Point Beach State Park, Wisconsin

July 25th

The temperature was much nicer last night and we slept better. The National weather map is showing cooler temperatures around Lake Michigan, so we are heading to a campground right on the lake. We saw some beautiful country side along the way. Farms and forests all merged together, we even got to see Lambeau field as was drove through Green Bay. Once we reached our campsite and got out of the truck, we were immediately swarmed with bugs again. There is a path that leads to the lake from our campsite, and it is only about 30 yards away. We walked to the lake to see if we could escape the bugs. Wow! Lake Michigan is amazing. It really does feel like you are at the ocean. White sand beaches, gentling lapping waves, and endless blue water stretching out for as far as you can see. The water is very clear too. Mia and Kathy went swimming while I walked along the shore. I soon realized that the flies on the beach are worse than anything we had at the campsite. They bite and they are relentless. They won’t disperse when you shake your legs. The only relief from them is to be in the water. Just wading seemed to keep them at bay.

July 26th

We moved campsites this morning. Our new site has room for Melinda and Tim. The new site also has a swamp next to it too, so the bugs are still pretty bad. As soon as Tim and Melinda showed up, we all went to the lake to swim. I’m still amazed by the lake. It’s like being at the ocean, with out the salt water, or sharks. It was good to see my sister and Tim. We had dinner together (and wine), and played cards. They have a screen room, so we could sit outside and enjoy the weather without being eaten alive. I’m going to have to buy one of these.

July 27th

Kathleen drove to the nearest town today to find good internet service (she is working for Copperfield’s Books again. Long Story). While she was gone Tim, Melinda, Mia and I took our bikes for a ride. There is a great bike trail that runs through the state forest and continues down the coast. We headed south hoping to see the lighthouse on the State Beach, but after about 3 miles we realized that we probably missed it. Along the way I found a snapping turtle crossing the path. Mia wanted to get closer to it. “NO”, we all screamed in unison. After we told her what kind of turtle it was, she understood. It turns out that the light house is right near the ranger station we passed at the beginning of our bike ride. Mia rode over 6 miles on her bike and was exhausted. We rode just a little further to the concession stand, where we all had fried cheese curds and ice cream for lunch. Another dip in the lake this afternoon. Dinner and drinks again inside the screen room. After dinner we took walk to try and find fireflies. We did find a few, so Mia can check that off of her list.