It was my third year to organize and lead our Team River Runner kayak camping trip in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Sept. 14-19, 2019. This year 12 participants, (including eight military veterans with disabilities) enjoyed spectacular weather, paddling, camping and hiking in this kayakers’ paradise. For some it was their first time on a kayak camping trip. For all of us, it was a wonderful event for building comradery and achieving personal goals.
Saturday Sundown at Little Sand BaySaturday campfire at Little Sand Bay. Old friends and new friends.Part of our caravan before heading to the launch at Red CliffLoading kayaks at Red CliffOn our way Sunday morning to Oak Island
Why they call it Red CliffChannel buoy with Oak Island in the backgroundWe arrived on Oak Island before the fog rolled in.Sunday evening fog at Oak Island beachSunday evening campfire with LT, Greg R and CohenChristy peers into the fog.
The new privy at group site A on Oak Island. Very nice indeed.The shoreline of Oak Island, as we head out on our Monday day trip to Manitou Island.Manitou Island Fish Camp. Five restored cabins stocked with tools and equipment used by Great Lakes commercial fishermen from the 1930s to 1950s.Some of us were more relaxed than others at the Manitou Island Fish Camp.Daren doing his Karate Kid thingManitou Island Fish CampManitou Island Fish CampCohen enjoys the crystal clear water of Lake Superior at the Manitou Island Fish CampReady to head out from Manitou back to our campsite on OakAfter the 10.6-mile paddle to and from Manitou Island, I went on a 4-mile hike back on Oak. Most of the leaves were still green, with a few spectacular exceptions.Greg R. and I were proud of our tarp-building abilities. Will and LT also contributed to design and construction.Tuesday day trip to explore the other side of Oak Island
Common MergansersGreg H. along the Oak shorelinePaulaDaren, Will and FredOak Island hikeTuesday evening sunsetJust hanging around Wednesday morningCohen demonstrates how a kayak camping Marine toasts an English muffin. With Kristin and Fred.Kristin and Cohen prepare for a hike 007 style with bear spray.Wednesday’s sunsetThursday morning. Loading kayaks and suiting up for the paddle back to Red Cliff.
The whole group, ready to paddle back to Red Cliff Thursday morning. Photo by Connie Bell.Along the mainland shoreline, on our way back to Red CliffChristyUnloading at the Red Cliff marinaFor eight of us, there was time for one more paddle to the mainland sea caves before heading home.How could we NOT paddle Lake Superior on a gorgeous September day like this?Greg H. checks out “The Crack” along the mainland sea caves.Fred ventures into “The Crack”Me in my happy place. Photo by LT.Michael enters the “Keyhole”Will poses from inside the “Keyhole”Paula and Michael in front of “Skull Rock”One of several bald eagles that graced us each dayMy attempt at a selfie
Thank you for sharing what looks like a spectacular trip! Gorgeous – and what a great chance to hang out with what looks like a great group.
It really was a great group! I would paddle with these people again any time.