MI Mountaineers: April hike

“Hey, the Van Buren Township Parks Department are looking for hike leaders for summer hikes in southern Michigan. Since we have so many budding teachers, I thought someone might be interested.

Check this address:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greatlakeshikes/message/13536

rl”

“le Subtil - I'm probably looking at 7ish as well. But, I'm working on setting up an appointment to get me home earlier! I'll keep ya posted.”

“It's weird. Toledo also has a Metroparks authority and they seem to be the total opposite. The parks I've been to have been very much preserving the natural landscape. I don't see why they don't build the wave pools in mall parking lots instead. God knows we've got enough of them.”

“here ya go, wrestlegirl10.”

“Have yall though about planning a trip this Fall?
Late September or Early October? At least 3 days.
This is the closest chance for me to get up that way.”

“Walkindude, we will set something up for sure!”

“Yall do that and I'll head up there.”

“I'm open Sept 27 - 29
or
Oct 4 - 6.

If we could nail down a date then I could go on and put the vacation time on the calendar at work.”

“That's a long way out to plan, but I know I'm out for sure that weekend in October. Darn weddings.”

“Either weekend looks good for us. Choose a date and we will come. =)

Advanced notice is great, and that's way advanced! Manistee River pathway would be gorgeous then. But it's only a two day trip. Hmmm, have to put on my thinking cap for this one. Too bad ya don't have a week to travel Walkindude. I bet the up would knock yer socks off! It'd be nice to do a hike along one of the lakes.”

“Where did you guys get your Trail Atlas of Michigan? Is it available in local bookstores?”

“It's everywhere, smiley, but it's an oversized book, so it might be in a funny spot. Border's and Barnes and Noble would have it. Of course, you also need the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer to do with it.”

“We had the author of the Trail Atlas as the guest speaker at one of our NCTA meetings. Nice fella.”

“I know it's early... and that weather.com isn't always reliable but... it looks good for next weekend. partly cloudy and low 50s! yipee.”

“I don't know about next week....I think I need a weekend off. I"ll make the call next week.”

“wuss”

“Smiley, if you order it from MUCC they get some of the proceeds. (That's the MI conservation club)

The price is the same or less as in bookstores. I think REI usually has it on the self too.”

“I saw it on the NCTA web page also, thinking about ordering it from there.”

“MI Mountaineers:
Take a look at the thread titled:
OutdoorsClub.org and let me know what you think.
It is a great planning tool.”

“Hi Leaper!

How is the search for Michigan hiking spots going?

I looked at the site. It looks okay. There are some interesting functions, but since a lot of us met here, I don't see anything supplanting this group.

You work for Mazda? I toured the Flat Rock plant when it first opened. Seems like a nice facility.

Have you seen any bald eagles yet? Monroe County had the most in the state this past winter. Go out to where the Huron River crosses Jefferson. There is parking on the south side of the river. Hike the dike a half mile east and look north. In the trees is a nest. Might be some young ones this time of year. Crosswinds Marsh on Haggerty on the border of Wayne and Monroe County has another nest.

Oh, and they just created a new international wildlife refuge in your neighborhood. They'll be building an office this summer.”

“Going to Pinckney this weekend for a one-nighter.
Got a Memorial Day wknd trip to North Manitou planned. Looking to get up to the UP in the fall. Going to hook with Crazy Mike's group a few times this summer. I think it will all come together.

I know the place you are talking about, it is close to my girlfriends place, we plan on heading over there next week after work when it is light a little later. No eagles yet.

I don't want to draw people away from Trail Talk, but if you post your trips on OutdoorsClub at the sametime you may attract people from outside this chat.

Yep, I transfered from our Corp office in Irvine to the Flat Rock facility. I like the place, took less getting used to than I anticipated.

Great! Where is it located?”

“Leaper, just in case the chatter has obscured the actual April trip. Here it is:

Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area

Distance: 15 to 20 miles

Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14.

Planner and Details: Le Subtil

We'd love to have additional hikers. Details forthcoming.

