We've been there twice
Fred, Interesting name, as our H-26 is named "Loon" We debated on Loon-a-sea too. We have towed our boat to Bayfield twice. Both times we stayed at the Port Superior Condominiums, which are about 6 miles from Bayfield. They have nice two bedroom condos with an attached dock. We used it as our home base, and the prices are reasonable, as it cost us around $1000 for a week in 1997. Figure transient slip rates and a hotel room, and it is actually cheaper than staying at a motel in town. I had a friend who camped at a campground/marina in Red Cliff, which is to the north. Camping was cheaper than the condo, but he had to put the boat on the trailer each night. The disadvantage of Port Superior is that you have to launch in Bayfield as they have no ramps. You also start out 5 miles further south, so it adds to your trip. It was nice to have a very secure dock and a warm bed to get a good night's sleep in. The condos had a grill, cable, fireplace linens and utensils. There was access to the pool, tennis courts and laundry at the marina. They also have a really good marina store and a place to park the trailer. In the two trips we were able to visit Rasberry Island, which has a nice lighthouse tour and a good dock, but make sure the centerboard is up so you don't hit the boulders. We also visited Manitou Island and toured the fish camp there, again there was a good dock. Stockton Island is my favorite. There is a great walking tour and "Singing Sands" beach is a must. We had to Med Moor at Stockton Island, so you may want to read up and practice this as the Park Service will do this if the docks are crowded. If I overnited anywhere, it would be at Stockton Island as they have a fairly secure harbor. We also visited Madeline Island. The marina has free transient dockage for up to three hours. This was long enough to have lunch, play mini-golf and grab some ice cream. We always went in the first week of August. Mornings on the lake our cold. Bring warm coats and sailing gloves, as the aluminum tiller gets mighty cold. In the thirteen days we we spent there, we had rain for four. The first trip was with our 23.5, after which we decided to get the 26 since we ended up turning back twice due to wind, waves and a frightened wife. It can be very challenging to sail to some of the outer islands and get back by dark. We came home from both Rasberry and Stockton islands at dusk. Have fun, Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
