Michigan Hikers! (and Ohio friends)

“Hello all!

Well, the Michigan hikers are at it again. We had a great time hiking Proud Lake Rec. Area just North of Detroit in early Sept.

Now, we are gearing up for October and November hikes.

Schedule:

Saturday, Oct. 13, 9AM: Waterloo-Pinckney trail from Big Portage Lake to Sackrider Hill and back: Total: 12 miles. Location: One hour west of Detroit.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 10AM: 17 mile Trail at Oak Openings Preserve. Location: about 10 miles west of Toledo, OH.

Both trails should be fun and exciting. Those wishing to hike/camp should follow this thread for directions and suggestions.

The end.”

“Is there camping at Oak Openings Preserve or the surrounding area as far as you know? I might be up for a night of camping after the hike!”

“I'll check into that. We have some time, but I'll check the books.”

“They have a group camp, but I think it's only for youths on backpacking excursions.”

“Check this out:

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/mjthrstn.htm”

“Anyone up for camping on the Waterloo trip too?”

“Hey, guys. It's looking like the Waterloo hike will be peak leaf-watching time. It's getting just too damned pretty out there.

Anyway, I picked up a hunter orange vest for the hike. I'm ready to go.

Oh, and I talked to the ranger at Oak Openings. He says that there are lots of badgers in the woods at Oak Openings. I hope they like Wolverines.”

“Badgers are fiercly carnivorous and have been known to waddle across fields.”

“Oh, sure, Buddur. You make light of the dangers. But all it takes is one hike without the steel toed boots. I think with all the things going on in the world, it's important not to take any unneccessary risks:) I'm polishing the armor as we speak.”

“Oh! I love a man in armor!

;o)”

“orange vest? is that necessary? i don't own one. how bout something in a nice lavendar paisley print?

really, do i need orange?”

“I'm in for Waterloo - out for the Toledo trip. My sis is checking on Waterloo as well.

RL- Are you sayin' orange for Waterloo?”

“At least bright. No earth tones, it would really suck if someone got stuck with an arrow. Just don't dress like a deer.”

“Well, it'll probably not be a problem. But I was on this very stretch of trail a few weeks ago and ran into some small game hunters right off the trail. Considering how many million hunters are in the woods each year and how few people get shot, it is pretty darn safe. Sometimes you can pick up the orange stuff at dollar stores. Mine's real nice - pockets and everything. Now I have place for my shells.”

“How 'bout lettin' off blasts of an air horn every 100 yds?

hhhmmmm, that might GET me an arrow....”

“But, seriously, hunting shouldn't scare anyone away from this hike. This is well-established trail at its most beautiful. And the vast majority of hunters are ethical, safe people.

BTW, I have a dump truck full of sugar beets in my backyard. I'm looking for any tips on LNT deerbaiting. Thanks in advance.”

“Anyone hiking Michigan this weekend?”

“We'll be hiking around 100 acres in Clare, checking out the deer herd and the oak forrest. We'll wave as we drive by Midland Lesubtil.”

“Hadn't planned any hiking this weekend. What about you, le subtil?”

“Le Subtil,

You live in Midland? I have 80 acres in Midland I frequent on the weekends (40 acres of woods, 40 acres of field). I'm usually up there every weekend this time of year getting ready for the coming seasons.”

“it's a small world, after all.”

“Tarabull, you're terrible. I'll have that in my head now.”

“i know. i've been humming it ever since i posted it. i feel your pain.”

“I actually have off work next weekend!!! How do I get there??? Anyone planning on camping before hand? Or after?”

“AG - I was thinking 'bout it. I'd like to try out some of my colder gear for the Jordan trip. Were are you coming from? It's real easy to get there.”

“I am comming from Grand Rapids area. Is there any good places to camp along there? I guess it really depends if I can convince any of my friends to spend the night. But I will show up for the day hike for sure.”

“Adventuregirl!

There are two really nice rustic campgrounds. Green Lake rustic cg is just north of Chelsea on M-52. Crooked Lake rustic campground is a little farther east in Pinckney Rec. Area.
There is a horse camp closer to the trail we'll be hiking. And, if you want showers and things like that, there is a developed campground at Big Portage Lake.

As far as directions, take I-96 to Lansing. Head South to Jackson on US-127. Take I-94 East.

Directions from I-94: Take exit 147 (Race Rd.). Head north to Seymour Rd. Turn right on Seymour. The entrance is a mile later on the left.

BTW, we are approaching peak of sandhill crane massing at the Haehnle Audubon Preserve just west of our hike. If you camp the night before, you might be able to see thousands of Michigan's largest bird flying in at dusk. It is crazy if you hit it right.”

