ISLE ROYALE

WOLVES AND MOOSE
For the latest on the rises and falls of the wolf and moose populations, check ENVIRO-MENTALITY on this site.

FISH CAUTION
The Park Service reports that only about 150 coaster brook trout (those born and bred on Lake Superior's rocky bottom near underwater springs) are still in the neighborhood. To protect these fish, Greg Blust, a park supervisor, said the Service has invoked a catch-and-release policy. If you happen to catch one, it must be released.
Also, the Park Service now requires that barbless hooks must be used for brook trout on the island's streams and on Hidden Lake.

TO AND FRO
There's a reason Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the continental United States. It's hard to get to. Unlike the Smoky Mountains which are on the way to a lot of places, Isle Royale, located high on the north side of Lake Superior,isn't on the way to anywhere.
But if you love the outdoors and wilderness. It's positively worth the trip.
The 2006 ferry prices have bumped up at bit over last year. But not much.
RANGER III.
The National Park Service's Ranger III ferry makes two round trips a week from Houghton, Michigan to Rock Harbor on Isle Royale from June 2 to Sept. 13. It's typically about a five-hour trip.
Departures from Houghton are at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday, and returning from Isle Royale at 9 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.
One-way fares this season are $54 for adults, $24 for ages 12 and under and $24 for a canoe or kayak.
For details, contact Isle Royale National Park.
*** Don't forget you must pay a $4 a day park user fee, no matter which means you use to get to the island.

ISLE ROYALE QUEEN IV.
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The 2006 schedule for the 100-foot long Queen IV varies through out the season for the Queen's three-hour crossings from Copper Harbor at the tip of Michigan's Keewenau Peninsula and Rock Harbor on the island. It also leaves the Copper Harbor at 8 a.m. and departs from the island at 3 p.m.
The schedule varies throughout the season. From May 15 to June 3, the Queen runs on Monday and Friday. From June 4 to 30, every day except Wednesday and Sunday. For the month of July, every day but Wednesday. From August 1 to Sept. 4, every day. And from Sept. 5 to 30, on Monday and Friday.
One-way fares are $52 for adults, $26 for children 11 and younger and $25 for a canoe or kayak from May 15 to July 14 and from August 16 to Sept. 29. In the heart of the summer, from July 15 to August 15, the prices jump a bit to $60 for adults, $30 for children and $25 for a canoe or kayak.
For details, contact Isle Royale Line.

ROYALE AIR SERVICE.
Yes, you can fly there from Houghton. Leaving from Houghton County Memorial Airport, RAS's Cessna 206 will fly six days a week ( Never on Sunday. You seniors can remember Melena Mercouri) from mid-May to mid-September.
The fares for 2006 are $250 per person round trip; $175 one way.
To get to Houghton's airport, start at the canal bridge (the one that connects the towns of Houghton and Hancock), drive five miles north on Highway 41, turn at Airport Boulevard and go one mile.
For details, contact Royale Air Service.

VOYAGEUR II
This 60-foot ferry starts in Grand Portage, Minnesota up on Lake Superior's north shore and makes a two-day clockwise loop around Isle Royale starting on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Starting at Grand Portage at 8 a.m., it goes to Windigo (10:30 a.m.) at the far west end, loops over the top with possible stops at McCargoe Cove and Belle Isle and settles in for the night at Rock Harbor (3:30 p.m.)
The next morning it leaves Rock Harbor (8 a.m.), travels along the south side with possible stops at Chippewa Harbor and Malone Bay, goes on to Windigo (12:30 p.m.) and arrives back at Grand Portage at 3:30 p.m.
One-way fares from Grand Portage to Windigo ware $54 for adults; from Grand Portage to any other stop, $65; going from one island stop to another is from $36 to $50. Ages 12 and younger, $35 to $40.
For further information, contact the Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Line Inc.
WENONAH
The 65-foot Wenonah makes daily trips back and forth between Grand Portage and Windigo, with about a three-hour layover in Windigo.
It leaves Grand Portage at 9:30 a.m., docks at Windigo at about noon to 12:30 p.m., then heads back to Grand Portage at 3 p.m., arriving between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
One-way fare for adults is $39, round-trip $45. Ages 4 to 11, half price. For details, contact Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation line. See above.

