Wagon Trail Resort, Ellison Bay, WI: Decided to drive over to the Ridges Sanctuary at Bailey’s Harbor today. It’s turning into a beautiful day. While Mike was in the shower I went over to the office to take care of some computer stuff. Had a great signal for a change. Their wi-fi isn’t as good as the library. Set out around noon and we missed the turnoff for the Ridges but ended up at the Toft Natural Area which is on Rustic Road 39. Wisconsin has over 70 Rustic Roads which can be paved, gravel, sand, or just a couple of ruts. They go through some really beautiful natural areas. This one started out paved and turned into gravel. Then we parked and walked on an unofficial trail out to this beautiful lake shore with absolutely no signs of humanoids anywhere. We walked out on these flat rocks to the lake shore. We had a good view of Cana Island Lighthouse from this vantage point. It was just us, the gulls, some geese, and a couple of white pelicans. These flat rocks go out into the lake quite a ways before it drops off. We didn’t have water shoes on, so we didn’t venture out there. After enjoying this beautiful vista we headed back to take the trail back to the truck—and we couldn’t find the trail. There was a cairn where the trail came out of the woods, but we couldn’t find that either. We walked back and forth along the forest line several times before Mike finally found it. Thought we were going to have to call for help. Fortunately I had my cell phone with me. On the way back we found the turnoff for The Ridges which is also on a Rustic Road. We’ll go back there another day to hike some of the trails there. Stopped at the Blue Ox on the way back for a drink. Then back home. When we got back we had no water because one of our water connections apparently blew and we were spewing water and someone shut it off. So Mike had to head to the hardware store to get a new connection. 73 today and mostly sunny.

Cana Island Lighthouse off in the distance

This looks like sand--but it's all shells

Remote area of Lake Michigan