Midwest Energy Fair - Stevens Point, WI

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, Kim and I are very interested in energy efficient home construction techniques, along with individual resources that yield energy independence. While in Bayfield, I went to Oly's Barber Shop and Oly is very interested in building an "off the grid" home. While discussing some ideas for construction, he explained that the nations premier energy education event, the Midwest Energy Fair, was being held this weekend. http://www.the-mrea.org/energy_fair.php

It didn't take much discussion for us to decide to make the 280 mile drive down for the weekend. We left the trailer in Duluth, opting to rough it at the fair. We beat the crowd entering the makeshift (but nice) campground on Thursday eve. Our tent site was in a thick pine forest, next to a large field.


A short hike through the "back woods" made easy access to the fairgrounds. The owners of the property had done an outstanding job of preparing for the large crowd of campers that arrived Friday!

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association headquarters and test facility is right there on the grounds.

The site has several installations of both solar and wind devices, with demonstration areas that house all of the control systems that feed the building.



By 9 a.m. Friday morning a large crowd stood ready to enter the gates, beyond which were several rows of large tents, each color-coded for certain workshops throughout the 3-day event.


Just past these tents are three large barn-like structures, in which over 270 vendors of energy related equipment, services and supplies stood ready with their wares. If you were not quite ready to take the plunge on equipment, there were hundreds of books and DVDs available on just about any energy related topic of interest.


We spent most of the two days in workshops. My favorite was the series given by Rob Roy on various types low-cost, owner-built construction, which included talks on earthen covered, cordwood masonry and timber framing. We were so impressed with Rob and his concepts, we signed up for his 5-day workshop in Colorado this September. http://www.cordwoodmasonry.com/


In addition there was a demo area where workshop hosts actually constructed small examples of the techniques. One of the most interesting was an area devoted to whole tree construction. http://www.wholetreesarchitecture.com/


There was lots of good food to choose from, including ethnic varieties and meals cooked in solar ovens right at the fair!



Another interesting concept in building the "Edge" employs unique architectural design and features with European-style machined woods. This modular home of some 400 sq ft can be custom ordered with various options, and assembled on site in less than a week! http://www.revarch.com/pages/Pages/pages/Concept%20Home.htm



Throughout the day Friday & Saturday, and both evenings we were treated to live music at one of three stages, the big tent hosting a rock band and dance each evening - what a party!


No renwable energy fair would be complete without a focus on transportation. Although no major car manufacturers were there, several do-it-your-selfers had some interesting "plug and play" concepts on hand. My favorites were the solar-powered bicycles,



along with this hefty surprise.....yes it works and does about 50mph! True to the farming area the event is hosted in, a local fellow had an old diesel engine powered by bio diesel turn a 5KW generator!

Bayfield, WI and the Apostle Islands

As we work our way to Duluth, we decide to stop over and see Kim's Sister, Lisa and her husband Dick in Washburn (WI), where they keep their beautiful boat within the southern end of the Bayfield Harbor. As we climb aboard, a large sign warns us to be careful of their new guard dog "Liddie". I guess the name let's one know right off that this beast really can't be too bad! While Kim and Lisa catch up on things, I just sit back and enjoy the wonderful view of the area from atop this lofty perch.

As we wave goodbye, I can't help but think this how nice it would be to have a 30+ foot sailboat parked next door...humm....

A short drive farther north brings us to the town of Bayfield, quaint fishing village turned tourist town because of it's proximity to the Apostle Islands National Park. We opt for a small campground on the town's edge run by the local Ojibway Tribe. The manger insists we take site no. 12, and once we get the Alpenlite parked we understand why, what a spot!

Early next morning, while sipping my coffee, two fishing "luggers" heard out, most likely looking for Lake Trout or Whitefish.

We spend some time looking around the town while awaiting boarding time for our three plus hour tour of the Apostles.

Finally we are ready to load - as I look out across the Bayfield Marina it appears we've picked the perfect day for a water adventure!
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Outside the protection of the harbor, my suspicions are confirmed by the absolutely flat blue waters of Lake Superior.

Evidence of the past is still visible on most of the Islands. We ease past this old rock quarry, long closed as now the area is protected by the National Park. The ride out to deeper waters is a pleasant one, we enjoy the sunny skies, and beautiful rock outcroppings as we glide past several of the smaller islands.

It isn't long before we see our old friends from early this morning, lines out and ready to bring those big trout in!

A few miles along is more evidence of the attractiveness of fishing here, the now abandoned Manitou Fish Camp.

As we finally approach Devil's Island, we get our first glimpse of the famous Apostle Island Caves, those large caverns carved into the sand stone by thousands of years of waves bashing against the huge rocks. We take our time and cruise along the entire length of the caves, also passing the Devil's Island Lighthouse. Be sure to watch the entire segment on our YouTube site at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCLRqk-eSg8

On the backside of the Island, in the distance, we spot a group of kayakers, no doubt heading to explore the caves - a favorite out here with the paddlers. Last stop on the tour (well, I mean place to slow down and putz by) is the Rocky Island Light, now preserved, modernized and still serving to warn sailors in the night of impending danger.

As we head back into the Harbor, a huge group of gulls catch our eye, and we soon realize that our companion from this morning must have brought home the catch today.

In the background, we break out the binoculars and see our home sitting peacefully on the point where we left it earlier today.

We are so intrigued by Bayfield and the entire Apostle Islands area, we spend the better part of our next day checking out local cabins and property. I guess the bug didn't bite, since my savings account remained the same at the end of the day.

Kim mentioned that the sunrise may be really nice in the morning. I got up a bit earlier than usual, and on that final morning captured these beautiful images that will always remind us of this stellar stay looking out towards the Apostles!