I backpacked Isle Royal about 4 years ago across the Greenstone Trail from Rock Harbor to Windigo. Going back there this spring.I spread out a 9mile hike into 3-4 sections throughout an entire day, (even taking up to hour breaks BS-ing and Eating) . But if you hike constant it is tough.. Especially on those switchbacks. I try to consider sunset. I love night hikeing with a headlamp though so if it does get dark for a couple hours of hike no prob. Its kinda dangerous though by yourself I think.
Nice video. On my first trip, I took the advice of the "experts" in the major BACKPACKING magazine and wore the same shoes you had. Talk about blisters! I like your comment , " I'll make it, I have no choice." Tougher trails than anything I've seen in the Rockies, but soo worth it! Thanks.
Very nice job on the video! I was on the Island in 2010 as well. Hiked some of the same trails. However the stint from West Chickenbone to Daisy Farm was more than I was ready for. My legs were noodles and my feet blistered. Ended up taking the water taxi back to Rock Harbor. One suggestion for you, you might try hiking sticks they help take some of the pressure off your legs. Thanks for the excellent post.
@ddouglas55 Thanks for the tip! I did a Smokey Mountains trip with my GF (now wife) and had purchased hiking poles for each other for Christmas last year. They worked GREAT! Took them to Rocky Mountain National Park last summer and they were a life saver. They are a must on every hike now!
Great video. Gutsy to go on first BP trip Solo on the Isle....nice! Hey, done a lot of hiking and my foolproof method for blister prevention is this....buy a good pair or two of a thin white polypro (wicking) sock....wear them under your smartwool sock....wick moisture away and cling like a second skin....moister wicks into the wool....also, change into dry socks frequently....works well for me. Hiked 110 miles at Philmont Boy Scout ranch that way on similar turf....NO blisters
Great video. Gutsy to go on first BP trip Solo on the Isle....nice! Hey, done a lot of hiking and my foolproof method for blister prevention is this....buy a good pair or two of a thin white polypro (wicking) sock....wear them under your smartwool sock....wick moisture away and cling like a second skin....moister wicks into the wool....also, change into dry socks frequently....works well for me. Hiked 110 miles at Philmont Boy Scout ranch that way on similar turf....NO blisters
Hey was curious i'm doing a windigo to rockharbor hike july 1-6. What temp of bag should I bring. I have thermals and a 50 degree and a 20 degree bag. Willing to purchase other if suggested
Hey was curious i'm doing a windigo to rockharbor hike july 1-6. What temp of bag should I bring. I have thermals and a 50 degree and a 20 degree bag. Willing to purchase other if suggested
Excellent video! Your right, Isle Royale is an unbelieveable place, I am not sure if I would have chose it for my first BP trip but I give you credit! Next time try switching socks when you take breaks. It allows one pair to dry while the second is worn, the next stop you can switch back. Cutting your pack weight also helps alot. Good Luck.
Very well put together video diary of your trip....great job!
I've always been intrigued by Isle Royale....but being in Louisville just getting their would be a big journey. I'll be 48 next month and I'm not sure if I'd be up to the hike....I guess if I ever go I'll just stay and relax in one of the few rustic cabins that the park service has.
Just curios: How bad were the mosquitoes/insects? Any cell phone reception at all on the island?
@johnlouisville Thanks for the kudos! I enjoyed putting it all together and am currently working on another video of a trip I did in the Grand Tetons. As for the Island, there are plenty of trails within day hike length from the cabins at Rock Harbor. I was there in late summer and there were very minimal insects. Other times of year, they might be bad. I didn't bring my cell phone along, but heard rumors that some have luck with reception on the ridge that runs the length of the island.
@johnlouisville John...I was there last summer. I talked with hikers who were hiking SOLO and were at least 63 years of age. If you want to do it, you definitely could as long as you get yourself in decent enough shape. Don't let that deter you from seeing this spectacular place. But hey hangin out in one of the cabins doesn't sound too shabby either!
