There is nothing good about a 13-mile hike in a single day. Well, except for being in the outdoors, getting exercise and increasing the odds of having an amazing wildlife experience. Other than that though, there is very little good about a long hike in a single day. Not the alarm going off at 6:30
Isle Royale Trip: Sharing a Campsite at North Lake Desor
The ups and downs on the open, rocky Minong Ridge are over for the day now, and I am looking forward to resting at North Lake Desor for the night. This is my last night on the Minong Ridge Trail, as tomorrow is the long slog into Windigo. Hopefully, my resupply box will arrive soon
Isle Royale Trip: Bushwhacking to Unnamed Lake from Minong Ridge
Typically, I spend most of my time in the backcountry off-trail. Trails are usually reserved for accessing an area to position me to bushwhack to some remote lake, wetland or other natural landmark. So, the whole time I am on Isle Royale, I am jonesing to leave the trail behind and get acquainted with the
Isle Royale Trip: The Most Arduous Section of the Minong Ridge Trail
The Minong Ridge leaves the Little Todd intersection and immediately cuts through a short stretch of spruce before climbing up over mostly bare rock until reaching the crest of the Minong Ridge. The ridge is a narrow rocky strip, with scattered patches of brown knee-high grass; spruces line both sides making the ridge appear somewhat
Isle Royale Trip: Return to Minong Ridge After Rain Delay at Little Todd
Overcast rules the sky when I finally arose myself from a night of restless slumber. An occasional rumble of thunder echoes over Lake Superior from an undiscerned direction. Between the thunder, the waves and the threat of the surrounding widowmakers, I did not get a very restful slumber. Unfortunately, the Minong Ridge Trail awaits, and
Isle Royale Trip: Playing Fifty-two Pick-up at Little Todd
Little Todd Campground is nearly right on the Lake Superior shoreline. The strong breeze off the water is a welcome relief from the heat, blowing off some of the stink accumulated on my hike from Todd Harbor. Drying off my equipment, cleaning my clothes and myself, and taking photographs of the shoreline are all on
Isle Royale Trip: Playing Leapfrog on the Minong Ridge Trail
Hiking along the Minong Ridge Trail has been a pleasant stroll through attractive forests thus far. So, there is absolutely no reason to contemplate my last opportunity to bail out on the trail at the intersection with the Hatchet Lake Trail. After a fifteen minute break at the Hatchett Lake intersection, I continue hiking through
Isle Royale Trip: Last Chance to Bail on the Minong Ridge Trail
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
Aside: The Race is on Isle Royale
The race is on. Or at least, on Isle Royale, that is. Backpacking on Isle Royale is like playing a giant game of musical chairs. Each morning an exodus occurs from the campgrounds, as hikers spread out in a quest to cover as much trail as possible in the shortest amount of time. All in
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
