Jordon River - A collective trip report

“Thursday, Day 1 (Evening)

I arrived at the campsite at 11:15 pm to find bbinkley, tarabull & laqtis sitting around the fire drinking beers. Jerbear, Paul & Brian were already sleeping, although Bear got up to see what all the fuss was about.

We all got reaquinted, and I got to know binks a little better. He's a good dude, I'll vouch for that newbie.

After polishing off some wine and beer, telling some baaaaaaaad jokes, and listening to Jerbear snore, we hit the sack. It was worth the 6.5 hour drive!”

“BTW - I think we should dub Tarabull's dad - Papabull.”

“You have my vote for that one!”

“so, soo... What else?”

“I can't say much for the actual hike; I'll leave that for the others to talk about.

However, the night life Saturday night, was a good time! It rained from about 5:45 pm on, stopped sometime in the middle of the night, but everyone donned their raingear, and congregated around the rip roaring campfire at the back of the campground.

Lots of gear talk could be heard, as well as humorous stories being told by everyone about everything, from under the..... clouds!

bbinkley now has confirmed his "BIG GULP" status, and perhaps his "human mule" status as well! lol!

K.... I'll stop here, and let someone else pick the thread up and tell their side....”

“You guys are so pimp!

Yo bear you are very cool I hope your knee gets better.

13 you are cool too and that goes for the rest of the TT'ers that had gone on this trip!

8)”

“Just got back from taking BBinkley to the airport, he's good people.

Had a wonderful trip. We had a crystal clear night on Friday, intermeittent sun on saturday, rain from 5pm saturday till the wee hours of sunday morning. Then had a mix of rain, hail and snow to round out the weather experience.

Good trails and better people! Got a chance to meet some new folks and to see some old favorites. Couldnt fall asleep last night, too busy decompressing from the trip.

Thanks all!”

“This trip had everything.

Warm temps.
Rain.
Sleet.
Hail.
Snow.
Wind.
Cold.

And most of all FUN!!!!!!

8)”

“Birch asked us what we learned this weekend. I had several:

I learned my boots are still causing my feet blisters. Still working on that one. Jerbear had good advice for me, though.

I learned how to pack my pack better. Much easier on the shoulders. I also learned that I CAN get my packweight down to about 30 lbs!

I learned that bbinkley and laqtis are pretty cool. I enjoyed hiking with both of them.

I learned that jerbear snores like my Uncle Bill. Loudly. ;)

I learned that there is yet a TTer I havn't liked, including the friends and family they drag along with them. le Subtil's brother is very cool, and of course so is Papabull and Bloomer. Walkindude rocks.

The actual hike was great. The Jordan River loop is 18. something miles. The colors were not quite yet to peak, but the green on the trees helped to highlight the reds, yellows, and oranges. There are some great views on the overlooks.

Friday night Birch, Sass, and I didn't quite know where the group was at. The stars and moon lit our way through a beaver dam, back on to the road in one direction (toward camp!), then back the other way, until Sass gave the Call of the North Woods - you'll have to ask her about that. The call was returned by Tarabull, and we eventually found Q, Tarabull, and Jerbear and they led us to camp. That was my first night hike experience. It was fun to get lost. :)

Sunday we had to cross a bridge that was partly under water, log jams block the flow under the bridge. My favorite part of the trail was just after that point, where we skirted the side of a hill, had to scramble over several tree roots, mud and water pockets. Lots of fun! Dead man's hill isn't called that for nothing. Bbinkley, Birch, and Q headed up a side trail that was steeper than the actual deadman's hill trail. I took the long way up, and eventually Sass caught up with me.

We changed our clothes, and headed to a bar for some lunch. Jerbear asked the waitress for a job, she quickly said no.

It really was a great weekend. Glad to meet all of you, and see the rest of you again! Let's do it again soon!”

“I learned a bunch of stuff too. Mostly from watching what everyone else uses, wears, and does. I had no idea one could eat right out of the oatmeal packet! I think that's my favorite tidbit for the weekend.

My favorite part of the hike was Landslide overlook. Watching everyone kick back and eat lunch, seeing the eagle soaring over the valley, alight with fall color. It was awesome.

My second favorite part was Saturday night. No one complained about the wet weather once.

Third favorite part was Dead Man's hill...that weekend in W VA got me ready for it. It was easier to climb this trip than it ever has been before.”

“YO BEAR! I tried to send you the title and author of that wild edibles book; your email addy is not on your profile. =(

It's an Outdoor Life book, published by Van Nostrand Reinhold, in 1982. Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants, by Thomas S. Elias and Peter A. Dykeman.”

“This trip was so far, my favorite. Just the vibes in camp and on the trail alone rejuvenated me. I was able to wash the city off of me and get dirty. I really needed this trip! It was really cool to see people who have never been here before, enjoying the sights that I have all my life. It was almost like being a tour guide. Thursday night was a good primer for the rest of the trip. We hung out at the fire ring about ready fer bed, when Buddha arrived and we caught our second wind. He started telling us, IMHO, his best material. I laughed so hard that I got the hick ups (I swear it wasn’t the beer J). Eating steak at 2:30am with the company around the ring was the highlight.

