Isle Royale with a Backpack

First view of Isle Royale

Hi All.  Derek and I just got finished with what will most likely be the most rugged and physically challenging part of my trip, backpacking in Isle Royale National Park.  Isle Royale is the largest island on the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior.  While part of Michigan, the island sits close to the Canadian border and can only be reached by seaplane of ferry.  Thus, there are no cars on the island (or really most modern conveniences of any kind).

On the Trail

Our "home" at Moskey Basin

Derek and I left early on the morning of the 26th on the ferry and arrived at Rock Harbor, one of two ports on the island with any semblance of civilization (like running water).  After that we hiked for 4 days, 3 nights along the southern shore of the island.  We spent the first night at the islands largest camp, Daisy Farm.  The second night though, was my favorite.  We hiked out to Moskey Basin and managed to get one of the built wooden shelters right on the water with a solid rock "patio".  It was one of the prettiest sites I had been to, and since it was a short hike from Daisy Farm the night before, we had lots of time to enjoy it.  We even got to see a river otter, lots of seabirds, and treated to a wold howl that night.

Our Furry Friends

Made it!

After our night there, we hiked 8 miles back towards the harbor and crashed for the night at Three Mile.  We managed to gain a couple furry hiking buddies who followed us for a few minutes.  Three Mile was close to the harbor, making for a short hike the next morning.  We relaxed at the Harbor for a few hours, enjoying the running water (but not willing to pay the $6! for a 5 minute shower) and shade.  All in all, we hiked 24 miles, each with 40 lbs. on our backs.  Not bad (Derek managed to get 60 miles of backpacking in this month with his Philmont trip).

The Ferry back

Now, I am going to drop Derek off at the Detroit airport, where he gets to "relax" a bit before heading off to his Freshman year at Cal Poly.  I get to continue my journey, with a few nights near Cuyahoga Valley NP in Ohio, hopefully connecting with family in Vermont, and then on to Acadia NP in Maine for the Geographical halfway point.  I am past the 50 day mark, and while the trip has been fun and a once in a lifetime experience, I am definitely starting to feel the length of it.