June hike in Michigan

“Well, the 2nd Saturday of June is fast approaching, and Tarabull, Sassafrass, and I will have the 3-Day behind us. Anyone up for a hike?

I was hoping we could hit the west side of the state, perhaps on Sunday the 9th. I have a friend who's band is playing at a festival in downtown Grand Rapids at noon on Saturday. If y'all wanna keep the hike on Saturday, I'll probably not hike with you.”

“How does Ionia SRA sound?

My books say there are about 30 miles of trail in the park. I'll bet we could get a good loop in.

The other place I was thinking was the NCT in Yankee Springs SRA. But that is well off a straight freeway shot. I'd bet Ionia is less than 2 hours from Detroit.

Oh, yeah, I'm in.
rl”

“How about a trail near cadilac?”

“Wish I could go folks, but I have to attend a wedding.

Not, it's not my wedding, get your heads out of the gutter!

Have fun y'all!”

“AG - are you in Cadillac this weekend? Maybe we could get a hike together - I'll be up that way. And, have you been checking the other June hike thread? I think they're doing a trail near you!”

“RL - the DNR website says there's only 3.5 miles of trail in this park. Maybe the other 26.5 miles is dodging mountain bikers.

Buddha - where have you been? Haven't heard much from you lately!”

“Yes I am in Cadilac this weekend, and not doing any thing on Saturday SG. I would love to go on hike.”

“Would love to go with but my son is graduating from high school that Saturday. Have fun!”

“I don't think I want to commit to a dayhike yet. Keep the plans going and I'll let you know what I decide.”

“Again, I'd like to hike on Sunday, the 9th.

AG - know any trails around? I'm supposed to walk about 8 miles.”

“Hey, Smiley!

I've never been there, but there are 3.5 miles of designated hiking trail, 15 mile of horse trail and the rest is mountain bike trail.

But it was just a suggestion. It seemed like the most convenient place for those coming from far away.

Maybe Adventuregirl has some good ideas.

rl”

“I'll suggest the Lowell State Game area segment of the North Country Trail as easy freeway access, still east of and no father north than G.R., and worth hiking. It's linear, so if hiking starts at Lowell, lunch & playtime at Fallasburg Park can be had at the northern trailhead before the hikers head back the same 7 miles. Then once back in town, you might be ready to visit one of the ice cream or pizza joints!”

“I'm thinking that may be a far drive for us with the wee one. We may sit this one out.”

“Actually, we will be sitting this one out. Joe has a race in Ohio that weekend and we'll be car camping there so we can cheer him on.”

“Oh yeah, forgot about that! Should be a fun weekend for you guys though, Sass!”

“Again, I must miss yet another dayhike. This should be the last one. The schedule is getting lighter by the day. I will see some of you guys the two weeks after!”

“Hmmm, well, so far we've got:

Me
Reformed Lurker
Cow Patty?
Maybe Adventure Girl?

Does the 9th work for you all?”

“Oh yeah, and Joe and Sassy will be crashing here that weekend. I knew it was sometime in June. I guess I have to start cleaning the damned house now!

Smiley - this time of year, I have many contracts to negotiate. I am wrapping a few of them up, and look forward to more time to hike and BS in the summer.

I miss you guys (tear)”

“BB, plans have changed. I will email ya.”

“BB I need your email, plans have changed. We are camping at tappan lk that night. I have to register at 630am on race day.”

“Now ya tell me, after I've cleaned the whole house! Well, you at least better visit!”

“I'm ready for a hike!~”

“Le Subtil -

How was your hike??

Details, details!!!”

“AG - Sorry I didn't get back to you on the hike in Cadillac this weekend. My parents laid on the guilt trip about going to my aunt's house, and not coming to theirs. So, I'm typing from my mother's computer right now. Obviously the guilt worked. I plan to be up that way a bunch this summer, though, I'll keep you posted so we can head out!”

“We'll keep this thread up here! Anyone interested in the Lowell SGA section of the NCT? Whaddya say, Smiles? Still looking at June 9?

For a June 9 dayhike, I could co-host this one (since Smiley is the host!) at Lowell. This area is worth a dayhike.

Most of the trails at Ionia are horse trails and mtn. bike trails and the area sees lots of horses & bikes. I've ridden horses there and wouldn't suggest hiking those same trails on a weekend.”

“Hey, Cow Patty. That sounds great to me.”

“Yep, that's me....the hostess without a clue! I'm counting on you, CP, to lead the way! My plan worked, I just wanted to hike on Sunday instead of Saturday. :)

CP, can you post directions for us?”

“Laqtis - my IR trip was perfect in almost every way. 12 days, no rain(2 snowstorms), around 130 miles, and most excellent company for the last 5 days. Saw tons of wildlife, and I've hiked most of the island now.
For $2 more, I bought the season pass. I have to go back now, right?”

“Le Subtil -

Good to hear from you. I was thinking 'bout you when the temp dipped close to freezing down here. I can only image how cold it was up there. I'd like to get your take on the island for my trip next year.

.........and yes, you must go back and justify the season pass purchase........ :)”

“Ok, Smileygirl, directions of sorts:

Meet at the city parking lot in Lowell on M-21 just East of the bridge over the Flat River downtown.

What time do you folks usually meet? 10:00 am, isn't it?

Bring yer lunch & take time to play at Fallasburg Park (potable water available there).

Any objections? Address them to Smileygirl !

We can go thru any more details needed after you gals finish the 3 Day Walk this weekend. Go Sassafras, Smileygirl, Tarabull !!”

“Thanks, CP! I think we're all ready for the walk, and will be glad to have it over with! :)”

“Ummm, well....

I'm gonna back out of this. I don't know where my brain was when I thought I'd want to go hike 14 miles after a 60-mile walk.

Sorry everyone, I just wanna SIT DOWN this weekend!”

“Hehe!”

“I did wonder 'bout that. So is anyone else going on this? If not, I'll have other plans.”

“Hey, Cow Patty, why don't we cancel. That's my first week after school lets out. I think I just want to head to the beach.”