visiting with the Grandparents: We spent a good portion of the evening sitting around
the campfire. Chatting with Yvette's parents. The kids had some marshmallows, and the
adults had a few barley pops. When the kids started yawning, we said our goodbyes.
Kim and I left Door County around noon on the next day.
Author/Copyright holder: Robert L. Vaessen. All photos/captions copyrighted by author. For contact information see my feedback