Perhaps it is because we've had no snow this winter in Wisconsin that I'm feeling a little reminiscent of this particular winter on Washington Island...  

We made our reservations in advance to secure a spot on one of the three trips leaving for Washington Island one cold winter day.  It was aboard the Arni J. Richter, the one and only ferry that can cut through ice.  Before there was the Arni J. Richter, one simply rode on a snow mobile across the ice if you needed to get to the mainland.  This day I was thankful for this ferry. 

 The ice was thick.  At one point the ferry stopped, went in reverse, and then gunned it forward into the ice, cracking a path for us to get through.  With sheer excitement  I ran to the back of the boat to watch the gulls flock and dive to catch whatever fish they could in this short moment the waters opened.

As we trudged along I watched the birds fly away and the water close up as quickly as it opened.  As if it had never happened. 

 It was beautiful, serene, and exciting.  Aside from being on a large cargo carrying modern day ferry that can cut through ice, I felt like we were pioneers in a deserted land.  Just us and the birds.

 Amazing.  Thrilling.  Blood pumping fun!

 When we finally touched land and arrived at our house, this is what our shore looked like.  Almost completely unrecognizable from what I remember in the summer.

 The next morning we awoke to this.

 A blanket of white can turn any place beautiful.  

A blanket of white on Washington Island can turn it utterly ethereal.

 And, being sufficiently warmed by our vintage Jotel stove indoors, a walk in the woods was invigorating.

If you want an experience like this click here or call Mike Kickbush at 920-847-2870.

We'd be happy to start up the stove and fluff the down comforters for you.

Of course, you'd have to be okay with no running water and using the bathroom en pleine aire :)