Leaving McCargoe Cove 2004

Here we are leaving McCargoe Cove and head east through the Amygdaloid Channel passing by the Ranger Cabin as a park ranger in his boat passes us.

McCargoe Cove dock

We make a stop to drop off some hikers at McCargoe Cove.

McCargoe Cove October 2004

Approaching and entering McCargoe Cove

Todd Harbor area and Hawk Island October 2004

Todd Harbor area and passing Hawk Island.

North side of Isle Royale 2004

This is in the area of Gull Rocks and Little Todd Harbor area.

Windigo October2004

Approaching Windigo and passing by the area of the America shipwreck in Washington Harbor.

Isle Royale October 2004

We are getting closer to Washington Harbor and Windigo. Here we are near the west end of the island and make a stop at the Sivertson fish dock to unload supplies.

Isle Royale October 2004 boat ride

More of the ride as we pass Rock of Ages Lighthouse as we head to Windigo first.

Isle Royale October 2004

This is our first trip to Isle Royale. We wanted to get a taste of this incredible park so we chose to take the boat around the whole island. We had only one night for this trip. It was October and Lake Superior can be pretty choppy this time of year. On this day it was smooth thankfully, so we could see the whole island from the boat. We were dropped off at Daisy Farm where we would camp for the night. This was before either one of us had much for gear so we rented camping gear in Grand Marais, MN. October is a great month for hiking and canoeing, IF you are fortunate enough to have mother nature on your side. The colors are great, cool but sunny days with no bugs. This is not a realy busy time of year so you feel like you have the island to yourself at times.

This was the boat ride over from Grand Portage, MN. It is about a 2 and a half hour ride to the first part of the island which is Windigo on the west end. There is nothing like this place. You are completely surrounded and at the mercy of mighty Lake Superior. Once you travel to this place, it is very easy to get hooked and you become a regular visitor after your first visit.

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail 2004 pt3

If a man is alone in the woods with no women around, is he still wrong?

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail October 2004 part2

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail October 2004

On this day Dave and I headed south to the small town of Silver Bay,MN to hike a section of the Superior Hiking Trail with overlooks of Bean and Bear Lake. This section is called the Twin Lakes Trail. We were past fall peak colors. This area is especially scenic during peak colors. It was a warm but windy day. I was battling a cold at this point but was not going to pass up this hike. This would also be our last day before getting on the boat to Isle Royale the next day.


For those who don't know us, I, for one can have a very dry and subtle sense of humor sometimes as shown in this video. I guess this was before I purchased a gps. I ALWAYS like to know where I am on the trail and map.

Duluth Train Ride 2004 pt 2

Gitchee Gumee Brewfest 2009

Dave and I made it up to Duluth last weekend for the Gitchee Gumee Brewfest in Superior Wisconsin for our 4th year in a row. In the past we would drive up on the day of the fest but this year we drove up on Friday to make a weekend out of it. It was so much better that way. We did not feel as rushed and could take in some sights and enjoy the fine breweries and pubs with great food to go along with their fine beer. The Thirsty Pagan in Superior has great pizza as well as a fine selection of barley pop. The North Coast Amber was my favorite with the Burntwood Black a close second. We filled 2 growlers of those 2 for our hotel fridge.

The Duluth harbor had plenty of ice and we could walk out on it. I like the ice look but have to say I am ready for some warm spring weather come April now. The brewfest was great and we really liked the new Canal Park Lodge hotel we stayed in.