As the flow cries...

“...A jordan river trip report.

Cowpatty,Laqtis,Super B,Tarabull,Birthdayboy,Lesutil,Joy and I all arrived safely to camp by 9pm friday. It was wet and snowing on and off. Aftera few we got a nice fire going and spent a few hrs by the fire enjoying beer and REALLY strong winds.

Morning was cold (28 or so) but a fire and coffee got us going quickly. We dayhiked 10 miles along the e/se side of the river. It was reall nice,lots of rolling hills,creeks and cedar/tamarack thickets. The leaves were all down so the paths were a bit slick.

The first group of us back to camp gathered more wood (we heard that a few more goups were expected). It was good that we did this cause another late night of beer and fire commenced.

Saturday night was colder but less wind. We headed out by 9am and did the w/nw side of the trail. it was 8 miles back to the cars. More cedars,a beaver pond near overflowing,more hills and a clear sky made for a great hike. Birthdayboy and I found a "shortcut" up deadmans hill which was closed for good reason, VERY steep and tiring. After saying farewell some of us had lunch at The Big Buck and heade out. Traffic sucked....

Another wonderful trip with new faces and familiar ones too. BTW I think we bagged a couple 1000 footers too!”

“What were the hills rolling?”

“Had a great time with you and everyone else. Sorry we didn't make it to Big Buck. Super B's knee was still real sore and I think she wanted to get home and get some ice on it. She's going to the doctor this week. She had a great time otherwise.

I can't tell you guys how great it is hiking with you all. You are all great teachers and I learned a lot this weekend. It was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time.

And I was real happy we didn't lose a sherrpa time time 'round. There union rep was pretty P.O.'d after what happened on the Waterloo hike.

P.S. Cow Patty - Thanks for the info on the Bed and Breakfast! You will be hearing from me shortly..”

“A great weekend.

Saturday was pretty windy, but the views were well worth it. Sunday was warmer and sunny. Originally, I had hoped we would have had more colors on the trees, but the lack of leaves made the views go on forever! Each time I go on a hike in Michigan, I am amazed at the beautiful landscapes she has to offer.

I'd like to thank Joy and Birch for making the cherry cobbler so my dad could have a special birthday treat on Saturday! And, I'd like to thank Joy and Cow Patty for finding the Happy Birthday mylar balloon. That was the first thing he told Max when we got back to my house! I think he really liked it.

P.S. Cow Patty - I'd like the recipe for your dinner on Saturday. That was delicious!”

“So glad you all had a good time. I was really bummed I couldn't make it, considering how hard you all worked to get me to go! I'll be sure to get there next time!

Day 6 of my illness, and I'm still not feeling well, and may only work 1/2 day today. Visited the local urgent care clinic on Saturday, but they told me I had a virus and couldn't give me anything for it. Everyone better start taking their vitamins, you don't want whatever I've got!”

“I had another great time also. The altitude sickness kept me pretty quiet Saturday but it got better. What a great bunch. Y'all are gettin to be like family.

Sorry you are so sick Smiley Girl, and couldn't make it. We missed you. Hope you get well soon.”

“I got back from the pediatrist around 9:30am. Had to have minor surgury,(at least that's what he'll bill BC/BS for!) on my heel and a prescription for antibiotics. You all never saw a blister the likes of mine! Whewwee!

I had a good time too. My favorite parts...Negotiating the low, wet area on Saturday; sitting around the campfire and eatting and eatting and drinking and talking; and the quick walk to the oil well. I always enjoy hanging out with the folks from TT. BTW, I have a brilliant idea for a Hoist Lakes day hike. I'll post it soon on the Mountaineers' thread.

Smileygirl you were supposed to be better by Monday! I get to miss work today because of my blister....neeneeneenee NeeNEE! Course I can't freaking walk!

Tarabull, tell sissyboyBrian we're sorry he didn't make it and the same to Max(studymeister). I hope your Dad will still let you go hiking with us since he's met us all now.:o)

Pictures to be posted asap! Probably two days.”

“Hope that foot gets better, Joy. That was one mean blister! Very impressive!”

“It's all good since I get to miss work today!

"Well, how'd it go? Everyone make it back okay? Did you get snow? Were you able to cross the bridge? Were there any colors left? Can't wait for the report!"

Sunshine, we all survived and stayed warm. There was so much snow just a few miles away but none stuck in the valley. We had sleet and snow on and off Friday and Saturday. The poplars and beechs had a few leaves on them and the Tamaracks were gorgeous but most everything was down. Crossing the bridge was an adventure, especially in the dark! There was a huge crane parked on what was left of it so you had to negotiate around that and then cross the rest on an I beam. Wouldn't of been too scarey except the frost and snow made it a bit slick. No one fell in though.”

“Wow - you had to see the doctor for you blister? Musta been a huge one!

Joy - on the drive home, my dad called my brother. He said "Joy and [Birch] said Hi and that you are a wuss."

HeHeHe

I'm pretty sure my dad will "let" me go hiking w/ you folks again. In fact, I have a feeling he'll be coming along on some of the day hikes now. He had a really good time this weekend.”

“I'm glad he didn't think we were too nutsy!

Re the blister, it's an incredible thing. Birch took pictures he was so impressed. I really know how to make 'em!”

“Found a sassy new name, eh?”

“OOOHHHH a new name!!!! COOL.

Were you chompin sassafras leaves w/ me in Zaleski?

I wanna see the pic of your blister!!

LAQTIS - my email is on my bio. Send me an email so I can send pictures out once they are developed. If all goes well (which it never does), I will get them developed "one-hour" style tonight (Walmart only charges an extra dollar for one-hour). And, if time permits, I will scan them and email them later this evening.

