looking for midwest hikers

“I think it is hard to find others that like backpacking, esp since there are no hottubs or hairdryers, my friends all think I am nuts to actually like to hike”

“Where abouts are you, TB? There's a group of us that hike together pretty regularly in Michigan.”

“Hello Go check out my website.

http://www.geocities.com/iluvbackpacking/

My club is for backpacking in the midwest....:)

I post here at the backpacker all the time......:)

Go check out my club.....:)”

“"iluvbackpacking" you may not be doomed”

“COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“southwest, ohio, not many trails here”

“trailbarbie, you're sure to get an invite to the next Red River Gorge hike in Ky., and the Land Between the Lakes on the Ky./Tenn. border can't be that long of a drive, though it isn't the same as having a great local trail or two. Hang around, there will be some other Mid-Americans popping up to keep you company.”

“Hi Trailbarbie!

There are lots of midwest hikers here. I've had some good times on weekend trips and dayhikes. We have a focus of people in NW Ohio/Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan. But our range sometimes takes us your way.

The midwest is a big place, though. From up here, you look like - and probably sound - like a southerner.

Just suggest some trips and be persistent. People will show up.

No trails? Well, keep looking. It's amazing what you might find if you keep looking.

Anyway, welcome.”

“There’s plenty of us ‘round here! 8) I’m from just north of Dayton, JerBear’s from Dayton, WolfSister is in Springfield, Buddha Bear and Budder are in Cleveland, and there’s a few from the Columbus area if I’m not mistaken. And there are TONS of trails in Ohio and southern Indiana. Here are a bunch from my web site for Ohio.”

“Trailbarbie-if your want we can ride share on the next Mich. hike or maybe we can lure them south- say to Tar Holler for a little hill climbin', Buckeye Trail wandering, butt freezin'hillbilly type BPing. We could order the worlds biggest pizza from Grannys and there are showers-nice hot showers at trails end. Now don't that make you feel like less of a freak?”

“Trail Barbie.....

Zaleski State Park is in your back yard, so is Shawnee Hills. Red River Gorge in KY is also not far and a great hike. If I were you, I'd hook up with wolfsister, she's near you and knows the area very well. However, be sure to STAY AWAY from Gonzo, he's as crazy as they come. lol”

“TB, there's a list of "regular" TT contributors by state (although it could be argued none of us are "regular" people HAHAHAHA...) Anyway, there are 11 from Ohio, 10 from Mich, 3 from Kentucky....you get the picture, you're SURROUNDED by TT'rs, LOTS of people from the MW check this site out. Hang in there, you'll find them!”

“I have been to Zeleski three times, two friends never to return , the gorge is nice and have been to hoosier national park
outside the area the smokies and shanedoeah are good
would love to do michigan but not much for sub freezing hiking
considering going to wonderland trail in June
I am from Cincinnati area, not really a southerner I haven't cross the river to Kentucky
ha”

“Hell, I'll hike Zaleski with ya, when are we going? Please give me two weeks notice so I can start sharpening my axe collection.

Just kidding about the axe stuff of course. :)”

“A nice sharp axe is better then a dull one.......Hahahahahahahah................:0

You can backpack with me and my club any time Trail Barbie....:)

Crazy Mike...:)”

“you can sharpen the ax who else will cut the firewood, not me
nor would I carry something that heavy, I HAVE read the bible on ultralight backpacking rule number one let someone else carry it!! As soon as the temp go above 40 I am ready to hike”

“TB, you'd be surprised how far one can be motivated to drive, just to get 1 good night in the woods. I live in Bum_uck missouri, I get in the car and go to where the trees are. sometimes 3 hour drive , just to car camp. Did I actually say car camp...errrrrr...back pack, that's what I meant, I never car camp, I better move, lightening might strike...any way, where are you and how far would you drive?”

“LOL...............:)”

“I'm thinking about hiking out there on Valentines day weekend this february. Lemme know if ya want to come. I may try rounding up a few regulars as well.”

“dont worry about the temps, just dress warm. my water froze last night, but I wasn't drinking it at the time...thats a good thing, otherwise my lips might have frozen to the bottle, it was 15 degrees and it was like HEAVEN. Huge orange moon came up over the horizon...Khatru (that's my dog) and I howled at it...it was great.”

“In Cincinnati and would drive 3-4 hours for a weekend trip or longer for a longer trip, not afraid of flying either, I can take the security my pack goes right under the seat in front, it might smell alittle but a little perfume will take care of that”

“I know last night it was about 4 outside and I just put my water in the sleeping bag with me and it is just fine......:)”

“Hey TrailBarbie I go to Hoosier National Forest almost every weekend and you are more then welcome to go with any time....:)”

“Don't worry about the temp??? sorry did that last year, froze my fingers to the bone was out in 2 degree weather not much fun my butt got stuck to the ground on a short break, water froze while walking, even though it was next to my body I will stick to above freezing.Which trails are recommended at hoosier? I have been on a few?”

“Hey TrailBarbie go to my website I have all kinds of info on trails in HNF.Oh ya don't forget to sign my guest book.....:)

http://www.geocities.com/iluvbackpacking/

Happy hiking....:)

Crazy Mike”

“I know the feeling, or rather lost the feeling in my fingertips, but then I put my gloves on and stopped playing with the water.

Has anyone ever hiked the Shawnee Nat'l Forest in Illinois?”

“Ya I have I have done a little of the River to river trail.It's a nice trail and even better when you get to Garden of the gods...That place is just flat out cool...Make shure you have alot of film.

Crazy Mike....:)”

“thanks ILBP. It isn't around the corner, but it is a potential for me, within my 3-4 hour drive time.”

“Any time you want to go backpacking you let me know ok Stikmon.....:)

I always want to go......:)

Crazy Mike(iluvbackpacking)”