The Solo Traveler 50 – The Solo Traveler

July 16, 2020August 2, 2020

Door County Weekend Road Trip (July 10-12, 2020)

It started off as just a typical “Let’s go camping weekend”, but it soon turned into a “Let’s see how much of Door County we can squeeze in in a weekend!”

The Solo Traveler invited a few friends on this journey as we traversed the Door County area. Where is Door County? Imagine the state shape of Wisconsin. See the “thumb”? That is where Door County resides, between the Green Bay area and Lake Michigan. This past weekend, the weather was so perfect for not only camping, but running, and sipping cherry drinks outside. Yes, seems wherever I have gone lately there has been some adult beverage involved. The funny thing is, I don’t even drink a lot, but when I do, I enjoy the local flavor of the area. This area is known for cherries: cherry pie, cherry lemonade, cherry mimosa, cherry jams. This time of year, the cherry blossoms have gone, but the fruit is now visible. Red dots covered the orchards on the roadsides.

So, one of the best parts of traveling with friends, is traveling with friends who know the area. This is how we squeezed a week’s worth of stuff into one weekend.

We arrived on Friday night, around 9pm to our campsite, thanks to me for taking the long away around Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. Got settled in rather quickly, then enjoyed a small fire. Off to sleep so we could wake up refreshed the next morning, because with any vacation, one must run. What better way to see the park than to run 13.1 miles of it. We stayed to the bike trail and enjoyed views right by the water’s edge.

After the run, a quick lunch, but delicious homemade pizzas. Thanks Jessie for whipping that up so quickly. Absolutely hit the spot, so we could be on our way for some Door County Tastings!!

First stop, Door County Distillery. They offer six samples of wine/spirits for free. I still can’t believe it. I kept asking, are you sure this is free. I felt so guilty that I went ahead and purchased a Cherry Lemonade Moonshine to help cleanse the pallet in between tastings. Tip on the moonshine, be prepared if you indulge in the moonshine saturated cherry that tops off the drink. Just sayin’!

Stopped in at the gift shop to make some Christmas gift purchases, then drove just a little ways north to the One Barrel Brewing Company. Now, I don’t like beer, but this was a nice place to sit a spell outside in the gorgeous, gorgeous sunshine and munch on some pork rinds. Those that know me, know I don’t eat pork, so don’t fall off your chair. These pork rinds were plant based and absolutely delicious. I just had to try them and see if they were any good. Yep, ate the whole bag.

It is now nearing late afternoon, so we head back to Fish Creek to do some window shopping. Okay, I did buy a few things. I couldn’t help it, there were anchors everywhere. We took in the little shops that lined the town, before going to our next adventure/experience, a fish boil. Have you ever been to a fish boil? I hadn’t and boy was it amazing. Luckily, I got to watch the demonstration twice because the first time I was in so much amazement, that my eyes couldn’t take it the “explosion” in its entirety. The second time around, I watched while filming in slow motion so I could go back and let my eyes take it all in slowly. The fish boil is highly recommended at Pelletier’s.

We thought we were done for the night, but remembered ice cream. We went in search of, had some great places to choose from, but alas, we were still so full from the fish boil (two pieces of fish, potatoes, onions, bread, and a piece of cherry pie), that we postponed that part of our meal.

Now, it’s time to drive back to camp so we can pick up our chairs? Why? The sun is about to set over the water, and it is not to be missed. Do remember a chair though, as the as the benches can only hold so many people. And many people view the sunset. The sun sets right into the water and is so relaxing to sit in the comfort of a camp chair and take it all in.

We skipped the fire on Saturday night as we pooped from the day and tomorrow will be another packed day of fun.

Sunday morning, oatmeal breakfast, packed tents, and more to see. Off to see some goats. These are not just any goats. These goats live on a roof of a Swedish restaurant called Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay. Now that is a sight to see. I would definitely recommend visiting there. Be warned, to get a table, the line may be a bit long, because who doesn’t want to eat where goats live above on the roof. Make sure to give yourself time in Sister Bay because the town is cutesy for sure. Cute shops line the street as well as a small walkway lines the shore. We stopped for breather here; one last deep breathe before heading back home.

