Modern Stargazer Life

When we pulled into Mirror Lake State Park, the skies were gray and heavy, almost like fall had arrived early. The lake itself was a surprise too—green with algae, far from the crisp “mirror” reflection it’s named for. Later I learned this is typical at the end of summer. Because Mirror Lake is so still, algae builds up as the warm weather lingers. The best time to see the water clear and glassy is in spring or late fall. We decided right then: we’ll come back in spring to see its namesake shine.

Old Fashioneds at Ishnala

But first things first—supper club time. On our arrival night, we headed straight to Ishnala Supper Club.

“Ishnala” means “By itself alone” in the language of the Winnebago people, who once used this very land for ceremonial grounds. It’s not hard to imagine why—this spot feels set apart, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature. The restaurant honors that setting beautifully. Towering pines still grow right through the roof of the building, preserved where they first stood, as if nature and architecture agreed to coexist.

And then, of course, there’s the supper club experience itself. Ishnala is famous for its Old Fashioneds—boasting more served than anywhere else in Wisconsin—and I can see why. They didn’t disappoint. Sweet, strong, and smooth, the cocktail was the perfect opener to a night of great food, live music, and classic supper club atmosphere. With three bars, panoramic views of Mirror Lake, and a vibe that’s both retro and lively, Ishnala lives up to its reputation. Since we came later in the evening for dinner, we got lucky with a shorter wait than usual—a nice perk at this normally busy spot.

A Gray Morning Turned Sunny

The next morning, I woke up to grayish skies that made me want to stay curled up in bed. It felt like one of those lazy days where you just want to do nothing. But then I thought of my mom. She always loved going out on uncertain, cloudy days—days I once thought of as “dreary.” I could picture her, energized by the chance to get out and shop, racing against the weather before the rain might push her inside.

And suddenly, I got it. Cloudy skies add urgency—you move faster, try to make the most of the time before the clouds break. And in that moment, I smiled to myself. Thinking about her little quirks, even something as small as her love of cloudy days, made me feel close to her. It reminded me how much I miss her, and how grateful I am that even a gray morning can bring her back to me in memory.

So I summoned my inner Mom and popped out of bed. Hiking awaited!

The hiking trails at Mirror Lake are mostly easy and well-groomed, with some small hills and wide open areas. We climbed a bit, caught glimpses of the lake, and appreciated the quiet woods. Even though the water was still murky and green, I could see why it’s a paddler’s dream—this man-made lake has no wake, making it perfect for kayaks and canoes. We’ll definitely return when the water isn’t so clouded with algae.

Our First E-Bike Adventure with the Airstream

By the time we finished our hike, the skies had cleared into a bright and beautiful summer day—perfect for biking. And this trip was special because it was the first time we were able to bring our e-bikes along with the Airstream. In the past, we hadn’t been able to tow or carry them with us, but Chris figured out a clever solution: a reasonably priced bike hitch that mounted to the Airstream bumper. It worked like a charm and gave us the freedom to combine camping and biking for the first time.

Mine is named Petunia—a pretty pink bike that makes me smile every time I ride it. The name feels whimsical and perfectly seasonal, since petunias are blooming everywhere right now. Chris hasn’t named his blue-and-black bike yet, but I think it needs something bold to match its colors. (Any ideas? “Midnight”? “Blue Jay”? “Storm Rider”?)

Exploring the 400 Trail

Since Mirror Lake doesn’t have bike paths, we drove a short distance to Reedsburg to hop on the 400 Trail. The trail, once a railroad line, runs 22 miles and eventually connects to the famous Elroy-Sparta Trail. Reedsburg was a charming place to begin, with its old train depot-turned-chamber-of-commerce where we bought our bike passes.

From there, the trail unfolded like a quiet ribbon through nature—flat, shaded, and peaceful. We pedaled past fields and trees, weaving through a landscape that felt both secluded and alive. And it was alive. We carefully avoided a turtle crossing the path, swerved around a small snake, and then—suddenly—a deer leapt right in front of me.

In the split second that followed, everything slowed down. The deer was maybe three feet away, eyes locking with mine as it crossed. I gripped my handlebars, frozen in shock, somehow keeping control of the bike. My scream didn’t even come until the moment had passed! It’s one of those wild little encounters that etches itself into memory—the kind of thing that makes the ride unforgettable.

Looking Back

Mirror Lake gave us a mix of surprises: algae-green water, a deer encounter that still makes my heart race, and an Old Fashioned I’ll be talking about for a while. But what I’ll remember most is how those gray skies set the tone, reminding me of my mom, nudging me out of bed, and proving that sometimes uncertain beginnings can turn into the brightest of days.