Monday August 1

The day began a little oovercast with a hint of rain (which it never did by the way!). Skip changed the oil in the engine and I went to the grocery and fish market.. We finally took off about 1pm for a few days of island sailing. First on our agenda is Stockton Island. By then the sun was out and there was a bit of a breeze.
Here's some information about the Apostles:
It is generally believed that the islands were named by the French missionaries in the late 1600's in the belief that there were only 12 islands and therefore named for the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. There are actually 22 islands, each with it's own unique name showing the influence of the Chippewa Indian's and French settlers. The islands are now part of the Park Service and were named a National Lakeshore in 1970.
This area of Lake  Superior has more pleasure craft per square mile than any other part of the lake. The largest charter company is located here as well as seven marinas and two yacht clubs accounting for more privately owned boats  than anywhere else on Lake Superior.
Not  all of the islands have docks; in some cases we will anchor out ina bay.
We got to Stockton about 4:30 and tied up. It's a small area with not much depth, but we found a place on the East dock. The Park Service has jurisdiction over the Apostles and have made some nice improvements to the camping areas, hicking trails, and docks that exist.
Stockton has a full time Park Ranger living on the island. Her name is Amie and she is here from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is then replaced by someone else. There is also a maintenance crew here to keep the trails cleared, etc.
This island is the most popular of the Apostles because of the diverse terrain here. There are logoons, bogs, sandy beaches and dense forests.
Last night the Park Ranger had a presentation in which she talked about the Tombolo. I had never heard this word before so was quite interested. A tombolo is a sandbar. Stockton was originally two islands but over many centuries, a tombolo or sandbar joined the two making it one.  Today the Tombolo Trail gives folks a great way to explore this area.
We also learned of the many different types of vegetation here. Some edible such as the wild blueberries and cranberries.
Tomorrow we will hike the Tombolo Trail, a 3.8 mile trek. Tonight we will huncker-down for the storm that's coming!
In the meantime, we are so blessed with all the wonders we see.
Love and Blessings Everyone,
Margo and Skip

The attached picture was taken at the Apostle Island Marina this morning as the sun came up.