MI: Island Lake Dayhike: 4/20

“Hi guys!

Here's a plan. I'll be there and promise to actually hike this time.

Place: Island Lake State Rec. Area

Date/Time: Saturday, April 20 at 10AM. That's this coming Saturday.

Distance: West Loop, 10 miles

Terrain: Slightly Rolling

Directions: I-96 to Kensington Rd. exit. Go South on Kensington. Park entrance is about a half mile south on the left. Meet at the Trailhead Parking area. Look for the guy with the Buick LeSabre. Bring lunch.

rl
Mike
mingels@monroe.lib.mi.us”

“Oh, and I'd like to get some after-work night hikes going in the next several months.”

“If the weather cooperates Abby and I will be there with bells on, (no bells actually although it may be a good idea with those crazy mtn bikers all over the place). If no cooperation from Mother Nature, count us out.”

“How was the rest of the weekend, Joy? That is a nice spot.”

“I will be taking the Michigan Basic Skills test this Saturday. I could meet up with you guys 1/2 way, maybe.”

“I wish more people took the Michigan Basic Skills test! People drive like &^%@$@!$#!^*!#^#*$)$&#%#$!yy 'round here!”

“lol Laqtis, it's an entrance exam for school!

The weekend was good RL. Hoist Lakes is beautiful and there was good company.”

“RL - that's less than a week away. How can you be so sure you're foot will cooperate?

I don't see any reason why I can't go... so I'll see you on Saturday at 10am.”

“Darn, I was hoping I could get Tarabull and Sass to walk with me after my test. That's OK, I can hoof it alone again this weekend.

Sniff, Sniff.”

“I'm a maybe. Need some time outdoors, but much stuff to do.”

“RL you're foot sure seems to be fickle ;-)”

“you're = your”

“A new name for Reformed Lurker: Fickle Foot.”

“Dudes. Caution is the better part of valor. I didn't want to get into a situation where I couldn't walk 10 miles from the trailhead. I, personally, think it's better to take responsibility for myself rather than become a liability for others.

I'll show you my ex-rays the next time we get together, okay:)

Geez!”

“hopefully i'll be there.”

“If we didn't like ya, we wouldn't pick on ya!

So you got a stress fracture, or what?”

“And, a girl and work and her roomate may join you guys. Be nice to her!”

“Hey Smiley!

Good luck on that test. It was about the easiest standardized test I've ever taken. I took the thing in Ypsilanti and there were like 2,000 people taking the damned thing. That made me way nervous. But you will do fine because you are smart.

Just to shut the door on my foot... I had a stress fracture in college right where I push off on my right. This time it was just a bad sprain in the same spot. It means that I've been walking on my heel for 5 weeks. That presents new problems in my ankle. So, I have two issues slowly resolving themselves. It still feels tender, but I'm getting better every day. I just have to pace myself and not go crazy. I can be walking fine and wake up the next day with big time pain. But I've got some kind of velcro contraption to wear until I'm 100%. I just might make it standard gear.

But I am hiking on Saturday. No one can stop me.

You're bringing friends, eh? Just make sure they don't bring dogs:)”

“So Smiley, are you telling us that you won't be there but some people you invited will be? Should we figure out some sort of code or signal so we'll know this or these strangers? =) Maybe I don't understand.”

“Basic Skills? If they ask the following question in the math section, it should be a breeze.

Q: What is the Tigers winning percentage this year?

A: .000”

“LOL Buddha!

Funny thing, I have this engineering degree, and its the math section of the test I'm a bit nervous about. Don't remember much geometry or algebra. I suppose I can do the basics, though. But the reading and writing part of it should be a breeze. (Watch me fail the whole thing...)

As for my co-worker, I don't know if she's 100% about going, but she printed out the time/where you're meeting. She's pretty independent and extroverted, so she'd probably walk up to everyone in the park and ask who they are just to find you guys. Plus, she's seen pictures of you.

And Sass, I will not be there. :(”

“Bring your axes everyone!!!! ;)”

“I'd love to go this weekend, but I must go to Chicago on Saturday or bidness. I will be trying to do the trip in one day. Is anyone staying over night on Saturday night?”

“Yeah, I'll be staying overnight at my house, just a quick 10 minutes away!”

“Sounds like a real close hike for you. Reason I asked is if anyone as stay over that night, I would stop by on my way home and camp. I have to find something (good campground) that is close to Chicago just in case I can't make it home.”

“Laqtis, Island lake is proabably no more than 30 minutes from your house, if that. Sounds like you're looking for an excuse to camp!”

“No camping at Island Lake.”

“Thanks for the info, RL.

SG - Always looking for a good reason to camp!!”

“My co-worker and her friends are definitely showing up. I have warned her about all of you and yer axes. :)

I will think about meeting you guys on the loop after my test on Saturday. I may have to come in to work instead. :(”

“laqtis - there is camping at Brighton Rec... pretty much next door.

I will probably be there on Saturday.”

“Ooohhh, maybe I'll camp on Saturday night. Tara, you interested in walking Sunday morning? DOn't know how far we could get, I have to be in Flint (all dressed up) by 1PM.”

“Who's familiar with Island Lake? Think its possible for me to meet up with you guys tomorrow?”

“Have fun everyone. I'll see ya at the June hike, if there is one. That's when my achedule lights up.

SG - Be careful on that long drive to the trailhead. You gots No Doze?”

“HOpefully I won't need it after this test! :)

Some of the people I work with are taking the Professional Engineer's test today. Sat through that one twice (8 hrs.) but havn't passed it. Glad I'm not doing that one over again!”

“Hey, Smiley Girl. I'll figure out a spot for you to wait at. What time will you be at the park?”

“I'd be there about 12:30, if I need the entire 4 hrs. to take the test. I'm hoping it won't take the whole time, so I might be there earlier.

I need a state park sticker, hey?”

“Meet us at the Placeway Picnic Area. It's about half way on the hike. We'll stop for lunch there. If we get way ahead of schedule, we'll leave a note for you there on the door to the women's restroom.”

“I can get there by car I assume? I have a map somewhere on my desk, I'll find my way.

:)”

“RL-if anything changes, call me. Sass and Tara have my #.

See you tomorrow, hopefully!”

“Smiley - TRUST ME. You won't need the whole 4 hours. If it takes you that long, you've tried too hard!!

See ya'll in the AM!”

“Which trailhead?”

“If I recall, both trailheads were at the same parking lot, no?”

“I sent him back to read the directions.”

“Good Hike!”

“Great Hike!”

“Wish I could have been there for the whole thing - 4.5 miles seemed like nothing. Thanks for waiting up for me though, you guys!”

“no problem, sg. we enjoyed hanging out by the river while we waited. i think sadie and abby had the most fun!”

“Abby had a blast. I'm looking forward to taking her on more dayhikes if you all don't mind. Have to bring her along while our backs can still take it. Her pack had to of been 45+ pounds. Was fun watching her run around nutsy.”

“She was darn cute alseep on her daddy's back, too!”