The route back home had other detours along the way, because we were so close to Northport (the furthest point on the Wisconsin “thumb”), might as well drive there. Northport led to Gills Rock that led to Bailey’s Harbor, where we stopped for lunch. How many cute little towns can Door County have? Every single one is cute! Lunch was found at Harbor Fish Market and Grille: great outdoor seating overlooking the water with fabulous service. After lunch, a little window shopping, then back on the road to home.

Speaking of home, we made one last detour to Algoma. Where is and what’s in Algoma? It may not be a typical tourist stop, but when your friend used to live there, you just have to go see her home. Thanks Jessie for sharing with us where you grew up. Algoma is a cute town and guess what? It has a winery. We had to stop in at the von Stiehl Winery, Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery, and partake in a tasting. I found a few favorites despite the fact that I usually don’t like wine. I do like the sweet versions so found an Orange Muscat, a Sweet Cherry, and a Sparkling Crimson Royale. I may or may not have bought a few bottles; to support the local economy of course. A bottle or two may or may not be given as a Christmas gift this year. A bottle may or may not get drunk before that. Who knows? LOL

The beauty of traveling solo is that you can detour and zig and zag at will. Usually, when you are traveling with others, these opportunities are lost. I have to say though, this trip, we zigged, we zagged, and we LOVED it.

If you are looking for a long week or a jam-packed weekend, Door County is the place to be. Go to relax, go to drink, or go to be active. Door County has everything. Thank you Door County for the hospitality!!

Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:

Alli L

For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook

July 7, 2020August 2, 2020

Coleman, Wisconsin Day Trip (March 7, 2020)

So being a Solo Traveler does not always mean a far away destination for weeks at a time. You will get to read more of those stories soon to Tanzania, Romania, and Iceland, but for this next adventure, I only drove 2.5 hours away, spent a matter of 30 minutes at my destination, then turned around and drove back home. Where in the world is such a place that is worth a 2.5 hour drive just to spend 30 minutes? Well, it is a town called Coleman, Wisconsin. Yes, I had to look it up too to find out it is north of Green Bay and only a population of 836; no not thousands, just 836 people.

What in the world could have driven me to such a small, not much going on kind of town? A town with what is called a Main Street, but there is nothing main about it. It is truly one of those towns that if you blink, you will miss it, as I did. I was in search of one building. I looked left when I should have looked right, then next thing I know I am out of town headed for some farm land. Had to turn back around and creep through town, looking for that one structure. Not even sure it was a whole structure by itself, as it looked like it was connected to another building.

Finally, I saw it; the red door that was the entrance into the reason I was there. I had found…wait, wait. I should probably tell you a bit of the back story first.

When I travel, I love to find the local thing, the local product whether it is local food, local drink, or local event. That is what makes the trip even more special, is to indulge into the local flair. As you can see from my Wisconsin Rapid trip, I indulged in “craneberries”. So what is in Coleman, Wisconsin for one to indulge in? How many times can I say indulge in one paragraph? LOL.

I have a fascination, a curiosity to a particular liquid drink. Wherever I am in the world, I research to see if there is such a liquid drink factory in the nearby area. Most areas so far have had such a factory from Flensburg, Germany to Negril, Jamaica to the island of Mauritius. So living in Wisconsin, home of beer, brats, and cheese curds, AND cranberries, of course, I wondered, could there be such a factory in Wisconsin? It didn’t even dawn on me to look the first year I was here, as I thought the state was flooded by beer only. I soon learned that bourbon is also a thing here with the Old Fashions. Bourbon does connect Wisconsin to my Kentucky roots. I do not like the taste of bourbon though.

