For many NEWP members, the annual sea kayaking trip to Rock Island State Park has become one of the highlights of the paddling season. Our 2026 version continued that tradition as 13 paddlers 
set out for three nights of camping, exploration, and camaraderie. For a few of this year’s participants, it was their first visit to one of Wisconsin’s most remarkable islands.
Eleven of us launched from Jackson Harbor on June 7 with sea kayaks loaded with tents, sleeping bags, and enough food for the duration. Two additional members – Mike Stone and Mike Jordan – chose the longer challenge, paddling the 14 miles from Northport on the mainland before joining the group on Rock Island.
The weather seemed to be on our side from beginning to end. Aside from an overnight shower Monday night that passed before breakfast, the skies remained mostly clear and the temperatures were ideal for paddling, hiking and relaxing around camp. It was the kind of forecast every trip leader hopes for.
Monday’s paddle around Rock Island 
was a favorite for many. The six-mile route included a visit to historic Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Wisconsin’s oldest, and a leisurely lunch on the island’s sandy beach. 
Tuesday’s outing took the group back across the channel for lunch at Jackson Harbor Soup and Sandwiches before exploring Washington Island’s scenic northern shoreline by kayak.
Wildlife was never far away. American white pelicans cruised along the shoreline, bald eagles soared overhead, and one evening a curious fox made a quiet appearance near camp, its glowing eyes briefly reflecting in the darkness.
While the paddling is always memorable, the time spent in camp is what keeps members returning year after year. Meals became shared gatherings, 
conversations stretched late into the evening, and new friendships formed alongside old ones. Spending several days together without schedules or distractions creates connections that are difficult to duplicate anywhere else.
The trip concluded with one final reminder that Great Lakes paddling always has a story to tell. A dense fog covered the water 
as the group prepared for the return crossing to Jackson Harbor. With visibility reduced, paddlers relied on compass bearings and practiced navigation skills to stay on course. As the fog gradually lifted, Jackson Harbor emerged directly ahead – a fitting end to another successful Rock Island adventure.
Trips like this showcase what NEWP is all about: exploring remarkable places, developing paddling skills, and building a community of friends who enjoy sharing adventures on the water.
