I have a friend who had a "20 foot belt." He looped 20' of parachute cord, or something smaller, back and forth through snap buckles to make a serviceable belt, and it served as emergency rope. Can't remember the details, but anyone reading this could probably make their own design.

Thanks for the good news.

I have the Trails Illustrated map of the island. It is nearly the same scale (1:50,000) as the Fisher F series maps I have been using in Quetico for years. Any need to get more detailed topo, or other, maps? I'll be going solo from McCargoe to Rock Harbor via Belle Isle.

While researching filters, I ran across a reference to the "notoriously silty waters of Isle Royale." Since I haven't been there yet, can someone comment?

I get a rash just thinking about poison ivy. How much is there on the island? Any particulary bad spots?