At 6 am we arose, packed, and ate breakfast. We thanked our host, Helen, for the excellent accommodations, then headed east towards Eagle River. Most of today’s ride ran through the Chequemegon-Nicolet National Forest. Large, non contiguous tracts of National Forests (NF) lands occur throughout northern Wisconsin. We passed by many signs pointing to National Forest campgrounds. A few miles from Eagle River we rode along, then we crossed the Wisconsin River (see photo).
Unlike many of the resort communities we’ve ridden through, Eagle River seemed to lack any north woods charm - even though it’s the self-proclaimed snowmobile capital of the world. While there, we ate a fine breakfast at the Friendship House Family Restaurant. After breakfast, we continued eastward on Hwy 70 through more National Forest- mostly northern hardwood forest of sugar maple and red oak. Additionally, many planted pine plantations of red and white pine appeared along the highway. We saw few wetlands or lakes, but saw many more signs for National Forest campgrounds on lakes.
A brisk tail wind pushed us eastward. Despite the aid of the wind, about half of the day’s riding occurred on bumpy pavement and shoulders that pounded my tender rear end. It seems that Wisconsin needs to improve its highway maintenance program. East of Eagle River, we passed by only one settlement (Tipler), where we ate lunch on the picnic table of a closed restaurant. Today was the first hot day in over a week. Given our long and arduous day yesterday, we scaled back today’s ride to reach Florence, Wisconsin. We arrived about 3 pm and checked into a modest establishment, the Nicolette Lodge. Fun detail: our room has a Bob Ross reproduction on the wall. Tomorrow we’ll cross into Michigan.
6/26/19 : Saynor, WI to Florence, WI - 75.7 miles
