Apostle Islands Trip

2021 Trip Status

NEWP has secured three group camping permits at Stockton Island Group Campsite A this year. Group camping permits require a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 individuals. Trip 1 is complete; look for a summary soon. We still have room for one addition to Trip 2: Launching August 26 and returning August 29, and have room for a few more on Trip 3, with an August 30 launch and September 2 return.

Apostle Islands - Three 2021 trips scheduled - Stockton Group Site A Reserved

Miles: varies each day
Challenges: weather; packing ALL gear into kayaks; possible long paddle days

Fee: $25 for group permit plus shared expenses (travel, meals,  parking at Red Cliff, etc.) 

Forms:

SAFETY FIRST PFD Required

  1. All participants must wear a personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket) at all times while on the water.
  2. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the paddle or during lunch stops.

Current Participant List:

Trip 1 – August 12-14

  1. Bill Merrick, Appleton
  2. Dan Dallich, Green Bay
  3. Renee Dallich, Green Bay
  4. Greg Ramsey, Appleton
  5. Dean Wegner, West Bend
  6. Diane Christel, Brussels
  7. Bill Burton, Sheboygan
  8. Mark Chin, Milwaukee

Trip 2 – August 26-28

  1. Jeff Mazanec, Appleton
  2. Bill Merrick, Green Bay
  3. Daniel Kremer, Appleton
  4. Mike Stone, Green Bay
  5. Abby Ledvina, New Franken
  6. Michael Jordan, Oshkosh
  7. Angie Lent, Madison 
  8. Michael Cook, Mequon
  9. Deb Miranda, Green Bay
  10. Lee Hash, Appleton
  11. Mike Barry, Sheboygan Falls
  12. Jack Barry, Sheboygan Falls
  13. Jacob Tarlton, Green Bay
  14. …

Trip 3 – August 30 – September 1

  1. Jeff Mazanec, Appleton
  2. Scott Thomson, Neenah
  3. Richard Grenell, Lakewood
  4. Dick Steinle, Madison
  5. Mark Chin, Milwaukee
  6. Mark Schneider, Wisconsin Rapids
  7. Michael Juszczak, Lake Mills
  8. Chris Olson, Neenah
  9. …
  10. …
  11. …
  12. …
  13. Reserved
  14. Reserved

Wait List:

  1.  
Campsite on Apostle IslandsNEWP club trips provide an opportunity for experienced paddlers together with newer paddlers to safely enjoy a few days of great paddling and camping in the beautiful Apostle Islands. For many participants over the years, our club trip has been a “first” experience paddling extensively in the Great Lakes, and often also for camping with only the equipment and supplies that can be packed into a kayak. Destinations and even group campsite locations are selected to offer a variety of paddle destinations, hiking and other activities to provide options in response to inclement weather or challenging paddle conditions. Ken Braband produced a short video clip from our 2019 trip to Sand Island. And here’s the long version which includes interviews with participants. For more information check out the Apostle Islands website.
Count Me In

Trip Plan Information

Plans for our Apostle Islands trip are underway. We have confirmed three night reservations on Stockton Island, Group Campsite A, for three sets of dates.

  • Trip 1: Launch Thursday August 12, camp through Saturday August 14 and return Sunday August 15. Trip Leaders are Bill Merrick and Dan Dallich.
  • Trip 2: Launch Thursday August 26, camp through Saturday August 28 and return Sunday August 29. Trip Leaders are Jeff Mazanec and Bill Merrick.
  • Trip 3: Launch Monday August 30, camp through Wednesday September 1 and return Thursday September 2. Trip Leaders are Jeff Mazanec and Scott Thomson.

As people’s plans and availability change over the course of several months, we will maintain a wait list and will adjust the participant lists accordingly.

Trip Timeline: Typical 

  • Travel to Bayfield, WI the day before “launch day;” spend the night in local camping or hotel accommodations. Last minute paddling or camping needs may be available at the local Trek and Trail store. Optional group dinner at 6:30 PM (Greunke’s First Street Diner or other TBD).
  • Launch day:  Optional group breakfast at Manypenny or other local restaurant and a short drive to Legendary Waters Resort and Casino in Red Cliff for a 10:00 AM launch to Stockton Island Group Campsite A. Paddle length is a bit over 10 miles; shore stops are available at Basswood and Hermit Islands to break up the trip. Set up camp, share dinner and enjoy island life!
  • Days 2 and 3, Visit Michigan Island lighthouse, Manitou Island Fish Camp; other islands or other local attractions. Hiking trails are available on Stockton Island.
  • Return day – Break camp and return to Red Cliff Marina; pack up and drive home.

Pre-Launch Night Lodging: On your own, but we’ll identify lodging options and facilitate lodging plans for those that wish to share a room. We’ve had good experience with Bayfield lodging and will also look into lodging at the Legendary Waters Resort at the Red Cliff launch site.

Forested camping area with wooden boardwalk.

Apostle Island Group Campsite (Stockton Island A) Information: Click to view information on the campsite. Pit toilet facilities are available, but well water is not available at our selected site so we will filter our own water supply. The National Park Service has directed that tents be set up on the wooden platform. 

