1st trip have 9 days and a canoe- need advise

[riverwatkins]

planning trip to IR last week of July 2011 with 1 fat boy(me) and 1 skinny girlfreind. Not wanting to break any land speed records want plenty time to look around and fish some. I have alot of backcountry trips under belt but is freinds first multi day trip and has little experience so need to stay in sheltered waters. She also weighs in at 95 pounds soking wet so wanting to shy away from a 2 mile portages.
Plan A is :
day 1-Voyager to McCargoe cove
day2- McCargoe cove (dayhikes)
day3-Chickenbone lake
day4- Lake Ritchie
day5- Wood Lake
day6- Wood Lake ( paddle Siskiwit if wheater permits)
day7- Chippewa Habor(dayhikes)
day 8-Chippewa Habor
day 9 Voyager to grand portage
- Second day at Wood and Chippewa movable pending wheather
Just wanted to get some ideas and feedback from someone that has been there to see what they thought. Is there a beter way or should we try to cover more ground? ?????? any coments ?

[Kevinl]

It's a great route, and one that you can do quickly or leisurely. You should have a great time. I've done it twice, once solo and once with my father, each time with kayaks. I've backpacked most of the island but this one here is my favorite way to see it. Here's a trip report I did: http://www.isleroyaleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=355

As long as you have that much time, I would consider spending a night at Lake Whittlesey too. It's beautiful and the fishing there has been good for me, although you may be getting sick of northern pike by then. It doesn't take long to get from there to Chippewa Harbor so you can still have plenty of time there too.

Enjoy!

[Ingo]

Ditto what Kevin said. Remember that Siskiwit is a 7 mile long lake that can get pretty rough at that end with a good SW wind. But if you're patient and stay within your abilities it will be fine. You have plenty of time! We did that trip in 5 days, without pushing very hard. Here's pics and log:
http://moskeybasin.com/IR2002/Main.html

[Keweenaw]

Yep, a great route, pretty easy portages. Resist the temptation to race the portages and just enjoy the walk. Take 3 trips if need be on the short ones. Wood Lake campground is awesome - spend an extra day there if you can. The only possible place where weather could absolutely require you to wait will be from Intermediate Lake to Wood Lake. That end of Siskiwit is kind of shallow and rocky and, as Ingo said, a SW wind will generate some pretty good waves. Winds usually calm down towards evening on the Island.

Bob

[riverwatkins]

Thanks guys for all the input, trip reports where alot of help. Just made reservations for the Voyager II today. Kevinl read in your trip report about staying at Ryden's and not the casino just wondered if I could get little more insight on that. We are plaining to stay few nights in the Grand Portage area either before or after trip. Once again thanks to everyone for the input

[Kevinl]

I've stayed at both the casino and Ryden's. Both, to me, are acceptable. Ryden's is definitely cheaper. Nice breakfast there, much different atmosphere. Their contact info is here: http://www.rydensstore.net/

If you're in the Grand Portage area, you might enjoy stretches of the Superior Hiking Trail. Trailheads are spread out nicely allowing for short or long hikes. I've hiked it all, and highly recommend the Devil Track Gorge section off of Highway 58, just north of Grand Marais http://www.shta.org/Trail/TrailMaps/s080.php Mind blowing scenery in those first couple miles south into the gorge. Sorry, you weren't asking for that info, but I threw it out there anyway. Yeah, Highway 58 south to Pincushion Mountain and back is a perfect hike, although somewhat up and down by Midwest standards.

[Kevinl]

Also, concerning what others have mentioned about Lake Siskiwit and wind/waves. It can get rough out there. I've paddled that piece from the portage to Wood Lake in some big wind and waves. Mind you, I was in a kayak, which can be much different than a canoe. However, there are plenty of small rocky islands all along that short stretch that you can find shelter behind and I was able to shoot from island to island relatively easy, although definitely alert.

[Ingo]

Thanks guys for all the input, trip reports where alot of help. Just made reservations for the Voyager II today. Kevinl read in your trip report about staying at Ryden's and not the casino just wondered if I could get little more insight on that. We are plaining to stay few nights in the Grand Portage area either before or after trip. Once again thanks to everyone for the input

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