Spotted on the hard in Washburn, Wisconsin, where it wintered over.

How hard is the hiking from Windigo to South Lake Desor?

That's one of the easier sections of trail on the island. Although I haven't hiked between Island Mine and S Desor, it's a gradual uphill to Island Mine and the trail is rather rock and root free compared to other trails.


Note that ...

That is the crevice I mentioned earlier. I have seen waterflow like this in May as well, but in dry years by mid-summer it can be down to barely a trickle. If a beaver dam now exists there may be water behind it that can be filtered for use. I would encourage anyone hiking this section to visit this ...

One quick note about the Feldtmann loop that is often not mentioned: there is no water to be found between Siskiwit Bay and Feldtmann Lake. In a good year, if you know where to look, there is a crevice near the fire lookout that a little water seeps out of, but it is minimal and cannot be ...

One quick note about the Feldtmann loop that is often not mentioned: there is no water to be found between Siskiwit Bay and Feldtmann Lake and the ascent either diection is steep. In a good year, if you know where to look, there is a crevice near the fire lookout that a little water seeps out of ...

This may be a little OT, but coffee is one of two items I cannot skimp on in the backcountry (the other being good bourbon). I’ve tried several different “instant” coffee brands in the past, including Via, and it misses the spot for me. I’ve finally settled into packing a coarse ground coffee ...

Many years ago, a friend and I portaged Siskiwit-Intermediate-Ritchie and back over 5 days in a light tandem canoe, and I have always wanted to return to that area. Having said that, I agree with the senitments above. IMHO paddling and portaging is a whole different game from hiking, and Isle Royale ...

Name: Javahiker, kayakwaves
Hometown: NW Wisconsin
Arrival Date: 8.18.23
Departure Date: 8.23.23
Coming From/Via: GP via Sea Hunter/return Sea Hunter.
Itinerary: Kayak to Rainbow Cove then Atwood Beach area, and return via Rainbow Cove and Grace Island. Depending on weather, side trips to Feldtmann ...

I've made that paddle a number of times. Lots of rocks and boulders near the shoreline. Wind is crucial, as John mentioned, and Cumberland Point can be difficult with constant clapotis waves even it it's not breezy. You see fewer people paddling after mid/late August because Superior becomes more ...

Name: Javahiker, kayakwaves, Ressorp, and AJA
Hometown: NW Wisconsin
Arrival Date: 8.12.21
Departure Date: 8.17.21
Coming From/Via: GP via Sea Hunter/return Voyageur II
Itinerary: Kayak to Rainbow Cove then Atwood Beach area, and return via Rainbow Cove and Grace Island. Side trips to Feldtmann and ...

Hate to interject, but the Current (or the Buffalo in NW Arkansas) can be mighty fine in October...

Just an added note: UV light kills bacteria, viruses and some cysts. It does not kill Giardia lamblia cysts or Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, which must be removed by filtration or distillation. A minimum 0.4 micron water filter is recommended, and a 0.1 micron filter can handle almost any ...

The CDC information on Echinococcus granulosus:

https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/echinococcosis/gen_info/ce-faqs.html.

In short, it is a most commonly a domestic canine related issue related to the sheep industry. To quote: "Risk factors for human infection include uncontrolled dogs living closely ...

For in-depth information about history and culture at Isle Royale check out https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/historyculture/index.htm. It's a fascinating collection of interactive maps and documented research.

Rainbow Cove is just a short 1/2 mile walk from the Feltmann Lake campsites and offer's ...

The National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/) is the agency responsible for all official weather forecasts, as well as issuing weather advisories and warnings. Plus: no stinking ads or stupid click-bait to deal with. I start checking it about a week before a trip, with one final check the ...