(return to Isle Royale
description)
This is an aerial view of Rock Harbor, the largest of the two "non-wilderness"
areas on Isle Royale. In the foreground you see the Lodge buildings. Cabins
are also available. The water closest to you is Lake Superior. The next
area of water is Rock Harbor in which the National Park Service boat (Ranger)
is partially visible, and behind it to the right is the Visitor Center.
The next water area above this is Tobin Harbor, which is about three miles
long. The seaplane lands here.
The moose have been on the island for 50 years and have never been hunted
by man. Though very large and still possibly dangerous, they are neither
intimidated nor threatened and do not bolt away from people. These photos
were taken without a telephoto lens. Flying ticks (which fortunately do
not attack man) torment these beasts constantly. Tens of thousands of the
ticks have been found on some moose corpses, indicating the enormity of
the problem.
This moose was along the trail and never flinched as I cautiously approached.
This was NOT taken with a zoom lens. Seeing moose in the water is a rare
treat. Most people are unaware that moose are aquatic animals. They frolic
and play in the water, are able to swim great distances rapidly, and even
dive underwater.
Wetlands abound on the island, and the Park Service trail crews have
constructed plankways to preserve the environment (and as a fringe benefit,
keep backpackers' boots clean.) You always see moose tracks alongside the
planks.
View of an inland lake from the Greenstone Ridge Trail which bisects
the island atop its mountainous backbone.
Chuck (on the right) with oldest son, Scott, inside one
of the numerous shelters, eating supper on one of the rainy, chilly evenings.
The shelters, three sides constructed of wood, are located at most of the
campsites which are on the Lake Superior shoreline, are in good shape, and
have wire on the open side which keeps bugs out. They are available on a
first-come, first-served basis, and are especially handy in wet weather.
Picnic tables are also supplied at campgrounds which have shelters.