We are glad that you have chosen to join us for a trip on beautiful Lake Superior. This overnight excursion will introduce you to some of the cultural, geological, and natural history of the area. Your trip includes: paddling, instruction, food, gear and transportation.

Where To Meet: All trip participants should meet at Trek & Trail in Bayfield at 8:45 am on the day your trip begins.

Accommodations: If you want to arrive early in Bayfield or stay a day or two after your trip, Trek & Trail has efficiency cabins available from $115 to $130/night. If you're looking for something other than cabins, we also recommend contacting the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce for more accommodation information: 800.447.4094.

Weather: Weather is always a factor that demands attention when going out on Lake Superior. Sea kayaking is a very versatile activity, and if you're prepared it's easy to enjoy the mystical lake atmosphere provided by light rain or cloud cover.

Food: Trek & Trail provides its participants with a beach lunch and snacks during full-day programs. Lunches normally include: sandwiches, vegetables, chips or crackers, cookies, and a beverage.

Prior Conditioning: Trek & Trail strives to provide you with an enjoyable experience. Pre-trip conditioning and physical activities will help prepare you for your trip. Suggestions for conditioning include: sit-ups, push-ups, cycling, rowing, canoeing, swimming, and calisthenics that strengthen your shoulders, arms, and abdominal muscles. Persons with health problems, particularly heart problems, are required to consult their physician prior to participating.

Your Account: Any remaining balance on your account is due within 45 days of your trip. Please be sure you have an accurate understanding of our cancellation policy.

A Little About Bayfield: Bayfield is a comfortable town with the look of a New England fishing village. While here, take time to visit Bayfield's museum and some of the local shops. The ferry ride to Madeline Island is an excellent day excursion. Ask the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce (800.447.4094) for information about potential evening activity opportunities. Great views and magnificent sunsets, vast orchards and exciting charters make up part of the beauty and special allure this area offers -- while you're here take time to enjoy it!

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From the junction of Hwy's 2 and 13 on the outskirts of Ashland, WI, turn onto Hwy 13 North. Bayfield is 21 miles north of Ashland on Hwy 13. Once in Bayfield, Hwy 13 becomes Rittenhouse Avenue, the “main street” of Bayfield. Trek & Trail's main store, reservation center and outfitting center is located in the Boothe Cooprage on 7 Washington Ave. Next to the Madline Island Ferry.

A Few Other Considerations:

*Please make your guide aware of any pertinent medical conditions you may have -- i.e. allergies, medications you're taking, etc. If you have any questions concerning your personal fitness or your ability to participate, please be sure to consult your physician.

*We ask that all minors are accompanied by an adult on all of our tours and expeditions.

*Please remember that if you are late for a trip you are not the only one affected. Our trips are normally fully booked. Your promptness affects everyone's allotted time on the water. Please plan accordingly.

*We cannot control the weather. Occasionally we are forced to alter our trip routes. Please be understanding.

*We recommend that all participants acquire travel insurance to cover emergency medical situations, evacuations and unforeseen last minute cancellations.

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Day 1: After meeting your guide and fellow trip participants at the Cooperage at 9 a.m. on Sunday, you'll begin the trip with a 2-3 hour Basic Safety Course in which your guide will instruct you, or help you review paddling technique, “wet-exits,” kayak rescues, safety and weather concerns, and equipment packing. Be prepared to get wet! Trek & Trail may provide you with a wetsuit for the course and trip, depending on conditions, but you may want to bring a set of clothing (long-sleeved T-Shirt and/or wind jacket), specifically for the safety course, that you can leave behind. After the course you'll have lunch, pack your gear, and then shuttle to Little Sand Bay around 1:30-2:00 p.m. Once you've been shuttled via van to Little Sand Bay, it is a 2-3 mile crossing to York Island. If you have enough time, your group may take a side trip to Sand Island Sea Caves. You should arrive at York Island with enough daylight to set up camp, have dinner, and relax around a campfire.

Day 2: Launching from York Island, you'll head out into parts of the Apostles that few kayakers tread. Your group will head to Devil's Island, a nine mile paddle that should take most of the morning, with lunch eaten upon arrival at Devil's Island. After extensive exploring, we'll set up camp, have dinner, and relax in preparation for another day of paddling.

Day 3: After breakfast at Devil's, it's time to head towards one of the middle islands. Once to your island, there should be time to spend combing the shoreline and relaxing. After a rest and lunch, possibilities for an afternoon/evening paddle abound.

Day 4: can be a day to explore some of the beauties of the Apostles as you make your way to Presque Isle Point Campground on Stockton Island or somewhere on Oak Island. On Stockton you'll have time to hike the trail to the brownstone quarry, relax on the singing sands at Julian Bay, and explore the bog.

Day 5: is dedicated to paddling the 10 miles to Bayfield, with a quick stop for lunch on Hermit or Basswood Islands. Then, it's back to the historic Cooperage to clean up and debrief the trip.

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Chances are you'll be paddling through two of the splendid, sunny days which Lake Superior boasts. From experience, though, we know the weather conditions can vary greatly on any given day of a tour. For your safety and comfort you should come prepared by bringing the following:

___ Warm sweater or synthetic Pile jacket (not cotton)
___ Long underwear top & bottom (Synthetic works best)
___ Wind/Rain Jacket or paddling top
___ Shorts and pants of the “quick-dry,” synthetic or pile variety
___ Footwear that you can get wet
___ Light Stocking Cap (if cold)
___ T-Shirts
___ Swimsuit
___ Sun Hat
___ Sunglasses
___ Water Bottle
___ Sunscreen
___ Walking shoes or hiking boots
___ Wool socks
___ Gloves (if cold)
___ Flashlight
___ Insect Repellent
___ Binoculars
___ Toiletries
___ Sleeping Bag
___ Sleeping Pad

Trek & Trail Provides:

• Kayak
• Sprayskirt
• Paddle
• PFD
• Paddle float
• Bilge pump
• Farmer bill wetsuits (if needed).
• Tents (if you have one you like, bring it)

We offer a 10 % discount for all Trek & Trail trip participants on general kayaking items (gear, clothing, supplies, etc.) that you might find useful while on the water. Ask about our participant merchandise discount packages: 800.354.8735.

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