Isle Royale Forums

Some may remember the strong Halloween Storm last year.
Looks like lots of trees down at least around Mott.
I assume trails will be similar.
Could be some tough hiking with blowdowns.

When the Ranger III canceled travel durning the September 3 & 4 gales last year, I got a chance to
hike the trail between Duncan Bay/Tobin Harbor portage to Lookout Louise. There were many downed
trees. Park Maintanence said they wouldn't tackle until this spring.

If I get the chance (work issues might open some time if I work it right), I might head up soon. Don't you always go early John?

Kevinl wrote:If I get the chance (work issues might open some time if I work it right), I might head up soon. Don't you always go early John?

Kevin we are taking the VII on the 21st of May. Going to McCargoe.

The window is opening and I'm thinking I could be on the first boat this Saturday. Never been able to go in the spring. Woo-hoo! Getting excited thinking about it. I'll try to leave a fish or two for you at Malone Bay, John, if I bring my pole.

Kevinl wrote:The window is opening and I'm thinking I could be on the first boat this Saturday. Never been able to go in the spring. Woo-hoo! Getting excited thinking about it. I'll try to leave a fish or two for you at Malone Bay, John, if I bring my pole.

If you bring a pole????

I just learned from the National Park office of the potentially impassable trails from last fall's blowdown. Given the unknown conditions, and that trails may be impassable for portaging canoes, any advice for a group of 6 that was planning McCargoe to Chippewa later this month? If we can't get through and have to double back, McCargoe isn't a good option as the VII won't stop there. We could also re-route and go in and out Moskey Basin. Other ideas or advice?

erun wrote:I just learned from the National Park office of the potentially impassable trails from last fall's blowdown. Given the unknown conditions, and that trails may be impassable for portaging canoes, any advice for a group of 6 that was planning McCargoe to Chippewa later this month? If we can't get through and have to double back, McCargoe isn't a good option as the VII won't stop there. We could also re-route and go in and out Moskey Basin. Other ideas or advice?

If you plan to portage, any paddling that involves the same is going to be a crap shoot till the early folks post on trail conditions. Another option would be to go to Malone and paddle Siskiwit to either Wood, Whittlesly and get picked up at Chippewa. I don't recall the portages as being as heavily wooded. You could also get into Ritchie via Intermediate. I would spend time on Siskiwit and Wood if you want to fish. You could arrange to be picked up at Chippewa or dropped off there and picked up at Malone.

erun, that's mighty fine advice John's handing out. Sounds like a fun trip, and I bet the fishing in Whittlesey wouldn't be bad either--I've always had grand luck there.

John, I was actually considering leaving my pole behind because I'll be carrying so many clothes. I was thinking that might be my weight trade-off. But I bet even shore fishing Siskiwit might produce some sweet lake trout this time of year. The pole isn't that heavy and the exercise will keep me warm. I'll leave some of the little buddies for you.

Kevinl wrote:The window is opening and I'm thinking I could be on the first boat this Saturday. Never been able to go in the spring.

I finally had a chance to "first boat" last year. An experience in itself. Great to meet many of the 'regulars.' Hopefully Jasper and his cake will make a return, it's a great tradition. Bucket Bob (who's finally joined the forum!) is another regular, and perhaps has turned me on to what my future retirement and "base" camping will look like.

However, you're smart to exchange clothes for a pole, I'm guessing. Capt Don likes to call the first boat the "Polar Express" and for valid reason. There was still snow on the north side last year, and it was near freezing, or below, most nights. However, a totally different way to see the island, with no bugs, little leaf out, and very little understory growing - So you can see for great distances. The trails are just a bit harder to pick out in places. Good luck, if it all works out!

Kevinl wrote: I'll leave some of the little buddies for you.

You are a Gentleman Sir!!!

Boat reservations are made! It's so fun to plan a trip on such short notice. I took a job today that I've been doing as an "interim" for the last few weeks, but I told them I'd need a week to play first. It's amazing how quick I can get (hopefully) everything packed--I guess that comes from years of practice.

Tom, I remember reading your trip report from last year and feeling cold just reading it.

John, if we ever meet, I bet I can change your opinion on that gentleman thing in five minutes.

erun wrote:I just learned from the National Park office of the potentially impassable trails from last fall's blowdown. Given the unknown conditions, and that trails may be impassable for portaging canoes, any advice for a group of 6 that was planning McCargoe to Chippewa later this month? If we can't get through and have to double back, McCargoe isn't a good option as the VII won't stop there. We could also re-route and go in and out Moskey Basin. Other ideas or advice?

I would be very surprised if any trails were truly "impassable". You may have to slide the canoe over some blowdowns and find a way to pack the other stuff around the blockage.

Bob

Is 'first boat' already scheduled? If so, I'm wondering when reports on trail conditions might get reported back to this forum. For those of you who have spent a lot of time on IR, would I know any more about conditions on the ground by May 20? Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. Our group is excited to make our first visit to IR!

Tom wrote:

Kevinl wrote:The window is opening and I'm thinking I could be on the first boat this Saturday. Never been able to go in the spring.

I finally had a chance to "first boat" last year. An experience in itself. Great to meet many of the 'regulars.' Hopefully Jasper and his cake will make a return, it's a great tradition. Bucket Bob (who's finally joined the forum!) is another regular, and perhaps has turned me on to what my future retirement and "base" camping will look like.

However, you're smart to exchange clothes for a pole, I'm guessing. Capt Don likes to call the first boat the "Polar Express" and for valid reason. There was still snow on the north side last year, and it was near freezing, or below, most nights. However, a totally different way to see the island, with no bugs, little leaf out, and very little understory growing - So you can see for great distances. The trails are just a bit harder to pick out in places. Good luck, if it all works out!

I just talked with Jasper yesterday and the cake has been ordered. Now just hope for calm water so we can all keep it down.