Topshot- Thanks for all the great info! The alcohol stove looks very simple to make and use. I'll definitely be fooling around with that soon. I really appreciate the link to the paper too--makes me wish I would have done scouts as a kid! I'm sure I'll be returning to it many times over the next few months. I also think I'll skip buffalo river, as I only really included it because it's on the route.

I am getting a lot of mixed reviews on Isle Royale. It seems like one of the most appealing places to explore, but also one of the most difficult to get to. I'm leaving it on for now, but that could easily change after six weeks on the road.

As for food, right now I'm looking at ramen noodles at granola bars for every day in the backcountry. A lot of these freezer bag recipes look great, but will they hold up after weeks on the road? Any other cheap food suggestions?