Wilds of Wisconsin (I'm in love)

I am pretty sure I fell in love with the Chicago upon first sight--about a year ago actually. And I love it, I really do. But with all relationships, there are times when you just need to take a step away.

I needed a little breathing room. And as it turned out, Hannah and Bogey were up for a getaway too, so we traded the bustling urban life for a wilderness adventure this weekend. 

I've always wanted to go to Wisconsin. I don't know why, except that every person I've ever met from the northern state has been incredibly nice and fascinating. I honestly didn't know what to expect at the end of the four hour drive to Door County, but what I found was a perfectly surprising, quirky escape.

B&B featuring dogs barking on the roof as a greeting

Country stores featuring delicious WI products and bizarre signage

A completely unexpected find on the shores of Lake Michigan: Cave Point

The shortest lighthouse I've ever seen

Shores of shells

Gorgeous hiking trails with Bogey the Explorer

In the quiet of the country, primitive lake shores, welcoming farms, and untamed landscape accompanied by perfect 70 degree weather was made for peace-finding. So we explored the wilds of Wisconsin thusly.

Yoga by things that inspired the poses: 

Boat pose by the lake

Plank pose by the docks

Tree pose in the woods

King of the Dance pose among the ferns - I am imagining fairies dancing among the plants, a la Fern Gully

And there was wine. Pure perfection. I was right about Wisconsin.

Yes, Wisconsin is a wonderful place. A perfect retreat from Chicago. But on our return, I did realize how much I do love the neighborhoods and vitality and unpredictability of the city. I do love it.

PS I think I could start a travel blog called "Bogey's Ears Flying Places". If Maddie on Things could take off as much as it has, Bogey has a shot for sure. Check these out:

 

The three reasons I run

Happy 4th of July!

I know a lot of you are running things today - marathons, 5Ks, barbeques... I started seeing all of the Peachtree Road Race numbers yesterday on the Facebooks. I suppose it is that season. Last weekend, we met our friend Aylette at the finish line of her triathalon.

Finishing a triathalon: feat or day ruiner?

You are all wonderfully motivated and fit. These are certainly good things. I support motivation and health. Go team!

However, I for one do not run. You can't convince me to do it: I don't like it; I get bored and don't like music enough for it to "pump me up"; I quite frankly don't see the point in running in what is so very often just a circle. (Don't get me started on how I feel about treadmills.)

I will walk for miles, swim, hike, yoga-pose, or kayak any day (almost any day), but run? Forget it. I'm out.

Ok, so actually if I'm being honest, there are a few times I do run, but they are under very specific circumstances. Here are the only three times I run:

1. When trying to beat the timer on the crosswalk. That countdown thing they do these days just taunts a pedestrian.
2. When attempting to keep the dog from peeing in the courtyard. We almost always make it out the gate, no problem, but occasionally the dog overdoes it on the beverages and can't wait.. don't tell the condo management.
3. When playing off an almost-trip-and-fall. You know the move - you trip on the crack in the sidewalk and then begin to trot for a few steps, as if you were suddenly reminded that you were in a hurry... yeah, that.

Other than that folks, it's true, I am a non-runner. But hey, like I said, way to go guys! Run on! (Just don't ask me to train with you for your next anything-a-thon. I will laugh, and then I will pass.)

Have a great holiday, everyone! Enjoy the day however you choose.. also, enjoy this pic of Bogey:

Bogey prefers a day at the beach to running also...

See that tennis ball in the distance, Bogey refused to fetch it. He's sassy.