I saw a loon family, parent and juveniles, call out in alarm and dive just in time to avoid a bald eagle swooping in to grab a chick for lunch. 20 yards from my kayak inTobin Harbor near Merritt Island.

I do as described above, but additionally dry my filter open, but in the refrigerator to discourage mold while it’s drying. Once it’s fully dry, thenI store it with the rest of the kit.

Does anyone know when the NPS will post plans for summer 2021 rules? I specifically want to know if the full length of the Minong Ridge trail will be open, and whether hikers will be able to get cross-country zone camping permits. Both were not available last summer.

Lake Ritchie is nice enough (unless there’s an algae bloom), but Moskey Basin is spectacular. Consider stopping at Moskey. Or at least check if there’s an available shelter then decide! Great choice of route. On your way back to Rock Harbor, consider climbing back up the hill after staying overnight...

One thing people are surprised by at Isle Royale: It can be both extremely hot and pretty darn cold on the same day. The ridges, where you will be hiking all day, get very hot in summer weather. Be sure to have enough water carrier volume to carry enough water to keep yourself well hydrated on a roc...

Also note, there are multiple things you can do from Rock Harbor area, and with the Queen you depart in the afternoon, so you have another almost-full day. As Torpified mentioned, use the half-day canoe rental to explore Tobin Harbor and maybe hike to Lookout Louise and explore Hidden Lake. There's ...

Yes. I carry a small NOAA weather radio when I go to Isle Royale. You get either US or Canadian weather forecasts depending on where you are on the Island, for the western Lake Superior region. I recall Rock Harbor as being particularly bad for reception. I would also check the websites before your ...

Cheapest trip I know of for three nights, is to take either the Voyager or the Sea Hunter from Grand Portage Minnesota out to Windigo. Camp for up to three nights at the Washington Creek campground, and likely get a shelter to make a home base for your family. Washington Creek has a 3-night limit, w...

Actually, truth is, this kinda profiteering sort of rubs me the wrong way. Especially if someone asks him a question, he comes to the forums with the question, gets lots of good answers, then sells that information to the original asker who is his client. We had a guy doing this on another backpacki...

Jonhens is the guy to talk to about fishing!

Yeah, I was wondering if this was someone who is active on the forums? The gist appears to be they will teach (via canned modules) and help with trip planning, for a fee. I have often wondered what our collective knowledge is worth, and our years of experience, freely shared with anyone who asks.

Is this someone we know? He’s setting up a pay-to-play website for advice and training modules on Isle Royale.

I like that merganser photo!

On the “big portage” if you choose to do it, get everything to the top, then take a hike on the Greenstone Ridge to get a taste of that and some views of the region you have been paddling.

With that many kayaks, I don’t think the Voyager ferry is an option. Be sure and call them to discuss and pin your dates! But, if you are going to start and finish at Rock Harbor, then the Ranger should be able to carry all your kayaks. Again, get your reservations in ASAP! I am far from an expert, ...