Search found 790 matches

by Tom
Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:15 am
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: New Stove
Replies: 12
Views: 6540

Re: New Stove

Since adding a Kovea (they make SnowPeak) to my collection, my poor MSR International now only sees cold weather use. I too imagine the taunts that must occur in my gear bin. I've fired up several brands of isobutane, and could not tell you of any difference. (It's all typically over 32F; I do see t...
by Tom
Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:58 am
Forum: Transportation & Lodging
Topic: Early Season transport
Replies: 4
Views: 3308

Re: Early Season transport

There are no public transportation options available that early. I think most consider the 'first boat' of the Voyageur II (AKA: The Polar Express, for that first trip) to be the 'opening' of the Island. That's May 9th this year; and some years that can even get delayed as ice might still be in the ...
by Tom
Sat Jan 04, 2020 7:41 am
Forum: Trails & Campsites
Topic: Easy Itinerary
Replies: 17
Views: 6249

Re: Easy Itinerary

Consider McCargo to Moskey to Chippewa--three of the top sites in my mind. ^^^ This. Absolutely. When I've helped GPIR staff a trade show here in Minneapolis, we've shared this itinerary with many an 'interested, but not sure' hiker. They've come back the following year to tell us how it went well ...
by Tom
Wed Jan 01, 2020 6:10 pm
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: 2020 Trip Log - Post your planned itinerary here!
Replies: 17
Views: 9590

2020 Trip Log - Post your planned itinerary here!

Welcome to the 2020 Trip Log! Once finalized as best as possible, post your itinerary, and then look around the list at who may else be enjoying a trip at the same time. It's a great opportunity to make new friends on the isle. If you have questions or want feedback on your planned trip, consider po...
by Tom
Sat Oct 05, 2019 12:14 pm
Forum: Food & Cooking
Topic: Best stove for new backpacker
Replies: 19
Views: 11493

Re: Best stove for new backpacker

I agree with Bobcat1, if it's your first stove, a simple canister model will serve you well on Isle Royale. They are easy to set up and light, and can be used for both heating water, or the occasional pan cooking. Not a huge fan of the MSR series that has one heck of a hot spot; SnowPeak makes some ...
by Tom
Mon Sep 09, 2019 5:14 am
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Places to get equipment?
Replies: 5
Views: 4064

Re: Places to get equipment?

It depends on where you live. Some cities have outdoor stores (or parts of them) that dedicate themselves to reuse, where you might get a slightly used item for a great price. Then there are discount/liquidator websites, like Sierra, Campsaver Outlet, and REI Outlet. Footwear and backpacks are proba...
by Tom
Tue Jul 16, 2019 3:59 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Family trip planning
Replies: 37
Views: 13599

Re: Family trip planning

We did not go for a swim; I was too concerned about the tapeworm risk. Just to clarify for those that might wonder, the tapeworm found on Isle Royale (which transfers between moose and wolves, and humans would be considered "aberrant intermediate hosts") is an ingestion risk. The eggs wou...
by Tom
Sun Jul 14, 2019 7:59 am
Forum: Transportation & Lodging
Topic: Handing mail to Voyageur ll?
Replies: 1
Views: 1591

Re: Handing mail to Voyageur ll?

While I can't say if they are obligated to do it, I've certainly seen them take mail from folks standing on docks before... perhaps just because the crew are really nice folks and it's not a huge imposition to just put the mail in the bag after they embark or disembark passengers and gear. The stand...
by Tom
Sat Jul 06, 2019 6:00 am
Forum: Trails & Campsites
Topic: 2 Night Backpacking Trip - Help!
Replies: 5
Views: 3167

Re: 2 Night Backpacking Trip - Help!

Welcome to the forum! Two nights makes for a pretty tight itinerary, but there are a couple options. Here are a few, listed from most extreme/difficult to easy: -Hike the Feldtman Loop. Your first day is from Windigo to Siskiwit, day two is Siskiwit to Feldtman, and day three is Feldtman back to Win...
by Tom
Mon Jul 01, 2019 5:46 pm
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: TR: 6/22-6/27 2019 : Greenstone Trail RH to Windigo (3MC-WCB-HL-SLD-WC)
Replies: 7
Views: 3432

Re: TR: 6/22-6/27 2019 : Greenstone Trail RH to Windigo (3MC-WCB-HL-SLD-WC)

Thanks for the TR! Awesome you got to see plenty of moose - some trips are like that! Also, in the cabin they have two copies of the Isle Royale Manual from some guy who has been there a lot, it has all sorts of interesting information, definitely peruse it to get excited about your trip, learn fun ...
by Tom
Tue Jun 25, 2019 8:33 pm
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Blisters
Replies: 13
Views: 7874

Re: Blisters

Like others note, prevention is key, and liner socks do wonders for me.
If you do get a blister that's rough though, I reach for the leukotape or even Tegaderm.
by Tom
Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:28 am
Forum: Canoeing, Kayaking & Fishing
Topic: Landing a kayak at Chipp. Harbor?
Replies: 6
Views: 4079

Re: Landing a kayak at Chipp. Harbor?

The dock faces pretty much south, and is a "T" configuration. You'll want to approach from the East (toward the big lake) and come in just on the right of the shrubs. (Just out of view on the left in this picture.) IsleRoyale-1000470.jpg I was there a just over a week ago; the water is up ...
by Tom
Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:47 am
Forum: Weather and Bugs
Topic: Bugs and best weather reports
Replies: 5
Views: 4595

Re: Bugs and best weather reports

Welcome to the forum! Yes, "bug dope" is the generic term for insect repellent of your choice. I personally use a cream based lotion since it travels well in a backpack, and can be applied in a very targeted manner. A headnet is also a good safety item, but I've only used them while in cam...
by Tom
Fri Jun 14, 2019 6:58 pm
Forum: Wildlife
Topic: More on the Black Wolf found dead
Replies: 2
Views: 1946

Re: More on the Black Wolf found dead

Talked with Rolf on the boat yesterday as the Voyageur II sailed the south shore to Windigo. I had no idea that a black coat is genetic trait gained from mating with American domestic dogs a while back, and is a single gene. Turns out if a wolf holds both chromosomes, it will have a shorter than ave...
by Tom
Fri Jun 14, 2019 6:53 pm
Forum: Weather and Bugs
Topic: Status of flies and mosquitos now?
Replies: 3
Views: 4085

Re: Status of flies and mosquitos now?

Just returned yesterday. Mosquitos are out, but not horrible. The nights in the low to mid 40s really helped.
Didn't see a single black fly, but heard from someone they saw a couple. None-the-less, not a bad hatch, yet.