Michigan Mountaineers in March?

“Are any of the Michigan Mountaineers planning any bping outings in the last two weeks of March? I've got spring break then and family matters may keep me from straying too far afield (such as someplace warm), but would still involve me spending some time in Michigan. Trying to put together a reasonable plan so I don't completely fritter away the time, but not necessarily up for just a bunch of solo activities either.

Trying to decide whether to buy a 0-degree bag, too, to be prepared for early/late season outings here in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan.”

“Hey pekka.I will go backpacking with ya.My club can plan some trips for Manistee National Forest if you would like.”

“the last weekend of March Im available so if you plan then ill be there!”

“Ok proweler I will send you a email.I am also going to change the clubs trips.Do I have you email address in the clubs list?If not do you want me to add it?”

“The change has been made the club is now going to be backpacking in Manistee National Forest.On the NCT.”

“is that the only place in Mich.?”

“Why do you have some place in mind?”

“Ok I checked your name is already in the clubs list.So tell me where would you like to go.”

“I'll check my Hiking Michigan book for some reasonable ideas. Any place that you've wondered about Prowler? This is all still condensing in my head, so suggest away before anything is firmed up. Loop trip would be nice.

Anyone ever hiked Pictured Rocks that early? The way this winter is going, who knows what the snow levels will be in a month -- maybe none (oops, I shouldn't have said that ...jinx, jinx, jinx).”

“Thats a great place to go backpacking but I need more then just a weekend to go there.”

“never really thought about where to go. Just I figured Crazy M would have been there dozes or hundreds of times.


as long as its a sweet area!!!”

“did we atleast make up our mind for

March 29-30-31 weekend ??”

“Pictured rocks is great but I am not driveing almost 8 hours for just a overnighter.

For you Prowler it would be 13 hours.”

“I would love to go to that but I am already taking 2 days off work in March for the land between the lakes trip.”

“I know you've already got LBL going on in early March, Crazy Mike. Just was hoping somehow to hook up with some TTers for the first time, even for a fairly simple overnighter. What's your prospects for March 22-24 weekend? And actually it isn't necessarily a "head north" issue. Anything that's within the range of central Indiana or western Ohio from Kalamazoo, where my folks and bro live -- and I have to make an appearance? I know that Ohio and Indiana must have a bit warmer weather around then than northern L.P. even.

As I will be wrapping up vacation on Easter weekend, it would be tough for me to conclude an overnight on Easter and make it home for Monday morning -- unless it is already halfway home, but as you noted that's way out of your driving range for a weekender.

The PR question was just a "just wondering" thing pitched out there. I keep trying to figure how to avoid bug season in the Northwoods, and if we have an early spring, the bugs will probably come early too (though if it is dry in the woods, they might be reduced somewhat).

What are other Michigan Mountaineers up to around then?”

“BTW, any Michigan hikers ever do the Shingle Mill Pathway in the northern L.P.? It abuts the west side of the High Country Pathway, sharing some trail, but is an 11-mile loop compared to the latter's 70 miles. An overnighter vs. week-long trip (unless you are walkindude, LOL).”

“I know I want to meet more of the TT'ers also you guys just let me know when you want to do a trip I can do on a weekend and I am all over it.”

“Pekka yer killing me! Abby has surgury on the 20th, don't know if we could leave her that soon. Maybe Birch can go.

Jordan River is a nice loop and Birch tells me Hoist lakes is too. Nordhouse dunes is gorgeous this time of year but colder than a witch's you know what and there's no privacy for cathole business.

I want to go and will see what's going to be involved with after care for the wee one. I don't like huge groups though...how many of your "members" are ya going to bring along Crazy Mike?”

“I don't know when the time comes I post a message and send you email Sass....:)


Jordan River is great.....18 miles.”

“Also one more thing I think I will be changeing the first Mich trip in March to the Jordan River Loop.So I will let everyone know whats going on.”