But, first and foremost, we are taking the old guy out for his birthday dinner - Buddy's pizza. YUMMMMY”

“P.S. I have a friend that goes by "Sassy"

Now I have two!”

“I think Joy should be dubbed Blistergirl. Tenderfootgirl?”

“Pokebacpacintheeyegirl?”

“I'm thinking I should change my name to Coolpantsgirl. What do you guys think??”

“Wow! Sounds like quite the trip! I kept hoping I'd get better and be able to show up at the last minute. I spent Friday evening in ER. Turns out I have pneumonia. Hense, I never made it out there.

I'm hoping to make it to one of these great trips. Can't wait to see the pictures!

Thanks for sharing!”

“Joy/Sas - I like the new name!

Everyone - What are the chances that CP and Sas would find a mylar balloon like that?? That was very cool.

I talked with my wife about how we did the trip. I asked her if she might be interested in just going there for an over nighter in the summer/spring and just walk around the place and she said that it sounded good. Maybe this might be the start of something!”

“I missed you guys! :(

Glad to hear it was such a good time, and looking forward to the Oak Openings trip in a few weeks!”

“Sassy Joy - the podiatrist, oh no! Hope that heals up quickly. And not a whimper out of her while hiking, Sassy's no wuss!

Laqtis - you're very welcome.

Tarabull - the credit for that 'recipe' has to go to Sunshine as I was so taken with that entree on a trip last April, I asked her for it. Easy way is to use a flavored rice packet (I add extra veggies), add precooked or canned or freeze dried chicken breast and jalapeno pepper jack cheese (glorious cheese!) when it's almost all cooked. Mmmmm, mmm good with a tomato soup + goldfish crackers starter and a nice white wine. May I suggest cherry cobbler for dessert?

Sunshine - missed having you there. Care to go to Mt. Arvon?

BTW, Tarabull - crow, I mean flow, season is over til next March!

Enjoyable trip - got to meet a bunch more cool hikers, the snow 'pellets' blew around as did the campfire smoke, BirthdayBoy's birthday celebration (told you SassyJoy & I walked a long way to the store for that balloon), almost a full moon Sat. night with a sky full of stars visible and the coyotes howling, rushing creek and river water as high as I've seen it in Oct. there, a blue sky day on Sunday! And what the other MI Mountaineers already said! 'Cept for Birch nearly leaping into the creek after those smelt size trout that had his mouth watering!”

“BTW - I like the Sassafras name! And I'll bite: what's the brilliant idea for Hoist Lakes? C'mon, tell!

Tarabull/Coolpantsgirl - uh, well.........I dunno about that name change!”

“Fill me in on Mt. Arvon. BTW, cow patty, my I don't get free internet and e-mail anymore. I'm back to pooh@up.net.

For what it's worth, I like Sassafras, too. CP = coolpants ? I'd give that some serious thought. :o)”

“Well, Sunshine, it was one of those 'have to have been there & seen that' moments for Coolpantsgirl aka Tarabull, NOT me! See her post above.

No plan on Mt. Arvon as yet; we need to discuss amongst ourselves. I'm concerned that the close of climbing season is too near for us for this year, LOL!”

“Hey Tarabull - Tried emailing yesterday and it didn't make it through. Is that email address on your profile page current or is there another one?”

“Dagnabbit! I got all the trip photos scanned and uploaded on my community page last night and Msn won't let me edit them or anything! MSN won't even let me visit Trail Talk! Something is seriously wrong; thank heavens I have Internet explorer too!

If you want to see the pictures as is (little tiny thumbnails that are all ascew) take a look...

Jordan River Trip

I hope that works!”

“One more try...You might have to select the album

Pictures”

“I give up! I hate this stupid computer %#@!*%$#@!&* I'll bring the %$#@ pictures in November!”

“did i mention my girlfriends name is CopenhagenGirl? she can spit that stuuf a mile! wooooo eeeee”

“laqtis - the address on my profile is accurate... not sure why it won't go through. give it another try. hopefully, it will work.

to all - i haven't scanned the picutres yet. i will try tonight after i get back from the vet.”

“Anual checkup Tarabull? :o) Or are you just having your teeth cleaned? HEHE!”

“If anyone wants to see the pictures and didn't get an invite email me!”

“Sassafras and Birch, what TT name are you going to give to Abby now? The Little Branch?? Apple Blossom? Seedling??”

“Very funny, Sassyfrassy

Sadie's back is messed up again. She started having pain on sunday night. Vet said to restrict her activity for at least the next two weeks then to ease her back into walks. Which means she'll be missing the November hike... Very disappointing. Maybe someday she'll be able to wear a backpack again.”

“Just saw the pic of your blister, sass. WOW. That's a big one.

Ya gotta try the duct tape. I swear it works. Put it on BEFORE a blister starts. You'll thank me later.”

“Poor Sadie. I'm sorry.:o(”

“Sassafras, I got no invite.”

“Tarabull, if Sadie's back pain continues you might want to look into a good veterinary accupuncturist. They can make a huge difference for your dog, and a couple people I know were able to avoid major surgery for their dogs by the use of accupuncture. Good luck, and give Sadie a hug from me!”

“There are chiropractors that do dogs too but I don't think that would help Sadie.

Lesubtil, I'm sorry! I added an "O" to pny! Your invite should be there now. All my pictures are pretty much the same as Tarabull's but worse.”

“BobK - good info. I may check it out. The diagnosis is Intervertebral Disc Disease. Which I think is a fancy name for bulging disc. He doesn't suggest surgery since she can still walk. But it has happened twice in 2 months, so we are afraid it could turn chronic... UGH

Sass - my chiro will work on my dog, but I'm just not sure aobut it. I'd be afraid he'd hurt her more than help her.”