the wrap sandwiches sound great especially going home from island. The beer idea is great too, if you didn't get to Rock Harbor and have one, of course carrying beer might be a problem? The candy bars and pop and coffee have always been appreciated. Thanks for everything you do to get us there and ...

oh I forget to mention this. I just recently read somewhere that when hiking it's better to be the lead person as they leave a scent and then the bugs tend to bite the person following more. Don't know if that's true as I hiked solo this time.

I just got back last Sun. At times the skeeters were bad. The 3M ultrathon worked well and sometimes hiking in the woods I used my head net as they were buzzing well around my head. on sat the black flies were biting my legs and feet and swelled bad, wish I knew about the vinegar thing then. I was ...

I've heard of people doing this with just energy bars, etc. The Greenstone has also been mentioned in the Backpacker magazine a few times I've seen, as a premier trail in the US and also one people do in a day. Good luck, hope you have good ankles and knees. I agree with some people that you'd be ...

Hi Ingo, sounds like fun trip with your daughter. My son is 15 and the last 4 years went packing with me but now says he hates the island and won't go again until I bring him to Hawaii 1st. Ha!! So I missed him, just got back Sun from a solo trip 6 nights. It was good except boots failed, are no ...

If you get to lake Desor, south campground there's a beautiful sandy beach you can go out pretty far. Swam there early august to late august, it's chilly but you get used to it and very nice after hot day of hiking on the ridge. It's my favorite place to swim on the island. Happy fishing. Todd ...

I just looked at that filter from coghlan's and looks like you could easily put holes in a small #4 filter and find a stick to hold it over your cup.

I love my coffee beans but lately have used the coffee bags, not quite as good. I was going to buy that small MSR filter but when someone said it was over-priced thought I'd look around. I found a new one that's collapsible with 3 plastic attachable arms to fit almost any size mug. It's a GSI ...

I so look forward to a beer and burger at Rock Harbor at the end of my trip. The shower is short for $6. but I remember also getting a small bar of soap included. I just use my camp suds for shampoo, it's good enough til I get home. If you want a clean towel they charge small fee for that. Happy ...

I tried a 40 or 45 degree down bag one aug. and was okay on one side of the island almost too warm but when on the south side it got cold with the wind off the lake, we froze but then pulled our tent over us in some of the shelters and that helped. I'm going June 15th and got a new bag that's +15 ...

When I called Rydens for a reservation, I believe they said they're open at 6 for breakfast so plenty time to make boat.

Ditto on the Angry Trout. I always have to stop there when I'm up this way. The trout is wonderful.

Hi Chocokitty,
I'm celebrating my 50th by doing my first solo backpack trip this June on IR. I've been there 4 times so feel pretty comfortable. You've gotten good tips on what to do. The east end is mostly my favorite area. I would definitely go across tobin harbor, rent a canoe, you get a half day ...

I haven't been to Copper Harbor but know there's the Bella Vista Motel right by where the Queen takes off. I met one of the owner's last year on IR. Others have stayed there and said it was ok. Google Copper Harbor and there's a few other places also.

Hi Tom, Yeah post a reminder about your talk. I live in twin cities so it'll be fun to come hear you. I have a reservation for I think June 15th on VII so I'm pretty excited but need to get in better shape quick. Wish I could go to expo this w/e but have to work.