Taking a well deserved
(or not) break for 3 days is very rewarding, fun and easy to do. Here is a
sample itinerary for Stockton Island that can help you plan your trip when
nature beckons you…or whenever you feel inspired after watching too much
“survivor” on tv!
DAY 1 – Get me to Bayfield on time!!
Yes – unless you have
your own private boat (which we didn’t)…you need to get to the loading dock in
time before the ferry leaves. There is only one ferry that leaves for Stockton
Island at 1pm everyday. You are expected to load all your belongings,
back-packs etc onto the boat, and eventually load yourselves too …and you are
set to experience nature like it’s supposed to be.
On the boat, are also
few day hikers who get to enjoy the island for a limited time, then return back
to mainland with the ferry. We belonged to the ‘other’ group. If weather
permits, the upper deck (which can get very breezy) is a lovely place to be…the
sun, the wind and the sights…what more can one ask. It’s a short ride (1 hour)
to get to Stockton.
The island itself has
designated camp sites and group camp sites. Although you are not given a
specific campsite number, rest assured that one is reserved for you. Its first
come first serve …so head out to seek and claim yours before anyone else does.
The campsites itself are very spacious, and come equipped with picnic bench,
bear-proof (yes I said BEAR) food lockers to store food etc, and a large
tent-pad to pitch tent on. Probably the most important asset of the campsite is
a clear and un-obstructive lake view with your own private beach (am I sounding
like a real estate agent yet?).
The rest of the
afternoon is spent setting up camp…pitching tent, and getting a fire going to
cook dinner. On a hot day, don’t even hesitate to jump into the lake for a
swim. The water is clean, and the bed is very shallow near the beach. Its
wonderful to just relax and let the experience of it all sink-in.
DAY 2 – Hike the trails – watch out for Bear-poop!
Stockton Island has the
largest density of black bears anywhere in USA. There are said to be more than
30 bears on the island…but let that not deter your plans in anyway…because in
the three days that we were there, we didn’t spot a single one. This ended-up
being the only big disappointment for ‘men’ in our group!! Come-on guys…I am
thinking, thank goodness we didn’t spot one!
The island also has 3-4
different length trails that you can enjoy. Some of them skirt the beach and
bays, while others are more interior to the island, and completely wooded.
Either way – you can select whichever one you most fancy. Wherever you go…watch
out for Blueberry looking bear poop. No we didn't find a ginger bread
house at the end of the trail! The quarry trail is what we opted for day 2. It’s about a 4 mile
trail one way…leading to a Brownstone Quarry. The trail runs through deep woods
and grassy meadow areas, as well as along the beach for a short distance.
The return trip could be
tiring, because of the time of day, which is perfect since the lake looks even
more inviting for a dip and a swim. Swallowing water and not having to taste
salt, is something one has to get used to…since the lake looks just about the
size of an ocean!
Wrap your evening,
sitting with friends around a campfire making smores, telling jokes and
enjoying the star-studded night sky. It’s that unforgettable “wow” feeling
every night as you look up and SEE the starry sky.
DAY 3- Hike some more, build sand castles, take a dip, play
Frisbee on the beach, whatever your heart desires…
The island has beautiful
trails that are vastly different from each other. On our last day, we hiked the Tombolo
trail that leads to Julian
Bay…one of the most beautiful beaches with soft fine sands, and completely
deserted (not after we were there!).
It’s a short fun hike,
which goes through some brilliant scenery and ends in an even more spectacular
one. At the beach, you can relax, sun bathe, take a swim…build castles
literally in sand…and soak in all that surrounds you. When you feel like you
never want to leave the place, is when you know that you have thoroughly
enjoyed your stay, and not once have thought about the laundry pile waiting at
home!
Heading back to camp
lacks brusqueness because you know the adventure is almost over. Tearing down
the tents, packing all your belongings is a crude reminder that all good things
must come to an end.
The Apostle Islands is
one place where you let the sun be your timepiece and the lapping of the waves,
your pace to explore it. Enjoy it!
TIP:Make sure that you get
to the dock on time, and there is only the one ferry leaving the island, and
although I wouldn’t mind being left behind….it would make a poor excuse for the
boss! The ride back is as enjoyable as the one to the island, and do take
advantage of these last precious moments to add to your ‘stock’-pile of
memories collected from the island.
