The Island that Kept on Amazing

August 3, 2026

The ferry ride to Washington Island was only 8 miles, I kept telling myself. Just 30 minutes. I tried not to focus on the fact that the route crosses the passage named Death’s Door. That the water was choppy. That the van was swaying back and forth. That we would have to take the ferry again to get back to the mainland.

But then we were pulling off the ramp onto the island. And I forgot all my worries and the exploration began!

Of course, our first stop was for coffee for Terry and breakfast for me, at a place called WIS-CO Washington Island Coffee. We then headed to the replica of a medieval Norwegian stave church, the Stavkirke. 

Just down the road we found another piece of heaven on earth, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm. Imagine being surrounded by 20 acres with over 20,000 lavender plants of 14 different varieties! In the middle of peak bloom season!! I wanted to lie down in the middle of the waving purple blossoms and take a long, relaxing nap. But the island had more to share with us.

And so, we headed north towards Washington Harbor. After driving through a cemetery (the only way to get there), we arrived at Schoolhouse Beach, another amazing beach of smooth limestone stones and clear blue water! While bigger than Pebble Beach, I felt the rocks were not quite as colorful. But the view was so captivating I didn’t want to leave. I built my little stone tower and left it behind as there was a $250 fine for taking any rocks off the beach.

Quite a few families were enjoying the picnic tables, restrooms, and plentiful parking, none of which Pebble Beach had. Even a tour bus was parking as we were leaving.

It had been a wonderful trip to the island, and we promised each other we would return some day to explore it further. But there was a ferry to catch. And another place we wanted to experience that day. Which I will share with you tomorrow. 

Life on the road is certainly an adventure!