Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

Riding with Grandma , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . RIding in the rear compartment of Grandma's kayak was a highlight for Elisabeth. We enjoyed some calm days that made launching the kayak fairly easy and the lake less frightening. I don't think Elisabeth ever did to much swimming though - to cold.

DSC_0285 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Returning from the island you couldn't leave Copper Harbor without a stop for some ice cream. I like mine with local wildberry topping usually bilberry or thimbleberry. The ice cream enabled us all to smile for a family picture - those don't happen very often so we take any chance we can get, even if it is on a playground next to an ice cream shop.

Returning Home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Coming back from the island was another smooth journey and it was nice to see our family their waiting for us.

Dad and Andy , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Hiking on Isle Royale was amazing in that we saw so few people and the trails were very narrow. It really felt remote despite the hundred or so people that came over with us on the boat. Away from the lodge area it was rare to see anyone on the trails. We saw one moose (swimming), plenty of loons (also swimming), and Andy saw a wolf (on land). Many, many mosquitos had a piece of me on the island - they are relentless.

Dinner , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Andy served as our guide for most of the trip, including taking on the lion's share of cooking and cleaning duties. Shown here is our dessert on the first night. I know it was dessert because dessert is white. Breakfast and dinner were usually brown.

Storm coming in , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . The photo is of a storm coming in while we were hiking the ridge of the island. This storm stayed mostly to the North so we didn't get to wet. The day before, however, we were soaked as we hiked all morning in the rain. Luckily when we arrived that day at McGargo's Cove the rain stopped and we could hang everything up to dry.

Boat home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Waiting for the boat home we did the same thing that we did at every campsite - sit on the dock. We were blessed to have calm water across Lake Superior in both direction. I was fully prepared to be sick.