We made our annual trip to Door County the week before school started. This was Isaac's first time camping and second time in Door County. It was Margot's fifth visit and Isabelle's eighth!
Camping Day One - Sunday, August 12, 2018
We had a long drive to Door County; it probably seemed a little longer because Isaac wouldn’t nap and he kept asking for fruit snacks. The girls only wanted to watch certain shows that Isaac wasn’t a fan of, but we made it! After picking up a few extra supplies in Egg Harbor, we made our way to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek where setting up the 8-person tent was slightly challenging and it was definitely a 2-person job. Isaac did not want to go in the pack n play and everyone wanted to help. Once it was all set up it was hard to get the kids out of the “bounce house.” Car camping quesadillas were on the menu that night plus lots of veggies, including cucumbers and tomatoes from our garden. For dessert we had s’mores and then let the kids run around and play. Soon it was time for bed and while Tom and I had plans to sit by the campfire, we just ended up going to bed with the kids. They said they were scared, but they kept chatting away until they dozed off.
Camping Day Two - Monday, August 13, 2018
Everyone slept all night! Unbelievable, right? Its true! Isaac started stirring around 7, but we managed to keep everyone in the tent until 8. We had breakfast, played a bit and then went for a long walk to look at the water and the lighthouse. It was already starting to get warm, so after our walk we hopped in the car to get a few more supplies and ice. Isaac immediately fell asleep when we got in the car, so we went to the little playground in Ephraim for a bit so the girls could play before we had lunch at Wilson’s Dinner and Ice Cream Shop. They have great burgers and hot dogs and a wonderful allergy protocol for ice cream. Everyone left very full! After lunch we went back to Peninsula State Park where I popped over to the box office for Northern Sky Theater and got tickets to the 6pm show of the musical Dairy Heirs. Our next stop was Nicolet Beach. We had such a great time swimming and playing in the sand. The water even felt refreshing on a hot day. After some quick showers we made sandwiches and had an early dinner before the show. The Northern Sky Theater is in an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by trees. Plus, you can bring drinks and snacks. Its first come seating and we were happy to be in the last row. It still had great views and when Isaac needed to wander, it was easy to get him out. The girls loved the show, especially Margot! She wanted a double feature! After the show we had s’mores and cookies by the campfire. Then the kids went to bed and Tom and I sat out by the campfire. A perfect night!
Camping Day Three - Tuesday, August 14, 2018
We started the day by going to the park in Sister Bay. We had a little time to burn before we went sailing with Sail Door County. Then the plans shifted because the Coast Guard was inspecting the parasailing boat which meant they couldn’t take us sailing at 9:30. They could take us out at 10:30. So we had some more time to burn by going back to the park and popping into some shops. Finally, it was time to go sailing in the 40-foot boat called The North Passage. We had it all to ourselves! Captain Peter was fantastic and only put up the jig sail so we didn’t tip back and forth a lot. The ride would have been really exciting with the main sail up, but this definitely worked out better for the kids. We were out on the water for 90 minutes. Tom and I loved every minute! Isaac was lulled asleep and slept for most of it. Totally opposite of what I expected! Isabelle and Margot were also great out there and talked the captain’s ears off. After sailing we walked to Wild Tomato in Sister Bay. We are out on the patio and the food was all delicious! Everyone was pretty tired after lunch, so we drove to Gill’s Rock for Tom’s favorite smoked fish. Then it was back to our campsite so we could get out swimsuits on and head to Nicolet Beach. It was another beautiful afternoon! Lots of swimming and sandcastles. That night the girls went to bed great. Isaac cried for a bit, but eventually settled down with the help of Tom and I trading off hanging inside the tent. Then Tom and I finally got to relax by the campfire, together.
Camping Day Four - Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Everyone slept in again and after breakfast we started packing up a few things and then went for a hike on Sentinel Trail. It’s a two-mile loop and everyone did it! Well, Tom did carry Isaac for about half. Still really great for an almost two-year-old! The kids loved all the signs that described the trees. After our hike we went to The Summer Kitchen for lunch and ate on their front porch. It was delicious! Their soup bar may not scream “summer”, but it was so good! After lunch we stopped by a cute shop in Ephraim for souvenirs and then went back to break down camp. We did let the kids watch a show while we got the dry tent down. Yes, a dry tent! It didn’t rain a drop this time! Then I took the kids for a walk while Tom finished loading up the car. We were done by 2 and that wrapped up our 2018 trip to Door County. Until next summer!
