We started out by going to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center. We were the only ones there. The park ranger asked if we wanted to watch the movie, so we had our own private showing. Very interesting. Glad we took the time to watch it. We had decided against the cruise since they were only running it at 10:00 a.m. and the light would not have been as good as on the sunset cruise. And nobody wanted to get up and get going early!
Then we headed to downtown Bayfield to wander around and shop. Everything is all decorated for fall and for Apple Fest. Quite festive. Had lunch at Maggie's—very slow service, but the food was good.
I stopped at the bank to change a $100 bill and the helpful teller asked what our plan was for the rest of the afternoon. Told her we were planning to visit some apple orchards. She provided me with a map and suggested that we go to the Sunset Valley Orchard. So, off we went.
They had great honeycrisp apples and the grower gave us some samples of his excellent apple cider. We all agreed it was the best we'd ever had. Unfortunately, we are running out of room in the car, so we didn't get any, but we did stock up on apples. Turns out it was his daughter-in-law at the bank! They've won the first place Apple Festival Fruit Grower Orchard Award, so it was a good referral.
We checked out a pottery place across the street from our house but managed not to spend any more money. Then back to our house to enjoy our lakeside deck for the last time.
Then we headed back downtown for the apple pie social and judging of apple pies. Lots of fun! Were served good apple pie with cinnamon ice cream and after the winners were announced, everyone got a chance to taste all the entries. A very festive start to Apple Fest! The hall was all decorated with lights and red and green balloons.
Walked out on the dock and watched the Madeline Island ferry come in from the island. Also admired all the sailboats in the harbor.
Decided we needed some solid food to top off the pie (remember, life is short—eat dessert first!), so went to the Pickled Herring Lounge across from the dock for a light supper.
Best photo op of the day: our apples escaped their bags and rolled all over the trunk. One rolled all the way to the back of the trunk. Carolyn announced that somebody would have to climb in to reach it. She was elected. Got a great picture of her triumphantly holding up the apple while still in the trunk!
It's been a great trip! Great company, good food, beautiful leaves, and gorgeous scenery. More gorgeous fall color today, particularly up by the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters which is in the old courthouse building. Tomorrow we have to pack up and head for Minneapolis. Heidi and Carolyn still have a bit of driving after tomorrow to get to Oklahoma and Texas, but tomorrow will be the end of the trip for me.
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