As we traveled to Minnesota yesterday and I captured Chacho's ears once again on camera, I realized that his ears have become our trademark for hitting the road.  

So, in honor of Chacho, here is a summary of all our travels based on his ears.

We splurged today and visited the Apostle Islands on a private boat.  It was just Dave and I, the kiddies and the Captain.  The three hour cruise (?) was so much more fun on a small boat.  

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore comprises a stretch of shoreline and 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior. On the mainland, the Lakeshore Trail winds past cliffs and sea caves. Many islands have trails, beaches and marinas. Wildlife includes bald eagles, falcons and black bears. Sand Island and Raspberry Island have 19th-century lighthouses. The Lucerne shipwreck is just off Long Island.

The Captain was great at telling us little off the wall stuff about the Islands.  For example, Stockton Island, until recently had the largest black bear population, per capita, as well as the most campgrounds.   And I didn't know, the bears swim to different Islands.

He also told us that in certain years, when Lake Superior freezes over, which is not every year, people have been known to drive their vehicles on the Lake from Bayfield to Devil's Island, 23 miles one way.  Don't know if I would have that nerve.

Devil's Island is the most picturesque, with the striations and sea caves molded out by the sea.  The Lighthouse keeper, his family and two assistants, lived on the Island from early Spring to December.  I can't imagine what they did all day, every day.

When the Park Service started out purchasing the Islands, they ended up buying them outright, paying half and giving the owner 20 years to continue living there, as well as life ownership, when the original owner could stay on their islands until death, when it reverted to the Park Service.

The last few pictures are of a bald eagle nest, which weighs over 1,000 pounds and one of the eaglets sitting beside it.  We waited a while for the parents to come back, but they must have been hunting for food.  Nonetheless, it was still great to see the baby and its nest.

Here we are, enjoying the northernmost part of Wisconsin, standing in Lake Superior.  The dogs were not thrilled to get their paws wet.

This is the look we get when we oversleep and it's past his dinnertime

I spent a little time this morning, just wandering around Egg Harbor, taking in the cute little shops and fascinating decor that one could fine in the gift shops.

​Enjoy!

oOur plan had, initially, been to head back to Florida after this year's summer in the Upper Mid-West, culminating in South Dakota.  We had also planned to head out west next summer.  We hadn't finalized where we were headed, but we knew it would be out west.

We started looking at the route and realized that if we headed back to Florida, with a stopover in Tennessee for a month, we would be adding over 2800 miles to our journey this coming year.  In terms of miles, gas and wear and tear, this made no sense at all.

We discussed our options with our VA doctors and they assured us that we could visit a clinic out west for a year for our annual visits.  So, that obstacle was removed.

The only obstacle left is our family and friends.  We've spoken to several family members and they all agree that it wouldn't make financial sense to come back East.  Not seeing Kate and her parents in person will be difficult, but luckily, they're great at Facetiming with us, so even if we can't hug her, we can still see her and hear what's going on with her.  It will be difficult not seeing them for two years, instead of one year, but we just can't do it.

So, what do we plan on doing?  When we leave South Dakota in September, we're heading directly south and will spend Oct and November in Castroville, just outside San Antonio.  It's a 5 star resort that was so much more reasonable than Florida rates.  My mom will fly down and spend Thanksgiving with us.

In December, we'll be in Port Aransas at Gulf Water Campground.  This is our Christmas splurge.  We'll be right on the gulf and Dave will be able to actually ride the gold cart on the beach.   And the dogs are allowed on the beach as well.

January through March will be spent in Mission at Bentsen Palm Village.  There are tons and tons of activities there and we'll have fun staying busy.  It's also very warm there, so I'm looking forward to some quality pool time.

Once we hit the road in April, we'll be headed west, through NM and Arizona.  Right now, we're discussing going to the National Parks in the Tri-state area - Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches and all the rest.  But we may change our mind.  Who knows.

But our winter plans are firmed up.  Texas will be our home for the cold months this year.  We'll miss seeing everyone, but we have to think of what's best for us and our finances.
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We arrived here in Door County, Wisconsin on Friday and have taken the time to do some much needed chores and just take a break.  We are located right on Lake MIchigan, again, so we have the beautiful breeze and cooler temps.

Our campsite here at Egg Harbor is another great one.  At the very back of the rig is a small hideyhole amongst the trees that houses our fire pit.  It's just big enough for the firepit, our chairs and the mats for the dogs.  Otherwise, we're totally surrounded by young trees that make it so private and shady.  It's our new favorite place.  That goes for the furkids as well.  Tomorrow, we celebrate Dave's Birthday, so who knows what's in store!

A few little odds and ends as we left Munising