Solo canoe trip, 3rd week September 2016

[suwanneej]

New to the forum and also new to IR but excited to see some of this park. Is it feasible to reasonably consider an open boat trip with a start at Rock Harbor and going up to Moskey Basin and then a return to rock Harbor on a Monday to Friday time frame. My main concern of course is weather and winds which are of course unpredictable but any info on what can generally be expected from the experience of past years would be helpful. I'm thinking a first nite at Three Mile, then two nites at Moskey and finishing with a 4th night at Caribou or Tookers before returning to Rock Harbor for a return to Copper H, MI. Not much distance I know but wanna do a lotta hiking and some fishing also, weather permitting. I will have a small ETON weather radio and of course clothing and gear suitable for cold and inclement weather. So my friends any advice, weather predictions and/or cautions to note. Thanks in advance for your responses.
SuwanneeJ

[Ingo]

Sounds like we'll probably be seeing each other. Going out on the Queen on the 19th for a week with my daughter and canoe. Planning pretty much the same thing, but for a week. And hopefully get up to Merritt Lane. So obviously I think it's reasonable . Assuming you're experienced solo paddling your canoe.

We're planning an open itinerary dependent on the weather. Rock Harbor can be tough when the wind blows SW or NE up and down it. I definitely would allow a couple days to get back from Moskey just to be safe. I like the island campgrounds, but Caribou and Tookers will be colder than Daisy Farm and Three Mile, especially if it's blowing good, so the weather will dictate exactly where we end up. You'll fill out an itinerary when you register, but you don't have to stick with it, so just be flexible and safe.

The weather radio may or may not be any good, but take everything with a grain of salt. I'm usually just interested if there's any fronts or systems heading my way. See you on the boat?

[MikeT]

We are going to just miss both of you. We are arriving in Rock Harbor via the Voyageur on the 28th. Bummer Ingo, it would have been nice to see our matching canoes side by side. Oh yes, and to see you

I agree with everything Ingo said, he is the man. In my experience, you can paddle the Rock Harbor section 70-80% of the time. It, of course, can be harder work depending on the wind and wave directions, but possible. I would definitely choose Caribou and Tooker's over the mainland campgrounds. Caribou is one of my favorites, spectacular views of Lake Superior, Middle Islands Passage and Rock Harbor lighthouse. Caribou can have fishermen in it and there are only two shelters and a tent pad that barely passes as such so, be prepared to move on if it is full. If you stay there, follow the trail west from the campground to the end past an old shed with an engine in it. What a special place. Tooker's is less spectacular, but has a lovely meadow and a great rock beach on the north side.

Also, on your way, plan on stopping at Edison Fishery and Rock Harbor lighthouse. It is closed this time of year, but worth seeing. If you have time, wander down the trail west to Bangsund cabin (summer home of the wolf-moose study). If Rolf and Candy are there you will meet two very interesting people and learn a lot (and maybe have homemade brownies ). If they are not there, there is still plenty to see.

If you pass through Middles Islands Passage, expect some weird currents. Water coming in and out underneath and the surface water may be going a totally different way. Like an amusement ride on the water.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!!

[Ingo]

I was going to follow up with some the details Mike provided, but he beat me to it! I might add that since it's your first time to island, I'd try to get in a hike up to Mt Ojibway from Daisy Farm, and/or Mt Franklin from Three Mile. Short paddle to either from Caribou and Tookers, respectively. The views from the ridge on a clear day are great, and a whole different perspective of the island. Also, they have dock work scheduled at Daisy Farm in Sept.--I'm hoping it won't be too noticeable, or maybe they'll be done.

Bummer Ingo, it would have been nice to see our matching canoes side by side. Oh yes, and to see you

I was thinking the same thing .

[Keweenaw]

Very feasible, but weather dependent as others have mentioned. Ditto the warnings about Middle Island Passage area - wind and currents can collide, creating standing waves/chop. If too bad you could portage on the Rock Harbor Trail past any bad stuff.

[head2north]

Check out this marine report prior to departure :
http://marine.weather.gov/MapClick.php? ... 8Q9weSV_IV


Some more suggestions for this trip from experience :
Check out Conglomerate Bay. Standing at the sand beach looking back East towards bay opening is a view.
The cliffs on the south east opening of bay are fun to explore if you can find the access.

Also, on your return back to Snug Harbor from West Side of Rock Harbor, follow the south side of the protecting islands.
The shoreline is more rocky/cliffy/steep and provides a different perspective as it seems more remote/removed from inner channel traffic.

And don't forget the cooler of fresh food!

[suwanneej]

Oh my! Thank you folks for all the great responses and helpful information.
Ingo, I will definitely scout you out on the boat from Copper Harbor, 19 Sep, and may try to pick your brain a bit more. I do hope to get up to Mt. Ojibway and Mt. Franklin either pre or post night at 3 mile.
Thanks Mike for you tips on the Fishery and the Lighthouse and the Tookers and Caribou campsites. Middle Islands passage sounds funky.
Great forum and appreciative of your help. Looking forward to yet another excursion to the great north woods. I just hope it's not too cold for this Florida fellow.
Safe paddling all,
SuwanneeJ