Apostle Islands Kayak and Create Series: Spinning Yarn with Josie Cooke
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 yarn spinning workshop in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with materials expert Josie Cooke. Experience a series of sea kayaking and hiking day trips, and spinning and 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 workshop, participants will learn to use a drop spindle to create yarn and experience different ways to ply yarn for strength. We will explore a variety of wool types to become familiar with what is available and what to choose for different projects. Discussion will include cotton, linen, and other plant fibers. Wool preparation will be demonstrated using hand carders, a drum carder, and combs. Participants will be able to focus on creating enough material to weave a coaster on a hand loom, continue their exploration of different types of wool, or try out spinning on a wheel. By the end of the class, participants will go home with an understanding of drafting and spinning wool, what projects they can make using their handspun yarn, and the spindle and wool to continue the craft.
About Your Host
Josie Cooke is a spinner and weaver focused on natural and local materials, sustainable textiles, and historical craft. She is currently a 2025-2027 Resident Artisan at North House Folk School and teaches at folk schools, gatherings, and institutions across Minnesota. She is a member of the Duluth Fiber Guild, Michigan League of Handweavers, and Three Rivers Fibershed. She has a passion for creating cloth from scratch using wool, cotton, and linen which has led her to study different sheep breeds’ wools and support local efforts to revive the linen industry. She believes craft is an essential part of our lives and enjoys sharing the joy of creating through her teaching.
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
Our 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 Josie and learn more about the history of spinning — including drop spindle and spinning wheel — materials suitable for spinning, and projects that can be made with spun yarn (both woven and knit).
Day 2 – Embark on a paddle tour of Roman’s Point Sea Caves and practice wool preparation
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 spinning with a drop spindle. We will begin by discussing methods for fiber preparation including wool, linen, and cotton. Preparation of wool will be demonstrated using drum & hand carder, combs, and a diz. Participants will learn about different types of spindles and use prepared fiber to practice making a single ply of yarn.
Day 3 – Paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach and continue yarn projects
After breakfast, paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach. After lunch, participants will continue practicing spinning on a drop spindle and choose from amongst a few options. Option 1: Spin enough yarn to create a 2-ply yarn and use a handheld loom to weave a coaster. Option 2: Explore different wool varieties, blending, and plying. Option 3: After practicing with the drop spindle, try spinning on a wheel.
Day 4 – Finish your project or take a walk in the woods before saying farewell to your trip mates
After breakfast, hike in the Cedar – Hemlock forest surrounding the basecamp or work on finishing up your coaster, material exploration, or wheel experience 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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