I can't believe my departure date is almost here. I leave Copper Harbor Saturday morning (7/11) and return on the following Saturday (7/18). It seems like just yesterday I was planning my trip while 10 inches of snow was falling outside the window. Six months truly flew by!
As always, I become very focused about two-weeks out--friends and family all mention the change in my demeanor. Much more serious. Quiet. Reflective. I tell them it's because this is a big trip with plenty to plan and organize. I've just spent the past two days organizing gear--of course, I've been purchasing food and other items necessary for 8 days on the island over the past month or so. As I type, my gear is spread out in little piles in my dining room. My wife silently walks past the 'mess', knowing it will be gone in a few days.
I'm also getting very anxious and a tad nervous. I always do before big solo trips. Actually, I'm glad I am because it forces me to be extra careful in packing. As you all know, IR is not the place to be forgetting something 'important'. I'm pretty confident I'm taking everything I need and nothing I don't. This will be my lightest load yet on the island (36 pounds) and I'm thrilled to experience it without a 45 pound pack!
I'll post a trip report with pics when I return. I'll be staying at Daisy Farm, Malone Bay, S. Lake Desor, Todd Harbor, McCargoe Cove, Moskey Basin and Three Mile during my trip. I've been to every campground except S. Lake Desor, so this is a familiar trip for me. I'm taking the Voyager II from Daisy to Malone, it's a wonderful boat ride that really provides nice views I'd normally not see. I"m excited to see Todd Harbor again. I truly enjoyed that place during my last visit.
Thanks for letting me release some of these thoughts--they've been bottled-up for a few days now. As I always say...."If it's a safe trip, it's a good trip".
After a while, I just start over-thinking it. Heading to the family cottage tomorrow. Making the drive to Copper Harbor on Friday. 