ROCK HARBOR LODGE
If you don't bring a tent, options on where to stay on Isle Royale are pretty limited. And pricey. Think Chicago hotel rates.
The Rock Harbor Lodge has rather basic rooms for between $193 (in nonpeak season from May 26 go july 14 and Aug. 16 to Sept. 9) and $215 per night (peak season from July 15 to Aug. 15), double occupancy. If you want an American plan (with meals), it runs from $302 (nonpeak) to $323 (peak).
Also 20 cottages are nearby with kitchenettes. Their prices range from $187 (nonpeak) to $208 (peak) a night for double occupancy.
For further information, contact Rock Harbor Lodge.
In fact, everything on the island carries a hefty price tag. What's more you must add 33 percent to everything for taxes -- 6 percent Michigan sales tax, 3 percent room assessment and 24 percent Utility Pass Through, which as a charge from the National Park Service for bringing utilities to the island.
However if you see the northern lights, hear a wolf howl or spot a moose lumbering by, it's all worth it.

APOSTLE ISLANDS

SUMMER DOINGS
Just about every week something is going on in Bayfield. Here is just a sampling.

June 16-18 is the 17th annual Sea Kayak Symposium. Learn paddling techniques and see lots of new boats and gear.

June 17 starts the free concerts of the Bayfield (Mostly) Schubert Festival.

Then concerts will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 and then every Thursday evening until mid-August at the Christ Episcopal Church.

June 18 is the Blessing of the Fleet.

June 24-25 is the Historic Homes Tour.

July 2 is the Chautauqua Production of Riding The Wind about Bayfield and the Apostle Islands with original music, drama, history and photos from the region.

July 4 is lots of red, white and blue with parades and fireworks both at Bayfield and on Madeline Island.

July 29-30 is the 44h annual Festival of the Arts in Memorial Park with 100 artists from seven states.

Sept. 9 is the Apostle Islands Lighthouse Tour.
For details, contact the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce.

For information on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and for island camp site reservations. For details, check with the National Park Service.

TO AND FRO
The ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island (the only inhabited island among the Apostles) runs all year.
In the heart of the summer, from June 24 to Sept. 5, it runs every half hour through most of the day. The first run from Bayfield is at 6:30 a.m., then an hour later, an hour after that and then it goes every half hour. In the evening, it runs every hour from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The schedule coming back is similar except, one half hour different since the same boat is making the trip.
From May 15 to June 23, the every half-hour runs start at 10 a.m. and run to 6 p.m. Early morning they are at 7:30 and 8:45 and in the evening at 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 p.m.
Round trip prices ( figure one-way at half price): $10.00 for an adult, $5 for ages 6 - 12, $22 for a car, $5 for a bike.
For details, contact Madeline Island Ferry Line.

WASHINGTON ISLAND

2006 Summer Doings
Just of few of the many activities over the summer include:
June 30-July 2 The Island Players will put on a production of David Auburn's "Proof," winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center.

July 4 Fireworks at the ball park.

July 8 Art in the Park

Aug. 5 Scandanavian Dance Festival

Aug. 19 Island Fair

For details, contact the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce.

Baby Horse
The recently born Icelandic horse is the cutest ever. Stop by to take a look and even go on a ride on one of the smooth striding Icelandic horses at Field Wood Farm, which is about a half mile west of Main Road on West Harbor Road. Look carefully for the sign on the right. Last time I drove by, it was largely hidden by the foliage.

ON THE MOVE
Island Time Books & More has moved. You might remember that it was up near the grocery store. No more. You'll now find it, and the chatty, book loving owner, Kathleen Dixon, nestled next to the Red Cup Coffee House at the corner of Main Road and Lobdell's Point Road. So pick up a latte and stop by for a book or two. Maybe even another copy of mine.

