That's Life.

I have way too many things on my Bucket List, including but not limited to:

- Buy a hammock and sleep outside under the stars.

-Travel the Middle East...on a camel.

-Go on a date with Johnny Depp (I have the full support of Brian, no worries!).


One of the items I've been meaning to cross off for quite some time now is to drive to a remote location by myself just to relax and enjoy the scenery.

So, I made reservations at an inn in Northern Wisconsin (Bayfield, to be exact) and made the eight-hour drive up all by me onzee in our aging Saturn. I enjoyed the simple pleasure of just wandering around the quaint town, framed with the majesty of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. I chose a lakeside room, and let me tell ya - it was well worth it.

Here's some photos from my first day (you can click on the photos to view them full-size):

The view from my room. I got to wake up to this. :)

It's like they already knew me! I heart Milanos....

The next day (following a failed attempt at going on a ghost hunt...but that's whole 'nother story) I hopped on the ferry to check out Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostles. After arriving on shore, I was struck by how quiet it was - sure, there were some cars and people, but for the most part it was peacefully silent. You really forget just how many background noises there really are in urban life until they suddenly disappear.

Supposedly the island can "cast a spell" over you - I definitely felt relaxed and at peace, but I don't think I had adequate time to truly experience the "Madeline Magic" that everyone was talking about.

Photo-geeking note: you can totally tell when the sun comes out from behind the clouds. ;)

The view of Bayfield from the ferry.

Okay, so this place (called Tom's Burned Down Cafe) has a bit of a story with it. Supposedly, there used to be an actual building there (it was a bar), but it burned down. Instead of closing the place for a few months to rebuild it, the owner just put up a tent and served drinks the next night, and all the ones after that, like nothing ever happened.

Seriously, this place was a trip. I wish I could have been there while it was open, but here's a glimpse of its zaniness:

These were embedded in the floor. Crazy.

While I was there, I had a few epiphanies:

1.) I've been worrying way more about other people than myself. For my sanity and health, I need to lay off.

2.) I worry too darn much in general. Again, need to slow my roll.

3.) Life's too short. Enjoy as much of it as you can. Take chances, make mistakes, get messy, and never be afraid of failure.