Search found 54 matches

by Grandpa
Mon Jul 31, 2023 6:37 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: ZOOM Meeting - Wilderness Stewardship Plan
Replies: 1
Views: 670

ZOOM Meeting - Wilderness Stewardship Plan

On Thursday, August 3 at 5:00, Isle Royale National Park is hosting a ZOOM meeting on the draft Wilderness Stewardship Plan. The meeting starts with a presentation followed by Q&A. Participants are asked to register in advance here: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/MeetingNotices.cfm?projectID=109183
by Grandpa
Fri Aug 26, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: TR: 8/12-17, 2022 3M, LC, RH - Wildfire Evacuation
Replies: 5
Views: 1242

Re: TR: August 2022. What could go wrong?

-what was it like in RH while the fire got sorted out? Upon arriving in RH on Saturday evening 8/13, we were advised to set up in the overflow tent sites. In the meantime, they asked us to give them some time to get organized, then check with the visitor center in the morning. Just before dark, I wa...
by Grandpa
Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:10 pm
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: TR: 8/12-17, 2022 3M, LC, RH - Wildfire Evacuation
Replies: 5
Views: 1242

TR: 8/12-17, 2022 3M, LC, RH - Wildfire Evacuation

After missing Isle Royale the last several years, I was determined to make it out to the island in 2022. When I saw that the Ranger III still had seats available and the forecast was ideal, I pulled the trigger for August 12-17. I had in mind a leisurely repeat of a past visit to the east end. What ...
by Grandpa
Sun Mar 06, 2022 6:56 am
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes
Replies: 7
Views: 2425

Re: Hiking Boots vs. Hiking Shoes

For what it’s worth, I’ve run the full gamut of backpacking footwear. In the 80’s I wore the obligatory, state-of-the-art, heavy duty, stiff, full-leather “waffle stompers” (Fabiano). They required a 50-mile break-in, but they lasted for years. They protected my feet well from rocks & roots but ...
by Grandpa
Thu Sep 16, 2021 3:24 pm
Forum: Pictures
Topic: Moskey Milky
Replies: 3
Views: 2555

Re: Moskey Milky

Chief, This photo brings back fond memories of an Isle Royale moment. During a stay at Moskey Basin, the ranger who stopped by to check permits told me that Moskey Basin was a favorite spot. He said that you can see stars in the water. When I woke up in the middle of that night, I understood what he...
by Grandpa
Fri May 14, 2021 5:12 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: NPR Interview with Liz Valencia & Denice Swanke
Replies: 3
Views: 1817

NPR Interview with Liz Valencia & Denice Swanke

Today Michigan Radio, our local NPR affiliate, hosted an interesting interview with IRNP staff. The interviewees were Liz Valencia, who is well-known to visitors from her many years of service on Isle Royale and Denice Swanke, our new superintendent. You can listen at: Isle Royale National Park open...
by Grandpa
Thu May 06, 2021 10:43 am
Forum: Weather and Bugs
Topic: Rain, Rain – Go Away
Replies: 3
Views: 3417

Rain, Rain – Go Away

Heavy downpours, prolonged drizzle, sleet, high wind & rain, sudden cloudbursts, … It seems to me that on IRNP, rainfall is a frequent challenge to visitors. I’ve noticed lots of references to rain and rain gear here on the forum. Nevertheless, it might be helpful to share experiences that worke...
by Grandpa
Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:29 pm
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Backpacking knife
Replies: 17
Views: 7767

Re: Backpacking knife

I've been using the Gerber LST for quite a few years now. It works well for me. I hope you like it too.
by Grandpa
Tue Apr 20, 2021 6:39 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Rock Harbor vs. Windigo
Replies: 10
Views: 4986

Re: Rock Harbor vs. Windigo

I see a pattern developing here – one spouse who doesn’t backpack. Grandma will occasionally backpack but only if there’s no alternative (eg Denali NP, Grand Canyon NP). The housekeeping cabins at Rock harbor offered a comfortable alternative for us at IRNP. So when she wanted to visit IRNP, that’s ...
by Grandpa
Fri Apr 02, 2021 7:38 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Greenstone 2021
Replies: 3
Views: 3910

Re: Greenstone 2021

In the guidance for camping, I happened to notice a subtle change from the 2019 Greenstone to the 2021 edition. 2019 says “Expect crowded campsites from late July through August.” 2021 says “Expect crowded campsites from mid-July through mid-September.” I’ve heard that, in general, the national park...
by Grandpa
Tue Mar 16, 2021 7:59 am
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Shelter sharing etiquette
Replies: 24
Views: 8134

Re: Shelter sharing etiquette

Great question. This is what I remember from the park ranger briefing on the Ranger III: - Shelters are first come - first served. The “owner” is under no obligation to share. - Campsites that have multiple tent sites MUST be shared until all the tent sites are in use. The first to arrive should pos...
by Grandpa
Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:43 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: One word for Isle Royale National Park
Replies: 14
Views: 3850

Re: One word for Isle Royale National Park

I enjoyed Leave Only Footprints too. It’s a commentary; not a travel guide – think Travels with Charlie, not Rand McNally. It’s well-written and entertaining; an easy “summer read”.
by Grandpa
Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:31 am
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: One word for Isle Royale National Park
Replies: 14
Views: 3850

One word for Isle Royale National Park

I just finished reading Leave Only Footprints by Conor Knighton, a CBS correspondent who visited all the national parks in one year. I was surprised to see most of an entire chapter devoted to Isle Royale. In each chapter, he groups several parks under a single-word commonality. Some are obvious; Vo...
by Grandpa
Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:44 pm
Forum: Pictures
Topic: Daisy Moonset
Replies: 8
Views: 3193

Re: Daisy Moonset

Stunning photo! THANKS.
by Grandpa
Sun Sep 27, 2020 10:03 am
Forum: Other Places and Parks
Topic: Manistee River / North Country Trail Loop
Replies: 5
Views: 3103

Manistee River / North Country Trail Loop

We had to cancel our IRNP trip this year so I decided to backpack the Manistee River / North Country Trail near Mesick, MI. (See https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/recarea/?recid=18710) I noticed a few references to the MRT / NCT loop here & there on the forums. The trail is great for a first-...