We discovered yesterday that our dinghy outboard wouldn’t start, so today we docked at Port Superior Marina, just outside of the town of Bayfield. This well-protected marina with 211 slips provides all cruising amenities, including on-site mechanics and a complete ships store.
We had planned to dock in the area in any case, as Jerry’s childhood friend, Janet Carlson (Bullock), summers in Bayfield. Population 610, this charming and historic town is a pleasant stopover for us and many other boaters. It has numerous restaurants and art and gift shops typical of towns catering to the tourist trade.
Bayfield was established in 1856, and is named after Admiral Henry Bayfield who conducted the first complete survey of Lake Superior. Lumbering, fishing and sandstone quarrying were the basis of the town’s affluence.
Now, orchards and berry farms have become big business. Here, Marty picks the season’s first blueberries from a nearby farm.
Many of the buildings of the town are on the National Register of Historic Places, including this commercial building which our friend Janet and her husband Tom have restored.
Their home is also on the Register, and had been beautifully restored. It had been home and office for the town doctor in the 1800s.
The surrounding yard is beautifully landscaped with plantings and fountains.
Our friend Janet served as our tour guide, car loaner and fine-dining establishment, while husband Tom was out of town on business. We missed you, Tom!
Here Marty is in Janet’s classic Mercedes loaner car, making friends with Janet’s cute dog, Woodi.
Janet took us in her runabout boat to Madeline Island, the only one of the Apostles Islands not part of the National Lakeshore. It has a small year-round population that swells in the summer. The local watering hole here is Tom’s Burned-down Bar, which burned down years ago and has been replaced with a tent!
The local fish market provided smoked trout and a tasty fish spread.
We have had many days of rain showers, and while in Bayfield had some thunderstorms one day and socked in fog another day. We were glad to be tied to a good dock during these times.
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