Nine paddlers gathered at the Washington Avenue Beach at 9 a.m. on the morning of July 25th to kick off NEWP’s Apostle Islands Trip. 
With no wind, the water was glassy as the group paddled toward the southern tip of Basswood Island, and on to Hermit Island where we stopped for a brief lunch on the beach. 
Paddling on towards our group campsite on Stockton Island, the group took its time to explore the caves on the southeast side of Hermit 
and the sea stack off the eastern tip. 
Making the final crossing of the day to Stockton Island, the group made their way to quarry bay, unloaded, and pitched their tents
before enjoying a well-earned group meal of jambalaya and wine.
The weather for day two of the planned four-day trip was a bit more interesting, providing winds out of the southeast and one and half foot waves for the group as we crossed to visit the lighthouse on Michigan Island. Following the 123-step climb
from the dock to the lighthouse museum, rested and re-fueled before a long tour of the various facilities and history of the lighthouse and its keepers. Some had hoped to explore other areas of the island, but the group decided to paddle back to Presque Isle Point to explore other areas of Stockton Island that had been cut off from foot traffic due to storms in June. The group stopped at the visitor center and spoke with Brad from the park service who is also an active paddler. Most of the group hiked the brief trail to see the beaches on the eastern side of the point and explore the rocks and the singing sands. 
Towards the end of day two, the group started to discuss the developing weather situation for their anticipated paddle home on Sunday. Over a fine group meal of Sloppy Joes, the group decided to leave the next morning, rather than risk the anticipated 20 mph+ winds on Sunday.
After a brief breakfast the following morning, the group packed their gear and kayaks and made preparations for the trip back to Bayfield. The weather that morning was not ideal, with 10-15 mph winds from the SSW and a small craft advisory for later that afternoon. The group leaders decided the safest route home would be to take advantage of Madeline Island to block much of the southern wind and follow the coast down to LaPointe before crossing back to Bayfield.
The forecast for that day was fairly accurate with waves up to two feet and gusts in excess of 20mph, the group crossed over to Madeline Island for a brief lunch to refuel. Trip lead Angie reached out to fellow club member Diane (who had previously invited the club to stay at her home on Madeline) as a fallback should conditions worsen. Following the break, the group paddled the northern coast of Madeline Island toward LaPointe. Along the way there were a few opportunities for rest, but leg stretching was mostly done in the water rather than on land. 
Conditions did moderate as the group made its way southwest, but periodically worsened. In particular the crossing of Sunset Bay against a full headwind was quite challenging. After hearing back from Diane that we were welcome to stay overnight on Madeline Island, their spirits were elevated. Upon reaching the Ice Road Landing and meeting up with their Madeline Island host, the group made plans to take the ferry back to Bayfield and retrieve enough cars to bring gear and kayaks back to the mainland in the morning.
Staying with Diane in LaPointe proved to be an ideal way to end a challenging day. The group had warm beds, hot showers, and cold drinks provided. Delicious pizza was brought back from Grandpa Tony’s and the group had what would turn out to be a delicious and well-earned final meal in the Apostles together.
The next morning the leads took the temperature of the group to determine whether anyone was interested in taking advantage of the chance to paddle the mainland sea caves, but each person in the group was eager for an off day after three consecutive 15-mile paddling days. Several members did take advantage of the opportunity to visit Big Bay State Park on the island with Diane.
While it was a challenging trip due to distance and conditions, the group adapted their plans to meet the changing circumstances and met the challenges that arose.