Lake Superior Beckons, Again

H

hank clow

New member
The ice fisherman are still bringing them in on Keweenaw Bay with a salmon run expected this next seek. Our thoughts have turned to summer and the opening of Camp Clow for the season. Our opening date is around July 1 with the first cruise to Isle Royale scheduled for departure on July 5 and will last for about two weeks depending, as always, on weather. The rest of the season we'll be at home looking forward to welcoming any and all C-Brats with or without boats.

We are located near Keweenaw Bay with plenty of secure parking for trucks and trailers. Previous "campers" have explored the local waters cruising and fishing on day trips and longer cruises around the Keweenaw Peninsula.

We look forward to hearing from you and will keep the sauna warm.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
What a nice invite. I must admit that I didn’t even know Michigan had an upper peninsula until a couple years ago when Coast Guard friends transferred there. Shame on me. I had to Goggle L’Anse. Looks like a beautiful little place. Hope you have a good turn out at Camp Clow. Maybe sometime we will visit your little piece of paradise. (When the ice melts).
 
It's a great area, and the Clows are great hosts! That being said, Hank I think I may have to miss the Isle Royal event this year. Just cutting it too close to my planned cruise in the PNW at the Friday Harbor gathering and then some south end of the Inside Passage. Rosanne has some time off in July, but does not coincide with the Isle Royal plans. I'm already doing some cruises with out her this summer, so decided it would be best to do a few more with her. Things can always change, however at this time we are looking at doing the Apostle Islands July 19th or 20th thru the 28th or 29th. If anyone would like to join us after Isle Royal, we'd be happy to have other boats along. No itinerary yet, and may not have or need one. Depends a lot on which way the winds are blowing also, as to which islands we explore. Many lighthouses and interesting islands and nature to explore. The Raspberry Island Light, Stockton Island, Devils Island with it's Sea caves and Manitou Island with the fish camp are some of our favorites. Sand Island light is another neat one. We like using the docks, but plenty of good anchorages are available as well. We'll probably use the Little Sand Bay campground north of Bayfield to launch, as the ramp fee is very reasonable ($6/day I think), and parking is plentiful and free. Nice small marina there (basic slips, no electricity), but that bay can be rough getting in and out if the winds are from the north. And even inside a little choppy. Unfortunately, Bayfield doesn't offer much in the way of long term parking, or at least hasn't in the past. (There is some, if nothing else is going on, or you get lucky. Or if you don't mind paying for it. :? )

Anyway, things could always change regarding Isle Royal, as I'd love to join with you guys, but I hate cruising without my wife...
Colby
 
Well ....of course the C-Otter will be heading up your way for our Camp Clow experience! Looking forward to catching some lake Trout and Salmon out of Pequaming and then on to Isle Royal. Already preparing for the trip by putting a new charger on board and have sent our Wallas stove/heater in for an overhaul. I know how much Hank liked to visit us on cool mornings. 😆

Can’t wait to see everyone!
 
Will try to do at least part of the cruise with you; got you on the calendar. If launching from Grand Portage again, let NPS rangers at Windigo know what direction you're headed, giving me an easier time finding you. Looking forward again to typical bluebird days and warm flat fish-filled waters while cruising with you.

Jay
 
Hank and Pat
We met briefly in Clinton last year. We’d love to take advantage of your generous invitation to visit your “camp”. A trip to isle royale would be a dream come true! We would trailer up from Detroit, where can we launch? Looking forward to seeing your beautiful place!
Joyce and Wolfgang
 
Delighted to hear you will be joining us. More details as we get closer to the July 5 departure for Isle Royale. We plan to set aside two weeks for the venture. We have plenty of room for boat camping at Camp Clow and a nearby marina (4 miles) to access Keweenaw Bay.

Hank and Pat
 
Joyce, for the Isle Royal trip, I think they are planning to launch at Grand Portage again. In Minnesota just before the Canadian border. Also, be aware that you will lose all cell coverage a few miles before reaching Grand Portage, and there are very few spots on Isle Royal where you will get any cell coverage. That's both US and Canadian Cell Towers! However, you can walk into the Casino at Grand Portage, right next door to the marina, and get free wireless internet before you leave that area, and once you return. (Or you could last year.) Last year the marina charged $5/day for parking, and I forget what the launch was, but reasonable. Or maybe the launch was free as we spent a night in the marina before crossing. I know Hank will be putting out more info as the time gets closer. I was really hoping to join up again this year, as I had a great time last year. However, I'll be out in the PNW most all of June, and the timing is just to close to that for me. Rosanne and I are planing on doing the Apostle Islands a few days after the Isle Royal plans, and you are welcome to join us there also if you have the time. Colby
 
I found a guidebook for Lake Superior on Amazon. It’s Bonnie Dahl’s SUPERIOR WAY 4th Edition. Yes...it was published about 10 years ago. Many of the bays of Isle Royal have “interesting “ approaches. Superior Way has great diagrams that show the dangerous shoal waters. Isle Royal is a fantastic place but demands respect.
The Clow’s have a excellent guide book put out by Great Lakes Cruising Club that I used last year. Wish I could find a copy....I’ll keep looking.

