Page 26 - Jan25

PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW MCDANIEL
The author and his family with the Isle Royale Seaplanes’ De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver after arriving at Tobin Harbor. Seaplane service from the UP of Michigan is offered in Beavers and Cessna 206 aircraft.
ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK
It’s late June and we’re standing on the dock of Isle Royale Seaplanes’ home base, Torch Lake, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our pilot is chatting with his six waiting passengers while passing out life vests. He’s trying to sort out who should be seated where within the vintage De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver that will carry us across Lake Superior. Noting my aviation- themed hat, he asks if I am a pilot. When he learns I’m an airline pilot, he quips, “I usually put all airline pilots in the back row!” Learning I’m also an active general aviation pilot and instructor, he softens his stance though the teasing continues. Meanwhile, the baggage is loaded into the stowage areas within the floats.
GRAND MARAIS
24 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2025
GRAND PORTAGE
HOUGHTON HUBBELL
OSHKOSH
CHICAGO
DETROIT
COPPER HARBOR