So, here I am wondering around in Woodman’s (the locally employee-owned supermarket) and notice they have a liquor store off the main drag. Go in there just to see what kind of liquor beverages are “on tap” and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a bottle of Smooth Sailing Rum, but no tiny reindeer. It was like one of those moments when all is right in the world. RUM! That is my jam!! The bottle has an anchor on it with a rope, NOW you have my full attention. I was a Navy Sailor once upon a career, and me and anchors go way back. So, I was thinking, didn’t matter what the rum tasted like, I wanted it. I needed to add it to my collection.

But, getting back to buying local, just because rum is in a grocery store doesn’t mean it is from the area. I turn the bottle over curious where it was made, and another AHHHHH, all is right with the world, it had a Wisconsin address; Coleman, Wisconsin to be exact. So where in the heck is Coleman? I googled right then and there to find out Coleman is only 2.5-ish hours away. It was 4pm, so not going to happen today, I thought. It was Wednesday. Could I wait for the weekend? Did I need to take a day off work to go to Coleman? I decided to do some more research. Was it an active distillery? Did the company provide tours? What was the company that distilled it? Is toffee the only flavor (as indicated on this bottle) that was distilled? So many questions, so I emailed the “contact us” link. Had a wonderful chat with Curt, the owner, who is so busy and pretty much a one-man show, who also said he doesn’t have time for tours. Thanked me for my 24-year Navy service and said I could find Smooth Sailing Rum in just about any liquor store or grocery store; just had to click on the location link to find where sold.

I thanked him for his time and then mapped out where Coleman is and how to get there. Hmmmmm, even though no distillery tours and no retail shop, still had in my mind that in order to truly enjoy Smooth Sailing Rum from Coleman, Wisconsin, I must drive to Coleman, Wisconsin and see for myself. I needed to experience Coleman with its 836 population, take a driving tour, and stop at a local liquor store to buy my rum. So, on Saturday, I fueled up my car and headed north. Fortunately, it was a gorgeous day for driving and I had no other plans than to drive, oh about 5 hours round trip, in search of rum. Found out it is made by The North Woods Distillery and so on I drove, past Appleton, past Osh Kosh, past Green Bay, and many other little towns in between, and then the sign of Coleman came into view.

And now you know the rest of the story, almost. Yep, drove right past the red door because I was looking to my left instead of right, turned around, and ahhhhhhh, there it was, the North Woods Distillery sign above the little red door. Yep, it was closed as it is truly just a distillery with no tours and no retail shop. Not that I thought Curt was lying to me, just wanted to see it for myself. I parked, took some pictures (in a Chevy Chase type Vacation moment), hopped back in my car, then drove to the nearest liquor store (which was inside the Cougar Shell gas station) to purchase my bottle (okay I bought two bottles because I thought I would have the first bottle empty in a matter of weeks). LOL

Bought my two bottles, and headed home!!!!

Got home and had my first taste of this awesomeness called Smooth Sailing Rum (Toffee flavor). My oh my, no other ingredient needed. You can “smooth”ly take a shot without burn or after taste. The toffee really makes it a drink all its own, but yes it makes a great base for mixed cocktails as well.

I took it to a party, which started a chain reaction of friends buying their own bottle or two. Pretty sure I am responsible for selling about 15 bottles!!!

So, a toast to The Solo Traveler who goes 5 hours out of their way for a perfect bottle of rum!!!

Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:

Alli L

For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook

June 28, 2020August 2, 2020

Pictured Rocks Weekend Camping (June 19-21, 2020)

Looking for that picture perfect getaway? Look no further than Munising, Michigan. Never heard of it? What about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? To say this area is extraordinarily beautiful would still be an understatement. The colors, the layers, the formations are truly picture perfect, especially by kayak. Where are Munising and Pictured Rocks? It is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or the UP as locals call it. Once you have been on the waters of Lake Superior, you will understand how the lakeshore got its name.