Friday was to be a busy day. After a quick breakfast on the road, we hit Fisherman’s Island SP to meet some of our outta town guests. When they arrived it was just like a family reunion. Hunting Petoskey stones on the beach, just relaxing (which is what I did. I took that time to focus on positive energy and take in what Mother Earth was showing me), or watching the Cirque de Sole like moves of some on the beach, it was kicking all major forms of Super Batman ass. We left the clear waters of Lake Michigan and took care of some things on our way to the Warner Creek Trailhead. Waiting for us were CMB, evergreen, Dude, jerbear, dhutch and Shane doggy. Once the logistical engineers division of the ‘Mountaineers arrived, we busted a move for the trail. We had a little biff and had to double back to our large camp area for that evening. After shelters were up and the food was consumed, jerbear, Tarabull and I went out to see if we could bump into Sass, birch and Smileygirl. They got turned around a little bit, but we where able to quickly catch up with them using the ‘Mountaineers signal call. Once the 6 of us returned to camp, the bar opened, and Nature opened up the planetarium. It wasn’t long after that Le Subtil and his brother Craig came strolling into camp. We all hung out around the fire pit and enjoyed the company. My favorite was being able to hang with Sass, Tarabull and Smileygirl as we tried to help SG with her astronomy homework. Astronomy is an old love of mine that I need to get back into!

Saturday, camp was broken and we made way for the Deadman’s Overlook Trailhead. Once we got there, I believe that is where we met up with Islandgirl, damanvid and coyote13. We asked a couple to take a group picture with all 18 cameras (there was a lot!). This time going up Deadman’s Hill was a lot easier for me than last time, but I will address that later. We made tracks to Pinney Bridge CP. The conversation was great. I had the honor of hiking with Le Subtil, birch, CMB, evergreen and jerbear for a while. One disappointing thing about this day. Shortly on the trail, we encountered horses. They are not suppose to be on this trail at all, so we had to keep a look out for road apples on our way to the campground. We got to camp and went to the areas that we had snagged the day before. Everything pretty much got set up before the rain came down in buckets. Wonderful time to test the rain gear! People mostly hung out at the “outpost” set up of Sass/birch/Buddha Bear area. They set up their trekker trap, jerbear also kicked in his siltarp and a nice area was created. We all shared great times around the camp fire and we even had a vistor from another Michigan hiking club joins us for some festivities (welcome Doug, if you are reading this).

The rain let up during the night and we were able to eat breakfast a little dry, while looking to the sky to see what was in store. Buddha left at around 4 am to get to a family event. I was really happy that he decided to change his plans so he could stay another day, setting himself up for the hell ride home (he had to be back by 1pm. I’m glad to see you made it back safe and sound). After some house keeping and such, Smiley and I headed off a little ahead of everyone. We kept a nice pace. Oh yea, did I mention that it started to hail? That was cool! It switched between rain and hail a couple of times. SG and I had great conversations and found out that we both know a person in common (my wife told me what frat he was in, but I forgot it already. Those names have a way of blending in to me). Shortly before we hit the beaver dam/bridge, we were joined by birch and bblinkey, who were just movin’ down the trail! We crossed the flooded bridge (I was glad to see it wasn’t that bad. Looks like someone did a little work to it to get us over it) and made way for the base of Deadman’s Hill. I was thinking about either heading back to the Warner Creek Trailhead or going up to the Deadmans Trailhead the regular way. With birch and bblinkey taking the shorter, but steeper way up to Deadmans, I decided to join them for a personal challenge. I am real glad I did it! The group that hiked out to Deadmans then drove over to meet the ones who hiked out to Warner to gather. After changing outta our hiking stuff and into our “civilian” attire, we went to a local restaurant for after hike activities. While there, jerbear was “giving the business” to the waitress, who I though was going to smack him up side the head. After asking for a job fer an hour and being turned down, jerbear shared some “teasers” with us as we eat. We said our good byes and part ways after we were done eating. On the way home, I got into a little problem on the highway and had to have a tow truck pull me into a gas station. Funny way to make the radio (traffic report). I was on my way shortly after and made it home just before 9 pm.

As birch and Smiley brought up before, what did everyone learn on this trip. For me, many things. Aside from looking at all the cool gear everyone has and looking at techniques, I learned that one of the most important thing you can carry is the right attitude. I found myself enjoying the bad weather instead of loathing it. And instead of complaining about being sore, I enjoyed it as reminder of the great trip I had. I also learned that in order to advance, wither it be in life or in the trail, you MUST challenge yourself. I keep in the back of my mind something I heard birch say one time. I’ll paraphrase - “I look at this like it’s a constant struggle between my mind and my body. When the body starts complaining, I tell it to shut up and do it, because once the body wins over the mind, it’s over”. I just hope that saying doesn’t get me into to trouble. With a trip like this, I keep wondering to myself “Why haven’t I done this all along?” I feel at such great peace when I’m hiking. Like most of us, I am wondering how I can make a living while hiking.

