Isle Royale

“1) I got a second copy of the book "Isle Royale - footpaths and water routes" for Christmas. Anyone need a copy?

2) I got a second IR picture book, and reading it makes me want to go back again. In 1999 I went for two weeks in May, and I would like to repeat that trip, but not solo. Anyone interested?”

“Sass and Sunshine were talking about going sometime this summer. I am thinking (a little) about going back, depends on vacation time. How long you thinking about going for?”

“We're thinking last week of August maybe. It all depends on when Sunny's girls go to spent time w/their dad this summer.

We'll probably only do a week on the island though. Who knows, maybe more.”

“2 weeks that early in the season was sublime. I saw no one 'cept at the 2 ends. It takes me a few days to calm down enough to really enjoy being outside. After a few days, I was having so much fun I thought I'd burst.

I'd like to do 2 weeks again, it's a long drive and a little costly, and I'd like to get as much out of it as possible.

In 1999, it wasn't too cold (till I took a swim in the big lake -ouch). I think I had one night down to about 25 deg. The mmushrooms were out too! I passed by dozens per day right ON the trail.”

“Ha! Long drive! I used to go to school up there! One stop, at the bridge. That was the goal. Ahh, good times.

I picked so many blueberries when I was there in August 2000 my fingers were blue. We missed thimbleberries, though. We did have some cool weather one night in August, it must have been about 40 out. Sure was good sleeping!”

“Hey all, Im a newbie to TT. I did Isle Royale last summer for 5 days and was looking to go back. We did some bushwacking last year but didnt cover the whole trail. I would like to hike the entire Minong Ridge trail this year.”

“Le Subtil - I'll take that book off ya hands! Please and Thank You! What can I do for you in return?

Need me to send you an email for address?

That island is on my "to do" list, was thinking 'bout making it a go for this year. It's part of my "Year of the Islands Tour 2002" plan. May sounds like it would be best 'cause of the black fly situation. What do you think about Memorial Day weekend? If not, about what time are you thinking?”

“I've been wanting to go there for a decade...you guys make me wanna cry......whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!”

“IR is one of the greatest places to go. I wish I could make it this year...but its Sassafras' turn....”

“I'd like to do August just because I don't want to go in the heat of summer. The last week in August isn't good for me because the kids start school. Any time after August 2nd and before August 26th. That's a three week opening.

Anything earlier than that will be contigent on what weeks the ex takes the girls. I won't know that for certain until May 15th.

I've been wanting to go backpacking on Isle Royale since I was 15. That was a loooong 12 years ago!”

“Memorial Weekend definately wouldn't work for me; that's when the three day walk is.

Whenever is good for Sunshine is fine with me!”

“I'm gonna get up there and hike with yall Michigan people some day. Don't know when though. IR would be pretty cool.”

“Oh dude, if you come to Isle Royale I guarentee Birch'll ditch LIL Abby at gramma's house and come along!”

“LMFAO!!!!!!!!
Poor Abby!”

“I wouldn't be able to go this year anyway.”

“I'd really be up for any date that would fit into the old schedule book. I'm trying to fit a lot of hiking in this year, so if I can swing it and people don't mind, I'll be there!”

“laqtis, I was there in early August and had no problems with black flies, but there it was pretty buggy on some parts of the trails. doesn't seem to be one of the things i remember, though, so it couldn't have been too bad.”

“Hey thanks for the info, SG. I never been, so I been collection info. Some info sez one thing, another sez somethng else. Guess you just gots to be ready for anything! Bugs are a small proce to pay to see that beautiful island. You in to goin'?”

“Yeah, I thinking about it. I've only gone from Rock Harbor to Daisy Farm, I'd like to see more of the island.”

“Smiley, there is a LOT more to see!”

“I know! I know! If I could just find a job that gave me 49 weeks of vacation and 3 weeks to work, I'd be set! As it is, my June and August are already pretty much booked. And its only January now! Soon I'll be asking "Where has the summer gone"??”

“SG - You should see if there is something at a school district you could do.”

“So, you're free in May, then!”

“le subtil, that's right before the Avon 3-day walk. i don't think that's a good time to go...”

“I was just kidding, anyway. You're far too petite to carry much beer.”