If you don’t know where Munising is, you may want to look it up, as it is as far north as one can get in Michigan without a boat. We were literally on the north side of the land bridge that connects Michigan to Wisconsin above Lake Michigan. The drive for us was about five hours, and was a beautiful drive hugging the coast line of the great lake of Michigan crossing into the peninsula, and eventually landed on the land mass that separates Lake Michigan from Lake Superior. Did you know that Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes? Did you know that Lake Superior is the coldest of the lakes? Did you know that Lake Superior has a depth of over 1300 feet in some locations? There is a volcano under all that water. Well, I now have 1001 facts about Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, but like with the cranberries, will not share them all here. You’ll just have to stop in and gather your own facts. I just kept learning more and more as we paddled along the lakeshore of Pictured Rocks on our 11 mile kayak journey.

But wait, let me back up just a bit as we didn’t just drive up and jump in our kayaks. We drove to the Bay Furnace campground, which is part of the Hiawatha National Forest, where we set up camp for the weekend. Where is that you say? In Christmas! Yep, there is a town called Christmas, population 1071, and the Bay Furnace is located right there. A big Santa statue greets you on your way in, but don’t blink, or you will miss Christmas. Cute little town with a casino and a couple of local favorite restaurants.

Having a long weekend was just the right amount of time for this trip. Left Friday morning, drove the five hours through small towns and beautiful scenery with a few stops along the way. Thankful for Escanaba as that was the last “big” town before hitting the UP. Make sure you gas up there, not only your car, but yourself as well. We actually stopped at a sandwich shop, then drove to the State Fair Grounds nearby to have a picnic style lunch at the park’s gazebo. Perfect place to stop and stretch the legs before getting back into the car and heading to the campground.

Once at the campground, we were thankful the rain held off, so we could set up tents and go on a short walk around the area. Lake Superior borders the grounds with a beautiful view of the massive body of water. Time to take some selfies and explore the area. Nearby is the namesake of the campground where iron ore was smelted so many decades ago. Did you know that glass rock can be found along the shoreline? But as researched has shown, it is obsidian or is it iron slag? Obsidian is made by the forces of volcanic nature while slag is made by the forces of man. Go do some exploration of the shoreline around Bay Furnace and see what you think. Is is Obsidian or slag?? Since both volcanic activity and iron ore activities took place in this same area, it could be either!! Curious to see what everyone else thinks.

Now time to walk back to camp for some dinner and to rest up for our paddling adventure the next day.

Saturday comes and it is rainy, but after all is said and done, rain should not be a show stopper, because kayaking in and around this lakeshore was so worth it. This is the part of the story where I became that Solo Traveler. My friends were already coupled up, leaving me to be the solo rider in a tandem kayak. I didn’t know all the kayaks were tandem. So that changed the dynamics, but to my benefit, I got to partner up with the tour guide. SCORE!! I got all the touristy info and then some, and some really cool backside photos. Logan was so well versed in Pictured Rock geology and history, it was awesome to have him in my kayak spitting off fact after fact. You know, all those 1001 facts about Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior. But sorry, you don’t get all the facts here, so you will just have to plan a trip with Uncle Ducky and hear the facts for yourself. I can tell you though; Pictured Rocks is nothing like I have ever seen. The colors that literally paint the rocks are fascinating with the reds and oranges of iron, the browns and blacks of manganese, the white of limonite; and if you are lucky, the teal/blue of copper. Going through split rocks and small caves to sandy beaches was just so amazing. The landscape of the area is hard to put into words. Is hard to paint a picture (huh pun on words). Pictured Rocks is truly a must see to comprehend. So, go ahead and plan your next trip to Lake Superior and Pictured Rocks. I promise you will not be disappointed. Well, you might be disappointed if you are not an outdoorsy person, so keep that in mind, but if you love kayaking, exploring nature, and geological wonders, then definitely plan your next trip to Munising.