It was an honor and a privilege to hike with each and every one of you. I hope our trails cross very soon!”

“Now THAT'S a TRIP REPORT!

Did everyone take notes on this?

Laqtis..... it really was a lot of fun. I'm glad that I went! I'll keep checking back here every so often, to see if there's another shindig like this one or similar to it, posted. Next time: I'M HIKING!”

“Q - wanna finish up my homework? I've still got a lot of stuff to do on it, but I figure I can finish it up during my first class. Ah, the life of a student!”

“SG - I would if I could, but I'd like ya to get at least a passing grade.”

“I've got a perfect score already, I this this HW will be my undoing!

Coyote, I was wondering the same thing, espeically with binkley's trip report! I don't think he left anything out!”

“Okay guys, where the heck is Jordan River? Between Israel and Jordan?”

“Near Gaylord, MI.”

“Ofgs Geobeat! Yeah.... if that's where you want to hike..... then hey! I'll help you pack! LOL! (J/K)

Next time, you'll just have to joing us to find out how incredible it was! Right everyone??

Smileygirl...... did you read the "101 ways..." thread? I think bbinkley did a bang up job too!”

“Michigan? I hate Michigan. I root for State Penn! Ban Michigan! The hovel of the hated enemy hordes (do they REALLY eat their young?).

I always thought Michigan was a nice place until one rainy afternoon in Happy Valley some years back. What a humiliating afternoon that was. Got some hot chocolate and got back on the tour bus at the start of the 4th quarter.

Have I mentioned that I hate Michigan? They did it again on Saturday. Dang! Enough already. Let somebody else win once in awhile!

Dang state just blocks what would otherwise be great shipping lanes!”

“j/k, of course. Don't come burn my apartment down!”

“*Crazy Mike- You kick all major forms of @ss!
*Evergreen- Great to hike with you again!
*Jerbear- Never change my friend!
*Tarabull- Completely beautiful person!
*Laqtis- Rockin with Dokken!
*Buddha Bear- Bad knee don't stand in the way of a good time!
*bbinkly (Big Gulp)- was there anything you don't carry?!?!
*Bloomer- WAKE UP!!!!!
*Papabull- Super nice and Super Fast!
*Dehutch- Hope ya win the World Series!
*Birch- Told ya they didn't have Black Flag on the Juke Box!
*Sassafras- Super Wonderful!
*Smiley Girl- Beautiful Smile!
*Le Subtil- It was an Honor!
*Doug- Insperation!
*Island Girl- HARD CORE!
*Coyote13- Try to get some sleep.
*Damanvid- BEAR!!!!! (kidding)

It was an exceptionally fun time! Nothing could rain on our Party. Not even the Rain!
Love you all!!

Walkindude”

“Ok I have the new pictures up on the clubs website here are the links to check them out.

Trail Talk Friends.

Views From The Trail 10.

I hope I got everthing right.

Enjoy the pictures.

8)”

“All you people were so pimp on this trip I loved hiking with you all.

8)”

“Great job dude!!”

“Thank you!!!!

8)”

“Im finally home ( whew 11 hour drive )..It was so great to be in on the whole TT thing once again after being gone for awhile..I really enjoyed listening to all the jokes around the campfire..I needed the laughter..

What a bunch of hard ass hikers you are all..I just wish my feet would have been able to withstand the whole hike..but thanks to Damanvid and Jerbear Im sure theres a solution somewhere..

Looking forward to hiking with all of you again in the future..And I promise this time I wont talk all of your ears off..

=)”

“You did just fine sweetheart!

8)”

“Alright..... alright..... break it up.....

go get a room for god sakes!

LOL! J/K....”

“Glad to know you made it home safely, evergreen..... it was really nice talking to you in wolfeye's car (that's damanvid's new TT name)... I'm sure we'll have another chance to hike it out again soon.

Oh, and FYI: I'm not as hard as the others when it comes to hiking... :-)”

“Coyote
If you ever find yourself in North Carolina...let me know..”

“FYI, Q, the hiker that joined us from the other hiking club was called Eric.”

“Evergreen...... you can bet on it! I'd love to see your "neck of the woods"! Maybe this spring... you might find me out that way?”

“So when is Eric gonna join us on TT?”

“When is this going to happen????

8)”

“Let me know when Eric joins so I can add him to my hiking club and get his picture on my websites.”

“Can you say that you are such a dick head!

That is your name right dick????

8|”

“Yo man chill!! I just want Eric to be a TT'r and add him to my website...Man he was so Pimp.”

“Nice trip reports. I saw the pictures of the trip taken by someone named "wolfeyes". The pictures were great. Rain, hail, smokey campfire, food, good company, beautiful scenery, what more could a trip have!
Thanks for sharing!”

“It was a great trip!!!!

TT people rule!!!!!

And are very pimp I might add!

8)”

“The main trip report and other links to pictures are on the "101 way to eat and drink your way to a lighter pack" Thread.”