Along the way to Door County, we stopped to visit my other aunt for brunch at the Lighthouse Inn on Lake Michigan in Two Rivers. One of my constant concerns is that I'll be able to find somewhere I can park, but got very lucky that I was able to find a spot in their lot where I wouldn't be blocking too many spaces. Brunch was very nice and a good chance to visit with my aunt. It was a hotel restaurant, which usually don't impress me. However, there was a burger with pepperjack cheese curds and a beer cheese sauce on it, and I did really enjoy the toppings on the burger. I think the main highlight of the restaurant is that it's right on Lake Michigan.
After brunch, I finished the drive up to Door County, which was a nice drive along Highway 42 which somewhat follows along Lake Michigan. By late afternoon, I got to Peninsula State Park and checked in. Also, the park has a wonderful 4 lane sanitary dump station - 10/10, would highly recommend dumping there! Once camp was set up, we had a nice campfire and cookout for the evening. My mom and Steve, my aunt, my cousin and her family were all joining for the trip, so it was nice to spend the time camping with family. My Starlink decided to act up and not work, which was quite a pain considering cell connectivity is limited in Door County.
The next day we went for a hike in the park that took up most of the morning and early afternoon. We arrived at the main beach (Nicolet) in the park, and there was internet connectivity. Since I needed to get some work done during the week, I really needed to resolve my Starlink issues, so I went back to my campsite to work on them. Furthermore, my ability to travel to remote locations depends on having internet access so I can work. Luckily, now I was able to get Starlink working again - just some dirt on the cable that prevented the dish from functioning correctly. A little brushing later and I was connected - phew! After that, we headed back to Nicolet Bay for some kayaking before the wind and waves picked up. Once again, the evening ended with a campfire and cookout.
The next day was the final day for the whole group camping together in Door County. We decided we'd explore the Door County Peninsula a bit. Our first stop was just up the road in Sister Bay at Al Johnson's. The usual highlight there (in addition to it being a nice, although touristy, Swedish restaurant) is the goats on the roof. Unfortunately, it stormed and rained a bunch the night before, so the goats weren't out due to the wet and hot conditions.
After that, we headed to Door Bluff Headlands County Park. This was a recommendation, but none of us had been there before, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. As usual, I was in flip flops, and expecting a short hike in a county park. However, what we found was more like a hike in a state park that went on about 45 minutes each way though not super smooth trails. We did get some nice views and had a nice hike, but I don't think it was one of my favorites worth returning to.
Lunch would be at the Cana Island Lighthouse on the other side of the Peninsula (just north of Bailey's Harbor). Though technically an island, you can walk to it if you're willing to get your feet splashed a little. We had a nice picnic lunch, saw the lighthouse, and then hiked around the island a bit (more of the hike I was expecting at the Door Bluff Headlands County Park).
Our final stop with everyone was Cave Point County Park, near Whitefish Dunes State Park (you can actually hike between the 2 parks). We had a nice hike along Lake Michigan until the wind died down, the temperatures rose, and the biting flies went crazy. After that we said goodbye to my cousin and her family, leaving just my mom, Steve, my aunt, and myself.
It was a hot summer afternoon, so we headed out in search of ice cream (or frozen custard). The first place we tried was closed (very odd - this was the second time in a row this happened as the ice cream stand at Nicolet Bay beach was also closed the day before). While I was driving, mom was in charge of picking the ice cream/custard location in Fish Creek based on reviews. We decided on Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard. It was an excellent choice - great frozen custard and a really enjoyable setting with Fish Creek (the actual body of water) flowing right past you. We returned to camp, rested a bit, and reassembled for our final campfire and cookout. After dinner we caught the sunset from a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
My mom, Steve, and my aunt all left early in the morning for Pictured Rocks. I toyed with the idea of biking in the park and spending some time at the beach, but there was a constant threat of rain, so I spent the day cleaning and organizing the ARRRV. Also, I decided to relax and rest since the next day was a travel day, and those are pretty exhausting.
I got up in the morning, tore down camp, and headed back to the deluxe sanitary dump station before heading on my way.
I got an interesting request to do some research about a music venue from my parrothead trop rock friend Kirstie Kraus. She was going to be playing a show at the Smashed on the Rocks Saloon in Algona, WI, but hadn't heard much from them and didn't know much about the venue, so I was on a mission to scope it out. Also, I heard they had really nice bloody maries, so I figured I could squeeze in some research on those too. When I got to Algoma, I found a nice street parking spot and decided not to pass it by, even though I had a bit of a walk to Smashed on the Rocks Saloon. I got a little walk around Algoma, which seems like a fun little town, before I found the restaurant.
I was immediately impressed with Smashed on the Rocks - it had a great tropical vibe and would be awesome for Kirstie's show. Unfortunately, they don't do the crazy bloody maries during the week, so I opted for a burger instead. I had a really enjoyable lunch outside overlooking the water while giving Kirstie the rundown about the venue for her upcoming show.
After lunch, it was time to get back on the road to my destination for the upcoming week, Juneau County Wilderness Park near Necedah on Lake Petenwell, with stops for gas and groceries along the way. Timing worked great and I arrived with just enough time to set up before dark.
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