Gratitude was the theme of the evening for the 2024 Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore annual cruise. Sixty Friends supporters and park lovers boarded the Superior Princess in Bayfield for an evening of engaging conversation, fine food and a few surprises in the park we love. 

Captain Sherman Edwards – Bob Jauch photo

The original plan was to visit Stockton Island for a program in the accessible amphitheater and a hike to Julian Bay, but as we all know “the lake is the boss.” So, when strong westerly winds and waves made that destination impossible, you improvise.  Captain Sherman Edwards and crew charted a course that kept us in calm, protected waters between the mainland and nearby islands. And when we cruised under a passing rainshower, we improvised again. Captain Sherman made a quick U-turn while we enjoyed a double rainbow in front of Madeline Island as our reward.

Arriving at the end of the rainbow – Jon Okerstrom photo

Near Basswood island, we also enjoyed seeing Honeymoon Rock iluminated by the setting sun, several American bald eagles in the treetops, and another segment of a rainbow over the treetops. 

Basswood bald eagle – Jon Okerstrom photo

Second rainbow – Jon Okerstrom photo

Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke welcomed everyone on-board. He encouraged our guests to talk with board members about our Wave Watch buoy project that provides real-time wave information for boaters and our Starry Skies Initiative that’s designed to bring the community together to protect the dark skies that make the Apostle Islands a great place to see the Milky Way and northern lights. And he thanked everyone for supporting our successful Access for All campaign, which will culminate next summer in construction of an accessible ramp at Meyers Beach, gateway to the mainland sea caves.

Superintendent Lynne Dominy – Bob Jauch photo

Park Superintendent Lynne Dominy thanked the group for their commitment to supporting the park through Friends, and for making the time ad effort to join us for the annual cruise.

New this year, watercolorist Dale Whittaker joined us as artist in residence. Dale spent part of the cruise sketching and painting a new work on the fantail of the cruise boat. As he brought a section of rocky shoreline to life on paper, he answered questions about his techniques and made the most of the challenging plein air painting conditions.

Whittaker also brought several other paintings that captured the beauty of the islands. Thanks to Dale’s generosity, you can bid on “Sunrise in Quiet Cove” to benefit the park. (The one behind glass in the white frame) Get details here.

Whittaker’s works  – Bob Jauch photo

Once again, co-executive Director Jill Rennicke organzed a fantastic spread including smoked fish from Bodin Fisheries, wine and beer from Apostle 22, gourmet sandwiches from Starlit Kitchen, salads from Chequamegon Food Co-op and chocolates from Harbor House Sweets in homemade “Starry Skies” gift boxes.

Tony and Jeff staff the bar – Bob Jauch photo

Dark chocolate treats – Jeff Rennicke photo

Many guests left with pre-ordered Starry Skies Initiative tee shirts, Friends hats and insulated water bottles. All of these items are available in our online store.

We also want to thank Wickcraft Boardwalks for sponsoring this year’s cruise. Proceeds will enable Friends to continue our mission “to promote an appreciation for and preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.”

Meet some of our Friends who joined us on the annual cruise

Slide show photos by Bob Jauch, Mark Weller, Jon Okerstrom, Jeff Rennicke

We hope our guests enjoyed this year’s cruise as much as we enjoyed spending the evening with you. We are grateful for your ongoing support and we’ll see you on the next cruise in 2025. 

The sun sets as the Superior Princess returns to Bayfield harbor to end the cruise – Jon Okerstrom photo

Annual cruise bonus: Silent Auction for Dale Whittaker painting

Thanks to Dale Whittaker’s generosity, you may now bid on this original, framed, 11.5 x 14.5 inch painting, “Sunrise in Quiet Cove.” Proceeds go to Friends and benefit the park we love. Dale’s painting depicts the brownstone cliffs, pines, and clear water of Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. He created this work while he was on the water with Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke. The starting bid is $600. You will only be charged if you win the auction, which concludes on August 27, 2024 at 08:00 PM CDT. Learn more about submitting the winning bid for this beautiful image here.