ROCK ISLAND - PART 2

I'll need a vacation after this one and because there's so much to share, this is my 2nd post today.....

On the rocky cliff where the lighthouse sits, you'll find a steep path that leads downward to two caves where supplies were kept cool during the summer months. Further down, there are now stairs that lead to the rocky shore of Lake Michigan.....pristine with a soothing sound as the waves ripple over the rocks.

We walked over 6 miles on the trails......where 3 cemeteries can be found along the way. This single stone in a rather large fenced off cemetery gave me a sad feeling. In case it's unreadable once posted.....here's what it says: David E. Corbin born Vermont 1975 SGT War of 1812

1st keeper of the Pottawatomie Light 1837-1852 Died December 1852.

The DNR has done a great job of providing informative placards around the island and on remaining structures which was helpful on our self-guided tour. I took close up photos of this one which was referring to what is now being called "Hidden Village". It explains that a small fishing village was established in 1836, though the site is mostly rubble now.

By about 1865 most of the residents had relocated to Washington Island where the then larger ships could be provided with a safe harbor. The last family left around 1890.

This impressive boat house is now used as a museum......

And what'da know?? Archaeologists who've studied the island have found many trade beads......who'd have guessed that my outing would bring me in touch with two of my favorites things....quilts and beads!

ROCK ISLAND/ANTIQUE QUILTS

I'll continue sharing my Wisconsin sightseeing adventures today with photos of Rock Island State Park which is 900 acres, originally the home of the Thordsarson Estate which has now been entered in the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the Interior.

This island too can only be accessed by ferry......however, unlike Washington Island, no autos or bicycles are permitted. We took this small passenger ferry for a pleasant 15 minute voyage to Wisconsin's furthest northeast point. Karfi, an Icelandic term means: seaworthy ship for coastal voyages.

With 35 walk in campsites.....all full we were told, we saw hearty folks hauling about 10 times the 'stuff' we quilters would bring for a quilt retreat. The closest site was about 1 mile from the dock.....I couldn't believe the many trips they'd make hauling their tents, food, packs, tons of tote bags, fishing gear, kayaks......it was mouth dropping. I got tired just watching them.

There are 8 walking trails of varying length on the island. This elaborate wooden fence is the entrance to what was once a garden and now the pathway to the lighthouse.

I loved the idea of providing a place for those who can stop themselves from defacing trees, posts, fences etc.

This is Potawatomi Light.....Wisconsin's oldest lighthouse which came into operation in 1836.

We were lucky enough to tour it.......and were surprised at the very nice accommodations the keepers had. We were told it was one way to entice someone out there for months on end. This is the view from a tiny window on the 2nd floor.

A big surprise was to find so many quilts........

Sometimes the keeper would bring his wife to stay as an assistant......which explains this sewing machine.

What a treat to step back in time......

ENJOYING NATURE

For a number of years, I was one of the faculty members at Sievers School of Fiber Arts on Washington Island, WI. Naturally, while teaching workshops there was little time to explore the many riches this beautiful place provides.....but this visit is for R & R......so now I can.....

The island is accessed only by car ferry (or private plane). The 'cruise' takes about 30 mins. from Gils Landing in Door County. (If you look at a map of Wisconsin.....follow the thumb to the very end....that's where the ferry dock is located.

The day could not have been more perfect.....sunshine, warm weather, with Lake Michigan's waters hardly making a ripple as we head out of the dock.

About half way across we spot the ferry taking passengers and their cars from Washington Island to the mainland.

We stayed at a small inn right on the shores of the lake. This is the view from our balcony.

There are no restuarant chains on the island....no hotel chains either, instead, visitors explore the local eateries. The Sailors Pub is located in this busy marina.

'The husband' admired this man and his toy! It's a boat lift crossing the street......

This is a public beach.....the cove is popular for its calm waters and smooth rocky shore.

Surprisingly, there is a steep cliff on what is otherwise a flat island. This section of stairs was one of 4 that turned it's way up to the top of a lookout tower.

