I have used tap water for flushing -- that's probably my problem! Vinegar and distilled water make sense. Thanks, both!

I agree with Backpacker534. The best part of my Platypus 4L gravity filter is that I can set it up and go do something else (or just rest) and it's done for me, no more work needed. On a fresh filter, that one probably takes 5 minutes for 4L.

The one problem I've found, at least with the Platypus ...

Here's the official press release: Lethal Removal of Food-Conditioned Wolf at Isle Royale National Park

Here's the article I just read: Isle Royale kills problem wolf after increasing number of ‘concerning incidents’

Key quotes:

"In what is believed to be the first National Parks action of its ...

When my wife and I last went to IR for 7 days, our total food weight was just under 11 lbs, so 5.5 lbs per person (no water, no Ursak at that point either).

It looks like the Ursak+liner would add almost another pound to that, so I'd say we're pretty close.

Edit: Just realized that you said 4 days ...

Here's another story, non-paywalled: https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/20 ... onal-park/

Some pretty small updates, but updates nonetheless: Murder-suicide suspected in Isle Royale National Park camper deaths (behind a paywall, but I think you get a few free articles per month).

Key points:


Deceased are a father and son.
Murder-suicide is suspected (not sure who said that, it didn ...

Slight update: https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/news/update-deceased-campers-found-at-isle-royale-identified.htm

It did happen at South Desor (no surprise). The people have been identified and next of kin notified. No names or other information added.

Edit: The TV 6 article says that the NPS ...

A bit of a separate issue, but this article mentions that "a spokesperson said the deaths are not connected to an apparent arrest that was captured on video last week by U.P. Adventure Company." I hadn't heard anything about that.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/06/10/2-unidentified ...

Wonderful log. Makes me think twice about doing Moosewatch...

Also, from your last post, I know how to get your phone back: Get next year's teams to find it for you!

Another vote for a zero day at Siskiwit. It's a gorgeous place. If weather isn't great, you could skip the zero day there, and instead spend an extra day at Huginnin Cove. It's also beautiful and you might enjoy the rest more at that point.

Also another second for both exploring the old powder ...

*and, in some cases, bear canisters, by the simple expedient of tumbling them off of giant cliffs, then descending to where they land and shatter to eat the freeze dried chilimac.


Having experienced Ultra Red Freeze-Dried Chili-Mac, I think this is its own punishment and natural selection ...

So the 2025 Greenstone is out, and the food storage regulations are a bit beyond what I expected. Maybe it's bad writing, but check out page 3, green box near the bottom.

If I'm reading this right, if you're in a tent site you must both put food in a bear-proof canister and place the canister in a ...

Some campsites have wonderful places to explore nearby, and mostly they aren't off-trail. As Jerry mentioned, Chippewa Harbor is one of these -- there are semi-volunteer trails, well established, that take you to the old schoolhouse, to the top of a nearby bluff with fantastic views, and to Lake ...

Yes, the Greenstone, especially the west end, is much easier than the Minong. I think the west end of the Greenstone is the easiest trail I've hiked on the island.

I stayed at Island Mine once, in mid-May. It was fine. Definitely better than what I've heard from others -- the fire pits are a nice ...

By "northern route" I assume you mean the Minong Ridge trail? That's a pretty serious trail, especially in the direction you'll be traveling (where you have ~13 miles on the first day, made harder by a heavier pack). The upside would be tons of spectacular views.

"Southern route" is less well ...