TO AND FRO
The ferries run all year from the Northport at the northern tip of the Door Peninsula to Washington Island.
In the heart of the summer, July 2-August 21, they run every half hour. In the spring and late summer and early fall, they run every hour. From Oct. 31 to Dec. 4, ferries make six crossings a day. This drops to four a day December through March.
Round trip prices for 2006 are almost unchanged from last year: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 - 11, $23 for a car, $13 for a motorcycle and $4 for a bike.
For details, contact the Wisconsin Ferry Co.

TORONTO ISLAND

FRANKLIN THE TURTLE AND HIDE-AND-SEEK
The Franklin Children's Garden has been completed, named for the Franklin the Turtle books by Paulette Bourgeois.
Little kids can go there, see pond life (yes, including turtles), learn to plant seeks, listen in on story time, play hide-and-seek in vine tunnel and a tree house and climb up a spiral walkway called the Unilever Snail Trail to the highest point on the island. Also, you'll find bronze statues of Franklin, Rabbit, Goose, Bear and Snail.

TO AND FRO
The ferries in this year of 2006 run steadily to the island pretty much all day long and with no price rise from last year. From the city dock at the foot of Bay Street and behind the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, the ferries go to Ward's Island (at the east end where most the islanders live), Centre Island (with its kiddies amusement park, petting farm and canoe rides) and Hanlan's Point (as the west end for ball parks, tennis and a clothing optional beach.
Ferries to Centre Island and Hanlan's Point run every half hour from mid to late morning until 6 p.m., with actual crossing beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing until 10:30 or so. They run later on weekends. Ferries to Ward's Island start at 6:30 and run to 11:30 p.m., running every half hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Round-trip fares (in Canadian dollars) are $6 for adults, $3.50 for ages 65 and above and for students, $$2.50 for ages 2 to 14.

GRAND ISLAND

TO AND FRO
To catch the ferry go four miles west of the blinking light in Munising and turn at the signs for Grand Island.
From July 1 to Labor Day, the tiny ferry makes its round trips at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
From May 26 to June 30 and from September 5 to October 6, it runs three times a day at 9 a.m., noon and 3:30 p.m.
Prices are $14 for adults, $7 for ages 6 to 12 and $4 for a bike. Plus there is a $2 per person park user fee.
For details, check with the Hiawatha National Forest.

MACKINAC ISLAND

Mackinac Island always is fun. Watching the men in soldier's garb shooting muskets at the fort, butterfly houses, historic buildings, the clip-clop of horses and the whir of bicycle tires. And yes, a sense of romance. If Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour could find it at the Grand Hotel in the movie "Somewhere in Time,`` maybe you can too.
Did I forget the fudge. Yes, you can get lots and lots of fudge. Not only in different flavors, but in different colors. However I personally dislike the lilac colored fudge turned out for the annual festival.
2006 EVENTS
Summer events are like horse-drawn carriages on the island. They seem to show up all the time.
The summer's big wow is the Lilac Festival. It runs from June 9-18. You get parades, a dog and pony show, concerts and this year, a drive-in movie. Actually it's a sit-on-the-lawn movie, since no cars are allowed on the island.
Just to pick a few of the other high times on the schedule. The 98th Annual Yacht Club Race from Chicago to Mackinac is on July 22. So is the old-time baseball game where players wear tiny mitts, moustaches and fans are expected to yell "Huzzah.`` The Grand Hotel will runs its annual jazz festival over Labor Day weekend and its Somewhere in Time weekend Oct. 27 to 29 where fans of the movie come, dress in early 20th century costumes and dream of romance.
The island's Halloween Festival is that same weekend, on Oct. 28.

For details on these and other events, check the Mackinac Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking of the Grand Hotel (which I was) everyone usually wants to know how much it costs to stay at one of the last of the great wooden hotels. Prices start at $210 per person for a pretty tiny room. But you get a full and wonderful breakfast and a five-course dinner for that price. If you stay in one of the fancier rooms, say in a suite named for one of the first ladies, the cost jumps to $330.



