Driving in the Wisconsin North Woods was like embracing an old friend. For those of you who do not know, we lived in Minocqua for about 16 years so visiting was like coming home! We parked our motorhome along side the driveway of our good friends, Kathy and Smokey and it was great renewing that long time friendship. We played several games of our favorite, Hand and Foot, and spent our time reminiscing of so many wonderful times together.
We were only in Minocqua for three and a half days and we kept busy seeing old friends and eating at favorite restaurants. It was two years ago that we last visited and there were some obvious changes, mostly in businesses and restaurants due to Covid.
The first day, Howie and I decided to take a drive to check out our old home. These pics were taken when we lived there.
The current owners were in the process of resurfacing the front and back decks so the house looked a little rough. (Below) It was bittersweet seeing the old homestead.
I enjoyed lunch another day with two nurses that I used to work with at Marshfield Clinic….all three of us are now retired. We spent about 4 hours laughing about old times and some of the fun times we had working in the Operating Room. Meet Kathy and Karen!
While living in Minocqua, some of my best friends were my fellow quilters. Four of us met for breakfast and again, more memories were shared along with a lot of laughter. Diane, Berta and Kathy were three that met for breakfast. We missed having our fifth quilter there, Linn, but she now lives in Green Bay.
And finally, our last evening, we enjoyed a campfire with some that used to be in our campfire group. Along with us were Kathy and Smokey and Bill and Hillary…..yes, you heard me correctly, Bill and Hillary – not of the Clinton fame however! Hillary LOVES poking at fires so she has always been our designated campfire tender.
If you’re ever in Minocqua, Wisconsin, you MUST eat at our two favorite restaurants. One is Minocqua Pizza for fantastic pizza but even better is their Billy Bread……a pizza crust, covered in olive oil, garlic and cheese. It is SO good.
Then you need to find a restaurant a bit west of town called Lake Placid Inn for the best breakfast you’ll ever experience. Denise is the owner and she knows how to make great food. The servings are large and the homemade bread is the best. I’ve been trying for years to mimic her scrambled eggs which are so light and fluffy that they almost melt in your mouth. She won’t share her secret but they are sublime!
Again, put Minocqua, Wisconsin on your travel bucket list. Summer is beautiful with minimal humidity and lakes everywhere you turn…..they are refreshing for a swim and fisherman are in paradise, catching Bass and Musky. In the Fall, the colors are phenomenal, as the hardwoods are mixed with the pines to make a striking palette of color. Winter brings the ski, snowshoe and snowmobile enthusiasts! One year an early October snowfall was a striking contrast sitting on top of the fall colors…..breath taking!
Lastly, you have to take in a traditional Friday Night Fish Fry!!!! Most restaurants offer this delectable entree, like non other. Sadly we had to leave Friday morning for Michigan City, Indiana so we missed out on this great cultural experience!
That’s it for now! Next stop is our annual family reunion with my sisters and families lovingly known to us all as Bowald-fest! Come join us and as always…..HAPPY TRAILS!
Ramblin' Rosie 