Combining parts of Greenstone and Minong route

[Todd N]

I'm looking at a route that combines some of the Greenstone and Minong. What is the collective wisdom on this: Daisy Farm - McCargoe Cove - Todd Harbor - Hatchet Lake - South Lake Desore - Windigo. The Todd Harbor to Hatchet Lake day is a short one (4 miles). Also, on a scale of 1- 10, with 1 the easiest, how difficult is the McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor trail? Thanks in advance.

[jerry]

To me the McCargoe to Todd Harbor section of the Minong trail is the easiest portion of that trail. There are some ups and downs, some rocky surfaces and some walking in the woods. I was 66 years of age when I hiked it two years ago. It took us about three hours. I would encourage you to try going that way. Go for it.

[fonixmunkee]

The culmination of the Minong is what makes it so beefy. Taking sections of it will be a challenge, but you can do it. Plus you'll be afforded some of the most amazing vistas. Absolutely do it.

[Tom]

I'll throw in my 2 cents that I actually think it might be easier to hike McCargoe to Todd/Hatchet than say, Chickenbone West to Hatchet. That stretch of the Minong is perhaps the easiest on the legs, and you get to stop at Todd Harbor. Some great views to the north in places, too. Not nearly as much up and down as other sections of the Minong.
The Greenstone out of Chickenbone has a pretty good hoof up the ridge, which can be a leg burner. Then you just have distance. Great views to the south and Siskiwit Lake, though...
Given your plan gives you both nights at McCargoe and Todd Harbor, I'd certainly stick with it!
The path from Todd Harbor to Hatchet is not bad at all, and you'll make good time to Hatchet. You could always decide to skip Hatchet and push to Desor South, but I don't think I'd feel a need to skip it, unless you found the bugs to be bad.

[Todd N]

This is really useful and helpful. Thanks for the insights and allowing us first-timers to benefit from your experiences. I hope I'll be spry enough to do the same at 66.

[Rafiki]

I definitely agree with Tom. Take McCargoe to Hatchet. West Chicken Bone to Hatchet cannot be fun. I walk from Hatchet to West Chicken Bone and all I can remeber is the decent and imagine geeezzzzz I'm glad Im not going in the opposite ascending direction. McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor will have a slightly difficult strech at the begining of it, but beyond that its nothing terrible. Hopes this agreed upon advice helps.