Expeditionary Trips
Apostle Islands - ALL Islands Expedition New!
Apostle Islands National LakeshoreBayfield, WI
Dates: 2010 Dates Coming Soon
Days: 9 days, 8 nights
Price: $849
Trip Level: 3+/4- Kayak Camping, Paddling in Seas to 2-5', 2-5 mile crossings
Includes: Camping & Cook Gear, 1 Night Accommodation in Bayfield, 3 & 4 Star Training & Guidance
Group Size: 4-6
Trip Description
Join us for the ultimate Apostle Islands paddling adventure this summer – the “All-Islands Apostles Expedition”. In the western corner of the “Inland Sea”, an archipelago of 22 islands features sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs and sea caves, towering forests, lighthouses and a unique natural and human history. We'll explore this seascape, and attempt to set foot on each of the 22 islands during this expedition. The expedition is planned for early September in order to allow us to land on both Eagle and Gull Islands, which are both only accessible to humans from September to May due to the islands being a nesting area during the summer months. The dates of the trip will also allow us to take advantage of warmer water, higher likelihood of rough water and traditionally beautiful temperatures. Our plan will be to paddle west from Meyer's Beach over the course of several days to Outer Island and then south from Outer Island to Long Island. This general route is designed to take into consideration the prevailing winds during that time of year, which are westerly and northerly.This expeditionary paddling trip allows paddlers to experience the grandeur of the Apostle Islands first-hand. Paddlers are given the unique opportunity to view and camp on a number of the Apostle's outermost islands, those not often explored by more novice paddlers. Not only will participants have the opportunity to develop their paddling and navigational skills, but they will also learn about camping in the backcountry. This experience is most suitable for intermediate paddlers who have experienced camping out of a kayak on weekend or longer trips, and would like the challenge of a multi-day paddling adventure.
This trip is rated a GKC Level 3+/4- trip. On Level 3 trips, participants should be comfortable with Level 3 skills and be ready for Level 4 training as outlined in our description of ACA L4 training or BCU 4 Star Training. Participants DO NOT need to hold their L3 or 3 Star awards to participate, but would benefit from taking our BCU or ACA Level 3 TRAININGS before the trip. Please call us for more information or with any questions. Our Expeditionary Paddling Trips are for the paddler seeking to develop his or her paddling skills and seamanship while journeying on the sea by kayak. These trips combine both inn accommodations and backcountry camping as we often paddle into remote areas.
Included in the price of the trip is lodging on the first night in Bayfield, kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, safety kits, tents and outdoor cooking equipment. Sleeping bags and mattresses, personal clothing and paddling gear are not included. The trip is guided by Geneva Kayak's ACA and BCU certified instructors.
Itinerary
(subject to change due to weather & permit conditions)Day 1
Arrive in the Apostle Islands and check into Gruenke's Inn. We will also make trip preparations as well as shuttle vehicles on Day 1.No meals are included
Day 2
Launch from Meyer's Beach, paddling past the mainland sea caves to York Island, with stops at Eagle Island, Sand Island Lighthouse and the Swallow Point Sea Caves.Lunch and Dinner provided
Day 3
Our paddling destination will be Devil's Island on day three with stops at Raspberry, Oak and Bear Islands. If we have good conditions, we'll head to the Devil's Island sea caves and lighthouse.All meals provided
Day 4
From Devil's Island we'll paddle to Rocky, Otter, Manitou, Ironwood and South Twin Islands, setting up camp at South Twin.All meals provided
Day 5
Day fives journey involves some of the most exposed paddling of the trip. From South Twin Island, we'll paddle to North Twin Island and Cat Island before heading to Outer Island.All meals provided
Day 6
Taking advantage of the remoteness of Outer Island, we'll spend an “off-day” on Outer Island, Participants have the option of a paddle around Outer Island (16nm), hiking, relaxing in camp, or a skills training session. We may have to utilize this off-day earlier in the trip if conditions are “too rough” to paddle for the level of the trip.All meals are provided