Heading north in winter is not something I’d normally recommend, but the islands off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin offer breathtaking beauty worth the wearing of a few extra layers. If you're very, very lucky, you might experience the ultimate beauty: the Northern Lights (at left).The Apostle Islands are a cluster of islands reachable by ferryboat most of the year, until the bay between Bayfield and Madeline Island becomes frozen. At that point, island bound visitors can actually drive across the bay via the ice road. While this in itself is a fun and unique experience, it doesn’t compare to the splendor of the island’s ice caves.
Imagine walking or snowshoeing across the ice and into a one of t
hese incredible icepalaces! Keep in mind that visiting the ice caves requires a 2-mile hike (round trip) and it’s important to call the Ice Line at (715) 779-3397 - extension 3 for the most current ice conditions. For more information, check out this website: http://www.nps.gov/apis/mainland-caves-winter.htm.
Winter spelunking is not the only outdoorsy thing to do on these frosty islands. Try cross country skiing, ice fishing, and winter camping (brrr…no thanks). Or for something really different: dog sledding. You can go for the annual dog sled race in February to watch the fun, or, for a fee,
actually ride a dog sled!
Thanks for stopping by. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT for a chance to win a copy of Lynda Lee Schab’s Mind Over Madi, a delightful book about a woman trying to reconnect with her
husband, her faith, and her kids while trying to ignore the Edy’s Dibbs calling to her from the freezer.
Thanks for offering my book as a giveaway, Susan! Much appreciated. Oh...and beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteWow, cool photos and information. I'd never heard of the Apostle Islands (and what an interesting, unusual name for islands). If I win a copy of Mind Over Madi, I will be a Valentine's hero (a second time) to my wife!
ReplyDeleteI would really love to read your book just haven't been able to get one yet. It sounds great. winning one would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteHey Lynda - great article and beautiful photos. I wanted to stop by and wish you continued success with your book!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you!
Debbie
Would love a chance to win this book! I could really use a good humorous romance read!!! Cool pics, by the way....
ReplyDelete-Emily
emily_reynolds(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'd love to own a copy of your book! Beautiful photography, and being from the South--I learned something.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great photos and book giveaway. This is as close as I want to get to that extreme cold! Mind Over Madi sounds like a great book, and I appreciate having a chance to win. Blessings to you, Lynda and Susan!
ReplyDeleteNice article and photos! I would love to win Lynda's book. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLynda's book is terrific! I would know, I'm her very proud crit partner. I know whoever wins it will enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteOh meeeeee! Pick meeeeeee! Enter my name in the drawing please!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and thanks again, Susan, for this giveaway. I wish I could give everyone a copy! Mind over Madi was a blast to write and I'm having so much fun with the second one, too. Watch for Madily in Love to come later this year. :-)
ReplyDeleteIf only I could tolerate the cold..... Thanks for sharing your experience and the beautiful pictures so I can cyber-visit. :) I'd love to win Lynda's book! If I don't win it soon, I may have to break down and buy a copy. :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Lynda. I wish everyone could get a copy, too. Just one lucky winner, though! I'll draw a name on Monday, so stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book! I LOVE COLD WEATHER! I grew up in the desert of Palm Desert, CA. So I gravitate towards books in cold weather...
ReplyDeleteOooh, Palm Desert -- I heard it's gorgeous. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteWinter can be beautiful but I'm glad I live in the south. :-).
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a copy of Lynda's book.