Participant Qualifications and Preparation: To ensure participants meet fitness qualifications and equipment requirements, all participants must complete at least one two-hour group paddle. This will:

  • Expose the participant to the physical requirements of an extended crossing. We will be prepared to stay in the kayaks for the full 10 miles.
  • Confirm each participant’s ability to make the trip.
  • Verify that the kayak and equipment are suitable for a Lake Superior trip.
  • Practice/test paddle schedule:
    • Saturday June 26, 2021: Caldron Reservoir trip (part of the Peshtigo Paddle weekend, 10 AM launch)
    • Monday July 5, 2021: Door County paddle – venue TBD – meet in Sturgeon Bay Wal-Mart parking lot at 9:30 AM
    • July 26 – Port Washington (Contact Mike Cook)
    • August 1 – 3 PM Launch from Communiversity Park (2522 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311)
    • Contact Mike Stone for weekday and other weekend options
    • TBD: Manitowoc Lakeview Park to Two Rivers round trip, 9:30 AM launch. The park address is 301 Huron Street with parking just north of the Manitowoc YMCA and marina on Maritime Drive. We’ll launch, paddle one hour toward Two Rivers, and return. A new restroom facility has recently been constructed at this location. 
    • Others TBD
  • Other opportunities to paddle in “big water” conditions:

Trip Leaders: Trip Leaders for each trip are identified above.

  • Trip leaders will have authority over all participants on water trips or activities.
  • If the trip leaders believe that due to weather or water conditions it is unsafe to proceed with a trip or activity, they may restrict or cancel that trip or activity.
  • Note that past trip wind and wave condition have resulted in early return trips and may be necessary. 

Safety Considerations

  • Water Crossings, Trips and Activities:
    • No solo on-water crossings, trips or activities will be allowed.
    • All on water activities will be done in groups with designated lead paddlers. Groups must be five or greater paddlers.
  • Equipment
    • Trip leaders have final approval of all kayaks and equipment.
    • All kayaks, equipment and clothing must be suitable for Lake Superior paddling. Recreational kayaks and those with only one bulkhead are not suitable,
    • Kayaks must have flotation or bulkheads, deck-lines and be fitted with spray skirts. If the kayak does not have bulkheads the use of and knowledge of how to use sea socks is required.
    • Inflatable PFDs are not acceptable for this trip.
    • Acquire and become familiar with safety equipment such as paddle floats, radios, tow ropes, spare paddle etc.
    • Although night paddling is not planned, paddlers should be prepared in case a night paddle becomes necessary. Coast Guard rules require everyone to have a visual light source such as a laser flare or three traditional flares, a sound source (whistle) and a white light source (head lamp) to display in the presence of moving boat traffic.
  • Paddle Clothing – Lake Superior is COLD!
    • Practice self and group rescues; review the video Cold Water Boot Camp.
    • Bring suitable cold water paddling gear, wetsuit, dry suit, splash jacket, gloves, etc.
    • Dress to confidently function in cold weather and in case of cold-water immersion.
  • Alcohol and Drugs
    • NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION WILL BE ALLOWED WHILE PADDLING.
    • NO ILLEGAL DRUGS WILL BE ALLOWED.

Meals and Camping: Participants are responsible for their own camping and cooking. However, we will coordinate “group cook” dinner each night for those that wish to participate. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are on your own. Group dinner meal leaders:

  • Trip 1:
    • 8/12 Thursday – TBD
    • 8/13 Friday – TBD
    • 8/14 Saturday – TBD
  • Trip 2:
    • 8/26 Thursday – TBD
    • 8/27 Friday – TBD
    • 8/28 Saturday – TBD
  • Trip 3:
    • 8/30 Monday – TBD
    • 8/31 Tuesday – TBD
    • 9/1 Wednesday – TBD

Black bears are active in the Apostle Islands and occasionally present a problem. Steel “bear boxes” are provided at the group campsite and must be used to store all food, toiletry or clothing that smells of food.

Stockton Island Group Campsite A has a raised wooden platform for tent use. Individuals are encouraged to share tents where possible due to limited available space. All Park camping rules must be followed. No burning of garbage, cigarette butts or other waste is allowed in the fire area.

Trip Goal: The trip goal is to have a fun, safe outing. Because of the nature of Lake Superior, safety will be the primary factor. Due to possible weather and wind conditions on Lake Superior, there is no guarantee that events or activities will happen as planned. Participants must be flexible and be prepared for changes in events and timing. The trip leaders are in charge of this trip and will have final authority over trips, activities, participants and equipment. If a participant’s ability, kayak or equipment is deemed not suitable for Lake Superior, the person will not be allowed on the trip. All participants must have and wear a PFD (personal flotation device) while paddling.

Park Rules: All Apostle Island National Lakeshore rules must be followed. All participants will be expected to follow the “Leave No Trace” practices.

Questions? Contact Bill M. at billm@newp.club or Jeff M. at jeffm@newp.club.

Trip Registration Forms:

NEWP-AI 2021 Registration Form

ACA Adult Waiver

Mail the completed forms and event fee to:

NEWP Treasurer
1247 E Shady Ln
Neenah, WI 54956

Participants Must:

  1. Be a current ACA and NEWP member.
  2. Have taken a NEWP class or be known by one of the lead paddlers to have the requisite skills and training for the planned trip.
  3. Complete the event form, ACA waiver and submit the event fee.
    1. The fee will cover event expenses and purchase of trip safety equipment.
    2. In the event a participant cannot make the outing and a qualified replacement is willing to take their place, the fee will be refunded.
    3. If the event is cancelled due to conditions beyond our control, any remaining funds after paying expenses will be refunded proportionately. The participant can choose to donate their refund to the club for the purchase of safety equipment.

Kayak Trip Tips:
Trip Tips

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