Isle Royale Forums

Didn't think I was going to get an I.R. trip in this year (again), but looks like I'm going to make it afterall!

I'll be in N. Wisconsin (from NC) the week before anyway and figured out how to tag this on to the trip within constraints of family, work, and budget. I've always canoed before, but the logistics of that and going solo weren't working out so well, so this will be my first foray into something approaching real backpacking. Major constraints are 1st time backpacking, have somewhat heavier gear (and can't buy any more ), being solo, and a somewhat arthritic knee. So the plan is to keep it simple/easy, see how it goes, and decide if I can/want to do more backpacking in the future (or just stick to water routes). I'll fly into Windigo, stay at Washington Creek the 1st night, hike to Huginnin for the 2nd, and back to Washington Creek for the last night. Or if for some reason I'm not up to it, just stay at Washington Creek for 3 nights. Anything to just be there

Having just completed my first hike with poles, I recommend them for helping reduce stress on your slightly arthritic knee.

Which dates will you be on IR?

Vandy wrote:Having just completed my first hike with poles, I recommend them for helping reduce stress on your slightly arthritic knee.

Yeh, was thinking that. Never used them, but I think my daughter has a pair I can use.

eddy_line wrote:Which dates will you be on IR?

7/29 - 8/1 Waiting for seaplane confirmation now.

Glad you are getting out to the Island!!

johnhens wrote:Glad you are getting out to the Island!!

Thanks, me too! Seaplane is confirmed. That ought to be fun and hoping we can fly over the island at least a little.

Glad you will make it this year. I hiked last year with a torn miniscus, it killed me, but I used a velcro knee imobilizer off and on, and I also tried a product called biofreeze that I got from chiropractor. It did help, along with aleve. I don't have light gear either, I try to buy something I might want to replace once a year. What can I say, rei is my friend. Have a wonderful trip and the hikng poles really do make a difference.

It's still 10 days off, but I'm packed up and ready! Weight including food, water, & fuel is right at 45 lbs. Considering that includes a 4.5lb camera and a few comforts like pillow, chair, and tarp, I'm feeling pretty good about the wgt (yeh, I know what the UL types are thinking ). Heck, I was worried about the 50 lb bag limit on the plane (w/o fuel & water), given what i usually haul in the canoe! But it's a short 10 mile trip and will spend a bit of time in camp if not exploring. My kid saved me several pounds with the tent (2 vs 3 person) & stove (mine is white gas w/ attached tank) and also provided the trekking poles.

First time I've weighed everything. Have an old 10lb postage scale that seems pretty accurate to the oz, although the total wgt is about 1/2 lb less when done on the bath scale (me & pack minus just me). A good exercise and easy to see how to lose 6+ lbs quick: pack, sleeping bag, and above mentioned comforts. Also shows how the little stuff adds up. And then there's the camera, but I'm already compromising by going with only 1 lense.

Here's my gear/food list if anyone's interested:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... n_US#gid=0
(oops, forgot the flask , but it's a platypus).

If you fly by a 50 something solo guy on the Huginnin loop on the 30th/31st, wave and say "Hi John" .

Nice packing list spreadsheet. Very readable and user-friendly.

And I know what you are talking about...10 days out from a trip, I'm just as anxious! I can't wait for your pictures & TR...I want to make that trip in August with my fiancee (yes, no longer girlfriend). Have a BLAST!

fonixmunkee wrote:Nice packing list spreadsheet. Very readable and user-friendly.

And I know what you are talking about...10 days out from a trip, I'm just as anxious! I can't wait for your pictures & TR...I want to make that trip in August with my fiancee (yes, no longer girlfriend). Have a BLAST!

Thanks, I will! And congratulations! Maybe next trip we'll be able to catch up at the Thirsty Pagan.

Here's my gear/food list if anyone's interested:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreads ... n_US#gid=0
(oops, forgot the flask , but it's a platypus

Thanks for posting the list. One comment about your 2 oz cup though. On my trip to IR last year my lightweight metal cup cooled my morning coffee to easily. I figure if I'm gonna spend my money for Via, I'll be carrying an insulated cup this year, Life is hard. Why drink cold coffee?

quick Question~What is inertia shells and camelback elixer? Just wondering. Trying to get our food figured out for the trip. We have 6 dinners to plan and I want them tasty and light. Ha ha....I want it ALL!!! Karen

karebing wrote:quick Question~What is inertia shells and camelback elixer? Just wondering. Trying to get our food figured out for the trip. We have 6 dinners to plan and I want them tasty and light. Ha ha....I want it ALL!!! Karen

Karen, this may be too late, but... Enertia is a brand of freeze dried foods. The Switchback Shells were pretty good. The Camelback Elixer tablets add electrolytes/nutrients to water. I used the lemon-lime and liked them alot. They fizz and dissolve w/o mixing. Lighter than most of the powder alternatives and taste pretty good.