ENP 22.1 Isle Royale: Trip Report

Getting to Isle Royale National Park proves easier than getting off the famously difficult to reach island for Bryan and his buddies. In this episode, he’s joined by brother Dan and Dr Jeff Greenberger, their former-teacher-turned-honorary-highschool-buddy, for a post-trip recap. Danielle closes the show with a look at riding out an Isle Royale storm from ENP headquarters.

Discussion includes the following:

[0:46] Past episodes listening suggestions: Ken Burns interview, Biscayne National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Everglades National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Olympic National Park, Saguaro National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, and 2019 Year In Review

[01:52] The adventure begins:: Grand Marais, MN, Grand Portage, MN, Sea Hunter Ferry, Isle Royale National Park

[05:00] First impressions, lasting memories: Windigo, Washington Harbor, Lake Superior, The SS America

[07:00] A first-name basis welcome and check-in procedures

[08:40] Day 1: Agates, beavers, and Tolkien vibes on Huginnin Cove Trail

[13:00] Windigo camper cabins and visitors center review

[13:56] Day 2: Morning moose-spotting and the ferry to McCargoe Cove

[17:36] Hiking highlights: Lake Richie, Chickenbone Lake, and meeting a trail regular

[21:00] Our backcountry campsite and a dip with the neighboring moose

[22:25] Wolf tales and loon calls

[24:40] The joys of sleeping soundly in a bear-free park

[26:45] Day 3: Greenstone Ridge Trail, Three Mile campground

[27:35] Daisy Farm

[28:50] The gadget man (powdered root beer, cylinder stick stove)

[29:43] Inclement camping: ominous weather forecasted

[32:51] Day 4: Tobin Harbor, Lake Superior, and the trail to Rock Harbor

{34:00] Moose tales

[36:01] Rock Harbor Lodge cabins

[37:00} Juxtaposition: Isle Royale’s grand past and mining history

[38:58] Lodge dinner and libation recommendations: Redjacket Amber Ale and Widowmaker by Keweenaw Brewing Company and Isle Royale Cream Ale from Midland Brewing Company

[40:51] The (return) adventure begins: rough crossings and returns

[44:20] Bonus Day 5: witnessing the very best in our NPS staff

[46:30] Bonus day recollections

[48:30] Back into civilization: Duluth and Minneapolis, MN

[51:00] Isle Royale wish lists: full-island traverse and kayak-camping

[54:08} Lasting impressions

[57:27] Homefront POV: Danielle minds mission control during the guys’ bonus day snafu

For complete show notes and archive, visit everybodysnationalparks.com.

We have covered parks including: Biscayne, Crater Lake, Everglades, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Rock Creek, Saguaro, Shenandoah, Virgin Islands, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion.

We also have special conversations with a diverse group of national park champions.

(Ep. 13) Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the creation and legacy of the National Park Service and celebrate the tenth anniversary of his series The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.
(Ep. 14) Author Becky Lomax chatted with Danielle and Bryan about her guidebook and offered travel tips to lesser-known parks.
(Ep. 19.5) Ranger Shelton Johnson introduced listeners to the Buffalo Soldiers of Yosemite National Park

Actions:

Subscribe to our podcast from our website https://www.everybodysnationalparks.com/

Tell your friends about Everybody’s National Parks

Send us your national park stories, recommendations, comments, or questions to Hello at everybodysnps.com.

Support us on Patreon

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Please tag us from the parks you are visiting at #everybodysnationalparks