“pekka - I have had my eye on Shingle Mill. I'd like to do the High Country Pathway too. East side of the HC Pathway has sink hole you can go into. Got any tid bits on Shingle Mill?”

“I don't have any plans for that weekend yet. If somebody else is willing to make the plans... I'm willing to join in! Would love to meet ya, Pekka.”

“New guy on the block!
Where is this club ? how do we get info. on the club? Would like to do some local BPing w/ kids need to find places etc. any advice is welcome...”

“Hey !

Welcome to the crazy world of TT, muttley! We get together on the second Saturday of every month and day hike. Recently, we have been hiking in the Waterloo/Pickney Rec Area, just east of Jackson. I can't remember where we will be in March, but I'm sure it'll be some where cool. As far as info, just keep watching this board. I don't think there is a 'Mountaineers overnighters planned yet, but I'm sure that it won't be long. Send me an email (that's listed on my profile page) and I'll keep you informed of any upcoming events!

Here is a link to my website where you can see some of us:


http://www.geocities.com/rtynerjr/index.html?1010718448770

See ya on the trail!”

“My club is going to go backpack the Jordan river pathway.If there is anyone who wants to go please let me know.

Happy Hiking.”

“laqtis and tarabull, good to hear you might be up for something. I was wondering where all the 'Ganders had been lately. Sass, sorry to hear about Abby's "procedure." My best to her.

I'm at school right now, so I don't have my Hiking Michigan trail book with me, but later tonight I'll post some of the details of the trail. As I noted, it's longest loop is 11 miles. As I recall, there are 10 and 6 mile options, too, with three designated campsites, selection depending on which option is hiked. So it offers a good overnighter prospect in elk country without pushing the mileage. Along with an opportunity to walk and scout part of the High Country Pathway by doing Shingle Mills, there are other shorter loops nearby, too, and I will get that info together.

Crazy Mike, I've never seen someone so hopped up on hiking. Man, you bubble to a froth, LOL! Are you available March 22-24, or were you and Prowler looking more at Easter weekend?

Well, got to go teach Police Technical Reports. Later.”

“My club is backpacking March 23 to 24 in Hoosier National Forest.Why did you have something in mind?”

“Jordan River is nice,been their 3-4 times. Hoist lakes is GREAt havent been to the HCP but really want to...”

“My club is always open for change.

Hey Birch and Sass do you have a idea for March 23 & 24?”

“I'm not going to be able to fully commit this trip yet. My wife is going to England for Spring Break, so I have some logistics to work out. Keep me as a "maybe".”

“Hey laqtis where is that at?”

“Seems this would break new ground for some Michigan Mountaineers, without breaking anyone's back. If still interested for the March 22-24 weekend, here is a trail description. Got lakes and the sweet Pigeon River (I've fished it in April for start of trout season in my good ol' days).

From Hiking Michigan by Mike Modrzynski, Falcon Press:

"Loops in the pathway range from 0.75 to 11 miles long. The five loops accomodate hikers of all experience levels, even though the distance of the outer loops has given rise to a moderate classification for the trails.

"The High Country Pathway traces the eastern edge of the Shingle Mill Pathway for 6.5 miles until the combined trails end at the Pigeon [Bridge]* State Forest Campground. The two shortest loops -- 0.75 miles and 1.25 miles -- make easy day hikes; they parallel the eastern bank of the Pigeon River for half their lengths before dropping back to the campground. A 6-mile loop follows the course of the Pigeon River for 2 miles before turning east on a cross-country trek to join the High Country Pathway at the headquarters complex mentioned earlier. From here it continues north for 1 mile to a point just north of the Pigeon River campground. Cross over the Pigeon River using the road bridge. The [6-mile loop] trail swings nearly due west for 1.5 miles before turning back south, meandering off and on the western banks of the Pigeon River.

