A Superior Vacation

Last Tuesday, we headed north to Lake S*perior for Sarah's first tent-camping trip, at B*g B*y State Park, on M*deline Island.  M*deline is the largest of the 22 Ap*stle Islands, and the only inhabited one.  After a four-and-a-half-hour drive, we arrived in B*yfield, where we caught the ferry for the 20-minute ride to La P*inte.  Since it was early in the season, there were few tourists around, and the ferry even left ahead of schedule. 





Leaving B*yfield

Arriving in La P*inte (M*deline Island)

Because we like our privacy, we reserved a walk-in campsite.  It turned out to be a considerate move for the few other campers, as well, since it's nearly impossible for a three-year-old to be quiet in camp.  Sarah and I shared our two-person dome tent, while Dad squeezed himself into my old backpacking tent.

After setting up camp, we took a short bike ride to the beach, where we discovered a mile-long, deserted, pristine stretch of cinnamon-sugar sand. 

After a hearty dinner of bean soup and grilled cheese, we enjoyed a campfire and headed to bed.  Sarah was wound-up, to say the least, but managed to fall asleep despite howling coyotes and hooting barred owls. 

Around midnight, I heard something rummaging around outside.  I assumed it was raccoons and waited for Don to wake up and chase them away.  Once I heard loud snorting, however, I suspected a bear and called urgently, "Don, do you hear that???" "I do now!" he replied, as he struggled to free himself from his tent.  It was, in fact, just a couple of masked marauders, who returned the next night. 

Wednesday started early and cold.  Being May in the north, the sun was eager to rise, and the birds were eager to sing.  We were all awake at 4:45 a.m.  Don reported the temperature to be 37 degrees, and Sarah chose to have her warm milk in bed.  She then bundled up and blew bubbles while waiting for breakfast.

Our early start allowed us to cover a lot of ground on our only full day on the island.  We started off on our bikes and soon came upon a pileated woodpecker, then a white-tailed deer, both of which allowed us to pass within about 30 feet. 

After hiking the rocky coast, we returned to camp to make sandwiches, then biked the six miles to town for lunch.  Sarah took the opportunity to catch up on her sleep.  For the record, the B*rley was the best investment in "baby" gear that we made (especially since it was second-hand).  We've used it for almost three years as a stroller, bike trailer, and, now, cart for hauling gear to camp.

After laboring our way back (a headwind both ways -- really?), we shared a snack with a bold blue jay who flew in to pick up cookie bits that Sarah tossed, much to her delight.  We then returned to the beach and took a short hike on the boardwalk trail to view the lagoon and bog.  A sandhill crane flew past, and I was struck by how golden this usually gray bird looked.  Turns out, in northern marshes, their feathers get stained by ferric oxide in the mud.  That, combined with the late afternoon sun, probably produced the glow.

Back at camp, Sarah relaxed with a cool drink while Dad made dinner.  (Don is, without a doubt, the best camping buddy ever.  In addition to chasing off nocturnal ne'er-do-wells, he cooks, does dishes, gathers firewood, builds campfires, and toasts marshmallows.)

After a post-dinner drive around the remainder of the island (during which we barely kept Sarah awake by having her look for bears -- she chose pandas), we savored s'mores and called it a day.

Fortunately, Thursday was overcast, which allowed us to sleep in until 6:00.  Sarah awoke ready for another day of adventure and was not pleased to hear we were heading home.  "But I want to stay here!"  She swallowed her disappointment and blew a few more bubbles while Mom and Dad packed up.  I, too, was a little disappointed to be leaving so soon, but it was a wise move, as the weather turned rainy after we broke camp.  There's something to be said for quitting while you're ahead and leaving with warm memories and dry gear.

Future Farrier?

The farrier came to trim the donkeys' hooves today.  He let Sarah help last time, and she was excited to assist again.  Something tells me her list of what she wants to be when she grows up will be long and varied.

Mother's Day III

My third Mother's Day, and the most enjoyable yet.  Sarah was super excited to give me my card (which she addressed and signed herself) and gifts -- Ghirardelli dark chocolate (heavenly), coffee gift certificate (Mama loves her mochas), and Bossypants by Tina Fey (hmmm, I wonder if the title has any relevance). 

After church, we joined our friends Mary Ann, Martin, and Emmett (age 21 months) for a yummy brunch.  I quite like our developing habit of spending holidays together as extended family.  We "older" parents enjoy each other's company, and Sarah and Emmett get a kick out of each other.  It's fun to watch them both change and grow.

In the afternoon, we visited one of our farmer neighbors who had a mare and week-old baby.  It was Sarah's first time seeing a foal, and she loved it.

To top things off, I received sweet cards from my mom and Emily, Omar, Sophia, and Lola (my new grand-puppy).  I'm one lucky woman and so grateful for all the love in my life.

Coloring My World

Dad and Sarah play together for about an hour every morning after Sesame Street. Fortunately, Dad is more creative than Mom, and they usually do something artistic. Lately, they've been sharing a drawing pad and making abstract designs to color in. I have a feeling this will be one of Sarah's most precious keepsakes one day.

More Fun with Family

Last weekend, we celebrated Don's upcoming milestone birthday (don't tell anyone, but he's about to enter his 7th decade).  Emily, Omar, Sophia, Rachel, and Matt came Saturday and spent the night.  It's always such a joy to have the house full.

Saturday was cool and rainy -- perfect for a lazy afternoon of napping (for some of the lucky adults), chatting, and playing indoors.  Sunday's weather was better, so we went for a hike on the bike trail near our house, then spent some time in the yard.

Sarah is at her best these days when she's surrounded by family. I don't know if she feels extra happy and secure, or if having other people around tempers the intensity of our triad (perhaps both), but she is more compliant and less strong-willed.  Maybe it's just that she has other people to boss around -- she does her best to keep Sophia on the straight and narrow.  Fortunately, Sophia is unfazed by her stern aunt and goes merrily about her business.