And yes, while Munising is a small town, there are plenty of restaurants, like Foggy’s, where we gorged after the all day water ride. Oh, oh, and you must have a Pasty (rhymes with nasty)!!! What is a Pasty? I had to ask the same question. It is best described as a crimped pastry filled with goodies like meat, potatoes, vegetables, or any variety thereof. There is also a few breakfast versions with sausage and eggs. My friends recommended I try one as it is the UP thing to do. I did. I loved it. It was a great complement to the six mile run a few of us had done on Sunday morning before packing up and leaving.

Yes, if you are a runner, the trails that border the lakeshore are simply gorgeous. Early morning run with the mist coming in off the lake is truly peaceful. Thanks to Dr. J for running with me and sharing in the Terabithian experience!

Thank you to my friends who made this trip so special, as I hung up my Solo Traveler hat briefly and embraced the value of friendship.

Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:

Alli L

For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook

June 18, 2020August 2, 2020

Bermuda Racecation (January 16-22, 2020)

The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle has been solved. Now, if you are looking for some scientific phenomena explained here, go elsewhere. This report goes deeper than any scientist has gone before. Ready for it? Here it is: the reason that people “disappear” in Bermuda is because once there, you never WANT to come back. Let me explain.

So, I found out that Marathon Travel and Tours (MTT) had this really unique trip organized for runners. Yep, three days, three races. I had already been training for something, so thought, why not? I will sign up for three races in three days. Long weekend, get some running in, and boom back home in a jiffy. Well, once I got that package all booked with flight, race entry, and hotel, I bought a book. The Frommer’s Travel Guide to Bermuda. Now, the race package was just that; an organized plan to get you to the races and get you feed in between. But, after I read through the Frommer’s Guide, I knew I needed to extend my trip by a few days or so. I read and read and read about Bermuda, the pink sands, the emerald blue waters, the hospitality, and the easy of navigation. You see where I am going with my disappearing act?

I decided to arrive on Thursday night, as the first race was Friday night. That would give me a whole day to relax, acclimate, and be ready for the 8pm one-miler. I didn’t want to walk around too much the day before the races, so just took in the local scenery near to the hotel in the Hamilton Parish and explore in and around the Hamilton Princess Hotel itself. A whole day spent within a mile radius sitting by the water, dipping in the pool, planning out my after race days, and looking at moongates (believed to give newlyweds enduring happiness when passed through).

Night time approaches and I am off to the races, literally. Join my corral, horn blows, and off I go. Running so fast, which I did not plan, as I thought I need to save my legs for Race 2 and Race 3 the next few days. But I couldn’t help it. The horn sounds and everyone just takes off. My adrenalin starts pumping, the crowd is cheering, the weather is amazing, and before you know it, 8 min 24 seconds later, I cross the finish line. My fastest mile ever.

For those of you who are reading this and are runners, I know you can appreciate that time. But since this post is less about the running and more about Bermuda, let me cut to Bermuda. But wait, for me, Bermuda WAS about the running too. That was the whole reason I went there for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge (a 1-miler on Friday, a 10K on Saturday, and a Full Marathon on Sunday). Bed right after the race on Friday, up early on Saturday. Nice breakfast provided by the hotel and MTT team, and off to the races again. Another gorgeous day with blue skies, blue water, the friendliest people I may have ever met (thanks Natalie D for taking me picture on course), and rum. Yes, rum at the end provided by Goslings. Had my first Dark-n-Stormy. Delicious and free for all runners and guests.

Since the race was finished and all festivities such of the Gombey Dancers, Bermuda’s premier folk art dancers, was over around noon, decided to save my legs and take a bus to St. George. This area is the furthest, northeastern part of the island and also where the airport is located. Took the local bus system (which is super easy to use) to St. George and explored on foot all over town. A fellow passenger got off the bus with me for my first stop and guided me where I wanted to go, which was the Unfinished Church. Up the steep hill I walked to the Church, which is really the remnants of a church gone by with such deep history. Pretty cool to see and once there, a great view looking back over the ocean. From there, I visit several local shops for perfume and nautical gear and of course, souvenirs. I found a restaurant nearby to enjoy the sunset and some local cuisine. No drinking of alcohol, because Sunday was going to be an early and looooong day.

