torpified, I've seen some people with those special pack-holders for their camera. It looks like something that might work. One of the topics of discussion on our last day was about bringing "The Big Camera" vs. a phone. It really comes down to what the purpose of the trip is: to enjoy the hike, or ...

As I promised months ago, I've written up my trip in extreme detail on my blog. I ended up writing 6 posts about my May solo trip to the island. These include a lot more detail than my TR above, and a lot more photos. The first post is here: Introduction, Travel, and links to posts . There are links...

Here are a few that get you to some of my favorite locations. You can mix and match and make up lots of variations on these. None are too hard, and all of them have convenient ditch points if you need them. All of them end at Three Mile on the assumption that you'll have time to hike in to Rock Harb...

Glad you had such a great introduction to the island. You'll be back! :) Also, I agree with IncaRoads -- I like long trip reports and wish we had more of them. I've heard that the rangers in Rock Harbor keep a recording of loons handy, to play for visitors who think they've heard wolves. Apparently ...

Wonderful trip report! You have me dreaming about my next trip already. You've convinced me that a loop like yours is doable... time to start planning. To add more photos, click the "full editor" button, then use the "attachments" tab at the bottom of the post editor. A pain, but it's how PHPBB does...

I bring a Kindle. 7.2 oz and dozens of books -- I spend a lot of time reading on the island (usually while sitting on a dock). More than once I've been socked in by weather and read an entire book in a day.

Glad you made it to the island -- sounds like you had a great trip. You'll be back!

Hm, good question. You have some long days there, and there's not much room for error if you find that you're in over your head. That alone is worth worrying about. You say that you're "pretty sure" you can handle a 30 lb pack. Have you hiked with 30 lbs before? How far, and in what sort of terrain?...

August is peak season on the island, so it's as busy as it gets. That doesn't really mean a lot of people by the standards of most parks, but it's still more than any other time on Isle Royale. It's also important because facilities on the island aren't really designed for a large number of people, ...

I sometimes use a Sea to Summit collapsible bucket that can transport a decent amount of water. I see a lot of people filtering on the docks, but I agree that it's generally easier to go back to a campsite.

Great trip report! Glad you enjoyed it -- and you'll be back, of course.

I'm confused and disturbed that somebody could decide a cathole was in any way better than using the outhouse just down the trail.

Don't make the mistake that I did last time, and accidentally leave your photo ID in your pack when you want to register using a National Park Annual Pass. That bumped me from the start of the registration line to the verrrrrrry end behind the people trying to figure out how far away Three Mile is...

Let me repeat and amplify the recommendation of Suomi for breakfast. It's where the locals eat, and it's fantastic. (Get the Pannukakku.)

The Biggby is still there as of May, but I also recommend 5th & Elm.

Yes, I've read that the beaver population is extremely high, since not much feeds on them except wolves. Rabbits have more predators (especially foxes), but I also saw a ton of them this year.

I love the Daisy Farm dock. It's the social center of the whole place, plus the swimming is pretty good. I know others think the whole campground is unpleasant, but the dock is lovely. I once got to hang out there and listen to a banjo that I swear someone had packed in -- you never know what you'll...