Thursday, September 8, 2016

Isle Royale August 2016



This year we left town on August 23rd and returned home on Sept. 2nd with a hotel stay at the beginning and the end to cut down on the long driving time.  There was 9 people all together.  We had basically 2 different hiking itineraries.  Once we arrived on the island, we divided.  My group consisted of 5pp. Ron, Cindy, Barb, Lori and myself.  Enjoy the trip!


Lori, Kevin,Terry, Joe, Gary, Cindy Ron and Barb


This year we took the Voyager over to the island.  About 2 hours.  This is the captain, giving us instructions.


Gary, Ron and Lori enjoying the breeze on the way over.


Barb, Cindy, Ron, Lori and Kevin enjoying each others company.



Finally there.  Windigo dock. in the Washington Harbor


We all have to file our hiking itineraries.  This took quite a while.


First stop is Island Mine - 5.8 miles


Found this little caterpillar on the trail.  I wonder what it will be.


Lots of colorful berries


Some type of tree fungus


We were too late for the Jack in the Pulpit flower.  Look at the base, the seed pod is bright green.
First campsite. Lori, Barb, Cindy and mine.



My tent space


Island Mine campground Day 1 -We stayed at group #2


Part of the trail on day 2 on the way to South Desor Campground



Lori and I on the highest point on the Island. Mount Desor 1394 feet


I met this Grandmother (Linda) and Grandson (Jason) today.  We talked for quite a while.  They have been hiking on the Island for about 6 years, among other places.  A few years ago.... I met a grandmother and grandson on the island at the Daisy Farm campground.  I talked for a while with them back then and Linda told me that Jason was responsible for filtering all the water while they were there.  I can remember that Jason was chasing grasshoppers and butterflies. I truly believe it was these two. She was an inspiration for me back then, and she still is. 


South Lake Desor Campground - Day 2, we stayed at Group #1


I had a great dinner. Salami and cheese bagel with a little mustard.  Bottle of water on the side.


My tent


View of Lake Desor from our campsite





Sunset at South Desor


Sunset from South Desor




Sunset from South Desor


Some fungus along the trail day 3


First stop today Ishpeming Point


I can't say enough how much I enjoy the views on the ridges.  Cindy looks like she enjoys them also.


Love those trees!


Almost there - Hatchet Lake Campground - view from the trail


Hatchet Lake Campground day 3, we stayed at group 3


Ron and Cindy left us a sign to let us know what site to go to. #3
Looks like Barb is enjoying the camp furniture.  My tent pad had a chair on it, so I moved it to Barb's space before she arrived.


My tent set up at Hatchet Lake campground


Every night, Ron was the storyteller. 


Looking up to the sky from my tent


Sunrise from Hatchet Lake


All the campgrounds have privies.  Some campgrounds have more than 1.


Leaving in the morning, I saw this pair of moose antlers.  They were very heavy!


Lori tried one on - too heavy


We saw Mergansers and an occasional Loon
Indian Pipe - I just love finding these.




There seemed to be lots of fungus on the island this year.
The foliage is so unique here on the island



Solomon's Seal berries


Thimble berries were plentiful this year.


View on the way to Todd Harbor


Todd Harbor Campground Day 4 & 5, Group #1


View from Todd Harbor


Some berries on the trail


Cindy and I went out for lunch at the Haytown Mine and Watefall.  We brought our lunches


What's left of the Haytown Mine shaft


A section of the waterfall - only waterfall on the island


End of the waterfall going into Lake Superior


Sitting at the waterfall looking out at the Lake.  Look closely in the distance..... check out the orange spot.  That is Lori, checking out the scenery.


One of 2 harmless snakes at Todd Harbor


Snake #2




The "Penthouse"  My tent is on the hill


This little Snowshoe Hare made many appearances while we were here.  We often left thimble berries on the rock.  Look, there is one on the rock now.


Found this fishing lure on the sitting rocks at Todd Harbor


View from Todd Harbor looking West


View from Todd Harbor


Found this pair of antlers on a day hike with Cindy and Ron


View of Otter Lake


They aren't my favorite.  They really freak me out.  Frogs


Another Snowshoe hare


Sunset at Todd Harbor


Sunset at Todd Harbor


Sunset at Todd Harbor


Sunset at Todd Harbor


A stream on the way to Little Todd Campground


Made it to the Junction, now let the hike begin


This walkway is in very bad disrepair.  The Minong Trail is the most rugged trail on the island.  The trails are not well marked, and there are numerous trail hazards, such as downed trees, beaver dams, and extra long plank trails among other things. 


I think they need a bridge here.  Soon this log will be decomposed beyond use.


When you see a sign post, it means your almost there.


Little Todd Harbor Day #6, Campsite number 1


Our tents


Rock on the beach


View of the shoreline from Little Todd Harbor Campsite



Cool looking rock along the beach.  Love the swirls.


Cool rocks on the beach

We all shared this dessert.  Key Lime Coconut Cheesecake.  4 spoons, 4 sections.  excellent!!


These White birch sections are all over.  Pretty neat that the water from the lake washes out the insides.


Sunset at Little Todd Harbor



Sunset at Little Todd Harbor


Everyone was enjoying the Sunset at Little Todd Harbor



Sunrise at Little Todd Harbor






Still love the trees!!  Reminds me of Where's Waldo!


Touch me nots are blooming


Yes, this is the trail on the way to North Desor


Lori and I on the Ridge



Ferns were plentiful, all sizes


There are many types of lichen on Isle Royale


This is the closest we got to a moose.


No we didn't have to go up and over.
I was taking a break and saw this blue jay nearby


I met Christie and Phil from Metro Detroit


North Lake Desor Campground Day 7 Site # 3


Campsite



View of Lake Desor from our campsite


View from Lake Desor from the shore.  These rocks were great for drying clothes.


Sunrise from North Lake Desor




Next stop Windigo


View of Canada from the Ridge




Moss covered tree


A little color on the trail


Today we crossed about 5 beaver dams.  This was the worst of the worst.  Never wish to do this again.


Lovely flowers on the ridge


Didn't see many of these - straw flowers


This was the mother of all plank boardwalks.  When we arrived at Windigo we found out this boardwalk was just finished and is 500 feet long. 


After seeing this, now I know why we saw so many beaver dams.


More little mushrooms.  Check out the color!


Doll's eyes were everywhere


Last great view on the Minong Ridge


1.8 to go...


Washington Harbor Campground Day #8, site #9


All packed up and ready to go



Ron, Me, Cindy and Lori


Tom from Evanston.  He also was an inspiration on this trip.  He was 58 when he hiked all of the Appalachian Trail. (I plan to do it when I'm 60).  He is currently 75 (I think I have this correct). I also invited him to come to Walker's Club some Thursday.  I really hopes he comes for a visit.



You can take a plane from Copper Harbor to the Island in 20 minutes one way.  Maybe next year.  We did it once, maybe its time for a flight again.


Those are some nice looking packs, not to mention the chairs.


The end is here until next year.
I will leave you with this: I've seen better days, but I've also seen worse.  I don't have everything that I want, but I do have all I need.  I woke up with some aches and pains, but I woke up.  My life may not be perfect but I'm blessed.

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