Sunday comes, super early wake up call, and the coolest part, a ferry ride over to the starting point of the marathon. We were going to run 26.2 miles from Point A to Point B with no loops and no out and back. Runners, I know you can appreciate this as well. We got to run from the Royal Naval Dockyard all the way through small town after small town, taking in all of the island (up and down hills), all the way to the finish line. What an amazing course and rum was on course at three different spots. I have NEVER been a “drinking and running” kind of girl, but hey, when in Bermuda, right? Decided I would partake in the spirits on course, and not sure if it was the alcohol or great training, but never felt any pain while running!!!! Exhaustion yes, pain no.

And to the finish I go with an official completion of the The Royal Gazette Bermuda Triangle Challenge 2020. All runners who completed the challenge; received 4 medals (3 medals one for each race, and a fourth medal for completing the challenge). So cool. But even cooler were the two ladies I met the night before that cheered me on at the end. I love the kind of trips that you make friends on that you just know you will always stay in contact with. Well, Sally and Michelle were such two friends. They said that would try to stick around and see me finish, and they did. Thank you Sally and Michelle and thank you Bermuda for making my trip worthwhile. But wait, there’s more.

So that was the running part, now for the “touristy” part. On Sunday, I just needed to rest my legs and the rest of my body, so just walked around the downtown area a bit window shopping, then back to the hotel for some soaking in the pool. Wanted an early bedtime so I could wake up and be a tourist for the next 3 days. You will definitely want to have at least three whole days to tour all of Bermuda. I basically toured the entire island, all by foot or bus transportation in the time that I was there.

Monday comes. I am well rested and ready see the island. Thomas Moore, an Irish poet, was inspired by the beauty of the island and wrote many a romantic word for his love found in Bermuda. I had learned about Thomas Moore from a movie I watched many years ago. When I saw his name pop up the Frommer’s Guide, I knew I wanted to see his stopping grounds, now called Tom Moore’s Jungle. The area had a jungle feel to it, but also areas right by the water with a few small caves to look in. Across the way was the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, so I stopped there to snorkel in their along the secluded beach. Note to self: Grotto Bay is the only all-inclusive resort in Bermuda. Yes, I had carried my snorkel gear and wet suit with me on the bus. Just plopped myself on a nearby chair, donned the wetsuit and splashed right into the water. Spent over an hour just floating around, viewing a few sunken boats, and watching fish swim by. Such a relaxing day, especially after three races in three days. Then, packed up my gear, boarded the bus to The Swizzle Inn to have a Swizzle (home of the original Swizzle drink made with Goslings Rum). After that, walked across the street to explore the Crystal Caves. The caves offer a guided tour where you descend pretty far down a naturally made corridor to view some of the most preserved cavern structures I have ever seen. There are two entrances to two separate cave systems and I highly recommend both.

After about two hours hanging out there (all near to the St. George area), hopped back on the bus heading southwest to the Southampton Parish and Horseshoe Bay. When you hear about Bermuda and the pink sands, this is the area that really brings out the pink “carpet”. The pink color is derived from millions of tiny sea creatures being crushed by the power of the waves resulting in a pink hue to the sand. Plan to spend some time on this side of the island because one could really disappear from the world, if not careful. I spent the rest of the afternoon here, just walking from beach area to beach area, spending some time sitting on the coral rock and finding peace with the world. Only had my phone in hand to capture some gorgeous footage of what paradise really looks like. Fast forward about three hours, and now the sun is setting, and it is time to head back to the hotel for another round tomorrow.

