Search found 790 matches

by Tom
Wed May 06, 2009 5:51 pm
Forum: Trails & Campsites
Topic: shelter vs. tent sites
Replies: 25
Views: 14846

Re: shelter vs. tent sites

Like Philranger, I'll typically take a shelter if it's available. In addition to the reasons he states, they also seem to have the better views and are closer to the common amenities. (Fire ring, toilets, etc.) It's nice to be able to set the gear out (especially if you're caught in the rain) and be...
by Tom
Sun May 03, 2009 11:07 am
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: First timer...suggestions?
Replies: 13
Views: 4942

Re: First timer...suggestions?

hebelerj - Frankly, I think you might be underselling yourself on mileage. While most folks OVER-estimate, you say you're just finishing school and are in decent health. I don't think you'll have a problem. A couple thoughts. - Yes, by all means, avoid East Chickenbone. It's the IR Armpit. - I'd con...
by Tom
Sun May 03, 2009 10:57 am
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: 2009 Trip Log - Add your planned itinerary here!
Replies: 103
Views: 40487

Re: 2009 Trip Log - Add your planned itinerary here!

Name: Tom Email: tom (at) thevoigts (dot) com Hometown: Lake Elmo, MN Arrival Date: Sat, June 13th Departure Date: Tues, June 16th Coming From/Via: Grand Portage, Voy II Itinerary: June 13th - Into McGargoe; hang out at the mines, maybe dayhike to East Chickenbone. (A trail segment I haven't hit yet...
by Tom
Sun May 03, 2009 10:45 am
Forum: Trip Reports
Topic: October 2004 Video Trip
Replies: 21
Views: 7069

Re: October 2004 Video Trip

Moss13, keep it up! These are awesome. It's that time of year when I REALLY start itching to return, and the videos help relive those memories!
by Tom
Sun May 03, 2009 10:39 am
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Water filter recommendation?
Replies: 51
Views: 41604

Re: Water filter recommendation?

While researching filters, I ran across a reference to the "notoriously silty waters of Isle Royale." Since I haven't been there yet, can someone comment? I wouldn't say they're any worse than other places I've been. What I will say is that when you're on the trail, you don't always get t...
by Tom
Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:00 pm
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Homemade Gear & Gadgets
Replies: 32
Views: 20478

Re: Homemade Gear & Gadgets

Can't say it's homemade, but about three wraps of duct tape (wrapped back on itself) around a Nalgene bottle seems to be just the right amount for most trips...

Now, if I could only figure out how to carry the WD-40. :wink:
by Tom
Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:58 am
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Isle Royale to receive $158,000 in Stimulus funds
Replies: 8
Views: 3474

Re: Isle Royale to receive $158,000 in Stimulus funds

Yes! ...And could they clean up those trails of all those rocks and roots? That would be a big help. :wink:
by Tom
Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:32 pm
Forum: Pictures
Topic: Windigo visitor center
Replies: 3
Views: 5198

Re: Windigo visitor center

That's the OLD visitor center, now just a memory. The foundation is still there, and they now have built a pavilion there which is good for LNT on a rainy day, and waiting for the boats... The big, shiny, up the hill to the left building is the NEW visitor center. I'm trying to recall which year tha...
by Tom
Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:40 pm
Forum: General Questions and Miscellaneous
Topic: Midwest Mountaineering Spring Expo
Replies: 7
Views: 3543

Re: Midwest Mountaineering Spring Expo

I might also try to make Saturday. (Fonix - I'll send you a PM once I'm sure! It would be cool to meet up) HOWEVER... (Drumroll please) I will be presenting there Monday, June 1st at 7pm (Tentative) to talk about the wonders of backpacking IR. (Thanks to Capt Don for arranging the contact!) It sound...
by Tom
Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:33 pm
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: "What are you spending your REI dividend on?" 2009 edition
Replies: 34
Views: 15300

Re: "What are you spending your REI dividend on?" 2009 edition

I'm calling this year's purchase my "Backpack weight training device." You know... How that first mile or so on the trail with the pack makes you think... WHY am I doing this again?? I figure my seven month year old boy will serve as good "baby ballast" for getting the back in ge...
by Tom
Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:51 am
Forum: Weather and Bugs
Topic: Near full ice-over
Replies: 3
Views: 2584

Near full ice-over

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mqt/?n=lake_superior_ice

Several news entities are reporting how significant the ice cover on Superior is this season. A great set of photos is posted at http://www.twincities.com/ci_11844152
by Tom
Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:11 pm
Forum: Gear & Supplies
Topic: Water filter recommendation?
Replies: 51
Views: 41604

Re: Water filter recommendation?

I also have a Pur Hiker (Now Katadyn.) I recall buying it at the time and picking something that I seemed to be able to find the filters at more than one store... It's small, filters well, and I've never had the thing clog once - And I've put it in some pretty soupy stuff. It's also fairly field rep...
by Tom
Sat Feb 07, 2009 7:45 am
Forum: Weather and Bugs
Topic: Ice Out?
Replies: 6
Views: 3523

Re: Ice Out?

Last year the first trip of the Voyageur II was delayed a week or so because their was still some ice in Washington Harbor. That would be early May. From what I've witnessed, it seems to really start to rot in mid to late March, with April being the prime thaw time, and then early May leaves pockets...
by Tom
Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:20 pm
Forum: Web Board & Web Site
Topic: Suggestions for the new year
Replies: 19
Views: 16088

Re: Suggestions for the new year

I'm seconding Philranger's favorite feature of the old site. While we're doing OK with our Trip Log Forum Post, the old site would sort by date and so made it easy to see who was out at one time, etc. Beyond that, I'd say the site is sweet! ...Oh, and somebody please promote poor Capt Don, with his ...
by Tom
Fri Jan 23, 2009 9:16 pm
Forum: Trails & Campsites
Topic: Itinerary questions
Replies: 11
Views: 6093

Re: Itinerary questions

For all things daylight, I use http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.php For IR, plug in "Grand Marais" in MN for probably the closest city. (If you use Form B, you can actually use coordinates, if you want the EXACT sunset at say, Lake Ritchie...) Just note DST and timezone when us...