As for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, it encompasses shoreline from the Rouge River in Detroit to Sterling State Park in Monroe. They are currently in land acquisition mode. I'm sure you've seen the factories along the shore. Lots of them have acted as protection to marshland over the years. The plan is to buy up lots of this land. Sterling SP, Pointe Mouillee SGA, Lake Erie Metropark, public offshore islands and other small parks are all going to be linked up. Marshland never was very pretty, but...

Suggested hike: Pointe Mouillee perimeter hike. It's about 10 miles and hugs the shore. You see a lighthouse, passing freighters, lots of migrant birds, the skyline of Detroit and Canada shooting off to the horizon. Oh, and on sunny days, there are a few offshore islands in Lake Erie. It's all on dikes, but it's nice.

Another interesting place is the Woodtick Peninsula in Monroe County. Take I-75 to Erie Rd. exit. Go east to the parking lot at the end of the road. Walk to the beach and follow the shore. It starts out nasty near a power plant, but then you have 4 miles of beach to yourself. Bring shoes to wade with.”

“Right on, that is great that they are linking everything, one big park is better than a lot of little spread out ones.

Can't miss those lovely factories, they are something I don't think I want to get used to.

Thanks for the tips. We're hitting Point Mouillee after work one night next week and might just have to fit in Woodtick Penn. Nice name.

I'd love to join you all for the April hike but I had already made plans for that weekend. One of these months I'll hook up.

Thanks again.”

“This sux! I wish I could go! I'm not real big on group hikes but after the last M&M trip I really miss you nuts (No, not miss your nuts!)! I had so much fun but I only have about one trip a month I can get away for.

”

“we miss your nuts, too!”

“I think I'll go to HL this weekend and do sone recon. Anyone interested?”

“would love to... but, can't pull that off this weekend.”

“I'm headed to ma and pa's.”

“Okay, guys, I need details about the Hoist Lakes hike. There are a couple of people from backpacker.com who are interested in coming. Where are we meeting? How many miles? Where are we camping?

Thanks in advance.
rl”

“I think, with everyone arriving at night and not all having hiked there before, we should start from the west trailhead. It’s closer to a nice campsite, and the trail is easier in the dark.

From Glennie, take M-65 North about 5 miles to Forest Road 4119 (called Sunny Lake Road on some maps). It’s easy to miss in the dark. It only goes left (west). If you get to the junction of M-65 and M-72, you’ve gone about 3 miles too far.
Forest Road 4119 is a fun sandy woods road. Take Forest Road 4119 west about 5 miles to AuSable River Rd. Take AuSable River Rd. north about 3 miles to the parking area. There is a hunter parking area before the trail parking lot that is easy to mistake. The trailhead parking lot is on the east side of the road. There are several map boards, a pay station, and an outhouse. I’ll be driving my white s-10 pickup. I hope to be there early, but the latest would be 7PM. (Apr 12)

We could camp Friday night at Carp Lake. It’s only ¾ mile from the trailhead parking, and still a pretty nice site. There is a pump nearby that dosen’t always work. This is where Birch, Nigal, and I camped in January. I think they liked it. Or, we could go another mile in to Byron Lake, which is much more scenic, has more camp space, and has privies.

Saturday we could hike around the north side to Hoist Lakes. 9 or 9 ½ miles. We will pass another pump and go near the east trailhead, where we might want to stash a car. There are 3 “Hoist Lakes” and some nice campsites, fire rings, and privys. They’re about 2 ½ miles from the east parking lot. From there, back to the car via the south trail would be 5 miles.

I'd like to know who is in, and when they think they'll arrive.”

“I'm in, provided I don't need the foot brace I currently have on. I'm optimistic. 7 to 8 PM ETA.”

“....out for this one. I know I said I could go, but my wife needs me to watch my son for the whole weekend. Her work for her Masters is due in a couple of weeks, so she needs a little help for the next few weeks.

Hoist looks like/sounds like a real good place to hike. I have it down for a trip later in early fall. I was just up at Jordan River this past weekend on a trip with a couple of friends. I have a couple of good chukle stories. There was about from 1-6 inches out there and none of the roads where plowed out to get in there. Can you see where this is going?