Tuesday is my last day on the island, so want to make the most of it. I wake up to rain, but never fear, there is much to do even if rain comes my way. I found the Ocean Discovery Centre @ Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and literally spent hours in there on just one floor, on just one section. Yep, you guessed it, the Bermuda Triangle: Unlock the Secrets exhibit. I was and still am so intrigued with the mysteries within the Bermuda Triangle that I read every word on every poster on every wall. And you know what the funny thing is? I must have “disappeared” myself, because I finally looked up to realize I was the only one there, and then looked at my watch to realize, it was one minute to closing time. I thought I better make my way back up to the top floor (exhibit was in the basement), but I wanted to read one more poster. As I rounded the corner, a security guard had just locked the exhibit doors and turned around to see me, saying, “Oh, where did you come from? I didn’t see you here when I made my rounds to lock up.” I had been there the whole time!!! Lucky he saw me, or I wouldn’t have been able to get out. Or should I say unlucky, as I wanted to read the rest of the displays. I had quickly noticed the vending machines and bathrooms within the confines of the exhibit). I would have been perfectly happy to spend the rest of the night in the museum reading all the facts and munching on a Snickers bar.

After escaping the museum, was truly hungry, so moseyed on over to the Pickled Onion for my last supper and one last rum drink before my flight the next morning. As I sat there enjoying life, I met the most wonderful waitress, who has become a welcomed friend as well. Bonita and I talked about dreams, life, and the beauty of positive people. Bonita, you are such a positive woman and am so glad our paths crossed.

So you see, I was not sad for my last night, as I KNEW I would be back for Bermuda. I knew Bermuda was what I truly needed at that moment; to disappear from the world and be surrounded by beautiful waters and beautiful people. The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle is not a mystery at all; once you have been there, you never want to return back home.

My plans are to visit Bermuda again in January 2021, so if anyone would like to join me for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge or just to hang out as a tourist, message me. Serious inquiries only.

Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:

Alli L

For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook

June 14, 2020August 2, 2020

Wisconsin Rapids Weekend Retreat (June 12-14, 2020)

Craneberries, what’s now cranberries, oh my! I just recently learned that Wisconsin is known for cranberries. I suppose if I had paid attention, I would have realized this sooner, since the cranberry is the state fruit. And who knew all those Ocean Spray cranberry commercials were from the central Wisconsin area. So, being the science and need to know a thousand facts kind of nerd, I went in search of cranberry knowledge. I ended up in the heart of cranberry land known to others as the Wisconsin Rapids area. There is a 50 mile Cranberry Highway that guides you through the most concentration of cranberry marshes in the whole world. This central area is the perfect soil for growing cranberries due to the glacial geology and minerals left behind during the Ice Age.

So, I will not share all thousand facts of cranberries with you here, not the intent of this post, but if you do want to know more, definitely come visit for a long weekend.

I got here late Friday morning, walked around the Trumpeter Trail in Sandhill Wildlife area for about seven miles, which right now, only the walking path is open. The area is so peaceful and quiet, and much undisturbed, so many butterflies and flowers to be seen (lupine, hawkweed, the endangered Karner Blue butterfly) along with an occasional black squirrel, rabbit, or if you are lucky a bison or two. Yep, Sandhill Wildlife area has a small herd of bison! You can learn more about that on their website (not going to give you a thousand facts about bison here).

After that, drove around the Cranberry Highway that takes you through Babcock, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, and back near Wisconsin Rapids. Just search on Cranberry Highway and you will find the route. The cranberry beds are just starting to grow this time of year, but in a few weeks will blossom with a white crane-looking flower, then in late September to early October will turn into the red fields that you see in the commercials.

