So here is a personal opinion that contradicts Bobcat1 (no offence). I prefer Island Mine over S. Desor. I have an affinity for birch forests, island mine is in the middle of one. there is a nice babbling brook(rushing 3 weeks ago) nearby for water and exploring. Island mine also has fire rings. The...

Your first plan should not be a problem. The sun doesn't set until 9 or 10 that time of year. Your mileage is around 9, I hike at 2 mph on the island, so I would plan on rolling into Daisy around 5:30 or 6. That part of the trail is a bit faster. There is some up and down, but the ridge is mostly fl...

Welcome to the forums. It will be peak season, so you might not have good luck for a late afternoon arrival. The Queen riders going back Saturday will have the same plan as you (get close Friday and finish up Saturday morning) so you might have many of those people next to you. The Ranger leaves ear...

You seem to be set on an end to end. The extra day will help if you need extra time. You could stop at Island Mine or Hatchet Lake if you need to and be able to make up the miles after leaving Chickenbone. I would still suggest slowing down and hanging out on the West end, or the alternate pick ups ...

<t>All of the Rock harbor sites are accessible by standard kayak, but with the five footish offset from shore, you might be hip deep on some. Unless you are able to closely pack them (i.e. ovelapping/stacking) you may struggle to get all of them out of the water except at Daisy and Caribou. Tookers ...

Lane cove is shallow enough that you will be able to get out. there are enough places to pull a kayak out, you may have to disassemble the outriggers though. Belle Isle has an long beach of big pebbles. With the water up the beach may be steep. I do backup Ingo, the waves that time of year are rough...

I have tried a few fairly expensive "waterproof and breathable" boots over the years. The waterproof goes away in a few days and they just become water holders. The only truly waterproof boots I have found are full leather Asolos (tps 520). They have lasted 5 years and hundreds of miles an...

Time of day will work with you too. My last and bitter sweet paddle each year is from Tookers to Snug harbor is done soon after sun rise to see the lake at it's most peaceful.

I'm going to agree with the folks above for much the same reasons. I will add that, with those miles, your head will be down looking at the ground. I do that at times between parts of the island that I have seen many times before. With the time and expense spent, I suggest you slow down and see wher...

HI, Welcome to the forums. Most of your gear looks good. You are obviously an ultra-lighter. I do have a couple of concerns. I looked up your quilt and I couldn't find the specs on the rating system used. Most companies are switching to the European system which is standardized and far more accurate...

Agreed. Lane cove is easy to get to, even if your tent site doesn't have a pull out there are a couple of spots along the trail to pull out. you might have to step into the one foot deep water.

It seemed like you were going light. no problems there. Last year I spent 10 days going from Rock to Moskey and back. Good reminder on the TP Ed.

I have used a few filters but my favorites are the Sawyer squeeze, mini and the micro. The biggest (squeeze) weighs in at 3 oz and is the one I now carry. the flow rate is just about as fast as I can squeeze the bag. If you get the squeeze plus for a dollar more, it comes with a connector to connect...

How is your age/health injuries? You have a nice relaxed pace. remember you don't have to stick to your itinerary, just keep track so you can update you you check out before leaving. I think you are missing out if you are so close to Moskey and don't stay there. Personally I would walk past Hatchet ...

I agree. Aside from a pretty little beach at the far end of nature trail it is much like the north side of the Stoll Trail. I don't think I spent more than a couple hours hiking all of it. It was neat to see. one of the residences was gutted and under renovation when I was there. I have a few pictur...