|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day 4 (Tuesday 7/27/99) |
| Paddle to Northcutt bay and back. |
| Today we had planned to paddle back to the Northwest side of Beaver Island, then cross over to High Island. High Island received it`s name from the tall sand dunes on the Western shore. High island is larger than Garden Island, and promised to be more isolated. The weather forecast called for high winds out of the Southwest. This would make for large waves and difficult paddling. After careful consideration, we decided to stay near Garden Island for another day. |
|
| Our goal for the day was to find the cabin ruins shown on the map on the Southeast side of Garden Island. We paddled to Northcutt bay with the hopes of following a hiking trail to the Southeast corner. This time, we were alone on Northcutt bay. The powerboats were gone, and the natural setting had returned. There was a beautiful campsite along Northcutt bay. There was a fire-ring, a picnic table and a sandy beach. We decided not to camp in this area because the crowds could have returned at any time. We carried our boats into the woods and tied them to trees. After hiking for about an hour, the trail was eventually covered by deadfall and thickets. We never did reach the cabin ruins. We decided to return to the boats and paddle to the southeast side of the island. When we paddled out of Northcutt bay, the strong winds caused us to re-consider the trip to the Southeast side of the island. Instead we returned to Indian Harbor and went snorkeling. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Day 5 (Wednesday 7/28/99) |
| Today we decided to go snorkeling again. The crystal clear water allowed us to see numerous smallmouth bass, carp, and a large, nesting channel catfish. Partially buried in the shifting sands, Paul found a black-powder pistol with a wooden grip. The pistol was perfectly preserved by the frigid water. We speculated that the pistol had been dropped many years ago by a sailor, on an early schooner, taking refuge in Indian Harbor. After several dives to photograph the pistol, we decided to carefully raise it to the surface. After removing the pistol from the water, we could see that the wood handle was actually plastic. It was a CO2 BB gun probably thrown in the water a week ago when it jammed up. We threw the gun back into the water. Maybe someone else would also enjoy the thrill of finding it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Our snorkeling experience had taught us where the smallmouth bass were hiding. After dinner, we rigged up our fishing rods. After an evening of fishing, Paul had caught two bass; I had caught none. The large bass we had seen while snorkeling were successful in eluding both of us. |
|
|
|
| Day 6 (Thursday 7/29/99) |
| Paul awoke at 6:00 this morning. Upon looking outside the tent, the black sky warned us that the weather was rapidly deteriorating. We listened to the weather radio. The weather man was spinning an ominous tale of a severe storm. It would pack 70mph winds with � inch hail. We decided to break camp and make a hasty paddle to the other side of Indian Harbor. There we could weather the storm in the DNR cabins which were left unlocked and maintained for emergency shelter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The paddle across the harbor was tense as the winds continued to build. We could see a black blanket of clouds being slowly drawn across the sky from the west horizon toward the east. Soon, the storm front hovered directly over our heads. To the west, the sky was black and low. To the east, the sky was yellow and serene as the sun had just appeared above the horizon. Upon reaching shore, we carried the kayaks into the woods and secured them to trees. Just as we entered the emergency shelter, the storm hit. The storm never did live up to the predicted fury. |
|
| Inside the shelter, we found that several snakes had already laid claim to the building. We announced that we had come in peace in search of shelter from the storm. We interpreted their silence as permission to share their home. We made a run back to the kayaks to retrieve our MSR white gas stoves and our food bags. As we waited out the storm we fiested on Ramon noodles and coffee. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Eventually the storm subsided. Despite the 20mph winds and 4ft waves, we saw an opportunity to make the crossing back to Beaver Island. We had planned to stay longer, but the weather radio called for scattered thunder storms through Sunday. After praying for safety, we set out for a tiring yet enjoyable paddle back to Beaver Island. Back on Beaver Island, we loaded our boats onto the ferry bound for Charlevoix. Although we were anxious to see our families, we were sad to leave the paradise that we had found. On the ferry ride home, we discussed our trip for next summer. Will it be a trip to North and South Manitou Islands? Will it be a trip to the Pictured Rocks? Or, will it be a trip back to the Beaver Island Group? I can`t wait to find out. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
