Registering at Windigo, specific info required?

[eddy_line]

We'll be aboard the Voyageur II from Grand Portage on Monday, stopping at Windigo to register, on our way to drop at McCargoe Cove. Since this is our first time on IR, and noting the short window of time at Windigo, we want to be prepared to not delay anyone or "miss the boat." Should we be prepared to show ID, list our tentative itinerary, or provide any other info?

(Might have been more appropriate to list this under General Questions, but I know that you paddlers respond more quickly on this thread.)

Thanks.

[riverwatkins]

I had the same question yesterday and called the visitors center the lady there says the park fees are collected on the boat before ariving at the island and get camping permit at windigo. All you need is your itinerary, should be a quik stop she said should not need ID or any other paperwork.

if you are going on monday july 25 we can be lost through the whole process together.That is our depart date aswell on the voyager II. So if you hear any differant please post, it is my first trip to IR also.

[jerry]

Anyone going east of Windigo gets to go to the visitor center first (so that they can get back on the V2 as soon as possible). Riverwatkins is correct, all you need is a list of where you plan to be while in the park. The V2 will hit its horn to let you know its time to go. I'm sure getting back to the boat won't be an issue, unless you decide to go for a hike or get a sandwich.

[Tom]

Like Jerry said, you should be OK on time, but don't take the opportunity to delay. The normal pattern is as such:
Boat arrives at Windigo, greeted by Rangers.
Everyone disembarks, and the Rangers provide the LNT talk either right on the dock, or in bad weather, under the pavilion at the end of the dock.
Upon conclusion of the LNT, those staying are asked to go to the V-II and get their packs. Those sailing on are asked to go to the Ranger Station up the hill and get their permits. This puts those folks earlier in line.
I personally like to type up a quick note that has my name, address, and planned itinerary just listing the date and the intended camp, and put that in my wallet. It slightly speeds up the process. On occasion you get someone in front of you who might "still be deciding" their itinerary, and is talking it through with the ranger, and that can slow things down.
Capt Mike knows how many are expected to continue on the boat, and they watch as folks are coming back. Sure, you have time to use the bathroom, but don't expect to go for a walk or get a sandwich. As soon as I have my permit, I like to go back and congegrate on the dock with the other "sailing on" folks. Often, if everyone is there that is expected, they'll try to set sail and get back on route as quick as possible, so it's in your interest to be speedy!
That being said, don't worry if a novice ranger or something mixes things up and doesn't have certain folks register first, etc. If the delay is certainly because of just a slow down of the NPS process, the V-II is going to wait until all of their folks are properly permitted before moving on.

[eddy_line]

With 3 guys sharing the same itinerary, will that speed things up? Do we do one registration for the three, or three separate?

We have a typed planned itinerary, just to assist our memories, so that will help.

We'll be looking for you at GP, RiverWatkins. We're overnighting at the GP Lodge & Casino, still debating about Rydens for breakfast. Saw that you were also getting off at McCargoe, but you're hiking, we're paddling/portaging kayaks. It's possible that we might spend the first night at McCargoe, but the current plan is to get that first 1.2 mile portage out of the way and spend the first night at Chickenbone West.

[Tom]

With 3 guys sharing the same itinerary, will that speed things up? Do we do one registration for the three, or three separate?

If you're all going the same route and staying at the same camps, pick one as the "leader" who will file the itinerary in their name. They'll ask you how many in your party and how many tents you have, and one permit covers them all.
If, however, someone in the group plans (intentionally) to divert to another campsite for a night or two, then they need their own permit. Basically, one 'permit' covers a team of folks up to six, provided they stick together.

[riverwatkins]

Eddyline we will see you Monday at dock will be the fat guy and skinny girl with canoe and a overstuffed portage pack. Hope to see you there. Our plans are to stay at rydens couple nights before hand ferry out , spend 2 nights at McCargoe, with a hike up to mining mine. Then basically follow the same route as you with a 2 night stop at wood lake. Pick up at Chippewa Gabor on the 2nd of aug.

One quik note they may help ease your mind everything I have read and looked at the first portage is .7 mile the hike is 1.6 miles. That might make your feet and backs a little happier

[eddy_line]

I wish you were correct, but that McCargoe to Chickenbone portage was extended to 1.2 miles for the 2010 season, and the portage chart in the 2011 Greenstone still says the same.

We'll look forward to meeting you at GP.

[Tom]

I had the same question yesterday and called the visitors center the lady there says the park fees are collected on the boat before ariving at the island and get camping permit at windigo

Just saw this part and thought I would add an addendum for those others who may catch the thread.
If you are travelling on either the Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III out of Grand Portage, GPIR Transportation collects the $4/day fee at the time you book your passage, and passes it on to the NPS on your behalf. So, there is no need to have a wallet ready if you're taking either of those boats.

[Vandy]

I had the same question yesterday and called the visitors center the lady there says the park fees are collected on the boat before ariving at the island and get camping permit at windigo

Just saw this part and thought I would add an addendum for those others who may catch the thread.
If you are travelling on either the Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III out of Grand Portage, GPIR Transportation collects the $4/day fee at the time you book your passage, and passes it on to the NPS on your behalf. So, there is no need to have a wallet ready if you're taking either of those boats.

The same is true for the seaplane. You pay up front when you make the reservation.

[riverwatkins]

Thanks Tom I didn't even notice that on my receipt. Looks like a steak dinner instead of fast-food