According to the news services, the Federal Government estimates that twelve per cent of Americans plan to spend their "economic stimulus" rebates on vacation travel.

The local television news reported this eveing that the average gasoline cost will be about $58 round trip for someone in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota) to vacation in Duluth.  That's about five dollars more than last summer.

So I'd estimate it would cost a little over $60 for the same Twin Cities resident to make the round trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin for the ferry journey to Madeline Island.  That's not as bad as I thought.

My "pitch" here would be to encourage you to come to Madeline Island this summer.  Don't let a few extra dollars keep you away!  And if you do, let me know you're coming and stop by my office.  I'll do my best to help you make your visit as enjoyable (and affordable) as I can.  Maybe I can even save you a few bucks by giving you tips on where to eat or shop.  I know my way around the Island and I can help!

Enjoying Madeline Island doesn't have to be expensive.  You can camp here, take a lighthouse tour,  visit a few of the Apostle Islands, ride the ferry and hit the local restaurants without breaking the bank.  Big Bay Town Park has some of the nicest beaches on Madeline Island and it's free to enjoy!  Campsites there are inexpensive too.

Last summer, a couple arrived at my office late one evening in June.  They had reserved a campsite, but couldn't find any firewood.  I went out behind the office and returned with a small bundle of cut oak for them.  They offered me five bucks, but I just told them to keep it and have a good evening.  They weren't buying real estate and I figured I'd never see them again.  There was no sales pitch and no ulterior motive.  I just wanted them to enjoy themselves.

A couple weeks after that happened, I received a very nice thank-you card in the mail from them. 

I'm not the only person on the Island who will be glad to help you.  Come visit and give us a chance to show you what a beautiful place this is!