“I am really excited now. Im going hiking Im going hiking!”

“Tie Guy - you'd be welcome to stop by anytime. There are some nice deer in Midland, eh? Fat and corn-fed!

This past weekend kept me home with family obligations. Kid had a big football game Saturday and Sunday was the annual car show at Northwood Univ. which is a family tradition. I got my garage cleaned out too.

So...this coming weekend you all are dayhiking Waterloo/Pickney? I don't want to waste any of these Oct weekends, gotta get out on the trail.”

“First time ever I've been up to Clare and haven't seen a single deer! Didn't get to go for a walk on the farm. Got snowed on though! :o)

Adventure girl, if you can't get a friend to camp outside with you, you'd both be welcome to camp out on our couches! It's a bit warmer inside! I get home from work by 8pm, Birch and Abby'd be around from 3:30pm on. Email us if you're interested.”

“If anyone is looking for alternatives to your Waterloo/pickney dayhike, this weekend (Oct 13/14) there is also a greatlakeshikes group hike of the Manistee River / North Country trail near Cadillac. There are dayhike and overnights both so car spotting will be easy, and they are nice people.

Next weekend (Oct 20/21) I'd like to go to Pictured Rocks for a hike before winter. Anyone interesetd?

Then the third weekend (Oct 27/28)is the TT Jordan RIver hike, right?

I like the way this month is filling out!”

“ps I'd rather camp this Fri night if I do the W/P trail with you. Adventure Girl / Laqtis - did you decide if and where to camp?”

“I have to look at map again. Last time, I stayed at Greeen Lake, I beleive. It's was a alright place. I'm up for suggestions. t doesn't matter to me. I can camp either night. I'll post once I get home from work. What ya think, AG?”

“Isn't there supposed to be a MI trip in early Nov?”

“I think that's Toledo Buddur.”

“BB - you are correct.

Buddur - It's a dayhike (17 miles) in Toledo. A few people may camp as well, myself included.

There's a thread out there somewhere, but I can't recall the title right now. Maybe someone else will chime in.”

“I think it's this thread.”

“OK...how 'bout late Nov?”

“I bet Birch'd be up for late Nov. He wants to go around Xmas time too.”

“Friday night would be the night that I go camping. Im thinking about the two rustic campgrounds. Does any one have an preferance?”

“I don't.”

“Does any one know of a website with a map of that whole area? i have to get my bearings to make a good decision”

“joy - ugh. you are right. i am a sleepy girl today (john pulled an all-nighter to work on homework and i didn't sleep very well!)

buddur- if something happens for late nov. let me know. i could be persuaded.”

“AG - Birch/Joy sent me a good map when i hiked it earier in the year. Send me an email (on my profile page) so i can get your email address and I'll forward to you a map of the whole area.

Friday sounds good to me. I'll bring "base camp items" for that night. I'm waiting on a delivery of my two packs I just bought. I hope they get here before Friday!

Well, back to work...”

“There's a guy from Great Lakes Hikes who was interested in possibly camping. If you guys pick a place, why don't you email it to me.”

“Birch - did you pass directions along for the Waterloo hike? I can't seem to locate them. HOw long does it take to get there from Livonia/Novi area?

If anyone wants an orange safety vest as RL suggested, I can bring a couple from work. :))”

“Everyone -

I've had a mini pow wow w/AG and this is the plan:

Green Lake Campground. I will try to get there as early as I can. It's an hour any from home and I'll be leaving in the middle of that famous Metro rush hour.

AG & Co. are trying to be there around 7ish. So far, we have the following camping for that night:

Me and Sis (she is maybe so far)
AG and up to four others
Le Subtil
Great Lakes Hikes Person(maybe)

Have I left out anyone? I will bring my 3-4 person tent to save some spots. Open invitation to anyone else!!

I believe it's the standard 6 buck per night per site. Chelsa is pretty close for your "base camp items" should you choose to want any. I can cover site peurchases until people get there, if I get there first. If anyone can think of anything else that I missed, please post!

Can wait! I think we'll have good weather too!!”

“Smiley, it'll take about an hour or so to get to Big Portage lk trail head from your area.

DIRECTIONS:

I-94 west to exit 150 Mt Hope Rd. Exit North (right turn). Head up to Seymour road turn west (left) go another mile and there will be a road with a State park/DNR sign for Big Portage Lk. Turn north (right) the trail head is near the lake.

Remember 9am meeting time,heading out shortly after....”

“I'm getting excited.”

“see ya Fri at the cg folks!”