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. If plan to fly in, the Duluth International Airport is located the closest terminal located 11/2 hours west of Bayfield. Once in Bayfield, Hwy 13 becomes Rittenhouse Avenue, the “main street” of Bayfield. Trek & Trail's main store and reservation center is located at 7 Washington Ave

*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. Please refer to enclosed brochure.

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Apostle Islands Photo Workshop - with Layne Kennedy!

Thank you for joining us on our Apostle Island Photo Workshop with Layne Kennedy. During your photographic study of the Apostle Islands, Layne will teach you outdoor photography techniques, while one of Trek & Trail's professional guides shares the best spots in the islands with you. The itinerary is set up to provide you with an ample opportunity to practice and improve your photography skills while using sea kayaks to access otherwise inaccessible locations. On the 6 day workshop you will visit several of the 22 Apostle Islands. These islands are close to the mainland and are protected from Lake Superior's large swells by the rest of the archipelago (group of islands). This makes for moderate, yet fascinating paddling. The islands have a natural history dating back to the last ice age, with many vestiges left behind by the settlers of this region. Sea caves, shipwrecks, lighthouses, desolate beaches, and abundant wildlife make for great photographic studies. Paddling and capturing Lake Superior images is a unique experience and one we hope you'll enjoy.

Where to Meet: Participants should plan on checking in at Trek & Trail in Bayfield, WI between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. From the store you will be directed to your evening lodging accommodations at the Trek & Trail Cabins.

Accommodations and Meals: The first and last night's lodging will be at the Trek & Trail Cabins. Friday through Monday will be spent camping in the Apostle Islands. All meals and lodging from Thursday afternoon through Tuesday morning will be included in the registration fee. Note: if you have any dietary concerns or special needs please indicate them on the participant information form.

Application: Applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis. The workshop is limited to eight participants. To apply, fill out application form, enclose check, money order, or credit card information for 50% of the workshop fee and send the payment to Trek & Trail. Balance is due 45 days prior to workshop date. (Please make yourself familiar with our cancellation policy.)

Weather: Weather is always a factor that demands attention when going out on Lake Superior. In terms of weather, sea kayaking is a very versatile activity. Last year we had a mixture of sun, rain, and fog; this provided a variety of photographic opportunities that produced some very rewarding results. If you're prepared, it's easy to enjoy the many moods that Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands provide.

Prior Conditioning: This trip is not an aggressive paddle but some pre-trip conditioning and physical activities will help you be better prepared for your experience. 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.

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The balance for reservations is due in full, 45 days prior to all trips or rentals. Reservations booked less than 45 days in advance are paid in full at booking. We reserve the right to cancel the trip or add a 5% of total cost penalty if full payment is not made on time. Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to departure will receive a refund minus 15% of total trip cost. Cancellations made less than 30 but more than 10 days prior to departure, will not receive a refund - 50% of payment may be credited toward a future trip or rental, to be used within 1 yr. Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to departure, or “no shows”, will receive no refund or credit.

Equipment & Clothing List

Chances are you'll be paddling through some 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)

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Day 1: Check in at the Trek & Trail offices; the reservationist will then direct you to your lodging accommodations. Dinner will be served between 5 & 7 p.m. Following dinner, Layne will present a slide show and an informative lecture on the history and subject of photo journalism and outdoor photography.

Day 2: Prepare for a full day of activity, starting at 8:00 a.m., with a 2-3 hour Basic Safety Course. This course will instruct you in paddling technique, wet-exits, kayak rescues, safety and weather hazards, and equipment packing. Be prepared to get wet! Trek & Trail will provide a wetsuit for the course and trip 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. That way, you'll still have enough warm & dry clothing for your exploration. After the Basic Safety Course you'll have lunch, pack your gear, and then catch the noon water-taxi to Stockton Island. Participants will have to pay their fare on the water taxi!

Day 3: Depending on the weather, our group may get up with the sun and try to capture the morning light and capture bear tracks or other scenery on the shoreline of Quarry Bay. Then, after breakfast, we'll continue our exploration of Stockton Island. One possibility is to paddle east 3 miles to Julian Bay. There you can either relax on the beach, or take a hike around the lagoon stopping to shoot the lush forest and bog areas. There is a nice shipwreck to photograph if it is calm. There is a favorite swimming hole of Layne's that will help refresh the group before paddling back to camp. Then, it's back to base camp for dinner, followed by a night photography session.

Day 4: If the group is ambitions, we will paddle to the sea stacks and cliffs of the NE side of Stockton Island. One of the best shorelines in the islands for photography. If the group doesn't want to paddle that far, there is a nice hike to a sandstone quarry. This gives the opportunity to practice motion shots, flash and slash, as well as plenty of other techniques. Of course, don't forget to document some of the historical artefacts.

Day 5: If weather is good, this morning is a good time to paddle over to hermit Island, and another sandstone quarry. But the group can't dally, as at 2 pm is time to be picked up by the water-taxi to head back to Bayfield. Watch out if Layne is craving pie by then, there might be one waiting for you at the Pier. Otherwise, supper is at the Trek & Trail cabins, normally a good time for a barbeque.

Day 6: Breakfast will be at 8 a.m., after which it is time for a slide show featuring samples of everyone's work. Layne will offer constructive criticism so participants will have some direction on how to continue improving their work.

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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.