Captain Jon's First Solo Landing July 2014


Jon was dropped off around noon on Thursday July 3, 2014, with a large stuffed backpack, small cooler, shovel and a gallon of water to carry.  Probably about 65 pounds worth of gear.  Way too much to carry - he was definitely not travelling light. Here are some excerpts from his first foray into the depths of Hull Island...



"Sure enough - I was only about 100 feet into the woods when I saw what appeared to be a bear den - dark hole in a large tree trunk, pathway worn into the moss and brush, and bear scat along the trail.  I took a wide berth and hung on tight to the machete...

 It took me about 1 1/2 hours to find my way near the top - I was again soaked with sweat as I had to machete my way through brush. Low hanging limbs and small trees.  I started marking trees so I could find my way back.. I also was able to find some of the old logging roads that were mostly overgrown, but still easier to machete through than the solid woods.

 I should have marked that trail better.. not so easy to find it even just 1/2 hour later... so now I was hacking even more trees (all alder) to leave an even clearer path.  And hacking more branches so I didn't have to duck and weave on my way back up again.Took me about 40 minutes each way from top to bottom, then back up.  


Night one was kind of scary to be alone... lots of noises in the woods, and I was mostly on edge thinking that at anytime I could be attacked.  I slept on and off - with machete and kitchen knife by my side.

 At the top, the surrounding views were incredible. A beautiful panorama of inland waterways, islands, and mountains.. I saw two of the most awesome nurse logs I have ever seen.  Really spectacular...Boat picked me up at noon and it was back to Port McNeill and the 9 hour journey home.. 9 hours included one hour in line at the border.

 Hope to see you all up there someday - the place is amazing and the experience worth having at least once in a lifetime.

 Now I have to actually quit talking and buy the place.. or, figure out it is a bad idea and get on to some other plans..

 Jon

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