TO AND FRO

In 2006, the three ferries running from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to the island will all cost about the same. The ferries are Arnold Line, Shepler's Mackinac Ferry Line and Star Line. For web site links, see below. For the round-trip, $20 for adults, $10 ($10.95 on Shepler's) for ages 6 to 12 and $0 for ages five and younger. The charge for a bike is variously $6.50, $7 or $7.50 depending on the line.
For the most part, they will run from spring to early June at about one-hour intervals and coming back the same. Starting in early June until Labor Day, all three will run more or less every half hour to and from the island. Some discounts are available on the ferries' websites listed below.
The crossing typically takes 16 to 18 minutes.
You also can fly to the island from St. Ignace's airport. Call Great Lakes Air at 906-847-7165. The flight takes 10 minutes.

Each ferry has distinguishing characteristics and two of them offer cruises.

Star Line ferries have the distintive rooster tails kicked up behind by the hydro jet boats.

Shepler's Ferry offers a number of special lighthouse tours complete with meals. The Eastbound Cruise starts with a pass under the Mackinac Bridge then runs east along the straits and eventually entering the Cheboygan River before returning. It passes five lighthouses. The Westbound cruise goes under the Mackinac Bridge out into Lake Michigan and passes four light houses. Prices, including meals, are $49.50 for adults and $$37.50 for ages five to 12. Also Shepler's will offer three full-day cruises to St. Helena Island, which has a lighthouse. Passengers can get off and wander around the island. These will be on July 12 and August 3 and 5.

Arnold Line, or more officially the Arnold Transit Co., will be running evening cruises at 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday from June 17 to Sept. 2. They run out toward the sunset over Lake Michigan, passing under the Mackinac Bridge. A similar cruise will run from St. Ignace on Fridays from 8:30 to 10 p.m. from June 16 to August 18. Price: $15.

In addition look for Blues Cruises with a live band on June 16, July 14 and August 18, leaving at 7 p.m. from the Mackinac City north dock. Price: $25. Folk Rock Cruises, with a live singer, at 6 and 8 p.m. on June 30, July 21 and August 11. Price: $15.

MANITOULIN ISLAND

TO AND FRO
For summer 2006, The ferry 638-passenger, 143-car Chi-Cheemaun (which means big canoe) will be making four, round trips daily between Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula to on Manitoulin Island. A crossing usually takes about one hour and 45 minutes. In spring and fall, it makes three round trips daily when crossings usually take about an hour.
Prices have skipped up slightly. The fares (in Canadian dollars) are for adults, $13.85 one-way; $23 round trip; for ages 5 to 11, $6.90 and $12 for ages 65 and older $12 and $20. One-way passage for a car is $30.20; for a motorcycle $15.70 and for a bike $5.90.
For details contact Ontario Ferries.

PELEE ISLAND

WALKING, FIREWORKS, EATING, LOTS OF FUN AND AN UGLY DUCKLING
Given that this Canadian island has a lots and lots of Americans, it makes sense that it as a combined Canada Day and Independence Day.
On July 1 of this summer of 2006,catch the parade that starts at the Pelee Island Winery. Tastings, tours and entertainment will be at the winery over the weekend.
Also pull on your strollin' shoes for the 9th annual Pelee Island Walkathon for charity.
Saturday night fireworks will explode off the west dock.
Just before the fireworks at 7 p.m. you can take in the musical show with Queen Beez. The group also will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday.
To start Sunday with more pancakes than most would consider seemly, you can gobble up the goodies at the all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Masonic Hall.

As the summer goes along, you can stop by the winery on almost any Sunday and sip in some entertainment along with the local wine.

