Story Behind The Song

This composition recounts my musical impressions of back packing on Isle Royale with my son in the summer of 2010. This island consists almost entirely of Michigan Greenstone, is the least visited of American National Parks, located in the northernmost part of Lake Superior. I have titled sections of the score corresponding to the progress of our travels.

Song Description

Rock Harbor through fog Safe harbor First day rain The loon calls Loon family play Difficult day two Chickenbone misery Day three hike Where's the moose? Four days in Ascending Greenstone Ridge Farewell to Paradise

Lyrics

Rock Harbor through fog

We reached the island via a fifty-mile boat ride due north from Copper Harbor, Michigan, the northernmost point of the Upper Peninsula, and approached Rock Harbor port passing through the famous, eerie Lake Superior fog banks.

Safe harbor
First day rain


Once safe at the dock, we donned our sixty-pound packs and, in high spirits, set out on our first day's three mile hike through a gentle rain.

The loon calls

While pitching camp in the late afternoon we heard the distinctive, haunting call of loons.

Loon family play

We later observed a family of loons, including the parents and four chicks, playing in the bay. Expert swimmers, they would dive underwater, sometimes surfacing fifty feet away.

Difficult day two

The second day's journey was much more challenging, traveling six miles over several rocky ridges in the rain to get to Chickenbone Lake in the interior of the island.

Chickenbone misery


Once there, we were assaulted by clouds of huge, ravenous mosquitos, and our only relief was retreating to the tent.

Day three hike

Day three was much more hospitable, with welcomed sunshine and a pleasant breeze making our hike around Chickenbone Lake a serene experience.

Where's the moose?

While we were enjoying this unspoiled wilderness we were startled by a moose traveling with surprising grace through the thick brush, about twenty yards off our path.

Four days in

On the fourth day we continued to enjoy the majestic views the island had to offer, along with the magnificent solitude, as we prepared for the next day's challenge.

Ascending Greenstone Ridge


After passing through several beautiful stretches of forests and fields, we began an arduous climb up the rocky walls of the Greenstone Ridge. It was well worth the effort. As we reached the top of the ridge and hiked along its path, we saw Canada's Thunder bay in the distance while the island lay at our feet.


Farewell to Paradise


Finally, with a heavy heart, I knew that it was time to end this unforgettable experience with my son and leave behind the pristine beauty of Isle Royale.

Terry Herald