2025 was the second year for NEWP’s Bayfield Gathering where a group of members gathered at Little Sand Bay campground to paddle around the Bayfield and Apostle Islands area. A small group of six went a bit farther by paddling out and around Devil’s Island!
The intrepid group launched early Thursday morning for a 10-mile paddle to Otter Island campsite, 
stopping on the Raspberry Island sand spit for a rest break. Arriving at the Otter Island campsite showed that the campsite was, indeed, a small campsite. The group was forewarned and planned to share tents. Lucky for the advanced planning as the campsite only had room for three tents.
Friday morning was another early launch with plans to paddle to, and around, Devil’s Island. The early start was decided because rain was expected late in the day and the group wanted to return to the Otter Island campsite before the rains began. The six had easy paddling in mild conditions for nearly the entire trip. 
Waves were a little bit more aggressive near the sea caves on the northwest side of the island, but many of the caves were still accessible to the paddlers.
After a lunch break on the north shore of Devil’s Island, 
the group continued back toward Otter Island, with a detour. The group was informed that another paddler, Pete Kuhn, was heading out from Little Sand Bay to Bear Island for a couple of nights of camping. The intrepid paddlers met up with Pete and was able to take another break while chatting with him on the north shore of Bear Island.
After the break, the group continued back to Otter Island. During the crossing from Bear Island to Otter Island, the rains began, and thunder was heard in the distance, causing the paddling speed to increase. 
After the 18 miles around Devil’s Island and returning to Otter Island, the marine radio’s weather band was turned on, informing the group that tomorrow’s (the planned return date) weather will be winds of 10-20 knots and waves building up to four feet. After a brief consultation, the group decided it best to head back to the mainland camp before dark. The rains ceased and a quick supper was eaten, then camp was taken down quickly and loaded into the boats for an additional 10 miles paddle back to Little Sand Bay campground. (Yes, that made for a 28-mile paddle day!)
The tired group of six arrived back to the mainland as the sun was setting.
After arriving at Little Sand Bay, Scott S. and Mike B. performed a celebratory synchronized roll!s
