Today is the last possible opportunity to bail out on completing the Minong Ridge Trail. After reaching the Hatchet Lake Trail, which should be early this morning, there are no other opportunities to exit the Minong Ridge Trail. After this the only choices are to hike all the way to the end at Windigo, or
Isle Royale Trip: Exploring a Wet Todd Harbor
By the time I arrive at Todd Harbor Campground the light rain is a full-on rain. Not a down pour, by any means, just a steady rain. Even suiting up in my North Face rain jacket and Golite Tumalo Pertex rain pants earlier did not do their magic to hold off the rain. So now
Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor
What is the chance of returning to the Minong Ridge Trail at a point with a dazzling view of the Canadian shoreline across Lake Superior? Obviously, the odds are pretty good. That is exactly where I arrive after bushwhacking up from the Minong Mine site. The upslope climb leaves me a little winded, so a
Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine
The night at McCargoe Cove, Isle Royale is anything but a quiet one. At some point in the night, a light rain falls. Light in the sense than it is not enough to soak the dry ground, but just enough to dampen the foliage and the seats of the picnic table. Unfortunately, it is hard
Isle Royale Trip: Bullseye at McCargoe Cove
The expansive views of Lake Superior and Canada’s shoreline are behind me on the Greenstone Ridge, and there is little chance of them returning until tomorrow from the Minong Ridge. Instead, the Chickenbone Lake’s east end and a variety of small wetlands wait between the Greenstone Ridge/East Chickenbone Trails intersection. From the intersection, I depart
Isle Royale Trip: Occasional Views along the Greenstone Ridge Trail
The Greenstone Ridge inspired expansive views of Isle Royale, surrounded by the rough waters of Lake Superior. These romantic visions were reinforced based on the surroundings along the Daisy Farm Trail as I approach the intersection with the trail bearing its name. What I got when I arrive is trees. Not a mature forest, mind
Isle Royale Trip: Darkness, Diversity and some Wetlands along the Daisy Farm Trail
Darkness greets me as I wake on my first morning on Isle Royale. Darkness, and an intense urge to pee. A quick glance at my watch indicates 6:30 AM. This surprises me, as I expect it to be lighter by this time in the morning. The lack of light is not due to a thick
Isle Royale Trip: A Squirrel, a Loon and a Camp of Bats at Daisy Farm Campground
The following is a description of a 19-day adventure to Isle Royale National Park. The trip includes driving more than 900 miles to Copper Harbor and back, a ferry over the rough water of Lake Superior and two weeks of hiking to one end of the 45-mile long island and back. Part four of the
Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail
The following is a description of a 19-day adventure to Isle Royale National Park. The trip includes driving more than 900 miles to Copper Harbor and back, a ferry over the rough water of Lake Superior and two weeks of hiking to one end of the 45-mile long island and back. Part three of the
Isle Royale Trip: Getting Oriented at Rock Harbor
The following is a description of a 19-day adventure to Isle Royale National Park. The trip includes driving more than 900 miles to Copper Harbor and back, a ferry over the rough water of Lake Superior and two weeks of hiking to one end of the 45-mile long island and back. Part two of the