Who is the artist for the music in the video? I hear that everywhere but I never know who it is...
mrmotownmadness89 2 months ago
@mrmotownmadness89 The music comes with the iMovie application for Mac. There are a bunch of preset sounds and themes.
krischelj 1 month ago
I backpacked Isle Royal about 4 years ago across the Greenstone Trail from Rock Harbor to Windigo. Going back there this spring.I spread out a 9mile hike into 3-4 sections throughout an entire day, (even taking up to hour breaks BS-ing and Eating) . But if you hike constant it is tough.. Especially on those switchbacks. I try to consider sunset. I love night hikeing with a headlamp though so if it does get dark for a couple hours of hike no prob. Its kinda dangerous though by yourself I think.
calciumblue 2 months ago
Nice video. On my first trip, I took the advice of the "experts" in the major BACKPACKING magazine and wore the same shoes you had. Talk about blisters! I like your comment , " I'll make it, I have no choice." Tougher trails than anything I've seen in the Rockies, but soo worth it! Thanks.
dougpetty67 3 months ago
Very nice job on the video! I was on the Island in 2010 as well. Hiked some of the same trails. However the stint from West Chickenbone to Daisy Farm was more than I was ready for. My legs were noodles and my feet blistered. Ended up taking the water taxi back to Rock Harbor. One suggestion for you, you might try hiking sticks they help take some of the pressure off your legs. Thanks for the excellent post.
ddouglas55 5 months ago
@ddouglas55 Thanks for the tip! I did a Smokey Mountains trip with my GF (now wife) and had purchased hiking poles for each other for Christmas last year. They worked GREAT! Took them to Rocky Mountain National Park last summer and they were a life saver. They are a must on every hike now!
krischelj 1 month ago
Great video. Gutsy to go on first BP trip Solo on the Isle....nice! Hey, done a lot of hiking and my foolproof method for blister prevention is this....buy a good pair or two of a thin white polypro (wicking) sock....wear them under your smartwool sock....wick moisture away and cling like a second skin....moister wicks into the wool....also, change into dry socks frequently....works well for me. Hiked 110 miles at Philmont Boy Scout ranch that way on similar turf....NO blisters
buttwheat75 10 months ago
@buttwheat75 Thanks for the tip!
krischelj 1 month ago
Great video. Gutsy to go on first BP trip Solo on the Isle....nice! Hey, done a lot of hiking and my foolproof method for blister prevention is this....buy a good pair or two of a thin white polypro (wicking) sock....wear them under your smartwool sock....wick moisture away and cling like a second skin....moister wicks into the wool....also, change into dry socks frequently....works well for me. Hiked 110 miles at Philmont Boy Scout ranch that way on similar turf....NO blisters
buttwheat75 10 months ago
Hey was curious i'm doing a windigo to rockharbor hike july 1-6. What temp of bag should I bring. I have thermals and a 50 degree and a 20 degree bag. Willing to purchase other if suggested
jarhiker 11 months ago
Hey was curious i'm doing a windigo to rockharbor hike july 1-6. What temp of bag should I bring. I have thermals and a 50 degree and a 20 degree bag. Willing to purchase other if suggested
jarhiker 11 months ago
Excellent video! Your right, Isle Royale is an unbelieveable place, I am not sure if I would have chose it for my first BP trip but I give you credit! Next time try switching socks when you take breaks. It allows one pair to dry while the second is worn, the next stop you can switch back. Cutting your pack weight also helps alot. Good Luck.
MBlackford100 1 year ago
Very well put together video diary of your trip....great job!
I've always been intrigued by Isle Royale....but being in Louisville just getting their would be a big journey. I'll be 48 next month and I'm not sure if I'd be up to the hike....I guess if I ever go I'll just stay and relax in one of the few rustic cabins that the park service has.
Just curios: How bad were the mosquitoes/insects? Any cell phone reception at all on the island?
johnlouisville 1 year ago
@johnlouisville Thanks for the kudos! I enjoyed putting it all together and am currently working on another video of a trip I did in the Grand Tetons. As for the Island, there are plenty of trails within day hike length from the cabins at Rock Harbor. I was there in late summer and there were very minimal insects. Other times of year, they might be bad. I didn't bring my cell phone along, but heard rumors that some have luck with reception on the ridge that runs the length of the island.
krischelj 1 year ago
@johnlouisville John...I was there last summer. I talked with hikers who were hiking SOLO and were at least 63 years of age. If you want to do it, you definitely could as long as you get yourself in decent enough shape. Don't let that deter you from seeing this spectacular place. But hey hangin out in one of the cabins doesn't sound too shabby either!
mrmotownmadness89 9 months ago