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which helped to protect such parks and make them more publicly accessible.
= Amnicon Falls State Park: While much smaller than Copper Falls, this park also contains a picturesque copper hued waterfall, as well as hiking along the Amnicon River. This park is
a great choice for those driving from/to Duluth or Superior, as it is near Highway 2 (the route between Duluth and AINL).
= Waterfalls of all size and shape are abundant in
the Great Northwest of Wisconsin. In the counties of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron alone, over 20 named waterfalls exist. Many are 90-plus feet high, with Big Manitou Falls in Douglas County being the highest at 165 feet. Yet even some of the smaller (15-30 feet) falls are dramatic. Each is ever- changing, of course, and can be quite different to experience from one season to the next.
Sandstone Cornucopia
As a National Lakeshore, there is more to the Apostle Islands than just the islands themselves. Also protected are 12 miles of mainland coastline along the northwest shore of the Bayfield Peninsula. Most of the islands and all of this mainland coast have magnificent sandstone cliffs. Much of this bedrock rises from Lake Superior into steep walls towering up to 50 feet above the waterline. The relentless wind, waves, snow and ice have carved an endless variation of beaches, stone arches and windows, sandstone sea stacks and sea caves. These are the sights AINL is most famous for and not to be missed. In the summer, the most interactive way to experience the sea caves is via sea kayak. Several outfitters offer the appropriate equipment and guides. I recommend Lost Creek Adventures (www.lostcreekadventures.org) in Cornucopia, Wisconsin.
If your flight(s) to the area are outside the most popular summer tourist season, options are still abundant. Many summer hiking trails are popular winter snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing trails. Snowmobiling is common on the peninsula and well-groomed roads and trails exist in every direction. If you are lucky (and hearty) enough, every few years the winter temperatures are so consistently low they cause the sea caves to become ice caves. The sea mist freezes inside them to create a stunning world of crystalline formations and frozen rooms of wonder. In such years, the ice caves are accessible via hikes across the frozen shorelines with appropriately certified guides.
Located on the western shore of the Bayfield Peninsula, Cornucopia is a quaint little village where you can stop for a coffee and sandwich. It even has a little grass runway airport the locals refer to as “Corny International,” which hosts a great small aircraft fly-in every summer. It’s also near Meyers Point, which is both a popular kayak launching point and the trailhead for Lakeshore Trail,
AUGUST 2020
One of the many hikes on the western side of Bayfield Penin- sula worth exploring is Lost Creek Falls. Like many of the hid- den waterfalls in the area, this one is easily accessible and can even be walked under and behind without getting wet.
which meanders along the tops of the cliffs and sea caves. From there, with your guide, you can paddle out to the sea caves, many of which you can then maneuver your kayak into or completely through. The tighter the fit, the more memorable the passage. Longer voyages can include stops at tiny Eagle Island for unforgettable bird watching, or the larger Sand Island, where you can visit the Ranger Station and hike to the lighthouse. But it is the views from the water that truly stun the senses. The sea caves are at once beautiful and haunting. The sea stacks and sandstone arches grand in scale. Once in their midst, it is easy to become entranced by the views and forget you are but a floating speck upon the greatest of Great Lakes. KA
Copyright 2019-20, Matthew McDaniel.
First publication rights granted to Village Press for King Air Magazine.
All other rights reserved by copyright holder.
Matthew McDaniel is a Master & Gold Seal CFII, ATP, MEI, AGI & IGI and Platinum CSIP. In 30 years of flying, he has logged over 18,500 hours total, over 5,500 hours of instruction-given, and over 2,500 hours in various King Airs and the BE-1900D. As owner of Progressive Aviation Services, LLC (www.progaviation.com), he has specialized in Technically Advanced Aircraft and Glass Cockpit instruction since 2001. Currently, he is also an Airbus A-320-series Captain for an international airline, holds eight turbine aircraft type ratings, and has flown nearly 90 aircraft types. Matt is one of less than 15 instructors in the world to have earned the Master CFI designation for nine consecutive two-year terms. He can be reached at: matt@progaviation.com or (414) 339-4990.
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