Isle Royale, July 6-11, Slow Goin'

A father and son in their own boats - it sounded like it would be a good trip - the chance to put down some miles and have a great time without learner anxiety...
When I arrived at the Keweenaw Adventure Co., in Copper Harbor, the 14 year-old pictured below was sitting on the narrow walkway into the shop, with a padded neck brace on and with a knife out, whittling on a stick. On meeting his father in the shop, I found out that in last night's hotel room that his son had awakened with a stiff neck, so he had gone to the emergency room of the local hospital for relief. The brace was worn periodically throughout the trip, whenever the boy thought of it ...

After the safety course (which was lengthy getting the youngster back in his boat), I suggested they rent a tandem but they were determined to use their own personal kayaks. With that decision the slow mode for the whole trip was established. With emotional dynamics being what they were between father and son and the overall bulk of their gear and kayak limitations we stayed in the vicinity of Rock Harbor and Moskey Basin with a side jaunt of father and I up to the entrance to Merrit Lane and back to Rock Harbor Campground on our last night. The headlamp trip back from the Lane was the highlight for me. The father's excitement and fears in the chop, with our route taking us close to the frothy basalt was a sensory delight.

Visiting Mr. and Mrs. Les Mattson, at the Edison Fishery in Moskey Basin.

A rugged spirit tree on Caribou Island