EXPEDITION DETAILS
A. FOUR EXPEDITIONS ARE PLANNED FOR 2012
Expedition 1: May 5-13, via Voyageur II, Grand Portage, MN
Expedition 2: May 14-21, via Queen IV, Copper Harbor, MI
Expedition 3: May 26-June 3, via Voyageur II, Grand Portage, MN
Expedition 4: July 31-August 8, via Ranger III, Houghton, MI
B. GETTING TO ISLE ROYALE
Moosewatch begins when you arrive at Isle Royale. How you arrive at Isle Royale depends on the expedition for which you sign up (see above). It is your responsibility to make your own boat reservations.
For information about getting to Isle Royale
via the Voyageur, click here.
via the Queen, click here.
via the Ranger III, click here.
For the details necessary for making your own reservation, click here.
For expeditions departing from Grand Portage, MN the closest airports are Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN and Duluth, MN.
For expeditions departing from Houghton, MI or Copper Harbor, MI, the closest airport is the Houghton County Airport (CMX).
C. HOW TO PACK
Bring TWO bags
1. One bag must be a backpack suitable to carry everything
needed in the field.
2. One bag is for clean clothes and items you will leave behind
at base camp.
Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own.
D. WHAT TO PACK
Weather Considerations:
Your expedition will deal with whatever conditions Mother Nature brings on. The weather at Isle Royale is variable, so prepare for extremes. When it rains, we usually keep walking so sturdy rain gear (NOT ponchos) is a must. Typical temperatures in May are in the mid-50s F (12-14C) during the day and the mid-30sF (0-3C) at night. Average temperatures in June are slightly higher. In August, average high temperatures are in the upper 60sF (19-21C) and typical lows are in the mid 50s (12-14C). Normal precipitation in May/June is around three inches (7.6 cm), usually in the form of rainfall, though snow is possible. Average August precipitation is slightly higher. Humidity can be very high or very low. Volunteers on all teams must be prepared to experience all types of weather – hot, cold, dry, snowy, wet, and windy. We have timed the expeditions to avoid the heavy insect swarms of mid-summer, but expect to see some black flies and mosquitoes.
Personal Items to be supplied by Volunteers:
Note: All your food and equipment must be carried in a single backpack, so choose light weight items. Bring clothing that can be layered to suit the conditions. Plan carefully so you have what need, but not more.
For a detailed check list of all that you should bring, click here.
E. ACCOMMODATIONS AND FACILITIES
You will be traveling in the wilderness and accommodations will be primitive. You will be working and camping apart from other people and all modern facilities. You will not have electricity, running water, flush toilets, internet access, telephone access, or cell phone reception. Do not expect flush toilets. Even outhouses will be largely unavailable.
While in the backcountry (Days 1-7), opportunities to clean-up are modest. Soap and other products must not be used in or near any bodies of water – even so-called biodegradable products. Consequently, cleaning-up is limited to splashing off with small containers of water brought up and away from shorelines.
On day 8 of Moosewatch, when you return from the backcountry, you will be able to take a “country shower” upon return from the trip – water will be heated on a stove and taken into a tarped enclosure. You should bring your own towel and soap.
F. FOOD
All the food that you will need, while on Isle Royale, will be provided. Moreover, there will not be an opportunity to purchase food on Isle Royale. Most food is shipped to the island weeks in advance. Cook kits, stoves, all food, and a water filter will be provided. Meals will be simple. You will be carrying all of your food and the equipment necessary to prepare it. Meals will also be heavy in carbohydrates, soy protein, and high energy foods, such as nuts, raisins, chocolate, cheese, etc. You will be filtering (or boiling) all of your drinking water. Breakfasts and dinners are cooked over single burner gas stoves. Breakfast and dinner also include a hot beverage (coffee, cocoa, tea). Breakfast also includes Tang (orange-flavored, powdered drink mix).
Below are examples of the food you can expect in the field. This list only provides a general idea of food types. It is very important to be flexible.
Breakfast: granola and flavored, instant oatmeal
Lunch: Usually a mix of cheese, peanut butter, raisins, crackers, chocolate, & “gorp” (granola, oats, raisins, peanuts, M&Ms)
Dinner: Usually involving something like Lipton “instant” meals, supplemented with dehydrated vegetables, soy protein, and powdered milk, plus instant pudding.
FOOD NOTE: Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate volunteers who cannot eat dairy products or gluten. Milk powder and cheese are major sources of protein and calories in the field and are included in the premixed meals. Most lunches include crackers and dinners contain pasta and other wheat derivatives. These are major sources of carbohydrates while in the field. Accommodating special diets is not guaranteed; indicate any dietary restrictions on the application form.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS ALSO PROVIDED WHEN WE RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION.
If you would like more information about Moosewatch Expeditions,
please contact Ken Vrana (kjvrana@mtu.edu).
Please put “Moosewatch” in the subject line.
