After we left the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota, we continued onto our final destination, our next home base, Northern Wisconsin. We left Minnesota through the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) and entered into Wisconsin. This state is known as America’s Dairyland. I guess that is why it is famous for its cheese.
While we drover, further and further northward, we expected to come across one farm after another. Honestly, it seemed like we saw more farms in Iowa. However, we did see farms, rolling hills and then we saw lakes and forest. Now, although we had traveled further north, in the Eastern United States (Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine), than we ever had, we still had never ventured this far north within the United States. We are further north than the most northern tip of Maine.
When we arrived in the county where we were going to be staying, there was snow everywhere and the lakes, of which there are many, were all 100% completely frozen. When we reached the little town just down the road from our new home base, we were literally driving through feet of snow! In April! All I could think was “Welcome To Wisconsin.”
After we made it to our house, we jumped out, surveyed the house from one side to the other and unloaded. As is our custom, we worked on it and were setup like we had always lived here within a day. But, this really was a brand new adventure unlike anything we had experienced, nature-wise.
Our house is 100 feet from the lake. And we saw a majestic bald eagle soaring over the lake. I had only seen one bald eagle in the wild before. Oddly enough it was in Naples, Florida and it was on the bank of a lake eyeing a duck and its ducklings. We have seen multiple beavers in the lake and in the creek right next to the house. And, on top of all of that, while driving down the road, Mama Nomad saw an albino deer! Northern Wisconsin is supposed to be home to over 25,000 black bears. Since we saw two, up close and personal, in Pennsylvania, I am hoping we can forego seeing them here. Hahaha!
With all of the feet and feet of snow, we, of course had to take advantage of it. Trevor and Ethan went out in the front yard and built a snowman. Ethan further built a small igloo. Then, on the weekend, we all went outside, pitched in and shoveled snow from a 30′ x 30′ area and piled it into one spot. We packed it, piled, it, packed it and piled it some more. Eventually, we had the basis for a snow building with a strong structural integrity. I began to hollow the center out and got a little ways in. Noah went outside the next day and finished hollowing it out about 1/2 way to 2/3 of the structure. What a blast!
A few weeks later the snow melted and it has been about 30°F at night and 60°F during the day. Our home base is surrounded by multiple lakes, dense forest, hiking and walking trails, creeks and more. Most of the time we use our home base as a jumping point to visit nearby places and events. Which, we did go to see some funnily painted cow statues, the biggest talking loon and largest penny since we have been here.
We also journeyed to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to see the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. That day was weird. We dropped 30 degrees in 1/4 mile as we approached the lake. Incidentally, the lake and the surrounding area where we were was beautiful. Side note, not many amenities so bring a full tank and food.
But I digress, this time, I think a vast majority of our time is going to be spent exploring the woods, lakes and creeks around us. Maybe get in some canoeing, fishing and some outdoor skills development. We are in a woodland wonderland and again, all I can think is “Welcome To Wisconsin.” Safe Travels.
