Lake Superior Beckons

Just spent the last 5 days on Lake Superior in the Apostles, and as usual had a great time. Weather was good, water mostly calm, or at least nothing worse than some light chop!

Wondering if anyone else has decided to join the Clows in Isle Royal? Hank & Pat, Rosanne and I are diffinitely coming. However, due to her work schedule, I think we may end up meeting you over there, unless you also decide to go a bit earlier. For now, we are looking at arriving in Grand Portage on July 27th, then heading over to Isle Royal the next day. Then we'll have to pull out on August 8th. We decided to come up a bit early, as it falls within Rosanne's vacation time, and since we can't stay as long as you had originally posted, we'll still get the same amount of time in Isle Royal. :wink: Colby
 
We're still on track for an August 1 departure from Grand Portage, MN. to Isle Royale. We'll probably trailer over the day before and spend the night dockside. Our first stop on the Island will be a check-in at Windigo Harbor to pay our fees and submit our float plan. Float plans are subject to change depending upon weather conditions, but the Park staff likes to have a general idea of where you are wandering.

Keep in mind that cell service and internet connections are very limited, but may have improved since our last visit in 2015.

Hank and Pat Clow
Meri Aura
 
I was just doing some reading about Isle Royal, and saw something about float plans. I was also looking at Windigo Harbor and thinking that is probably where we'd stay a night or two when we first go over. Fees won't be a problem for us, as I understand our National Park Pass will suffice. (It's good until the end of October.) Before we go, perhaps I should get more information from you about what to put down on our float plan. Ideally we'd meet you guys once you arrive, then cruise with you until we had to head back. I suspected cell coverage would be dicey and internet probably non existent. We have Verizon for cell, and will add Canada to it for our trip to Isle Royal. Getting excited for our trip to Isle Royal, as I read more about the park. I was a little concerned about fuel, but looks like we can get fuel over there, even if pricey. Colby
 
We are commissioning our 25 and will try to be there with you, but we will only have a few days. We are based out of Grand Marais. If anyone needs local knowledge give us a message.
Todd and Susan
C-25 Foxfire
 
The Isle Royale website is quite helpful in developing a float plan. www.nps.gov/isro
Download the 2017 copy of their publication Greenstone and you'll find a map showing dockage around the Island. The float plan is not carved in stone as weather conditions are the main contributing factor to your journey.

We're developing a suggested route and will post it shortly.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
Also looking for more info on the Grand Portage Marina. I see there are two marina's, there, but I'm assuming it's not the Voyageurs one. Do you know if they charge for parking there? I placed a call earlier, but no one answered. I'll try again later to get more information. I know, lots of questions. lol
 
Hank and Pat, I know you guys are out on the water now, sorry I'm missing that. Rosanne and I are heading to the Illinois River tomorrow, and will cruise up to the Chicago River to see the sites of the city. Then next week up to Door County, our favorite cruising grounds. You know me, trying to be prepared for everything, I've already filed the permit application with Isle Royal. Just put together an itenenary of going counterclockwise around Isle Royle stating and Windigo and spending each day at one of the major docks. I'll update that later with the real plan when we get there. 8) Did that this morning, and already got it back this afternoon...sort of. The form letter came without the attached permit, so I returned the email to them asking for the attachment! LOL. Anyway, very easy process for anyone else that is planning to go. I've already got the National Parks pass, which covers the fee this year, so that made it even easier. Just go to the National Parks website for Isle Royal and follow the links for boating and permit application. See you guys in a few weeks. Happy Independence Day. Hope you see some great fireworks from the water wherever you are! Colby
 
As promised, here is our tentative float plan for the Isle Royale cruise.
August 1 - Launch from Grand Portage, MN and travel to Windigo Ranger Station to register and spend the night either dockside or on the hook in Washington Harbor.
August 2 -Mc Cargoe Cove
August 3 - Belle Isle area
August 4 - Duncan Bay
August 5 - Passage Island
August 6 - Rock Harbor
August 7 - Chippewa Harbor
August 8 - Hay Bay
August 9 - Windigo
August 10 - Return to Grand Portage

All of the destinations have docks on a first come, first served basis as well as good anchorages. Ice, drinking water and minimal stores are available at Windigo and Rock Harbor Ranger Stations. Be aware of the regulations regarding the use of on-board generators.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
On our previous post you'll find the word "tentative". On Isle Royale, fog and wind are very involved in your cruising plans. We've set-up a clockwise direction for our trip as the prevailing summer winds are from the northwest.

