Isle Royale Forums

Last week of July to first week in August:

Tuesday Arrive on Ranger III in RH, and make for Daisy Farm (WE don't plan on messing around in RH, and will have a garb and go type dinner)

Wednesday on to McCargo Cove.

Thursday to Todd

Friday to Little Todd

Saturday to Lake Desor (N)

Sunday to Windigo (The big one)

Monday Voyager II back to RH.

Camp/ day hike around RH or Three mile.

Wednesday Ranger III back to Houghton.

I am thinking this is a pretty agressive schedule for a slightly out of shape middle aged guy and his 15 year old. I do a lot of walking up to an including 10 miles on the weekend. And did 22 miles in one evening and 2 days last summer in northern Michigan along the Mannistee (NCT and MRT loop) with about 30 lbs on my pack. I have started conditioning seriously about about 2 weeks ago.

Thoughts? Am I pushing too much?

What sections of this itinerary will be the most difficult?

Pushing too much? I don't think so. This is a great hike, challenging but entirely doable!

The big difference for most people that walk a lot is that here you will be hiking on consecutive days. You've done a bit of the NCT, but if your son hasn't it might be wise to do a shakedown weekend hike to make sure that consecutive days of hiking aren't an issue (some people don't sleep well on the trail the first few nights). This would also be a good "shake-down" to make sure any new gear is working as expected.

Difficult sections:
Daisy -> McCargo always seems to be a long day, but the shelters at McCargo are worth it!

Little Todd -> North Desor, while short, has lots of ups and downs as you go up one rock ridge, down, then back up another. Rough to do in the rain, and hiking sticks can be very useful here.

North Desor -> Wendigo is long, just start early in the day and carry enough water.

Other thoughts: Rock Harbor -> Daisy, take the Tobin trail for an easier/faster route, cutting over at Suzy's Cave. This way you will still get a taste of the rough part of Rock Harbor Trail from the cave to just past Three Mile, but it won't wear you out the first day when your food bags are full. Also, you can get by carrying a minimal amount of water in this section as you can pump water at most places along the trail to Daisy.

My buddies and I did this hike in May a couple years ago. Except we flew in at Rock Harbor and out at Wendigo. More expensive than the ferry, but it does save travel time. Depending on where you are coming from, it can save you a hotel stay the night before, and of course the Voyageur ride back from Wendigo. Just a thought. If you do ride the Ranger over, get the pastie at the lunch counter!

I've done this a couple times (and I'm middle aged too). Once solo, and once with two 17 years olds (pictures here http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/563981397NkCwkL ). Each time I started at McCargo though. It's definitely doable. My advice is to take your time and have fun. The ridgetop sections can be tough if it's wet, but still plenty fun. Lots of up and down on this hike.

Even that last long day isn't so bad because you'll both have the Windigo store in mind, cookies and soda, if you're like me.

I've found McCargo full before so you'll want to see if you're getting there the same day as the Voyageur. Chickenbone isn't that far away.

I love the campground at Little Todd. Each time I've been there I've had it to myself.

This trip is full of wonderful views. Enjoy.