Recently I had an epiphany while on a multi-day fishing trip in Wisconsin, something I suppose I already knew in the back of my mind, but I just did not consciously recognize. Since I've been touring the country going to Crappie Camps and Slab Fests in so many different states, I've experienced so much "Southern Hospitality" first hand; from Rip-a-lip setting up his camper for our personal use to campsite dinners with Papasage's family holding hands for grace. I can tell you story after story about that "good ole Southern hospitality".
But I think I found "Northern Hospitality". Or maybe it should be called "Wisconsin Hospitality". I've encountered it over many years of travel to Wisconsin, yet I've never put my finger on it. I believe it all has to do very specifically with "Family Values". Family values are big in the South, but they are also alive and well in Wisconsin.
I learned that in Wisconsin age does not matter. It doesn't matter if you are the grandpa or the grandson. Everyone hangs out together and involves each other in celebration and sorrow. It is all about family and having fun together as a family. And when you visit friends in Wisconsin, you are welcome with open arms as a member of the family.
Here are a couple stories from my past that exemplify this theory.
Driving up to deer camp one day I found myself stopping at Uncle George's cabin (not my uncle, we just called him that). Benny was the only one in the cabin. It was still early morning and everyone else was out hunting. Benny greeted me and instantly offered me a shot of Aubergust. Now normally there's no way I'd be doing a shot of liquor so early in the morning, but I did. It was Benny after all. Benny was not hunting cause he really could not see well. He was getting older and still came to deer camp just to enjoy the company. I never would have thought I'd have fun hanging out with someone Benny's age but I did. I was in my twenties at that time. Stopping at Uncle Georges cabin on my way to deer camp became sort of a tradition for me for many years to come.
That's Benny on the far right. This is one of my favorite pictures of Benny, and one of my favorite memories. Our frequent fishing partner Erv is playing the Concertina there on the far left. These photos were taken at one of Erv's annual Bunk House parties during deer camp 15 or more years ago.
Everyone enjoyed Erv's Bunk House parties.
That's actually Tomtom's father, the second from the right. Their farm house and our old time hunting grounds were only one farm down, essentially walking distance (which was a good thing especially after a few shots of Aubergust).
Another example is attending Milwaukee's Summerfest which is held on the shore of Lake Michigan. You would see people of all ages coming together and enjoying music. You knew they were really having some family fun when you seen Grandma dancing with her 3 or 4 year old grandson. This is not a tightly packed concert setting, but a picnic bench setting where everyone had plenty of room and everyone one was getting along. As we left the park that evening I noticed two police officers. The funny thing was, we had been there all day, and those were the first two police officers we seen. Had it been any other concert in a park we would have seen police everywhere, but here in Wisconsin there just seemed to be a family friendly peace about.
My wife and I at Summerfest. Sorry I did not get better pictures of the scene. I didn't think I was going to write anything about this back then.
I have many, many wonderful memories of fishing with family in Wisconsin. Two of my daughters are here on the right, and Tomtom's son Tommy pictured far left.
On to my original story, the reason I started on this topic. During my recent fishing trip to Algoma Wisconsin I went out on the 34' Grand Illusion with Captain Lee Haasch (FishAlgoma.com) and caught some nice Salmon.
My fishing partners for the day from right to left, Rebecca, Pam and Kristy. You really have to give them credit for getting up at 3:30 AM to go out on this charter. This was particularly trying for me as I hit the Casino for a little while the night before. I stayed at the Radisson Hotel, which is directly connected to the Oneida Casino right by the Green Bay's (GRB) Airport. So if you're at all into gambling, they have quite a nice setup with live entertainment where you can try your luck.
I'm not sure you all know anything about this, but apparently bananas on a boat is bad luck. It was the first I heard of it. Anyway, you can read this sign posted on the inside of the boats cabin. Make of it what you will. But, unknown to the captain, I did have this Banana Puree thing I was planning to have for breakfast. I just kept it tucked away in my coat though after having read the sign! lol
So the Banana thing can't bring too bad of luck, we caught some nice fish. Here's Rebecca with a good one.
And Kristy with another nice one. Notice her Vibram shoes with the toes, now being used as deck shoes. My wife has those and she says they are comfortable, but I guess I'm just not seeing it.
Coming back in to the Port Of Algoma.
Here's our catch. Not bad for only a couple hours on the water. I think we were off by 8am or so. And to think, we did not loose a single fish. We bought everything we hooked into the boat. Not bad for 3 women and a Crappie fisherman!
Yes, I did catch the big one. When we seen it hit, the girls kept yelling for me to take it. Being this was their first Salmon Charter, I think they were just afraid they would screw up bringing in a big one. But just wait, I got some great video I'll show you all about the 2nd day of fishing where Rebecca catches a big one. I'll have that story published here shortly.
Now here's where the "Wisconsin Hospitality" thing comes in to play. We stopped at Bearcats, A smoke house that would clean and freeze our fish for us. Pictured here is the owner Jerry Berkovitz.
We got to talking to Jerry, and next thing you know we are sampling half what they got in their glass showcase. We went on and on, talking recipes, setting up shipping information for the fish. I think an hour went by before we knew it. These were some of the friendliest folks I've met anywhere. Have I told you that I love smoked fish, and they have to have some of the best. Even if you don't like fish, try some smoked, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
What trip to Green Bay Wisconsin would be complete without stopping by for a beer tasting at local brewery, and so we did.
We stopped at Hinterland Brewery, and owner Bill Tressler treated us to some very tasty beers, and some great appetizers. Hinterland is a craft brewery with a fine food restaurant.
Here's that Wisconsin Hospitality again. Bill snuck us a taste of a fresh Doppelbock beer that was still aging in the barrel, and not yet carbonated. Yes, a beer that is aged in the barrel. Oh was it smooth.
The crew of journalists absolutely loved the special tasting we received. You can certainly see it in our faces.
Now the real treat is the fact that just across the street is another Brewery. Two breweries a stones throw away from each other, what could be better. Title Town Brewing is located in the old Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Depot. This historic building was built in 1893.
President Titletown Brewing, Brendt Weycker.
This Weiss Bier (Douseman St. Wheat) was my favorite beer that I tasted during the whole trip. It had a very interesting "Jucy Fruit Gum" aftertaste. Reminded me of my youth. They do not sell their beer anywhere except here at their restaurant/bar. You can only take it with you via what they call a "Growler". A draft poured half gallon jug that's good for a couple days chilled in your fridge.
Next on the agenda was a trip to Lambeau Field (Packers.com).
A grand statue of Vince Lombardi standing guard.
It was so neat walking through the tunnel onto the field where so many football legends have gone before.
This guy (Bart Starr) was at the bottom of the stairs to the Hall Of Fame where you can re-live every glorious Green Bay Packers historical moment. He seemed a little stiff.
I may have to explain this to some of you. Wisconsin is known for three major things. The Green Bay Packers, Beer and Cheese. So those that live in Wisconsin are called "Cheese Heads". Of course they've embraced this term of endearment and now sell these neat cheese head hats. If you watch a game, you're very likely see people in that stands wearing these very hats.
Packers fans are nuts! I have proof right here. This is a garage! If this is the garage, imagine what's in the house.
Homes right by Lambeau Field are being turned into Green Bay Fan Houses and are being rented out so fans can be close to the game. They can hear the crowd attending the game while sitting in front of their TV watching the game.
Informational only - Aubergust - 3 parts Kesslers and one part Peppermint Schnaps.
vBulletin Message