Pics: 5/5-5/10, 2012 [McCargoe to Windigo]

[alecto73]

I'm not much for written trip reports but what I will tell you is watch out for mom and dad hawks about three miles out from Windigo. If a picture is worth a thousand words than here's several thousand words:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1172627051 ... 2012Minong

[placebo96799]

I enjoyed your pictures. It's good of you to share them. I'm planning on hiking Windigo (via Minong Trail) to Rock Harbor and back to Windigo (via Greenstone) at the end of the month. How was the Minong? Many downed trees? Your pictures were encouraging for the trail condition.

[alecto73]

All things considered I would call trail conditions excellent, and I met the trail crew on my last day of hiking so by the time you get there they should be even better. There were only a handful of downed trees that required any creativity to get around, but never more than 15-30 seconds worth. The vast majority were just a step-over affair. Water crossings weren't too bad either. I was dive bombed repeatedly by two hawks on my way from North Desor to Windigo. That was more excitement than I had bargained for. Based on talking to the groups that were behind me it sounds like they'll only dive-bomb you if you're solo, otherwise they just yell at you. Lucky me!

[Vandy]

Thanks for sharing the pics! Is it me, or do others find it amusing that we all seem to take a photo or two of scat when we visit Isle Royale?

[alecto73]

I am fascinated at the amount of scat I saw on cairns. As for scat in general I think it's as close as most of us are going to get to an IR wolf. As for moose scat, there's so much of it on the trails eventually you'll end up with a picture of it. Heheh.

[Midwest Ed]

Great photo essay. Pre-leaf spring has always had its advantages and intrigue. It looks like you had one sunny day though. Did you come across any remnants of snow?

[alecto73]

There were little bits of snow or maybe ice that you could see along the shores when on the ferry but that was it. The sun popped out for a couple hours after arriving at Little Todd and then of course the temp immediately dropped about fifteen degrees. The last day hiking from North Desor to Windigo was sunny as could be and downright warm. Very nice!

[Rafiki]

I meet those Goshawks on the way back to Windigo too on 5/6, so just before you came along probably on 5/9. Exactly three miles away from Windigo. Glad to see they are still there doing dives at people lol They will be discussed in my Trip report

[alecto73]

I meet those Goshawks on the way back to Windigo too on 5/6, so just before you came along probably on 5/9. Exactly three miles away from Windigo. Glad to see they are still there doing dives at people lol They will be discussed in my Trip report

Last time I was attacked with that level of tactical proficiency my Nat-Guard unit was augmenting the OPFOR unit stationed at Ft. Polk for JRTC and we were defending in-position against a Ranger unit. This went only slightly better. Should have had trekking poles back then I guess.

[Blackdog]

I just got back from IR today. The Hawks are still dive bombing solo hikers. I talked to two before the boat came. One guy got knocked to the ground when it smacked him in the back of the head. As for the other guy...the hawk took his hat and dropped it about 50 yards into the woods...he didn't go after it...

[Rafiki]

I love those hawks