Last Wednesday, August 5, my wife, Caroline & my sister, Beverly joined me for a hike at remote Isle Royale National Park. Located in northwest Lake Superior, this 200 square mile taiga wilderness is accessible only by boat or plane. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 58 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the north. As we left the lodge, I was intrigued by a striking blue blossom that turned out to be an invasive called Mountain Bluette. Heading west along the scenic shoreline, I was amazed by the variety of lichens including Common Orange growing on the exposed Precambrian rock. Hanging from tree branches were Moose hair lichens while on the ground I spotted both Pixie cup and Dog lichens. Just ahead, I could see a Snowshoe hare sitting quietly among the Oxeye daisies. Next, we paused to admire this beautiful, rocky shoreline. Back on the trail, I was pleased to discover some never-seen wildflowers including the tiny Wood Nymph, White Pea and Pipsissewa. As the sun and temperature rose, more insects were evident including a Mosaic Darner Dragonfly and a Fritillary Butterfly. Turning inland, I spotted two more plants that were new to me, Thimbleberry with its white blossoms and huge maple-like leaves and Ninebark that displays both red buds and pinkish white flowers. Finally, after a rugged 3½-hour hike, we returned to the lodge for lunch.
Isle Royale wilderness
Far from a teeming crowd
Lapping waves speak softly
Red Squirrels chatter loud
Orange lichens paint the rocks
Green spires of spruce and fir
High in their boreal branches
Black-capped Chickadees stir
Superior's glassy waters
Reflect a midnight moon
Nature breaks her silence
Wail of a distant Loon
D. DeGraaf
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