“Maybe I can start a weight lifting regiment so I can pack your beer. I think 5 months is plenty of time to gain that much strength...”

“Actually, I don't drink much, and not at all when bp'ing, but I do admire your spirit.”

“I will go to great lengths for friends, Le Subtil!”

“Smiley, so you will carry my beer?”

“Probably not. :)”

“I would love to go. I don't think I can do two weeks though. The job won't permit it.

Le Subtil - are you still planning to hike in Colorado this summer? Didn't you mention you wanted to do a few weeks there? Plus a couple weeks at IR? What kind of vacation time do you get at your job? Lucky Dog.

Max could be persuaded if it happened after he takes the bar exam (after late July). We had potentially planned to hit Algonquin Provincial Park for a 4-5 day canoe extravaganza in August. But, we have not made reservations yet...

So many options. I can never decide what to do.”

“Fence Sitter!!”

“I get 4 weeks +, but it would be an either/or type thing.

I loved Isle Royale, but I've been there. On the other hand, I have not much experience at altitude to go solo in the mts. for 2 weeks.

That's what I do this time of year, investigate new trails to do and plan my big summer trip. It gets me thru these long days at work.
Reading is OK, but first hand recommendations help.”

“Well, if you plan a weeklong gig somewhere, I'd be interested. Unfortunately, I can't committ to anything much longer cause of work.

Can't wait to get that teacher certification... I'll be a travelin' woman all summer!!!”

“I'm only good for a week also, but I can always bug out early. Depending on the route, I could take a boat back to the other side of the island. Also, I'm hoping my borther-in-law plans his fishing trip the same week. He said he'd treat me and fellow hikers to a fish and steak dinner!”

“I love being a teacher:)

Isle Royale sounds great. I think it also might be fun to get a N. Manitou long weekend going in the warmer months.

You know, it's funny, but I get just as excited exploring trails near, say, Battle Creek as I do going really cool places. I think I'm drunk on trails - my judgement won't let me tell good from bad anymore.

Hey, anyone else read this month's North Star yet? It's one of the best issues I've read.”

“Birch took ours to work and left it there. It seemed pretty thick this month.

I would love to go to N. Manitou in July w/ TTer's. Birch and I generally try and escape over the fourth.”

“I believe it's pronounced Isle Royaaaaaallllll.”

“sassafras....
we are planning a trip to north manitou in august....we were there in august last summer and it was just perfect!! white sand, warm water, no bugs, full moon!!

it would be great if you and birch or any other tt'ers could join up with us then....”

“Gonzo, I'm supposed to go to Isle Royaaaalllllll in August. It's not set in stone that August is when we'll go yet. It'd be great to join you and Brandy for another hike! That particular spot is heaven in the summer.”

“4th of July Weekend? Already took Friday the 5th off (its my b-day!). It would be fun to plan something for that weekend!”

“LOL, Ms.Sass.”

“I have nothing new to add but I'm excited about this trip. I'm making a list of new gear I'll need. I have to get new gear before each trip! I NEED it, you know. ;o)”

“Sunny, I am still trying to figure out how to go with you and Sass. I miss that place!”

“I've been several times & wanna go, even if I need to leave early.”

“Oh yea, got to have a new item of gear for a big trip like that! Maybe several. :o)

Sunny, let us know as soon as you do when we can go. Have you thought about how many days you want to spend on the island?”

“Hey, Stumpsitter, I may have missed it someplace else, but where do you live? Just curious.”

“WOLVES DECLINE; MOOSE INCREASE: The lack of winter weather
explains many of the changes in the annual wolf-moose survey
at Isle Royale National Park, according to Michigan Tech's
Rolf Peterson. The professor of wildlife ecology at Michigan
Tech, said the 2002 survey counted 17 wolves on the island,
as opposed to 19 last year. The island's moose population
increased from about 900 last year to 1,100 in 2002. For
more, see
http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/breaking/2002/wolf.html”

“Man thats not cool!!!!I love wolf's they are my favorite animal.

My club is going on a week long backpacking trip there in Aug!

I can't wait....8)


Thank you for the info Smiley Girl.”

“Mike, you should pick up one of Peterson's books. Cool stuff. I picked one up after my trip to Isle Royale a few years back.”