8-24-15 thru 8-30-15
I was excited to go to a new place for our yearly adventure. I know very few people who have made the journey to Isle Royale, Michigan (yes, Michigan owns this island). Emily's parents came to Duluth on Saturday the 22nd of August and we drove up the North Shore of MN. We had a nice stop in Grand Marais and did some window shopping and exploring in the rainy weather. There was also a quick stop and World's Best Donuts for a treat. We ate dinner that night at the Naniboujou Lodge up the shore from GM. The dining room in this historic place is amazing.
Artist Point - Grand Marais
Waves at the naniboujou lodge
Larry always had his camera around his neck
It was really windy and a bit gloomy on Monday morning when we made our way to the dock in Grand Portage, MN to board the ferry. Actually the windy was howling and the waves were large. We were all bundled up, wearing long johns and stocking hats like it was the end of October. We kept reminding ourselves it was August. The captain of the boat came down to the dock and announced that the boat would not go today. Too windy and the waves are too big. Everyone looked and each other in disbelief but we had to trust the guy. We made the best of 8-24-15 by exploring the fur trading camp at Grand Portage. I learned a lot that day and was glad we were able to explore Grand Portage.
The falls on the Pigeon river
Back in 1971 Larry and Margaret made their way north on this history trail for their 100 day canoe trip. The voyagers used this trail to get around the large water falls on the Pigeon river. He has the same pack on his pack that he used in 1971.
Big storm over Isle Royale while we ate at the Angry Trout
The fur trading post
You can see Canada and even Thunder Bay from the island
We had a very early morning on Tuesday and got on the ferry at 5am. The ride was rough and we were all glad we didn't do the trip on Monday with the 6' waves.
Our first day of hiking was exhausting with packs weighing close to 40lbs. Food makes up most of the weight. The trail was beautiful and easy to walk on. We arrived at South Lake Desor in the afternoon after hiking 11 miles.
Our first campsite.
We were feeling pooped and ended up going to bed at 7pm and had a good 11 hours of sleep.
The trail up the hill from the lake where we filtered water. Steep.
We didn't hurt too much on the second day and had a good day of hiking on the Greenstone trail.
Views from the trail
Taking a break at Todd Harbor. We decided to hike on the Greenstone Ridge to get to McCargoe Harbor to meet Larry and Margret on Thursday.
Views from the Minong Trail. We saw a moose this day.
Near McCargoe Bay there are various mines. Vertical shafts and horizontal.
Rail road tracks in the mine used for taking out waste rock.
Piles of waste rock
Vertical Mine shaft that is filled with ground water.
The trail into a mine cave - the deeper one of the bunch
I wish I had my headlamp with me.
The shelter were we met Larry and Margret at on Thursday. We were hiking down to the harbor for a swim.
McCargoe Bay
Canada
Our last day of hiking was from Daisy Farm to Rock Harbor. A sea side cave from the past when lake superior was much higher.
The ferry. Larry and Margret arriving from McCargoe Bay
We had a nice last day walking around Rock Harbor. We were thankful to be able to wash our hands with soap and water. A luxury coming from the wilderness. A nice day with a great sunset and a full moon. We prepared our significantly lighter packs for a long boat ride on Sunday.
Photo by Larry Stone
On Sunday the seas were angry and we have a long boat ride home along the south side of the island. The waves were large, seas were rough, and the boat was load. We made the best of it and relaxed and walked around to get some fresh air. At the end of the day were all thankful to be on solid ground. Our heads/minds were still rocking back and forth hours after getting off the boat.
The drive down the shore was enjoyable and we had a pizza party at my house when we got home. It felt really nice to have a real pillow and bed but we were still all happy and satisfied by doing the trip.