On July 22 and 23, watch while the Space Theatre Group treads the boards with "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.``
And on August 26 and 27, the kids will love "Honk, A Musical of the Ugly Duckling`` put on by the young performers of the Theatre Summer Camp.
For more details, contact the Township of Pelee Island at 519-724-2931

TO AND FRO
In this summer of 2006, The 400-passenger, 40-car M.V. Jiimaan is making two round trips from Leamington Ontario to Pelee Island on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday and Sunday it makes four round trips and on Saturday, three.
Also you may consider the Pelee Islander which travels between Leamington, Pelee Island and Sandusky, Ohio.
It departs Leamington daily, except Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. On Friday and Sunday, it leaves at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
From Sandusky, it leaves daily, except Friday and Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. and on Friday and Sunday at 8:45 p.m.
One-way fares from Leamington to the island (in the ever stronger Canadian dollars) are unchanged from this past winter. they are $7.50 for adults; $3.75 for ages 6 - 9; $6.25 for ages 65 and older; $16.50 for a car; $8.25 for a motorcycle and $3.75 for a bike.
Between the island and Sandusky, the fares are $13.75 for an adult; $6.25 for ages 6 to 12; $11.25 for ages 65 and older; $30 for a car, $14.50 for a motorcycle and $6.50 for a bike.
For details, contact Ontario Ferries.

BEAVER ISLAND

SOME NEW STUFF FOR 2006
Now you see 'em, now you don't.
The island's classiest lodging place has shut down. Deer Lodge, on its way to becoming a five-star winner in B&Bdom, has stopped making up beds and serving breakfasts. Jon and Sally Fogg, who saw to every detail of their log-cabin castle with six rooms for guests, have sold it. It will now be a private home.
As for the Foggs, they will rebuild on the island. Not a B&B, but a place where they can relax rather than spend their days and nights cooking, cleaning, toting and serving.

Here wolfie, wolfie
(Sept. 7, 2006 -- It seems we have an error in this story. I got an e-mail today saying that the DNR could NOT confirm that the paw print was that of a wolf. So you might read this story with the word wolf replaced by REALLY BIG DOG. gv)
Elaine West, of the Northern Islander newspaper, says the island now has a resident wolf.
No kidding.
Some islanders said they were pretty sure they had spotted one. Too big for a dog. Then Jeff Powers, the local vet, found paw prints. They were checked out by the DNR and, yep, a wolf left them.
West says people speculate that the wolf walked across the ice from the mainland a winter or two ago. It's unclear why a wolf would hike that far. Maybe it heard about the island's St. Patty's Day bash.
"It has been around for a couple of years,`` West said.
Now locals would like to get a picture of it. That may be tough. Despite a rather evil reputation, wolves are habitually very shy. On Isle Royale, which has about 30 wolves, visitors almost never see one.
I think the islanders should give a name to it. After all, If Loch Ness can have Nessie and that Pennsylvania place can have Puxatawny Phil, why not a name for the single -- and it apparently is a loner -- wolf?

Events
In 1856, his own people killed Mormon sect leader James Jesse Strang, Beaver's most notorious islander. Many of that era undoubtedly thought that he needed killing. Maybe so.
And as it turns out, some islanders today also think he needs killing. Again. So they're put on a reenactment of Strang's assignation that will be staged June 16 at 7 p.m.
First drafts of the playlet apparently included language that seemed a bit rough for children. We'll see what survives the editor's pencil.

July 4 is a bash -- a parade downtown, a boat parade with all the boats decorated, a live band and, of course, fireworks.

Museum Week is July 17-22 with lots of historical stuff going on, mostly centered at the old Mormon Print Shop and Museum.

Baroque on Beaver is celebrating its fifth year. Very cool, if you a big on Bach and Schubert. Running July 28-30, a 65-piece orchestra will be doing the Bach's Brandenburg Concerto and Schubert's Symphony is B Flat in Holy Cross Hall. Small ensembles will be playing at the Beaver Island Christian Church.

