Thanks for the great TR! Really helpful since I’m taking the same route all the way to MC (but then finishing down to RH) in just a few days. Curious as to what’s happening with the water at Desor. Maybe just stagnant and stale due to lack of rain? I’m planning to carry a couple extra liters from Si...

Great trip report! I'm glad to hear the bugs weren't too bad as we're heading up in a week. Trying not to get my hopes too high for moose encounters - I'd be happy with a fraction of what you experienced! Were there any other options for water that you can recall near S Desor? We'll be coming up fro...

If you have access to a fridge and microwave think about getting some breakfast pasties from Roy's (by the bridge in Houghton) then reheating them the next morning. But unless you are arriving earlier on Saturday they might sellout by the afternoon. Their "standard" pasties a re very good...

We’re heading up to IR in 3 weeks! Spending Saturday night in Houghton before an 8am flight on Sunday. Any recommendations for dinner on Saturday? Fresh seafood and/or a nice steak would be a nice pre-trip supper. The Den gets decent ratings on Yelp and TA. Anyone been there? Hotel breakfast options...

Thanks, Grizzly. We did 13+ miles at Pinckney Rec just a few weeks ago. Beautiful area! We caught the Trillium in bloom. My only complaint is that the trail was very sandy. Holly is not too far from me - will definitely check that out. Thanks for the recommendation!

You actually had me stumped with "mumbleypeg" - had to google it. Glad to hear you're not intending to separate yourself from one of your toes!

I'm a huge fan of the Gerber LST. $23 on Amazon, weighs in at 1.3 oz with a 2-1/2" blade and thin enough to keep in your pocket all the time. Wouldn't do much against an armed bear, but more than adequate to take on an ornery chipmunk.

For those in SE Michigan looking for just a pleasant hike or a place to train and break in new gear, I highly recommend the trails at Bald Mountain Recreation Area North Unit just east of Lake Orion. I understand there's nowhere in the lower peninsula that replicates the conditions on IR, but I stil...

When in August are you going? We’ve got that exact route planned all the way to MC starting the 15th. From MC I’m planning to head directly to 3 mile followed by the short hike to RH and maybe an unladen trip out to Scoville Point for our last full day. Should be a great trip thanks to all the advic...

Is there overlap (other than you) between your MRT/NCT companions and your summer '21 IR expedition? Yes - My buddy J, but the wives were not interested. I suspect they're plotting something far more expensive while we're away. The other 2 joining us are a college roommate of ours and one of his tr...

Thanks, dc. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The tripod was way better than sitting on the ground or a log and really doesn't take up much space, but not the most comfortable for long periods without any back support. I also wouldn't call it stable by any stretch, but the wide feet at least didn't sink into...

First time posting a TR. I saw the post from Grandpa on this route and it inspired me to write up our trip from last fall. Posting this as a separate topic, but mods feel free to combine with Grandpa’s post if more appropriate. My wife and I did the MRT/NCT loop along with another couple, J&J, S...

Name: John P. (traveling with 3 other middle-aged dudes) Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI Arrival Date: Aug 15 Departure Date: Aug 22 Coming From/Via: Hancock via seaplane Itinerary: 1 Windigo to Feldtmann Lake 2 to Siskiwit Bay 3 to S. Lake Desor 4 to Todd Harbor 5 to McCargo Cove 6 to Three Mile 7 to...

off topic, because it's not instant, and maybe more in-depth than anybody cares for, but I came across this and thought I'd leave it here: https://www.adventurealan.com/best-camp-coffee-backcountry-barista-pour-over-coffee/ Exactly what I got just a few months ago! Haven't had a chance to try it on...

Thanks, torpified. I missed that little tidbit. I guess it makes sense that they wouldn't want to transport and/or store a bunch of fuel canisters of unknown origin, but from what I can tell it's normally OK to send pressurized camp stove fuel canisters via USPS so long as it's not an air shipment. ...