Using the Ranger III and Voyageur II combination isn't very convenient because they are purposely scheduled so they both don't overnight at R.H. at the same time. Most folks doing this will take the Queen IV out of Copper Harbor instead, which goes out and back every day in the high season. The seap...

Since you're hitting Mt Franklin on Day 3 anyway, I think the tour boat goes to Passage Island on Fridays (Day 2). I found that very fascinating and it's about the only way you can see it unless you have your own boat--and you get a couple mile hike in as well.

I agree that Day 2 looks like a bit much--and don't think you'd be missing too much given the rest of your plans. Also, be prepared for large temp swings--possibly 30 degs difference just on location. I also carry a rain jacket on day hikes of any length regardless of the forecast, esp. on I.R. Have...

I'd like opinions about rain pants vs. gaiters. Two considerations in favor of gaiters: They raise the bar for how deep the mud needs to be before it seeps over the top of your footwear. THEY KEEP YOUR SHOELACES CLEAN! (Of course, they themselves get dirty, but typically they can be donned and doff...

I've only used gaiters once, on an end-of-May IR trip and was very glad I did. I wondered the same thing you did, since I didn't want to invest in truly waterproof ones. I ended up getting the OR Rocky Mt high ones and they worked great, even keeping water out of my boots the few times it was over t...

My one trip the end of May confirms what's been said. Mostly 50s-60s during the day, might have hit 70 once. Nights upper 30s, low 40s. Light persistent rain for the first 3 days. Very muddy trails, a couple flooded--gaiters saved my feet. Expect possibly significant winter deadfall on the Hatchet->...

Another question: it could be that I'll have to choose between spending my last (westward) night at Huginnin and spending it at Washington Creek. The Windigo services won't be running yet, I don't think. I really really really like (i) seeing animals, and (ii) backwoods peace. Where should I stay? ...

From the NPS FAQs: "How can I receive information about the park - maps, books, brochures, trip planning...? We are happy to mail information to you - but before you request a packet, please explore the website. The website will answer the vast majority of your questions. If you wish to receive a ma...

embrkmd wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 24, 2019 9:29 am

... hit the Minong to Todd Harbor via the Hatchet Lake trail. Anyone know what that side trail is like?

It's a rather easy stretch of trail from Hatchet to Todd.

I'm worried that my future self might arrive at N Desor fairly early in the day and elect to press on, not fully appreciating what she'll be biting off. Any thoughts about how to discipline my future self and/or strategize about staging this part of the walk? I think that hiking from RH to N Desor ...

Looks like a fairly relaxed plan to me, and seems you've thought it through. There's a couple of places you could take a day if you want to along the way (e.g. skip Richie and have an extra at C.H. or M.C.). The only thing is there may be more folks then you expect--Sept has gotten pretty popular th...

I hate that REI doesn't do the 20% off any one item at the same time as the dividend anymore . Just got an email for a different promotion, so I know I'll have to wait at least until that one expires.

With first-timers I'd probably go for July/Aug, because early June can be cold and wet and the trails almost certainly will be wet and muddy, especially with the snow they've had this winter. If you're accustomed and prepared not an issue, but for the inexperienced it could be a little much, and you...

Probably a ProLite Plus wide (25") sleeping pad. I need another wider one for canoe trips when guests don't have their own. Won't cost much after 20% and dividend.

There is an outfitter in Watersmeet, MI that caters to the Sylvania Wilderness Area. I don't know if they have any policy against Isle Royale. There are other outfitters further east towards Newberry. Sylvania Outfitters http://www.sylvaniaoutfitters.com/index.html . I've rented from them for an I....