"A 10-mile loop follows the same trace as the 6-mile loop, but continues north from the point where the shorter loop swings west. The trail shares the same route as the High Country Pathway for nearly 1.5 miles before turning west for 1 mile to reach a campsite at the southern end of Grass Lake. From the campsite, the trail heads north for 0.5 mile before turning south for the 3-mile hike back to the start point. This loop joins the southbound leg of the 6-mile loop just south of Ford Lake.

The longest loop, the 11-mile trail, picks up where the 10-mile trail turns west, continuing north for slightly more than 0.5 mile to reach the Cornwall campsite. The trail mirrors the High Country Pathway for 2 miles before turning south to blend with the southbound leg of the 10- and 6-mile Shingle Mill loops.

*I believe, from checking two maps, though it says River in the text where I have bracketed Bridge, the guide means the trails split at Pigeon Bridge SFCG on Sturgeon Valley Road, the trailhead, as the Pigeon River campground is located just before the trail crosses the river on the road bridge. So in all, there are four designated camping areas along the path: Pigeon River SFCG at the trailhead right on Sturgeon Valley Road, 10 miles east of Vanderbilt, which has its own I-75 exit; Pigeon Bridge SFCG, about 3 miles up the trail; Grass Lake campsite, about 5.5 to 6 miles from the start if taking the 10-mile loop; and Cornwall campsite, about 5 to 5.5 miles from the trailhead if taking the 11-mile loop.

I am going to check with the Michigan DNR at the Pigeon River State Forest Headquarters (which is on the trail near the PRSFCG) if it is open, or with the Region II hq in Roscommen about Sturgeon Valley Road conditions and campground info.

My Michigan Atlas & Gazetteer shows the site at C5 on Page 83, for anyone who wants to scope out the location.”

“I can't get Friday off or I would go.

:(

How much backpacking are you guys going to do about 15 miles or something like that?”

“Crazy Mike - England's just a short distance over the Great Pond :)”

“LMAO.....:)”

“Talked this morning to Joe at the Pigeon River State Forest Headquarters, which is right on the Shingle Mill Pathway. He said a late March bping of the pathway is an iffy proposition, based on past March weather. Currently there is about 5" of snow on the ground there, and there hasn't been more than a foot on the ground all winter. However, the same storm that is dumping on us in Rhinelander (6" of heavy, wet snow as of 6 a.m., expecting up to 11" by tomorrow -- power out at my campus, so NO WORK TODAY!) is headed toward northern Lower Peninsula. Pigeon River area is in the higher, snow accumulating area of the northern L.P., so he expects worsening conditions there. Best bet, according to Joe, is to call him back much closer to the date and realize late March often has snowstorms.

As far as trail info, he said along with the campgrounds and designated campsites on maps, camping is allowed anywhere on state forest land that isn't posted otherwise. He said only one spot on the Shingle Mill Pathway is posted. However, they ask that campers use sites where it is obvious that others have camped, rather than create new sites. Joe described the trail as a pleasant hike. The trail is used for XC skiing in winter and now allows mtn. bikes in other seasons.

According to an Otsego County tourism website -- www.otsego.org -- it is the most popular trail in Pigeon River area. Following is the URL for a map of the trail at that site:

http://www.otsego.org/prca/smpw/smpwmap.jpg

Well, I'm going to play this by ear, like laqtis, since my family business that will bring me to Michigan around that time is always in flux. As it gets nearer, I'll call Joe back for the latest info and give a shout.

I'm also open to any day hiking in southern Michigan that weekend with any Michigan Mountaineers if that is more feasible than a fingers-crossed venture north. I guess I'm just hoping to meet a couple TTers in person after so long.”

“Pekka - I have marked my calendar for that weekend.

While I would prefer to do an overnighter somewhere, I will be happy to dayhike w/ ya if that is all your schedule will allow!

As far as backpacking goes: I've got the cold weather bag, so I'm ready to do it. Or, we can think about places a little further south . There is backpacking in the Waterloo/Pickney area (west of Ann Arbor) which would require shuttling. We'd have to talk to other Michigan folks cause I know very little about the backpacking there.