Celtic Games will be held again on the island this year. So if you dig muscular guys in skirts, you can watch the toss the caber (a 20-foot long, 120 pole) for distance and well as compete to see you can throw a 120-pound rock the farthest.
Some 16 hefty guys will be imported for the competition on Sept. 16.
Locals are basically hanging with the annual fish throwing contest on St. Patrick's Day when they try to launch a 20-pound lake trout. It sounds easy. But the fish's basic slipperiness makes it pretty tough.

TO AND FRO
In 2006, the ferries have been making their two-hour runs back and forth between Charlevoix and Beaver Island since April. They'll continue in the fall and early winter mostly making one run a day until Dec. 23.
One-way prices this year are the same as last year: $19 for adults; $9.50 for kids from 5 to 12; $65 for a car; $8 for a bike. Yes, you can bring a pet. It'll cost $10. And the Beaver Island Boat Co. has some restrictions on where you may take it. No need for reservations unless you are bringing a car.
Times very depending on the month and day.
For the months of June (starting June 11), July and August, figure on twice daily trips from Sunday through Thursday leaving Charlevoix at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and leaving Beaver Island at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
On most Fridays, it runs three times a day leaving Charlevoix at 8:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and leaving Beaver Island at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
As you've guessed by now, the company has two ferries -- the Emerald Isle and the Beaver Islander.
On Saturdays, there are four trips a day. Leaving Charlevoix at 8:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; departures from Beaver Island run at the same hours.
OTHER MONTHS. Schedules vary between one and two crossings a day for the most part.
For details, check with the Beaver Island Boat Co.

NORTH AND SOUTH MANITOU ISLANDS

For information on the islands and the whole park, contact Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

TO AND FRO

Starting May 1, the ferries start zipping back and forth from Leland, Michigan to North and South Manitou Islands. If you decide to make a crossing in May or even early June, plan on a very chilly trip. Wear a jacket. Wear a hat. Expect your nose to drip. During the rest of the summer, a jacket is still a good idea -- even on the warmest days.
Round trips have gone up a bit for 2006 to the either island cost $29 for adults and $15 for kids age 12 and younger. For a canoe or kayak, it's $29.
SOUTH MANITOU
You can bring a picnic lunch and take day trips to this island, and even take a motorized tour. The tour costs $8 for adults and $5 for children and gives a pretty good overview of the way islanders used to live. Park Rangers can tell you about the light station and even let you climb to the top of the 100-foot tower.
If you wish to stay the night -- and your can -- bring your own tent and food. The island has three campgrounds. Be sure to get your camping permits from the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore office also on the dock. You will have to pay$10 to enter the park and $5 for each night that you camp.
DAYS AND TIMES. The ferry runs daily through Labor Day. From Labor to Sept. 15, it runs on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with day-trips only on Wednesday and Saturday. From Sept. 16 to the second weekend in October, it runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with day trips only on Saturday.
Check-in Time: 9:15 a.m. at the office on the Leland dock. The boat leaves at 10 a.m. and arrives at South Manitou on 11:30 a.m. Bring a jacket, crossing the Manitou Straits can get chilly even in mid-July. The ferry leaves the island dock at 4:30 and arrives back in Leland at 6 p.m.

NORTH MANITOU This is a wilderness island. No amenities except fresh water. Also no day visits here. If you get off the ferry, you stay the night. Or several nights depending on your plans and the ferry schedule. For a camping permit, check with at the ranger office on the Leland dock. A seven-day park pass costs $10 and camping costs $5 a night.

DAYS AND TIMES. The ferry makes crossings daily except Tuesday and Thursday until Labor Day. From Labor Day to Sept. 15, it runs Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. From Sept. 16 to the second weekend in October, the ferry goes on Friday and Sunday. For the fall hunting, check with Manitou Island Transit. See below.
Check-in time is 9:15 a.m. The ferry leaves for the island at 10 a.m. and arrives about 11:10 a.m. There is no layover. Arriving passengers get off and people leaving the island get on. The ferry gets back to Leland sometime soon after noon.
For details and reservations, contact Manitou Island Transit.