After waiting and waiting for summer to arrive here in Medford, Wis., it finally warmed up around July 4. But while we were waiting, my wife Chris, and our Alaska Husky "Avu" joined me in an excursion to Madeline Island in Lake Superior. The island is the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands in the lake, offshore from Bayfield, Wis., a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Medford.
Having lived in Barrow, Alaska, for some 25 years, we have always been attracted to islands and communities off the road grid. Barrow is not an island as such, but without a road connection to any other community, it can feel that way.
In Barrow, travelers, produce and even cars generally have to come up on the daily jet service. If such flights cannot make it because of weather, then people and products just have to wait. There is once-a-year barge service for heavy items, but in some years heavy ocean ice can delay that service.
Back on Madeline Island, there are a number of 20-minute daily ferry trips. The cost for humans and their car is about $50. No additional charge for Avu and other dogs. There are 220 residents in winter, but a much larger population of some 2,500 in summer, with the tourists and those from outside who have a summer home there.
When Lake Superior freezes up and that ferry service stops, there is an ice road from Bayfield to LaPoint and wind sleds which can carry people and light cargo. Also snow machines and to Avu's delight, some dogsled teams going over the sea ice.
We've been there a number of times, but not after the ferry closes down. So during our recent visit, I had a chat with several year-round residents.
They said winter is a great time on the island. "People here really help each other. Those traveling out will ask others if there is anything they need. And if something happens with the house, vehicle, etc. there are always people who will offer to help," one resident said.
And there is a wonderful library on two floors of an older house with lots of books, movies and computers. When Avu and I visited on our last trip, we arrived during a meeting of the knitting club. They said visitors are always welcome -- even if they have left their knitting materials back at home.
The library also has special movie nights, with discussions to follow. And talks on other topics, including the history and Indian heritage of the early settlers on the island.
All in all, living in Alaska and northern Wisconsin has shown us that small towns and islands can be wonderful places to live and to visit -- at any time of the year.
Earl Finkler is a former resident of Barrow and host of the Morning Show on KBRW Barrow -- serving the North Slope. He now lives in Medford, Wis., with his wife Chris and former Barrow Husky "Avu."
The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, e-mail commentary(at)alaskadispatch.com.