What a view.......all the way out to Lake Michigan. It's good to take the time to stop and smell the fresh air!

WILD LIFE

We are grateful for friends who have great 'toys'.......puttering around on 13 lakes chain of lakes is sure a pleasant way to spend the afternoon in the UP of Michigan.

Though our wild life viewing did not include bear or wolf.....we did see deer which are in abundance there. Apparently the introduction of wolves in the general area is succeeding too well.......and lots of controversy rages about the ever growing population and the destruction of cattle etc.

Morley, their personality filled dog kept watch......

We were treated with many eagle sightings......look carefully at the center tree......this nest was huge....both 'parents' were there and we suspect some little ones too.

Loons are always a special treat to see and hear......

I commented about the tree line near the water as we passed many of the shorelines. I mistakenly assumed the horizontal appearance of the lower branches was due to winter snow/ice. Not so.......it's damage from deer...they love to munch on cedar trees, especially in the winter of course.....and that's as far as they can reach.

More outdoor adventures continue.....which are actually happening faster in real life than I can post.......

R & R

Everyone needs a little R & R.......and we've enjoyed two days with friends who spend summers in the 'Northwoods'.....near the Wisconsin/Michigan border.

Although quilting isn't a hobby enjoyed in this house......I see potential.....look at these lovely inlaid patterns on the lands of their stair case.

The above and below photos were taken from their deck, overlooking Morley Lake....one of just 13 in the chain of lakes they can enjoy right from their dock.

Most of the road in the 'Northwoods' look like this........

But if you look carefully, other treasures are visible....enjoy the scenery......

North Woods

Do you know what the therm 'North Woods" means? If you don't these photos won't make any sense to you.....but for those that do........smile on.....

After several hours trolling 13 lakes on the chain of lakes near Watersmeet, MI on a pontoon book.......I lunched at Bents Camp....... OH my.....the decor is what living in the North Woods of WI or MI is all about....and the subject of my quilt "Party Animals".....now in a private collection.....

I can't possibly explain the meaning of these......except for a two....

The paneling and ceiling in the restaurant bar was birch bark...yes, actual bark off birch trees!

Interesting curtain/valance rods.....

My internet connection may be iffy from tomorrow until Friday......so stay tuned...I've got some interesting experiences to share with you.....

BACK HOME AGAIN

They say you can't go home again.....but this view makes me feel very much at home.....Cornfields (taken somewhere near Rockford, IL) as far at the eye can see in August!

Now I know I'm nearly home.......the best sweet corn EVER.....from a farm in Harvard, IL

Walking memory lane further......a friend won these quilts for a reduced price at an opening of an antique store in Brodhead, WI while we were shopping about 20+ years ago. She is not a quilter so I put them together for her, then layered and quilted it...... She's kept the quilt in perfect condition....absolutely no fading has occurred.

These old blue and white quilts were some of my favorites when I began quilting and that preference really hasn't changed. Someday I hope to make some myself....my stash awaits.

AAQI - NEW EXHIBIT

Ami Sims, Founder and Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative has announced a new exhibit is being created. It's called "Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope. It will be exhibited at venues through the US from January 2011 through December 2015.

It will replace the current exhibit: Alzheimer's Forgetting Piece by Piece after it retires at the end of 2010.

"Alzheimer's Illustrated" will feature 182 quilts.....like the one pictured (sorry about the size....I grabbed it off the ALZ website and it didn't translate well.) Each will measure 6" wide by 7 feet tall....consisting of 55 purples patches, wrong side out marked with the name of a person who has/had Alzheimer's disease.

Your help is needed: rent a panel and collect names, or help with the quilting of a panel. I've volunteered to hand quilt one and it's on the way to me now. Additionally, 52 small quilts, selected from quilts donated to the Priority Alzheimer's Quilt auction will accompany the exhibit. It's not too late to make a small quilt.

Please consider helping this worthy cause...for detailed information, click on the link highlighted above. Every effort counts....since AAQI began, more than $285,000 has been raised for Alzheimer's Research. Quilters do make a difference.