Oak and Outer Islands

It was another beautiful day out with a scenic sunset. After breakfast, I hiked the Oak Island Overlook trail. Took my bear spray, but didn’t see any bears or signs of bears. This trail is eight miles round trip. Oak Island has the highest elevation in the Apostle Islands, but the hike wasn’t overly strenuous. At almost four miles, I thought I was at the overlook, as I came to the edge of a cliff with fencing. Was a little let down in that the water view was blocked by trees. However, after resting a bit, I continued down the fence line and found the trail continued another couple hundred yards, with another fence line, but this time a great view. Again, on the edge of the cliff. (Picture uploads will show the water view of where I was.) After taking in the view, I headed back to the boat. Had a late lunch at around 1pm, and then decided since the water was so calm, I’d run out to Outer Island. It was 20 miles away, and I decided to put C-Traveler up on plane as I wouldn’t be able to spend the night there. Outer is, as its name implies, the most outer island of the Apostles. It’s open to Lake Superior, so little protection if the winds pick up. The dock, on the north end of the island, is cement and no surrounding protection. There has been bear activity at Outer, and they actually had the island closed earlier, but now is open during the day. Still no overnight camping. (And not a safe place to stay docked all night either, unless there is no chance of any winds!) Last time I was here, a year or two ago, the NPS had construction crews working on placing a new roof on the lighthouse structures, and I wanted to see the finished product. Tin roof that looks nice. This would be a nice light house to open to the public. However, due to its location, I don’t know if many would go out to visit, except maybe for the tour boats. After a short time at Outer, I decided to head to Stockton Island, the Presque Isle dock. At my usual slowboating speed. I had thought about anchoring out, however, chance of storms tomorrow, and with my Senior National Park’s pass, dockage for boats under 40’ is only $7.50. So I’ll probably continue staying at the island docks. (I am planning to spend one night at the Madeline Island marina, and then also at the Bayfield City pier, later this week.)Read more