DIFFICULTY OF EXPEDITIONS
These expeditions are NOT routine backpacking trips.
A. THE WEIGHT OF YOUR PACK
Usually a pack will weigh somewhat more than 40 pounds when the trip begins. In addition to what ever you put in you pack, we will add 15 to 20 pounds of food and equipment to your pack upon arrival at Isle Royale. Unlike most backpacking trips, these expeditions often end with packs that are considerably heavier that they were at the beginning, because of all the moose bones collected. From a single adult moose skeleton, Moosewatchers may pack up 15 pounds of bones.
B. CLIMATE & BUGS
Moosewatchers have to 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. The combination of wet and cold can be pretty uncomfortable! We have timed the expeditions to avoid the heavy insect swarms of mid summer, but expect to see some blackflies and mosquitoes.
C. TERRAIN
Most hiking is conducted off-trail. It will be constantly necessary to go over and under fallen trees, work your way through thick vegetation when you can’t see your feet, climb up and down rock ridges, and negotiate bogs and numerous wetlands, all the while keeping a sharp look out for moose bones.
D. PHYSICAL FITNESS & CONDITION
It is absolutely essential that participants be in excellent physical condition. Signing-up for an expedition will require your doctor to sign a form that describes the nature of this expedition and indicates that you are in appropriate physical condition for such a trip.