FYI - I tried the esbit and Enertia foods this weekend. Liked the Esbit, but the tabs STANK! I'm going to try an alchol stove. After making the burner, what do do get to put the pot on top of it? The food was pretty good and filling. Very good for the weight and price. I tried one of there power bars. Vanilla favor. - YUCKY -”

“I'm in. I plan to leave my house @ 5:30. I'm not exactly sure how long the drive is, but I'm guessing 3 - 3 1/2 hours. So... I should be there around 8:30 or 9pm.

I'm waiting to find out if Binra, Sass and/or Smiley Girl will be going as well. Any of them who decide to go will be arriving with me.

RL - I'm expecting to get the USDA Forest Service sticker any day... I'll bring it with me.”

“P.S. Might be a little sloppy up there. They are due to have 50+ weather for the rest of the week, so all that snow is gonna melt.”

“I put in for my vacation days today. Forgot about it last week. I'm supposed to give 5 days notice. I'll call in sick if they aren't approved. 99.9% sure I'll be there.”

“weather.com says this weekend will have highs around 58-60* and lows around 35* in Mio, MI

PERFECT!!!!!”

“In fer sure. Is anyone bringing a purifier, just in case? I will tote ours if not. Also, where are we meeting up? At the pump 1 mile in? What's the plan LeSubtil?

Tarabull, I'll be headed to REI this week. If you'd like I can pick you up a Chicken Polynesian or two and whatever else you need. Send me a shopping list. Don't imagine you'll have much time before you leave, unless you've already gone.

Smiley and RL are you in?!”

“Sass, I'm really frustrated.

That little hike I went on with Tarabull and Le Subtil really messed my up. The next day, I could barely walk. I've been trying really hard to stay off it. But, right now I'm still limping pretty badly. And the podiatrist was no help.

So, if the hike were today, I'd probably be a "No"

But, if I'm feeling good later in the week, I'll be a yes - even if it's just for the Friday night camping. I'll keep everyone posted.

I WANT TO HIKE!”

“Hope it gets better quick Mike. I know a great podiarist here in Livonia. Long drive for you.”

“Sass, I'm out. I just need a weekend at home to do stuff. Wish I had a honey to do my honey-do list! I'm trying to get ahold of my handyman-buddy to get some more stuff done in the bathroom - and hopefully get that project finished. Its only been 2 1/2 years....”

“it was four before our bathroom got done! =) Okay Smiley, we'll miss you! If you change yer mind, the car departs @ 5:30pm, from Tarabull's house.”

“Le Subtil - If we camp at the more scenic Byron Lake, we'll pass the water pump, right? I wouldn't mind hiking a couple miles on Friday night!

Or, maye staying at the closer sight is easier on everyone cause we're coming in a different times...

Whatever. Just tell me where to be on Friday night!”

“I'd actually prefer to go to Byron Lake. Yes, we still pass the pump.
I'm worried about meeting up; if I get there first I don't want to leave you all alone to find your way, not that it's that difficult.

We could meet at the trailhead, but we'd have to set up a time window. I don't want to sit in the car for hours or make you sit.

I wonder if cell phones work there? I could borrow my son's, then I could come out to meet you when you arrive. One of my kids have those Motorola 2 ways also, anyone know if either of these would work?

I'm hoping to get off work early and be there first. I never know until the last minute though...”

“I have two ways too LeSubtil. We could pick a channel and they should work. Mine aren't motorolas but still we should be able to comunicate.”

“BTW, are you bringing a filter?”

“The thing about the two ways is that they don't have a very long range and if it's hilly teraine it's even shorter. I think it's only two miles on super flat ground.”

“If the trail is pretty obvious, I'm sure we can find the you.

Can't wait. I'll really be needing this trip after this crappy week.”

“Have a safe trip, Tarabull!”

“Any Michiganiacs interested in a canoe/float trip? I know we talked about it some, I'd really like to get something going. I thought about it this weekend up at my parent's house - we used to tube down the river. Seems so peaceful!”

“I was thinking about kayaking the River Raisin once the sewage advisory is lifted.”