This is a very aggressive hike. My group usually averages around 40-45 miles on a five-day hike, and we've been doing this for a while. That does a damn good job kicking our asses. Even if you guys are in good shape, the distance is great enough to allow for a lot of things to happen:
For one, without a resupply somewhere along the line, you are hauling a lot of food & water for great distances. Another thing is (depending on the shape you are in) you are aren't allowing for some muscle strains and pains. Yet another issue is that in the dead heat of July, you're really going to be pushing your body. You'll be sweaty, plagued by mosquitoes and black flies, and tire quickly. Lastly, your schedule doesn't have a spare day for padding or resting if need be. It's a personal preference to do that, but there's been times where we've needed an extra day to just rest.
Regardless, here's some of my input on your treks:
July 22: On Island to Daisy Farm 7.1 mi
A pretty easy hike, and good leg-stretcher to going. You can stop at 3 Mile for a snack on the dock and take a breather, knowing that you're half way to Daisy. The hike is right along the shore line and is pretty flat, save for some rocky sections.
July 23: Daisy Farm to McCargoe Cove 8 mi
I've only done this hike once, and don't recall it being too hard. The ascent out of Daisy is a little tiring, but once you get up the ridge, it's all downhill into McCargoe.
July 24: McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor 6.6 mi
This is an aggressive hike. It's uphill for the first few miles, then gets into the Feldtmann ridge where there's a lot of ups-and-downs over craggy rock faces, including some non-technical rock climbing.
July 25: Todd Harbor to Lake Richie 12.9
This is very aggressive, especially if you are back-tracking through McCargoe to get to Richie. The trek from McCargoe to Richie is easy, save for one up-and-down outside of Chickenbone that's pretty vertical.
July 26: Lake Richie to Chippewa Harbor 4.3 mi
Hey! Probably the easiest hike you'll have on your trip.
July 27: Chippewa Harbor to Moskey Basin 6.2 mi
Another easy trek. It's a pain to hike out of Chippewa up the ridge, but once you're up there, it's easy. It's a really nice hike to Moskey, very pretty.
July 28: Moskey Basin to Lane Cove 11.1 mi
WOW, you are motivated. This is a hard hike. You'll not only end up hiking up the ridge outside of Daisy, you'll have to hike BACK DOWN into Lane Cove. We backcountried just around Angleworm Lake, and the hike just from there to Lane Cove almost killed all of us (that's without any hiking up a ridge). This hike I'd be very hesitant on.
July 29: Lane Cove to Rock Harbor 6.9 mi
This is an easy hike...once you get out of Lane Cove. The hike up the ridge out is a killer. Literally switch-backs 20-30 times along the way to get up the hills. You'll see what I mean when you are hiking *down* the ridge to Lane Cove, wishing for the sweet kiss of death.
I'm sure that since you are coming a great distance, you want to maximize your time on Isle Royale. Nonetheless, I wouldn't be doing my job to warn you that you are biting off a big chunk. But guaranteed, you are seeing some of the best sites on the island.
I was really hoping to hear some reviews/ insight on Chippewa Harbor and Lane Cove. I've never been to those two sites and put them in our itinerary to have a few new places to visit. Also, their out-and-back access means they could potentially be removed from our schedule in order to be flexible as you suggested. From what I've read and seen of these two places, I'm really excited to visit them.
You're in luck! Chippewa Harbor is gorgeous...one of my favorite places on the island. It will probably be busy there in July, because there is a boat dock there that's well-utilized by fishermen. But the views from the dock are gorgeous--a giant cliff sits directly across the harbor from you, where I always see eagles and hawks flying. There's usually quite a few loons that play in the Harbor here, too. One of the best hikes is directly behind Chippewa campground...follow the trail behind the biffs, then up a steep rocky hill to the very very top (when you think you are to the top, keep exploring and keep going up!). Up here, you can sit on a gorgeous cliff (un-viewable from the campground) that towers over the forest below and watch the gorgeous sunset over the island. Here's a few pictures (towards the bottom of the album):
https://plus.google.com/photos/+Richard ... 2403370337
Lane Cove is also beautiful. Although a larger campground, it's very secluded. If I remember, there's no boat dock there, so there won't be any fishers around. The sunsets are equally gorgeous here. The campgrounds are right along the lake, although very close to each other. I've only been to Lane Cove once, but it was great to sit on the rocky beach and drink some scotch & read a book. Here's a picture:
https://plus.google.com/photos/+Richard ... 0521772612
If you decide to trim down your trip, be sure to post back here, I'm sure myself & others will have some input for you. No matter what, you will have an amazing trip! Enjoy it!
