We returned from our trip this week, will answer some of my questions here, will try to post a more complete trip report later on.
newb2019 wrote: Tue May 07, 2019 1:18 pm
I saw mention of Thermacell mosquito repellent in a magazine I was reading. I'm wondering if this is safe/effective/allowed method of keeping mosquitoes away from the cooking/eating area by the cabin during dinner time? Does anyone have experience with it?
We picked one up at Walmart and an extra set, ending up returning the extras. We only turned it on for cooking outdoors, but did not notice a difference in the number of mosquitos. Additionally, when I realized how it worked, essentially enveloping you in a fog of pesticide, we didn't really want to BE in the area when it was on. I'm not a fan even of DEET. We brought bug suits for some of us, and head nets for the rest. In 3 days, got bit less than one night at Wonder Lake.
newb2019 wrote: Wed Feb 27, 2019 10:30 am
thesneakymonkey wrote: Tue Feb 26, 2019 6:19 pm
Don’t use the spigot to shower. All the non natural soap will run off into the wilderness. Not exactly LNT. Embrace the being in nature part. One doesn’t have to shower every day. There are perfectly nice shower facilities in Windigo for a reasonable price.
To clarify, by "hose off," I meant a quick rinse, no soap. Showering in the evening instead of the morning might make more sense while on the island. Shower facilities=$5/5 min * 5 people * 3 days = $75. Easy place to cut costs.
But this does bring up another point, washing utensils/pots. The Greenstone talks about this, but unclear if it applies to the cabins. Is there a dishwashing sink in the Windigo area?
I see there is a fish cleaning station at Windigo. Any photos/videos?
I can't seem to quote my original question, but we did not bring any type of hose. For those wondering, I did check the spigot, and it can NOT accept attachments. There was a French drain, I believe they called it. I did not see a dishwashing sink at Windigo, and there was a sign in the Comfort Station asking not to wash cooking stuff there, so we did do it at the spigot. I did not notice a fish cleaning station either, but then again, we didn't catch any fish.
newb2019 wrote: Mon Feb 25, 2019 1:42 pm
We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids ages 4-15), reservations for Windigo camper cabin early summer for 3 nights, transportation booked. We obviously won't be able to do too much hiking with kiddo. Any suggestions on how to fill/make-the-most-of our days? Some thoughts: hiking/ranger programs, become junior rangers, rent kayaks (where to go? tandem available?), go fishing (we're newbs). (Not doing: paying even MORE to go around the island on the ferry.) What hikes makes sense for us to include?
Does bringing an inflatable boat with oars make any sense whatsoever, maybe use that and rented kayak(s)? Will we need to bring our own life jackets or can we borrow/rent there?
...
Re: bedding. Will bring sleeping bags, etc. Should I bring the cold weather ones (40 degrees), or will the warm weather ones (50 degrees) be sufficient?
Is it realistic to think we could go for a swim in Lake Superior? If doable, where makes the most sense for our family?
I was looking forward to kayaking over to Beaver Island for a picnic lunch, but they only had two tandem kayaks. Not enough for the family. We would have opted for the motor boat, but although we had NO RAIN while we were there, severe weather was forecast, and they wanted the boat back early. I did bring a life vest for my little one.
More on the weather: although it dipped into the 40s the night before we arrived (it felt like the cabin was air conditioned when we first came), the warm sleeping bags were too warm most nights. Our last night I think was coolest, probably in the 50s.
We did not go for a swim; I was too concerned about the tapeworm risk.
Showers were $5.51.
