Think kayaking in September! It is absolutely a perfect time of year to enjoy the paddling experience without the intensities of the summer months. Pinehurst Inn is thrilled to partner with Living Adventure on our “By Sea Kayaking Package.”

Living Adventure is one of our favorite partners. Living Adventure home is located just north of Bayfield. Sitting on the shore of Lake Superior and the southern most Apostle Islands, they provide magnificent kayaking trips for visitors. Ranging from 2 hours to multiple days, their trips provide all equipment, instruction, guidance and fun. The instructors are prepared to work with first time paddlers. Education on the area, the natural history and more is woven in. Safety is key.

The most popular trip our guests take is the Sea Caves trip, a 5 hour paddle. A hallmark of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the ancient geology noted by red sandstone cliffs and sea caves. Centuries of wave action, freezing and thawing have sculpted artful caves considered to be the most spectacular in the Great Lakes. Kayakers have the unique opportunity to paddle under arches, into vaulted chambers and into the cavern’s deepest recesses. This is truly a breathtaking experience not to be missed. The trip includes a great lunch along the way, and is provided in a safe environment with experienced guides.

Our guests return  from these kayaking outings with a smile on their face. They’ve had an adventure – an important component of a Pinehurst Inn stay. Now we can help them shape the “personal rejuvenation” component of their stay… how about an Enso Day Spa massage to round out the day?

The lilacs are in full bloom at Pinehurst Inn- ah, the smell of lilacs is incredible. We are just starting to see the iris and oriental poppies – flowering plants that have been in Pinehurst gardens for over 50 years. The lupines are just beginning their blooms, something to behold as you drive along Highway 13 adorned with the purples, lavenders, and other shades of beautiful spiked flowers. Then there are the apple blossoms, the wonderful reminders of all the fruit to be enjoyed during this summer and fall harvest season.

Our guests have been enjoying these spring blossoms and more. Whether wandering our gardens, laying in the hammock simply relaxing or biking the Bayfield Orchards, the setting brings a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.

If you have a green thumb (or even if you don’t!) remember that the Bayfield in Bloom Garden Tours are this Saturday, June 5th from 10am – 3pm.  This self guided Garden Tour takes you to some of the most beautiful gardens in Bayfield.

We always think of this incredible garden mecca as the icing on the cake to Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands, and the quaint community of Bayfield. Enjoy!

Sail Magazine lists Bayfield as one of the top ten places to sail in America and once you’re here, you’ll know why. Explore places that provide pristine sand beaches amidst crystal clear water of Lake Superior, hearing only the periodic luff of the sails and the swishing sounds as the boat cuts through the water.

Dreamcatcher Sailing, Bayfield, Wisconsin just announced that their charter sailing is open for the 2010 season, offering sailing every day with two options. The Island Excursion runs from 9:30am – 2:30pm as they sail out to one of the Apostle Islands where they may anchor in the island’s protection to enjoy the fresh catered lunch or use their zodiac to explore the beaches or perhaps take a swim.

The second option is the Afternoon Sail running from 3:00pm – 5:30pm. This shorter sail provides a taste of sailing the Apostles. The option is there to either sit, relax as the captain manages the boat, or be active as you take the helm or trim the sails.

Captain John Thiel and his crew do a superb job of helping novice sailors learn about sailing, about Lake Superior, the islands and more as noted by their tagline: “Hands On Apostle Island Sailing Adventures.” Dreamcatcher is also Travel Green certified – John has done a great job of finding a variety of ways to operate his boats with an eye to energy conservation and more. Take some time to chat with him about this approach to running his sail charter business.

Have you sailed the Apostle Islands or with Dreamcatcher? Share your stories and photos.

photo credit: Dreamcatcher Sailing

But more than anything, we are aware of the migrating birds. For the birders out there, we are clearly in the midst of prime birding season with the Apostle Islands providing an ideal migratory route. The Warblers are evident – seemingly at their normal time in spite of the early spring we’ve had. Also seen and heard: hermit thrush, woodpeckers hammering out their mating calls, broad wing hawks and turkey vultures.

The wildlife viewing in the area can be amazing. But it does help to have someone like Steve to help you understand what we’re seeing and hearing!

Pinehurst Innkeepers are pleased to provide any of our guests with birding and hiking suggestions – a great way to enjoy the Bayfield peninsula. This is nature tourism at its best.

If you are a birder, what are some of your favorite birding spots? Please share!