By Labor Day weekend, I gave myself permission to be free: there was no diet or set schedule, just an agreed upon destination (kind of). I spent my days canoeing at sunset, lounging on docks, visiting quaint shops and eateries, and exploring whatever sights I happened to come upon. It was wonderful!
My friend, also a carefree spirit when it comes to travel and relaxation, was my travel buddy. Our trip started in Bayfield, WI, a docking point to the Apostle Islands. Its picturesque views of Lake Superior, from hill tops, main avenues, docks, and parks were gorgeous.
The drive into Bayfield alone was worth the trip. We came upon a beautiful river, country farm, and stunning lookout points of Lake Superior:
The local specialty shops and restaurants were charming. I especially enjoyed the cinnamon rolls at The Candy Shop. Let’s just say it was love at first sight! I literally stopped in my tracks when I walked into the bakery and spotted the scrumptious cinnamon rolls sitting on a rack. My exact words, “I’ll take one of those beauties…” #noselfcontrol
The highlight of our time in Bayfield was our trip to Madeline Island. We arrived by ferry and spent the day sightseeing. The coves, trails, and beaches on the island were picturesque. The island itself had a relaxed feel to it. Everyone we came across was carefree and laid back.
My favorite moment was lounging on a dock, patiently waiting for the sunset, while jazz music played at a distance from a lake home.
After two days in Bayfield, WI, my friend and I decided to be adventurous and take off to Minnesota.
The way the decision came about was actually somewhat comical: While eating our cinnamon rolls, we decided we had seen all we wanted to of Bayfield, so we googled “Minnesota’s Best State Parks,” and came upon photos of Bear Head Lake State Park.
The lake was too beautiful to resist! Kind of like the cinnamon rolls, so off we went on a 3 hour drive to Bear Head Lake State Park.
We were not sorry we followed our sense of adventure. The area the state park is in is considered part of the Boundary Waters, which is full of remote pristine lakes. We decided to explore the Echo Trail route; at times it was just my friend and I driving on a dirt road as we came upon lake after lake.
Our favorite spot was Dry Falls at Bass Lake. You hike for about 20 minutes before arriving to beautiful waterfall. I also enjoyed the wildlife. Although we didn’t see any, and they are rare to spot, there are wolves, black bear, and moose. The prospect of their presence, alone, was somewhat exciting and maybe even a little scary…
If I had to say which outdoor area I enjoyed most (Apostle Islands or the Minnesota Boundary Waters), I’d have to say Minnesota. It was just more of what I like about being in the outdoors: when I go out in nature, I like to get lost in its beauty and calmness. For me nature is like medicine, it soothes and heals me in a way that meditation and yoga does for others. In other words, nature keeps me sane…
I hope you enjoyed the photos. It truly was a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and I can’t wait to go back!
Thanks for visiting!
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