HCKC Seakayak Trip Apostle Islands National Lakeshore   August 3-10, 2024

Sponsor: Linda Decker

Leads: David Nord, Jim Heichelbech and Andy Thieneman

Ten HCKC paddlers gathered at Little Sand Bay on Lake Superior. The group base camped at Little Sand Bay for three nights. Day paddles included the Mainland Sea Caves and an out and back trip to the Sand Island sea caves. The weather was sunny and mild and we had a grand time exploring and paddling through various caves.

On Monday morning we headed out for South Manitou for our first night camping on the islands. Originally, we planned to camp on Oak Island but, it was closed by the park service due to bear problems. Manitou was the only choice. Conditions were challenging but our tired group made it to our first site safely.

Tuesday morning we headed to Rocky, planning to use our campsite there as a basecamp for a paddle to Devils Island sea caves the next day. After checking the weather , Thursday looked like a better day for the 15+mile round trip to the seacaves so, we circumnavigated Rocky and made a visit to South Twin Is.

Thursday morning weather check revealed a change in the earlier forecast and a storm system was predicted to move into the area later in the day and remain for several days. The group decided that the safest plan would be to paddle 14miles back into Sand Bay, rather than to go to Devils and risk getting weatherbound at Rocky for several days. The forecast proved to be accurate as conditions were building as we made our last crossing back to Little Sand Bay.