Once we're on the Island you'll be free to come and go as you wish.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
Thanks. I'll make those changes with what I had submitted earlier. Also, there is a fairly good chance I will be joining you guys on your schedule as Rosanne may be unable to come. I'm looking forward to the trip either way. I'll check in with you around the 26th as to rather I will be solo or not. Colby

P.S. Going back into the NPS system to preregister, I was not able to find Passage Island. Is there another name? With the PDF form available you have to select camp, dock or anchorage. Then it provides the names of places available. If you select anchorage, it lists anchorages by number. I'm probably making this harder than it needs to be... :roll:
 
There is a wonderful harbor, about half way down the south side of Passage Island, with good anchorage, very sheltered. Entrance to the harbor is narrow, but there is at least 6' under the keel. Stay in the center at the narrowest point of the entrance, but as you come in from the south side, stay about 15-20 feet off of the shore to the port side. There is a shallow reef at the center of the entrance, which you can see if there is any surf, but not when it is flat. It is several hundred feet south of the narrow entry point. No overnight docking is permitted at the dock. It is the old coast guard boat house/dock that was used in to the 1970's. This is a beautiful island, with a spectacular hike to the light house from the harbor. The trail starts behind the boat house. No moose out there, so the vegetation looks quite different than the rest of Isle Royale.
 
For anyone else anal like me :mrgreen: if you are prefiling your plan with the NPS, I found the anchorage for Passage Island is number 71. Colby
 
I don't think Isle Royal has changed their policy of dogs potentially infecting their wolf population with parvo virus. Even though there is only one wolf left, more or less. In addition wolves on the mainland are really healthy even though they interact with domestic dogs all the time. Dogs are not allowed to touch the shore last I checked. Has anyone heard any different?
 
cgale's post on Passage Island is accurate except the lake is high this year and the ROCK shoal near the harbor entrance does not show surf with waves, just keep the shore 15-20 feet on your port. The shoal is shown on charts and should be on your chartplotter. Great place to anchor out, nice hike (1 mile) to an 1880's lighthouse - don't build them like that anymore and sadly neither maintain them. Another plus for Passage Island is that a pair of peregrine falcons have nested there for the last three years and had two chick this year which you might get to see; the chicks should be fledged by then but hopefully will still be around.
Rock Harbor docks are free for day use but charge for overnight; if you're willing to do a short hike (maybe 0.1 to 0.15 mile) you can stay at the Tobin Harbor docks (very quite and peaceful compared to R H but then R H is very peaceful and quiet compared to most of the USA) for free and do the short walk to R H for its amenities. R H docks do have electric and water hookups, no other docks at the island do. I hope to join you for some or all the time from McCargo to Hay Bay.

Jay
 
Forgot to mention that handicap aide dogs are allowed if cleared with headquarters before reaching the island. Call headquarters for details. A vet checkup is necessary shortly before the visit. I believe therapy dogs are not allowed.

Jay
 
We live over in Ontonagon and see your boat parked every time we pass on our way to Marquette. We'd like to launch nearby and check out the Huron islands and big Huron river area sometime this summer. Lake superior is a great place to call home. The fishing has been great. :)
 
Miles&Miles,

Not my boat; its at Isle Royale all summer but fishing has been harder than usual at the island which is to say still not hard. I did get a 32# lake trout this June which is 16x's my normal catch. Lake Superior is great boating; I've done the whole shoreline (took 7 years in 7-10 day stretches), all very enjoyable. Hope more show up for Hank and Pats cruise - very enjoyable couple and great waters to explore.

Jay
 
Some of you may be aware of the problems we've been having with our engine. We just wanted to let you know that we've taken care of it and we're on schedule for the Isle Royale cruise starting August 1.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
Glad to hear your engine problems are fixed. Looks like I will be coming solo, so will join the group on schedule. So, what exactly is that schedule now? Earlier thought it was going to be arrive Grand Portage on the 1st and then head over to Isle Royal on the 2nd, if weather agrees. But last tentative float plan showed launching and going over on the 1st. What time is launch time? I plan to arrive Grand Portage a day early unless it's a late launch time. :D Also kind of wondering who all is in? Looking forward to exploring Isle Royal! Colby
 
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