Please straighten me out re: my unrealistic schedule

[JohnA]

Him: 40; likes to run 6.2 or 13.1 miles in Vibram FiveFingers
Her: 45; runs 2.5-3 miles every other day or so

Friday: Arrive 8:30 by plane in Rock Harbor; hike to Daisy Farm -- 8 miles
Saturday: Hike to W. Checkenbone Lake -- 7.9 miles
Sunday: Hike to Hatchet Lake -- 7.7 miles
Monday: Hike to Island Mine -- 13 miles
Tuesday: Hike to Huginnin Cove -- 10 miles
Wednesday: Hike to North Lake Desor -- 14.4 miles min. (Need to meet the ferry at Windigo to pick up mail drop, 10 AM Central, I think)
Thursday: Hike to Todd Harbor -- 10.7 miles
Friday: Hike to East Chickenbone Lake -- 8.7 miles
Saturday: Hike to Rock Harbor -- 13 miles

Our plane doesn't pick us up until Monday morning, leaving us one extra "uh-oh" day just in case.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks for your help.


John

[Kevinl]

Hi John.

I don't have mileage in front of me, just memory and an internet map, so forgive me if my guesstimates seem off.

Because you have such an early start on day one, if you get to Daisy Farm feeling good, consider continuing on to Moskey Basin--it's worth it.

That hike to North Lake Desor will feel long but there's no way around it and the views are worth it.

On your hike to Todd Harbor, take a breather at Little Todd--it's my favorite site.

I would stay at McCargoe Cove instead of East Chickenbone, not much difference in miles, but much better site. It increases your miles the next day, but you'll be better rested because you won't have to go so far back and forth for water. I've never stayed at E. Chickenbone, but I've checked it out and it doesn't look as bad as people say but nothing compared to McCargoe.

Just my two cents. I hope you have a great trip.

[egraetze]

Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm is a very easy go. Continue on as suggested.
Don't camp at East Chickenbone. Stayed there once after a very long day from Lane Cove. It is the lowest on my list. South Desor and McCargoe Cove at prime locations.

[Keweenaw]

"Him: 40; likes to run 6.2 or 13.1 miles in Vibram FiveFingers"

This cracked me up, it is so specific! Apparently 7.58 miles would be a bummer of a run!

One item of note, since you didn't say when you were going: Huginnin Cove campground will be closed for maintenance from June 14th through July 6th.

Bob

[JohnA]

We'll be there at the end of May. Thanks for the closed campsite info.!

[Midwest Ed]

Your plan sounds great.

I second the suggestion to change the Chickenbone East to McCargoe Cove.

In addition I would suggest considering changing your Island Mine campsite to Lake Desor South. I agree with many others that Island Mine rates very low on the favorites list and Lake Desor South much higher. Lake Desor South to Washington creek is only 11 to 12 miles (although to Huginnen it is closer to 15) and I think a lot of it is a gentle downhill once you are past Sugar Mountain.

For the Minong Ridge return I'd also suggest doing some extra homework here by searching old posts. The trail "upkeep" is lower and I have read several stories of missed turns and potentially extra wet fords.

You seem to have plenty of cushion designed in.

~Ed

[JohnA]

Cushion? You think? I was scared some days were too high/mileage for the terrain (I've never been to the island). I thought I remembered reading in Jim DuFresne's (sp?) book to plan on 7 days to get from Windigo to Rock Harbor along the Minong.

[Midwest Ed]

Cushion? You think? I was scared some days were too high/mileage for the terrain (I've never been to the island). I thought I remembered reading in Jim DuFresne's (sp?) book to plan on 7 days to get from Windigo to Rock Harbor along the Minong.

You had me at you and she liked to run. LOL But OK, I'm going to back peddle a little here. Maybe a day and a half cushion could be a little bigger.

I think the final answer rests in how hard you like to push yourselves and to a degree, what your experience level is. Anyone that runs as much as you guys seemed to fit all the criteria except possibly for backpacking experience.

I will reiterate that I have never done the southern stretch of the Minong. If you are feeling apprehensive then of course it's something that should not be ignored. I think your itinerary has been accomplished by many but your own self confidence and experience clearly gets the biggest say in your plans. The two of you should not only be fit but also somewhat experienced in backpacking and self driven enough to rise early and push yourselves. The end of May will offer lots of daylight.

Personally, I like to take things at a much slower pace but have on occasion put in some very long days on the island. If the two of you will be continuing to backpack after this trip I can almost guarantee that you will want to return to the Island. So you could see the rest of it on later trips. Also, the plane can pick you up in Windigo just as easily. Then pick either the Greenstone or the Minong for your route and add in the Feldtmann Ridge Loop to pad out the remaining days.

Another possibility would be to arrange passage on the Voyager II that you are going to be waiting for. It could then drop you off at McCargoe Cove just a few hours later that day. You must prearrange both the pickup and drop off. There are plenty of great places on the northeast end for you to see in your remaining time.

I'd much rather you insured a pleasant trip than a "packed" one, but for some people "pushing" themselves is part of the enjoyment.