Is there anything better than a lazy summer afternoon with your best friend?
Today Christi came to visit and we had a lovely few hours together. We sat outside at Gil's Cafe on the East Side (on Downer Avenue) for lunch and then we headed down to the lakefront. I always see people on paddleboats in the lagoon in Juneau Park when I drive on Lincoln Memorial so we decided to try those out today. We rode a paddleboat for awhile, and then we got to ride on a tandem hydro-bike which was pretty cool. The weather was perfect. There was a cool breeze coming off the lake and we had some great views of the buildings and condos downtown that I don't normally notice while I'm whizzing by in my car. Riding the paddleboat and hydro-bike was relaxing and kind of a good little workout at the same time.
For five bucks a person, you get 1/2 hour on a paddle boat or hydro-bike - or both if you'd like! You can also rent remote-control sail boats there, too. Juneau Park Paddleboats are located less than a mile down from the Milwaukee Art Museum. If the weather is iffy, you can call ahead of time to make sure they're open (414-217-7235), but otherwise they're open daily.
Once we were done there, we went to Alterra for some iced coffees.
Right across from the marina, people from all walks of life sit around either alone or in twos and threes, clicking away on their laptops or reading or having quiet conversations while the city goes by them. I've never driven by there in the non-winter months and seen fewer than 20 or 30 people outside. They've got a good thing going there.
It was a great afternoon we had today. I think everyone could use more days like this.
Hi Erin,
We are very happy you enjoyed your paddleboat and hydro-bike adventure! The photos turned out nice. Sadly my vision is still blurry from looking at "the Rock" in direct sunlight!
Perhaps you should carry a set of sunglasses with you to let people wear while weiwing the ring! hehe
It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope your summer is fun and safe.
Tim and Val
Posted by: Tim Ritter Val Barsema | June 30, 2005 at 09:38 PM