Escape to the Northwoods

Gathering around the campfire in our lakeside campsite.

With the summer of COVID-19, our family like most, won’t be partaking in a summer vacation. On the positive side, COVID-19 has given us flexibility in our work schedules to do weekday camping outings to avoid crowds. We have so many great camping opportunities for a night or two to escape to and decided that we’d take full advantage of this summer! Last year we only got out camping in Wisconsin twice, so we’ve already topped that number this year.

We only had other silent sport enthusiasts on the quiet lake.

Day 1: Exploring the new and old

We’re venturing to both family favorites as well as places we’ve never camped at before. This particular outing at Starrett Lake in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest near Boulder Junction, WI is a new adventure. Since we arrived on a Sunday afternoon, we had our pick of campsites and we selected a spacious campsite with its own beach – the top priority for my children.

We enjoyed watching the sunfish through the crystal clear water.

We enjoyed our traditional campfire meal of pudgie pies for dinner. This was followed by a 40 minute bike ride for my daughter while I rollerskied. We enjoyed all the hills and curves in the quiet campground, with her favorite section by our campsite. I was a very proud mom when she kept wanting to keep going and going, until I finally had to convince her it was time for bed and we could go again the next day.

Day 2: Five workouts!

The next day started off for me with a solo three-hour run. I had studied the map the day before and set out on the dirt road connecting to the Escanaba Trail System. After just 30 minutes, I was on the trails circling around several lakes with the trails completely to myself. I even spotted a few raspberries along the trail. I was thankful I didn’t notice the deer flies until my way back and it was amazing that immediately after entering the campground they disappeared. My oldest was excited to go biking so we went for a jaunt through the campground then headed for the water - a great cooldown.

In the water, we were surrounded by sunfish and we found if we stood still, they would even nibble on our feet! The water was clear so we could see all the action. My daughter enjoyed swimming to our campsite to give the boys an update. In a year without swim lessons, the more swimming we can do, the better. Even though I can’t remember the last time I actually swam laps and it’s been even longer since my last open water swam, I wanted to swim across the peaceful lake. Maybe something I’d try after lunch…

After lunch I wasn’t feeling called to swim across the lake as I was a bit chilly just sitting on shore relaxing. With the younger kids napping, my oldest and I went wild blueberry picking. Now it was time to hit the water again. My oldest took a full 180 degree turn from wanting me to hold her in the water to prevent fish from nibbling her to now being so into watching the fish nibble her that she was bent over with her hair hanging in the water.

After a little strength routine on the shore to warm me up, I finally re-entered the water to swim with my daughter after much prodding. Since I was wet now, I figured this would be the time to transverse the lake. Since I forgot my goggles, I tried out my 5-year old’s and they fit (I have a small head). So, I was ready to go. After getting about halfway across it seemed like the far shore wasn’t getting any closer but since I was not smack dab in the middle of the lake I felt I may as well just keep going. I eventually made it to the other side and decided to pick it up on the way back as I felt quite strong, despite my lack of swim training.

After dinner I got in my fifth and “funnest” workout – rollerskiing while both of my daughters biked with me in the campground. I couldn’t believe how well my younger daughter kept up. Motivation wasn’t an issue as she told me she wanted to keep biking forever. I was able to coerce her to hang it up after ½ hour with popcorn. Although my oldest wanted to go again, I was able to negotiate a ride to the potty as sufficient before turning in.

What a day – a solo three hour run followed by 25 minutes rollerskiing / biking with my oldest, 20 minutes strength on the beach, a 35 minute open water swim topped by 30 minutes rollerskiing / biking with my daughters!

Day 3: Home just in time

We missed the early morning rain shower and had just enough time for me to sneak in another run, eat and pack up as the rain hit. As we packed up, I asked my kids what their favorite part of the trip was. My oldest smirked and just said “Camping”. After some prodding, I learned this means everything – biking, campfire, swimming, popcorn, even camp chores such as fetching water. And I would say the same.