After being outside all day, I finally made it to my settling place for the night. A magnificent, wonderful bed and breakfast simply named Le Chateau The Manor. The word manor does not do it justice. The rightful title is mansion, the John Arpin Mansion to be exact. This 1889 Queen Anne Victorian has been restored, and the current owners, Faye and Bill lovely and meticulously devote their heart to making “family” feel comfortable with all parts of their stay. Faye can tell you so much of the history of the mansion, of the area, and of the cranberries, just as if you were a part of her family. Bill can tell you the pains of maintaining such a home with such caring in every “honey do list”. The mansion has many guest’s rooms from suites to single rooms for a solo traveler such as myself who stayed in the Chickadee Room. They do have an anniversary suite though, if you are wanting a romantic getaway with your significant other. In fact, I met a beautiful couple from Milwaukee who were celebrating their 28th year.

Saturday started off early with a 13 mile run alongside the Wisconsin River. Just had to walk across the street to pick up the bike/running path. Ran up the calm part of the river, then back down to the dam and onto the rapids part of the river. So soothing, if you like running that is.

Got back just in time for a homemade breakfast of fresh fruit yogurt, spinach/mushroom quiche, with some blueberry French toast. All served with cranberry juice and if you had room after that, some cranberry cookies left over from the night before.

After breakfast, decided since I walked seven miles Friday and ran 13 this morning, I would take it easy and enjoy some local shopping and exploration. Headed out to Rubi Reds, which is a cute little cranberry shop not too far from Le Chateau Manor, and highly recommended by Faye. A cute little town indeed. In fact, while I was buying some cranberry gifts for a few friends and family members, Faye walks in. You need cranberry tea, Rubi Reds has it. Cranberry liquor or wine; a yes to that. Cranberry soap, yes. And thank goodness they ship!

Onto the town of Rudolph for some cheese, because you know Wisconsin is most famous for cheese, so let’s go check it out. I saw the action of cheese curds being made. No, they are not the remnants of cheese gone by, they are actually made into small chunks/curds on purpose. Fascinating! I will not get into the thousands details about cheese curds, but just visit the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company and see for yourself. I even took a picture of the curd vat, and it said, “Cheese”. Okay, okay, I know that was a cheesy joke!

Nearby the curds is a wonderful garden of healing built by Father Philip Wagner starting back in 1927. Father Wagner had been sick for a long while and prayed for healing. Before healing even came, he vowed to build a testament to the healing powers of God now known as The Rudolph Grotto Garden. Plan to spend a bit of time here, as there is so much to take in with the life of Jesus and his beloved mother Mary. So much to marvel at with each stone that is place in the making of bridges and Ebenezers and even a cave. While the gardens are one price for the public to roam, the cave does ask for an additional $3 donation. Might I suggest to donate that money, as for me, that is where true healing and peace was felt. I will not share what is inside the cave, but I pray that you will venture in and hopefully come out feeling blessed.

And course, for those of you who are not all about the nature, but maybe just want to know where to shop or eat. Well, I can only tell you of my experience, of which I ended up in the Call It New/Call It Antique shop. One side is all about the antique taste for shopping while the other side is more of a thrift store. I love going into antique shops with never a mind to buy anything. This antique shop went on and on and on with so many booths and unique items; and that was the first floor. Yes, there are three floors to boggle the mind, and believe me, after a few hours of looking at everything, my mind was boggled. Did not leave empty handed either!

Now, the day is closing and evening is setting in, so what better way than to have a delicious meal near the river side. Found my way to the Anchor Bay Bar and Grill, well, because I love anchors, so why not. Best decision as the river is literally in the front yard, where boats could dock for some grub and a drink. Enjoyed my meal on the outdoor patio under the beautiful rays of sun.

Sadly, my last night approaches, so I head back to Le Chateau Manor for a night cap…of cranberry cookies that is. Tonight, Faye also made some chocolate peanut butter cookies. So delicious! I sat out on the wrap around deck overlooking the river to enjoy my last night of peace and much needed getaway.

Sunday, I awake to yet another wonderfully homemade breakfast. I don’t want to leave as the real world will soon be upon me, but for one last moment, I sit and take in all that is Wisconsin Rapids, and bid adieu to a much needed and healing vacation.

Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want:

Alli L

For all the photos, go to @TheSoloTraveler50 on Facebook