Antioch, Illinois/Door County, WIsconsin--Sightseeing day including lighthouses

Monday was a very interesting but frustrating day.  Door County just does not have things well marked and it was hard for us to find the locations that we had decided to visit.  That being said, it was a good day and we are both exhausted.

We started our day at the Village Cafe which is a couple of buildings away from our hotel.  We are on vacation so started with a mimosa.  James had oatmeal and I had a quiche.  Both came with fruit and a muffin.  Very tasty.  

We then headed to Ephraim to see our first lighthouse, Eagle Bluff.  This lighthouse was established in 1868 before there was water or electricity.  There is still no electricity.  Water was carried up steps on the 33 foot cliff before a well was dug.  The house is now maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  The solar powered light sits approximately 76 feet above Geen Bay and can be seen for 16 miles.

Off to Ephraim and to the famous Wilson Family in Ephraim.  Everything I read said we needed to stop in for at least some ice cream.  We were glad to do that.  We both just had a single scoop.  I couldn't even eat all of mine.  What a waste on my part.

We then crossed the peninsula to the Lake Michigan side and the Cana Island Lighthouse.  This is near Bailey's Harbor.  The tower is 89 foot tall and can be seen for 18 miles.  Once again the house is maintained by the Door County Maritime Association and the light by the US Coast Guard.  This light is now powered by electricity.  We are able to climb the 89 step spiral staircase to the light and then out on the balcony.  It was raining and allowed one to understand how the ship captains may feel.

More sightseeing and souvenir purchases before heading to a Door County Fish Boil at the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim.  This located about 20 minutes from our hotel.  James is not fond of fish but did like this Lake Michigan white fish.  The boil master told us it was a vegetarian fish as it eats no meat products but items such as seaweed. This diet makes it mild.  There is a huge pot over a wood fire.  First the potatoes, then the onions, followed by the fish.  The boil master throws some kerosene on during the last few minutes.  I would certainly recommend that one experience this tradition of Door County.