Mid-May Route Ideas

[JerryB]

I am thinking of going to the island from MN on May18 (Wed.), returning that next Sunday.

I did a similar trip a few years back. It was cold but the views were great because it was before leaf out. I distinctly remember marveling at the view from Island Mine, which never happens mid-summer! Just wondering if anyone has feelings about a good route for that time of year. The Feldtman Loop is what I did before and it was great, maybe with the addition of Hugginin this year. Any other ideas? I can start at Windigo or McCargo, but I do not want to take the VII any further than that. Thanks!

[hooky]

This is of particular interest to me as my son and I may be on the boat with you Jerry. It really depends on his summer semester and what classes he is able to get registered. I'm thinking about heading to McCargoe and working our way back to Windigo. We were pondering over a map when he was visiting last week.

[fonixmunkee]

I always hike IR in mid/late May, to take advantage of the holiday, and because there's no bugs or people. The island can be just as beautiful as it is in the summer.

You won't have too many options for a short week-long hike from Windigo, but if you were to do McCargoe, the options grow exponentially. Otherwise, have you considered doing some cross-country hikes?

[JerryB]

I always hike IR in mid/late May, to take advantage of the holiday, and because there's no bugs or people. The island can be just as beautiful as it is in the summer.

You won't have too many options for a short week-long hike from Windigo, but if you were to do McCargoe, the options grow exponentially. Otherwise, have you considered doing some cross-country hikes?

By cross country, do you mean off trail? I have toyed with that in the past but do not think I would do it in May--could be awfully muddy

[JerryB]

This is of particular interest to me as my son and I may be on the boat with you Jerry. It really depends on his summer semester and what classes he is able to get registered. I'm thinking about heading to McCargoe and working our way back to Windigo. We were pondering over a map when he was visiting last week.

My son may be with me as well! I thought of your route--McCargo back to Windigo. I did that with the Scouts a few years back. Also, McCargo over to McCoskey, etc. is also nice. You are probably right that those and Feldtman Loop are the only choices. I may be leaning to that because I have never been to Hugginin. (I thought of going there two years after the Minong, but I was ready for some pizza!)

[Ingo]

McCargoe to Malone?

[JerryB]

McCargoe to Malone?

That is a good idea. One of the few places I have not been to on the island.

[Ingo]

McCargoe to Malone?

That is a good idea. One of the few places I have not been to on the island.

I've paddled to Malone and it's a great site. Haven't done the trail so can't speak to that.

[JerryB]

Thanks, everyone. I think I will do McCargo--Todd H--Hatchett (just to shorten the next day's hike)--Malone. If bad weather strikes, I can skip Hatchett and layover

[hooky]

I did a pickup from Malone in the fall of 2014. I really liked it. It was right around a full moon and it was neat to see the lighthouse and the full moon. One group was obviously photographers and they were trying to time it just right with the moon in the first part of sunset. Sounded like a good idea, so I tried it with my little point & shoot. I tried...

[Ingo]

That tree looks familiar

[hooky]

nice!

[jerry]

I've done the McCargo to Malone trip and I really enjoyed it. Especially, heading down to Malone from the Greenstone. In May the trail may be easier to follow. It was overgrown when I did it a month or two later then when you plan to visit.

[JerryB]

Thanks, Jer!

[zims]

DONT FORGET! McCargoe Cove boardwalk to east chickenbone is really dangerous. Will be closed mid June to get fixed and McCargoe dock will be closed awhile.