Isle Royale National Park:Via Isle Royale Queen IV!

 Photos by Jonathan Schechter

May 31st and June lst 2012

"The wild requires that we learn the terrain, nod to all the plants and animals and birds, ford the streams and cross the ridges, and tell a good story when we get back home."

Gary Snyder in The Practice of the Wild

The world of Isle Royal National Park, a wilderness archipelago nestled in the northwest corner of Lake Superior tells its own story. But to know the story you must listen and feel and touch and even taste the landscape and let your days be measured in footsteps.

These photos are meant to accompany the Oakland Press (www.theoaklandpress.com )  hiking column of June 10th:  Hiking In The Shadow of the Wolves.  

On the first day of June my conservation ecological conservation/writer friend Amanda Nimke accompanied me on a day trek on the island, but in reality our adventure started on the Isle Royale Queen IV during the lake crossing with the  philosophical and wildlife discussions we shared with Captain Don Kilpela.

 His wisdom, wit and genuine warmth set the stage for our nature-embracing adventure.     .

Captain Don Kilpela and Amanda Nimke

Isle Royal Queen IV docked at Rock Harbor, Isle Royale

Jonathan Schechter,  Amanda Nimke: Armed with cameras and note pads.

Raw primordial beauty is the spirit and life-blood of the road less island.

The outer islands shelter newborn moose calves.

Wolves are the apex predator of Isle Royale. Scat is rich with bone and fur.

Island trails are for minimalist travel and are shared with wildlife.

Kaykers share the bays with loons and on occasion, swimming moose.

Migrating monarchs rest on the lichen encrusted twigs.

Paradise for hikers, nature photographers and all who love wildness in nature.

"In wilderness is the preservation of the world." Henry David Thoreau

        ISLE ROYAL QUEEN IV:  www.isleroyale.com

             ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK: www.nps.gov/isro/