A week in the Apostles ~ Day 5 Bayfield, WI to Stockton Island

It was a beautiful morning in Bayfield. We went on a fabulous 5.5 mile run along the gorgeous Brownstone Trail that goes through the woods over an old train bed. We ran between ravines and over bridges from Bayfield to Pike Bay Marina then back. It was our best run in a long time. A home owner along the trail had built a walking bridge on his property for trail users. His yard was landscaped with lovely gardens. We chatted with a couple who were enjoying the view; acknowledging how lucky we are to be here.

Brownstone Hiking Trail

Bayfield, WI

After our run, we took a quick shower, walked to the store for provisions, filled the water tanks, emptied the head and topped off the fuel. Our plan was to head for Stockton Island. We were leaving the breakwater right as a car ferry was leaving the city dock. We motored behind the ferry then raised our main and sailed along in gentle winds at about 4 knots.

Sailboat under full sail near Bayfield

Dave decided we needed a boost as everyone around us had full sails up, so we raised the jib. The day was perfect with 10-15 mph winds. Mystic heeled at 10 degrees. Dan Branson, at Vinette Boatworks, told us that Mystic's sweet spot is 20 degrees. I'm not sure I would find that so sweet!

As we passed Hermit Island we were opened up to the big lake from the west. The winds became fluky so we trimmed the jib. We had to motor sail to make our way between Hermit and Stockton Islands. We dropped anchor on the Southwest shore of Quarry Bay. The water is incredibly clear and you can see 20 feet or more to the bottom. We lowered the kayaks and headed for Presque Isle Bay but quickly realized the conditions were too rough so we turned back. It was hard to control the kayaks in the wind and rolling waves. We decided to head for the shoreline. It is rocky and not particularly attractive but we thought we might wait out the choppy conditions and go on a hike. As we approached shore, we could see many kayaks in the sand. 

Two young men smoking pipes walked toward us and asked where we came from. We pointed to Mystic. They were kayak guides, college kids working for the summer; leading an experience kayak group. We chatted a bit about our adventures then moved over to the dock. We left the kayaks on shore before setting off to explore the island. We went about two miles deep into the woods before turning back for Quarry Bay. We'd been here years ago aboard our 23 foot sailboat, Keewatin. That trip was a family vacation with the kids. Stockton Island looked pretty much as we remembered it. The paddle back to Mystic was very choppy with a strong south wind.

There was no way we could stay put in this wind so we raised the anchor and headed to the north end of Madeline Island seeking shelter. We anchored in 10 feet of water with a perfect sandy bottom.

Soon after the sun set, the most beautiful orange moon peeked over the horizon. I tried to take photos but the movement of the boat made that difficult. Our day was magnificent from sunrise to sunset, and then to moon rise! We listened to the loons lonely call and watched the glow of a campfire on the beach while a glorious moon rose above us. We are completely at peace. If only, there were stars and northern lights!!!