Early May Trip Concerns

[miasoccersmile]

Hello All,

My friend and I are planning an early May trip to IR (5/8-5/12). I'm just wondering what the general concerns are for being on IR during that time. How's the weather, amount of snow, moose activity, etc? I'm looking forward to a lack of flies but want to be aware of the risks.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[RockRiver]

All three trips of ours have been in the last full week of May. Snow will not be much of an issue this year. It is more likely to be very cool for temperatures. It can be warm, but, most likely very cool. 30's and 40's. You can very well have mornings in the 20's. Have thermal underwear and forget the shorts. Have very good sleeping bags. Have very good rain gear and a warm jacket. It can be rainy and very high humidity for days. You need to keep dry. Often it is difficult to dry wet clothing at this time of the year. Have good, waterproof boots and lots of socks. It can be muddy in places. Moose are variable. First two trips, no moose. Third trip, two moose. We live in the UP along the Lake Superior shore and the conditions are just about the same here as on IR, so I am certain that the conditions that I described for our trips to IR are very similar to the long term average for the area.

[miasoccersmile]

Awesome, good to know. My friend and I have lived in Marquette for the past 2 years (she is from Escanaba) and this is our graduation "last hoorah" and have definitely noticed the warm winter we've had. Thanks!

[johnhens]

We have done a bunch of trips, usually the week before Memorial Day weekend. Every trip, we have had a few chilly days, rain and snow(does not last) and cold nights. Prepare for bad weather hope for good weather. Nice to have a tarp to cover the front of the shelter to block the wind. Moose aren't a problem, unless you come across a cow with a calf. Give them plenty of room. We were charged by a cow as we paddled past an island going to Moskey.
We bring extra tea and hot chocolate. No bugs for the most part. If April is warm and rainy, mosquitoes might be busy. Nice time as the trees have not leafed out, better views. Have fun!!

[Tortuga]

My only trip so far was the last week of May, and bugs were not an issue. Quick changes in weather were. Sunny and warm one minute, cold windy and rainy the next, then back to sunshine. I came across a pregnant cow moose and her yearling male and they didn't give two squats. Catch a cow with a baby calf, and you could have trouble.

[torpified]

I'll be there those very days -- and I have a gift for getting into ridiculous pickles. You can probably rest assured that if a recently gravid moose takes umbrage at anyone's presence while you're there, it'll be mine.

[fonixmunkee]

Here's a post I made earlier this year about someone asking similar questions:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3262&p=21675#p21675

May is essentially my favorite time of year to do Isle Royale. Sure, it's not as beautiful as the summer, but that single trade-off is worth it for me, given all the benefits of an early-season hike.

[zims]

miasoccersmile Welcome, Great you are visiting soon. I can assure you it will be cold this year and stream crossings can be a challenge in places, slippery, and sometimes deep. Be wary of cows and calves, they are over protective right now. We always come last week of May into June and I bring nothing less than a 0 degree bag and super dependable rain gear, top and bottom. Calculate your fuel and plan for a possible extra day just in case of bad weather. Don't worry about bugs. Remember no fires unless in designated spots, for this reason we plan on most campgrounds with at least a community ring. Have a great trip.