Exploring the sea caves of Sand Island

Wednesday 30 August
It had actually been quite cool over night, and was a cool start, but under beautiful sunshine, it soon warmed up. Today we had booked a kayak trip to Sand Island to explore the sea caves and visit the lighthouse. We met at the company’s base, where we were recommended to don simple wet suits they have available. Having been given an introductory talk and briefing we made our way to Little Sand Bay where the launching point was. There was transport, but we chose to drive ourselves, since that would be closer to Bayfield, where we wanted to be afterwards. The kayaks they use are double sea kayaks, better equipped for the sea like characteristics of the Great Lakes. The weather and water can be extremely changeable on the Lakes, but fortunately today we were blessed with a beautiful day and remarkably calm water. We were 12 or 14 in the group, with two guides, one leading, and the other bringing up the rear. The paddle to the island was about three miles, then about another 1/2:mile or so around and in and out of the sea caves to Justice Bay on the other side, where we pulled up. Lunch was provided for us- a very good sandwich on a ciabatta bun, accompanied by crisps and pickle and apple or orange wedges. When lunch was over, we could make our own way, walking to the lighthouse, a little over a mile each way, a nice easy path though, as much of it was boardwalk. The lighthouse was built in 1881 to help guide ships to western Lake Superior ports. Some of these ships carried lumber, quarried brownstone and fish from the Apostle Islands to large cities on the lower lakes. The ships also carried passengers from around the world to help settle the region. By 1918, Sand Island supported a population of more than 100 people, the majority being Norwegian immigrants, who farmed and fished for a living. We took a tour at the lighthouse, given by a National Park service volunteer, who talked about the lighthouse keepers and other former inhabitants of the island. Then it was time to walk back to the beach and paddle back, weaving in and out of another couple of sea caves on the way back! I have added an extra collage of the lighthouse. By the time we got back to the mainland, we were exhausted, but it had been an amazing day!
Step count: 18,686