It’s Island Time!

After finally getting loaded up we were off! Only a few miles to go to Ellison Bay, then to Gill’s Rock and then the ferry to Washington Island. At least that’s what the ride sheet indicated. We headed out excited to enjoy an easy day. We made it to Ellison Island and stopped at the Island Orchard Cider House. We did a cider tasting~ quite delicious!

We then headed to Gill’s Rock. We had to climb an unbelievable hill. The kind where your heart beats out of your chest like Bugs Bunny in love. We could barely keep the bikes upright. We continued on and made it to Gill’s Rock, at the bottom of a short, steep hill. Alas, no ferry here, it’s two and a half miles down the road in Northport. Up the steep hill, and onward, with more steep hills as we went.

The ferry ride over was fun. Once we got away from shore, the temperature dropped significantly in the open water, only to rise again as we approached the island. The views across the water were awesome of the various small islands off the coast~ Plum Island and Detroit Island were two notable ones.

Once off the boat we made our way 7 miles to our lodging, the Inn at Frog Hollow. The ride was beautiful, alternating between deep woods and farm land. Lots of the woods had paper birches which were a distinctive white against the dark bark of the other trees. We passed a lavender farm that we knew we’d check out during our time on the island.

The Inn was fabulous, situated in a nice farmstead. We showered and changed, but realized that our dinner reservation was 5 miles away. Back on the bikes for us! The temperature had moderated, and we cruised easily into town without our bags. It was completely worth it! Everything on the menu is sourced from the island. The dinner was exquisite. The 5 miles ride back to the inn was exhilarating in the dark!

The next day we decided to explore the island. Stops included:

• Schoolhouse Beach with it’s white rocks

• Little Lake and the home and museum of Jens Jacobsen from the 1930’s and summer writing retreat of sociologist Thorstein Veblen

• A lavender farm with a you-pick area, lavender wine, and lavender and chocolate fudge

• Detroit Harbor

• Sand Dunes Beach Park, including a wade in the lake

• Percy Johnson County Park- which we enjoyed alone for quite a while

• Mountain Tower, with over 200 steps leading up to a tower that gives you a bird’s eye view of some of the island

We had lunch and dinner at the same place, Nelson’s Bitter’s Club. It is the longest continuously operating bar in Wisconsin. They were able to stay in operation during prohibition because the owner also had a pharmacy license, and sold bitters as medicine. To join the Bitter’s club, you have to take a shot of Angostura Bitters. We happily obliged, and are now members in good standing for one year!

We thoroughly enjoyed our “rest day” on the island, cycling around without our panniers!

Saturday Cycling: 31 miles

Hiking: 3.5 miles

Sunday Cycling: 28 miles

Hiking: 2.5 miles