Returned on the IR Queen today after 5 days of backpacking. My buddy and I (mid sixties Chem profs) camped at Daisy Farm, McCargoe Cove, Moskey Basin, and Rock Harbor (via Mt Ojibway). We got cabins at all but DF. Usually up ~6, on trail ~7:30, done by early PM. Day mileage was 7.3, 8.2, 10.3, 14.6, and 4 (incl. 6 miles of Day hikes on Stoll Trail last 2 days)
Weather was great. Lake calm. Hot first day, but cooled after that. Rained last night, but days were all dry.
RH trail was hard and hot. All other trails were fun. Boardwalk near E Chickenbone still needs work, but passable if careful.
DF was packed. People were pitching tents anywhere they could. Ranger didn't say anything. McCC was great, loved the fire ring. MB was the best with cabins right on the lake.
We swam every night. DF and Tobin Harbor were cold. Others were cool, but nice. The kayak beach at RH by the Sandy dock was warm.
Some thimbleberries were ripe, especially at higher elevations. Next week will be better. Blue berries, June berries, raspberries all ready to pick.
Campgrounds were quiet by 10 PM. Trails were clean. In over 40 mile I saw exactly one bit of debris (a blue M&M)
We saw zero moose, but played with a fox at McCC. He ran circles around us and hunted for bugs fo 5 minutes or more, right at the dock.
Pics still in camera. Will post when I get home.
Weather was great. Lake calm. Hot first day, but cooled after that. Rained last night, but days were all dry.
RH trail was hard and hot. All other trails were fun. Boardwalk near E Chickenbone still needs work, but passable if careful.
DF was packed. People were pitching tents anywhere they could. Ranger didn't say anything. McCC was great, loved the fire ring. MB was the best with cabins right on the lake.
We swam every night. DF and Tobin Harbor were cold. Others were cool, but nice. The kayak beach at RH by the Sandy dock was warm.
Some thimbleberries were ripe, especially at higher elevations. Next week will be better. Blue berries, June berries, raspberries all ready to pick.
Campgrounds were quiet by 10 PM. Trails were clean. In over 40 mile I saw exactly one bit of debris (a blue M&M)
We saw zero moose, but played with a fox at McCC. He ran circles around us and hunted for bugs fo 5 minutes or more, right at the dock.
Pics still in camera. Will post when I get home.