Apostle Islands Kayak and Create Series: Basket Weaving with Maddy Boler
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Join us on a kayak tour and basket-weaving workshop in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with skilled basket-maker Maddy Boler. Experience a series of sea kayaking and hiking day trips, and basket weaving lessons from our Apostle Islands Base Camp. Enjoy delicious food, experience breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior, and listen to waves crash along the shore — an outdoor adventure great for beginning sea kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.
In this basket-weaving workshop, participants will learn the process of weaving a black ash berry basket from start to finish and will leave with a beautiful, functional basket they can use for a lifetime. Beyond the basket itself, students will also carry with them the knowledge of how this remarkable material has been used in basketry traditions for generations. Participants will have the opportunity to work with black ash prepared specifically for this class. We will learn about the transformation of a living tree into a functional basket. No prior basketry experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to work with your hands.
With the spread of the emerald ash borer, black ash trees are increasingly threatened, and the future of this incredible species remains uncertain. One way we can honor and preserve its legacy is by weaving it into objects that will be used, cared for, and treasured for generations to come. Through the act of weaving, we begin to see the trees and landscapes around us in a new way.
About Your Host
Maddy Boler began weaving baskets five years ago after making a soft twined basket from the inner bark of a basswood tree. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion. Today her home is filled with working baskets made from willow, birch bark, black ash, and basswood, each used daily for everything from laundry hampers to firewood carriers and backpacks. Maddy now operates a basket willow farm and runs basket camps where weaving is central to the experience. The materials used in her classes are grown on her farm or locally harvested. In addition to traditional baskets, she creates sculptural woven work such as deer, fences, and garden trellises. For the past three years, she has guided students through the full process of making a basket from start to finish—creating baskets built to stand the test of time and last for generations. Maddy believes that working with materials found in our own neighborhoods helps us practice living in relationship with the earth and deepens our understanding of why these vibrant ecosystems must be protected.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Bountiful meals prepared together in base camp kitchen
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Arrive at our Apostle Islands Base Camp and get to know your host
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at Wilderness Inquiry’s Base Camp. Get settled into your campsite, participate in a sea kayak orientation, and begin to explore this area’s beautiful hemlock and cedar trees. Return to camp and enjoy a hearty meal cooked camp-side. After dinner, get to know your host, Maddy, and learn more about weaving with black ash and discuss the process of going from tree to basket.
Day 2 – Embark on a paddle tour of the Roman’s Point Sea Caves and start weaving
Review paddling skills with your guides and embark on a paddle tour of the Roman’s Point Sea Caves. Return to base camp for lunch, then dive into weaving your basket! We will get familiar with the material and spend several hours of weaving.
Day 3 – Paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach and finish your basket rim
After breakfast, paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach. After lunch, we’ll return to weaving our baskets and completing the rim.
Day 4 – Enjoy one last wander in the woods before saying farewell to your trip mates
After breakfast, hike in the Cedar – Hemlock forest surrounding the base camp or work on finishing up your basket before departing after lunch.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
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