We Fly Away to Keep a Promise to Ourselves

August 19, 2025

Six years ago, on a whim, we took a day trip from Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan out to Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.  We spent more time on the boat getting out there and back than we did on the island.  We promised ourselves that we would return someday and spend a few days.  We kept our promise this month.

A 45-minute seaplane flight brought us to Washington Harbor on the west end of the island, where we had reserved two nights in a cabin.  After checking in at the Windigo Ranger Station, we settled in at the cabin.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset from the seaplane dock on the first night.

Washington Harbor, Isle Royale

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We set out on a 3.6-mile hike, but I only managed 2 miles. We returned to the cabin without doing the 1.6-mile uphill section.  (Thank you, Scott, for pushing me hard during our physical therapy sessions so I could make it as far as I did.)  I found a quiet spot at the water's edge to sprinkle some of my sister's cremains.  A few minutes later, a red fox crossed the trail and looked back at us.  We were hoping to see a moose, but it didn't happen to us, although they are often seen in the area around our cabin.

enjoying morning coffee on the deck of the camp store

On the day we were scheduled to leave, the flight was "on hold" because of a low cloud ceiling.  Then all of a sudden, we were told it was on the way.  

We flew over some of the smaller islands in the archipelago.

Rock of Ages Light in the distance

 

waters of Lake Superior are below us

Fewer passengers on the return flight, so Brian had the back seat to himself, and I sat in the copilot's seat.   Promise made in 2019, promise kept in 2025.   We are grateful!