a gathering place for the words, images and momentos of the world of adventures i've adventured, the stories i've wandered through. curriculum bella vita...a resume, of sorts, of the good life.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Turtle-Flambeau Flowage

Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
Solo Seakayaking

Beautiful islands (195) and shoreline (300+ miles). Many, many great campsites (60) scattered across innumerable lakes and bays (14,000 acres).

Wilderness feel despite some houses on shoreline. Heavy usage by long-term fishermen who use campsites as week-long base. Availability was an issue, even in late Spring.

Great training ground for Apostle Island paddling. Open lakes feel like big open water. Orientation/navigation can be tricky, especially when you're first getting familiar with the flowage.

Put-in and take-out at Springstead Landing, nice developed landing.

5/20/2008 Site C7
paddled through Voluntary Quiet Area
5/21/2008 Site C2



Site Review:

A1 - really nice access, quiet bay, lots of open space
B1 - group site is spacious, secluded private bay, nice fire ring, no beach
C1 - very close to C3
C2 - Beautiful spot above little beach, awesome view of islands
C3 - very close to C1
C4 - really nice island
C7 - great site, but out in the open
D2 - great location, picturesque, secluded
D5 - very small island, looked bumpy
D6 - great fire ring, but lousy tent sites
D7 - nice island, but dinky site
D8 - better situated, 2-way views
D9 - MIA? Site might have suffered from a recent storm?
D11 - nice quiet bay
D26 - fun setting, but no tentpad on isthmus
D30 - nice views with multiple tentpads
D34 - nice bay, but not secluded
D35 - magnificent sand beach all along bay, but smallish site