Crazy Idea to Circumnavigate the Island?

[Midwest Ed]

OK, due to my present health, my backpacking days a long over. I can make it a good 1/2 to 1 mile but then I'm usually done for the day, or I can go shorter distances more frequently. I've already done the RH Lodge base camp for a week in the past but I'm now thinking of a longer trip, making overnight stops at every Lakeside campground of the Voyageur while circumnavigating in a clockwise direction. I'd get off at the next campground and stay there until the Voyageur makes its way back around again.

I've run the numbers on 5 itineraries, starting with one leaving The Island on the last boat. The other work backwards on the calendar until the more frequent VII schedule allows a lesser total number of nights. It's a lot of nights and I could skip a campground or 2 but that takes away from the accomplishment and this could be my last visit. It's seems pricey but if I justify it "by the day" it's not so bad. The rates are not based on this type of itinerary and that may not make a difference to the Voyageur folks but it's worth checking with them. I could easily arrange for resupply although bringing 4 weeks of food at the start wouldn't be an issue. I wonder if anyone has done this before? If my solo canoe paddling skills were better I might consider that.

[Ingo]

Heck yes, Ed, do it! When you get home you won't be thinking, "Well that wasn't worth it!" But you may regret not doing it. Over the years I've met a couple different people doing similar trips, although maybe not every stop. A couple of thoughts on the itinerary: depending on your solitary nature, 7 days at Malone may be a lot; and you don't need to stay at Windigo twice.

[dcclark]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I agree with Ingo, if the expense is doable, then I can't imagine you'd end up thinking "why did I bother doing that?"

[torpified]

that is a supercool scheme! I'm also hoping you'll carry it out (and report)!

I wonder if the Voyageur folk would consider some sort of frequent flyer discount? In a way, you're just booking one outbound (to RH) and one inbound (from RH) trip. Also, you'll practically be a member of the crew by the end!

It might be worth arranging resupply---if it's via Voyageur, you'll be spared the guesswork of timing things so that you're there to take delivery!--- just to spare you humping a bulging food bag to and fro between dock to your campsite/shelter.

[treeplanter]

If you have the time and the money, go for it! Great idea!

[Midwest Ed]

I also thought a full week (7 nights) at Malone (or anywhere) is a bit much even if I had a paddle craft and fishing gear, but the attractive draw was to return on the last boat. Since it only makes one round trip per week starting on the 21st of September I see no way around it without utilizing the far more expensive water taxis. Removing the stays at Windigo on either the front end or back end seems appropriate. The variation in costs are solely due to the $5 daily parking fee. I agree it seems a bit much to pay $71 to travel from McCargoe Cove to Belle Isle or RH to Daisy Farm, but if I'm the only person picked up and/or dropped off it's adding an extra stop (or two) for the boat. Plus I'm taking up a spot that might prevent another from making the normal full length trip to/from Grand Portage if the boat is full.

Here are 2 additional options, one staying the minimum 7 nights at Chippewa Harbor and another with what I think minimizes the total nights while still staying at every campground.

[S_R_L]

Sounds like a fun adventure if I had the time.
#7 and #4 would be my first choices.

[Rafiki]

Did you ever reach any conclusions on what your are going to do Ed? I think it is amazing what you are doing especially if this might be your last trip. I did a 30 day paddle trip in 2019 and boy was it pretty fun.

[JerryB]

This is a fantastic idea. To follow up on Rafiki’s post, do keep us informed

[Dogger]

Since the voyageur will drop a food box at any dock it stops at, food is easy to set up. The only thing is fuel. Taking enough for a month . Maybe you could talk the rangers out of some at rock harbor. Twig stove is another option. Great way to go around the island though.

[jerry]

I noticed at the new store at Windigo, that fuel cans were left near the front door (off to the right of it). No sign indicated they were free. I was there June 8 and 9. The same can be said near the store at Rock Harbor (June 7).

[Backpacker534]

My buddies and I were there May 24 - May 28 (Feldtmann Loop). I, too, saw the box of cans outside of the Windigo store. There was a sign on the box that said they were free, but I think it was more of a joke... I picked up one or two of the cans, and they seemed to be empty.

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[RedLeg]

The cans are free for the taking and are all used but have a little left in them still.

[dcclark]

We ended up leaving an 8 oz can used for just 2 boils on that crate (after fully using one other 8 oz can). We needed it -- I'm glad we had it -- but I sure wish they'd had 4oz cans.