I'm excited for you guys. You're going to have a blast. Here's what I remember of those portages. McCargoe to Chickenbone: the first portage is the hardest, but it will get your legs and shoulders prepared. It's a rolling portage. It's not all that bad. Chickenbone to Richie: Isn't this really three...

Are you coming to the island from Michigan or Minnesota?

* I am currently researching the viability of a backcountry campsite several miles west of North Lake Desor to reduce the mileage for Aug. 21st. If anyone has any recommendations for such a site or other ideas that would be great. I would really prefer not to have to blow through that stretch as i ...

Out of the lakes you mention, I have only fished Chickenbone and Richie, from shore and from kayak, with success. Be prepared to wade out a bit and move around the shorelines. Daredevils and Mepps spinners should call in the northern pike and maybe walleye. You don't need to bring anything but Dared...

Hi Chocokitty. I don't know how much you're interested in "roughing it" but this might be a fun way to see even more of the island. The Voyageur circles the island every couple days. There are many shelters at Windigo, on the opposite side of the island, and great opportunities to see moos...

I'm having fun spectating too...John, I gave up beer so please, have one for me. This could take a while.

I like the independence of the kayak.

I paddle with a few people who can roll their canoes. Pretty impressive.

I use the LaFumas and have no complaints. Light bags that roll up smaller than a cantalope. Great prices. Usually not for the cold they claim, but great for August.

My preference for Day 4 is Chickenbone. If you're fishing with a boat it can be great fun. The other two spots could be fun as well, but McCargoe gets crowded and by the time you get to Birch it could be taken and you would have to backtrack. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Have fun.

Tom, that sounds awesome.

If I lived closer I would consider showing up, heckling, etc. I hope it goes well, and I'm sure it will.

http://www.outdooradventureexpo.com/200904/Index.html This is in Minneapolis. The schedule is out, in the "Newspaper" section. There are a lot of good presentations. Nice mix of backpacking and paddling stuff. I've never been, but might go this year. Saturday looks like the day for me. One...

For some reason, when I'm on the Greenstone nearing Windigo, Neil Young's "Sugar Mountain" won't leave my head.

Otherwise I'm blank.

Fonix, you're going to love it. Nick's mention about the creek at McCargoe doesn't add too much walking considering the amount of time you wind around that creek. It is definitely doable in 5 days. It's possible to do it in two days, but that would be silly. I agree with Moss on the campgrounds, alt...

I can't imagine not using hiking boots, although I'm unfamiliar with those Quetico boots you mention. I bring sandals and boots. Regular tent stakes should be fine. Any tent stakes should be fine. I haven't brought a tarp before because I don't like carrying extra weight. If the rain is bad I just g...

No wonder they're white--they walked a long way to get from Newfoundland to the UP!

Ingo, thanks for sharing the origin story. I'm always fascinated by how and why stories travel and transform.

I just saw these images from the UP, "near Wisconsin," and thought I would share. It looks like a much forwarded message, with no original name on the version I got.