Keep us posted. Let us know when your schedule is firmed up. We'll make plans then!

Looking forward to it.”

“tarabull, I am keeping that weekend marked for an outing, too, just which kind and where will be the issue. I've forgotten just where you are in the L.P., southeast near Detroit?

I'm counting my pennies (and credit card load) to see if I can get away with a colder weather bag. I have a superlight summer bag and a 20? bag, so I could always use them together if the temps dropped too far. My bigger concern if there is a lot of snow up in the Highlands/Pigeon River area, that it could need snowshoes, and I doubt my thighs could take 11 miles in one fell swoop. I do have snowshoes, but we haven't had enough snow on the ground to be able to use them at all this winter. So watch March turn into some snow emergency season.

But as I said, I, too, have that weekend marked. I welcome any input.”

“I'm going to do all in my power to go on this hike/trip. Abby's surgery is a simple procedure so I think Gramma should be able to manage after care. Will see if she'll watch her that weekend...hope she's game!!! =)”

“Sass, your suggestions welcome on place, style, that is feasible. Really looking forward to linking up and trodding some "homeland" soil. I don't know if living in Wisconsin will ever seem right to me (maybe the day I get to collect my first check from the Wisconsin State Retirement System it will gel -- but maybe then I will be able to move back to Michigan, LOL).”

“Pekka - I live about 35 miles NW of Detroit.

Like you said... we'll play it by ear. It has been a remarkabley mild winter. Very little cold weather and even less snow. That being said, we'll probably get tons of snow in March. As you know, that is how it works in Michigan.

Sass - you guys ever do an overnight at Waterloo/Pickney? That would be a good option if the northern LP is looking to be covered in too much snow. What else is down here?”

“Are there any good overnighters on the west side of the state?”

“Ya lots.

(1)Nordhouse Dunes.
(2)Sleeping Bear Dunes.
(3)Manistee National Forest.
(4)Jordan River Pathway.

Does that work?”

“I was thinking further south - but I'm not sure where Nordhouse Dunes are.”

“I don't know much that far south.But Norhouse Dunes is by Manistee National Forest.”

“SG - West side of the state has some, but not a lot and they are smaller trails. I am assuming that you're looking for something around K-Zoo and south. Nordhouse is north of Ludington, 'bout 1/2 hour.

Waterloo has some possiblity. You could park at the Nature center and hike in to the Green Lake campground and then double back the next day. I think they close the campground during the winter for "outside" traffic, but you can hike in to it at that time, if that makes any sence. I don't see anything on the Pickney side that would work. If anyone needs a map, I can forward to ya. Let me know.”

“Considering that weekend, too, SG?

Hiking Michigan is a limited reference. Jordan River Pathway gets one paragraph as a side trail off the NCT, and no separate heading. There are probably other trails we just aren't aware of. May have to do some research.

Still snowing here, but the Weather Channel shows it raining in most of the L.P. with the system moving NE. Maybe the rain will get rid of some snowpack, what little there is at this point. Can't believe it is 50? in Kalamazoo, as my little weather update box on Netscape tells me. 30? here.

Growing up in SW Michigan, Kalamazoo/Portage, I remember March as being very much spring by the end. That would be the start of our Boy Scout hiking/campouts. Had to relearn all that "when spring comes" stuff when I moved farther north (Big Rapids & Cadillac) and just forget about it altogether when I moved to Marquette, where there would be snow in the woods and ice in the harbor in May some years.”

“I hope some of you people will be comming on my clubs trips to Mich.”

“I'm going to keep it in the back of my head, but I'm not in the mood to commit to anything right now. :) I'll keep checking the thread, though.”

“pekka - yes. rain. lots of it. there is literally no snow on the ground where I live. 2 weeks ago, i was up near grayling and there was very little snow on the ground there. disappointing.

p.s. pekka - spoke to my marquette client today. i may have to spend a few days there in june. i was bummed in october that i couldn't spend some extra time there so i will do anything i can to get a weekend out of it!”