Grand Island National Recreation Area - August 2010

Destination --Trout Bay

It was one of those last minute trips. I actually had planned on going for weeks...I just didn't exactly know when, until last night. I found myself packing at 10 PM. Instead of hiking alone and walking around the whole island like I usually do, friends Ursula and Elisabeth would be joining me for a base camp trip. They would join me later today. It was imperative that I take the earliest ferry today so that I could secure a camp site at Trout Bay on Grand Island. After all, it was early August and I expected the island to be busy. 

Within minutes of driving into the parking lot for the ferry, the place was hopping. There were mostly bicyclists who would be embarking on day journeys. Maybe I would have a chance.

I arrived at Trout Bay and only one site remained open out of four. I was not disappointed as it was actually one of my favorites although none of them are unsatisfactory. I set to work hanging my hammock and tarp and secured my food. Bears are being a bit of a problem this year and they have already had to remove one of the bears. Another was circling camp sites and displaying other behaviors that were most likely caused by careless humans. It is their home for sure and I am just a visitor so I am vigilant to make my camp bearproof as always.

This day was expected to be a scorcher in UP (Upper Peninsula) terms so I would spend little time at the beach. My hammock in the pines would be a refuge in the shade. I started reading a book that I've been trying to read for a long time.

I awaited my friends who I expected to come on the 3:30 PM ferry. They actually came much later so it was almost 7 PM before they arrived. In the meantime I fended off our campsite to many that were without one. The rules are strict in that only four people can use a campsite with only two tents or shelters. I am always glad to share if I am alone but my friends were coming!

Not long after Ursula and Elisabeth arrived, dark clouds hovered on the horizon....rain was imminent. We all gathered under my tarp (that was over my hammock) where they made preparations to set up another tarp as soon as it would abate. The storm brought heavy rain but it didn't last very long.

After the blow went through, we started to set up Ursula's new tarp. It was her first experience with a tarp so I suggested an ideal location for it (one with enough trees to tie off to) and how to secure the knots and maintain good tension. Elisabeth enjoyed the process as well readily helping to set it up.

Elisabeth is here visiting from Switzerland. This is her first time in the United States and has eagerly participated in everything good that has come her way. She borrowed equipment which didn't exactly fit her but she doesn't fuss and makes the best of it. She speaks multiple languages and is very versed in our speech patterns. I do love her accent, especially when she some times calls bears, "beers"... I love that!

A Day For Wandering

In the morning, it was still warm. ..no jacket required. I went down to see the sunrise even though I could see it right from my hammock. Then I got lazy and went back to my hammock..could this be a pattern?

With another day of predictably high temps we decided to hike to the other side of the tombolo on Murray Bay and then hike into the thumb of the island, and do a short bushwhack to the platter of rocks. I usually have that place to myself but after we were there awhile, boaters arrived. They were actually people from one of the cottages that still remain on Trout Bay. We stayed there a few hours and sat mostly in the shade other than when we were swimming.

We swam around the perimeter of the rocks which is quite deep but the water was amazingly warm. Lake Superior is really doing a number on us this year as it is predicted to have record high temps by the middle of the month. Long term effects are unknown but likely will not be good for the fisheries as well as it supporting invasive species that don't ordinarily exist in such a cold lake. Although it feels good to swim, I certainly hope it goes back to its normal state next year.

We walked back through the woods and then onto the shoreline for the rest of the way back.

In the evening, we prepared our dinners and then ate them down at the beach. We enjoyed a couple of desserts - yum! After dinner, I walked along the shoreline in the water up the north side of the bay while my friends swam back at the beach.


Peaceful Existence

I slept mostly fine last night after the first few sleepless hours....I guess I didn't work hard enough during the day to sleep easily. I had a crazy dream and apparently woke Elisabeth during the night...she thought I was having trouble with bears!

I woke early so I took a walk down the beach while the others slept. I met and talked to a young teen who was kayaking with his family. They were at the next site which is probably at least 1/8 mi away from ours. The other two sites on the bay are at the other end of the beach which is a mile away. I love the fact that there are only four sites on Trout Bay, it always feels very private.

The day started out very overcast but it was a perfect day to sit on the beach and read, journal, chat about life and enjoy the surroundings without the sun penetrating.

The winds picked up quite a bit throughout the morning and I watched the waves build. Soon the sky looked threatening and the winds picked up more than they already were.

As quickly as I analyzed the situation, rain sprinkles appeared. We gathered our belongings and returned to our shelters. It was another short blow but I lay in my hammock longer than needed as it was so relaxing. That's what this trip was all about...a peaceful existence.

The mosquitoes have been a nusiance at times and Elisabeth fell victim to their vicious attack the last few days. She had tons of welts especially on her ankles that are all swollen.

We later picnicked on the beach for a late lunch. Ursula always has a delicious assortment of fresh food so we were not living the backpacking style of all freeze dried food.

Ursula and Elisabeth were to leave the island today and I debated whether to stay on another day as I was prepared for that. Instead I decided to leave as I will likely be back soon to enjoy it again.

We packed up our gear and headed over for the last ferry of the day on the south side of the island. Since they can only take six passengers at a time we waited patiently until the last run of which there had been five (It is only a five-minute ride at the most). It had been a long day for the operator as the seas were rougher and he told of kayakers needing to be rescued on the west side. The west and north sides of the island can be particularly dangerous in strong winds. Lake Superior should never be taken for granted, but respected.

The trip was everything it was meant to be....relaxing with good friends, good food and beautiful surroundings. I can't wait to do that again!

All of my pictures from the trip can be seen here:

Grand Island National Recreation Area - August 2010