Can’t wait for July.......Tom
 
Avidmagnum12":21nrkjqj said:
I found a guidebook for Lake Superior on Amazon. It’s Bonnie Dahl’s SUPERIOR WAY 4th Edition. Yes...it was published about 10 years ago. Many of the bays of Isle Royal have “interesting “ approaches. Superior Way has great diagrams that show the dangerous shoal waters. Isle Royal is a fantastic place but demands respect.
The Clow’s have a excellent guide book put out by Great Lakes Cruising Club that I used last year. Wish I could find a copy....I’ll keep looking.

Can’t wait for July.......Tom
Click to expand...

Bonnie Dahl's book is an excellent resource. But keep in mind that the Dahl's are sailors and draw significantly more water than a C-Dory. Superior levels appear to be up quite a bit this year as well.
Al
 
I love how generous and helpful you all seem to be here. This summer I hope to be building a home an hour south of Grand Marais, MN on the shore of Lake Superior. The home will sit in between two AMAZING state parks, Split Rock Light House State Park & Tettegouche State Park. The views of the Great Lake from my land will be incredible. I'll let this group know when it's done as I plan to add a few camping spots with electricity for guests. :-)
 
Just curious as I lived in the U.P for many years (now live on the Olympic Peninsula, and have a C-Dory 22)...have you cruised the Slate Islands (northern Lake Superior, Canadian side...wolves and caribou)? I have been to IR three times (two times to hike, once to canoe). I would like to cruise around it in my C-Dory one day. Apparently the moose population is at a very high level with only two (older) wolves remaining on the island.
 
Hello. No, I haven't even been in my boat yet :-) I bought it sight unseen from a wonderful couple from this group. I've been in Mexico since mid-March and won't return to MN to see my little "Mighty Minnow" until I get home June 12th. I have lots to learn about boating before taking her out onto the Big lake.

Following a conference in Seattle several years ago, I rented a car and did the entire circle around Olympic National Forest. It's a BEAUTIFUL area I need to experience over more time in the future. I'm sorry I'm unable to help you with your question. Happy boating!!!!
 
We lived in Quilcene and Olympia back in the late 50s and spent many seasons sailing the PNW. We've found Lake Superior to be an ideal location for our CD-22. Prior to becoming C-Dory owners we sailed the big lake including Isle Royale and the north shore. We never made it to the Slates, but know many who have. The moose/wolf population on the Island is going through several changes after many years of study. The wolves are down to two females and plans are underway to add more to the habitat. Nothing confirmed as yet, but rumor has it that they'll be imported sometime this summer. It should make for some interesting experiences for Island visitors.


The 2018 C-Dory cruise will begin July 5 and last approximately two weeks depending on weather.


Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
We lived in Quilcene and Olympia back in the late 50s and spent many seasons sailing the PNW. We've found Lake Superior to be an ideal location for our CD-22. Prior to becoming C-Dory owners we sailed the big lake including Isle Royale and the north shore. We never made it to the Slates, but know many who have. The moose/wolf population on the Island is going through several changes after many years of study. The wolves are down to two females and plans are underway to add more to the habitat. Nothing confirmed as yet, but rumor has it that they'll be imported sometime this summer. It should make for some interesting experiences for Island visitors.


The 2018 C-Dory cruise will begin July 5 and last approximately two weeks depending on weather.


Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
Hank and Pat,

Thought I better make it official and let you know I am going to take you up on your invitation to join you and the group at Camp Clow in July. I am looking forward to a few days helping out at Camp Clow and exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula area before moving on to Isle Royal with everyone. I have never been to Lake Superior so this will be another new adventure for me. It was nice getting to meet you at Hontoon Island and it will be great seeing you guys again along with Tom and Joyce on C-Otter and who ever else is able to make it.

After Isle Royal I hope to meet up with Colby and Rosanne on Midnight Flyer at the Apostle Islands.

As of right now my plans are to leave Lake Keowee, SC on Saturday June 30th. If all goes well I think I can make it to Camp Clow in two days. I will confirm my schedule once it gets a little closer to July.

Bill
 
Coming home early from the PNW, so think I'll join you guys in Isle Royal. Afterwards, I will be returning to Bloomer, Wi for a night or two, to pick up Rosanne, before heading to the Apostle Islands. Colby
 
Colby,
Looking forward to meeting up with you again. I enjoyed our time cruising together on the St Johns River in March. I would still like to join up with you at the Apostle Islands after we depart Isle Royal. I think I am going to follow the Tully-B up the highway to Camp Clow around July 2nd. Hope you can make it.
Bill
 
Looking forward to seeing everyone Bill. You all are my favorite group to travel with! :D I'll probably just meet you guys at Grand Portage the afternoon/evening of the 5th, as the Clows are a bit off my direct path. Also, Rosanne wanted me to tell you, you are welcome to follow me down to Bloomer and spend a nite or two there at her dads (plenty of room) between Isle Royal and the Apostles. However, Bloomer is few hours farther south of Bayfield, so doesn't make much sense unless you want to join us. I'll go down to Bloomer to pick Rosanne up as she wn't be joining us in Isle Royal. (And no need for her then to drive all the way up to Bayfield, and us have two vehicles to park up at Sand Bay Park.) Colby
 
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