Getting Along on Isle Royale

[kfinnguy]

My dad is starting have second thoughts about going to Isle Royale this summer. I think we'll get along fine but he thinks we'll argue a lot. I know arguments are unavoidable but I think the beauty of the island should keep them to a minimum. What do you think?

[Mandolynn]

This is a very interesting question. Of course, it will depend on many factors, and I have had experiences in both directions. With the exact same people. Sometimes I've felt closer to them than I ever would away from the island, and other days, I've been short-tempered and hard to get along with. But all-in-all, I'd have to say the island brings people closer. It's something about you not being in charge for a change. When you're on the island, what you want to do and what the island will let you do are not always the same thing. Wolves don't howl on cue, the northern lights don't show up on schedule, and the moose that you wanted to photograph may show up stomping around your tent in the middle of the night instead of posing along a brightly-lit forest backdrop. If it rains, it can be miserable. Not being able to get away from the people you're with can sometimes make you a little crazy, especially for someone like me who is single and rarely has to do arrange things to suit anyone except myself.

And yet... I think I agree with you more than your dad. Yes, you will probably argue, but there is something about being out in nature and being forced to play by a set of rules that you can't control that brings people together. The friends I've made while working in the back country with IRNHA are some of the best friends I've ever made. I hope your dad will give it a try. Isle Royale is such a wonderful place and I would give anything if it could work out for someone in my family to visit it with me. I did take my niece there when she was nine years old, and even though we drove each other a little crazy, I'd have to say it was one of the best times I've ever had.

[Keweenaw]

Kind of more of a Dr. Phil question, but here's my take:

If you or he like to argue, you will argue.

If you and he argue now, you will argue there.

If both of you think your way to do things is the right way, you will argue.

On the other hand, if you get on each others nerves, it's pretty easy to give each other space there.

Bob