Hanging Head In Shame

“Wife and I will be "base-camping" in a motel in Manstique, MI--health reasons. Are there day hikes, sites, food places we should be sure to visit?”

“Hey CM, at least you get a nice comfy bed at the end of the day! But I know what you mean. I'm headed up to the Smokies next week- to stay in a rather cushy hotel with my mom. We're going to hang a few days (she shops, I hike a little) then pick up my niece and nephew who are staying with my parents for a month. Joy.”

“I hate to spend all that money just for a place to sleep--”

“Sometimes it's cool to use a hotel as a base for hiking. I'm going to use a cabin in West Virginia in October as our base camp while I bag as many peaks as I'm able.”

“We cabin-ed it for the gPib trip at Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania last February. It was different. A nice change of pace; I liked it.”

“:O!”

“I've never hiked in that area but I'm certain there must be plenty of day hiking because it's in the middle of a state forest. I'll bet CowPatty would know.”

“Hey CM, et al, I'm new to this site (hello everyone) but since I grew up just down the road from Manistique I may have some ideas. Besides the miles of Hiawatha National Forest with hundreds of two-tracks all around you, you're close to the Seney Wildlife Refuge (north of Manistique) and there should be some nice day hikes there. You're also a bit east of Fayette State Park (turn south at Garden Corners about 5-10 miles west of you on US-2) which is an old iron (I think) smelting town that's been restored. Don't miss your chance to stock up on smoked fish, jerky, and pasties!”

“I second NC's suggestion of the Seney Nat'l Wildlife Refuge. There's some hiking and a wildlife drive. Very pretty area.

Here's a link to the Hiawatha Nat'l Forest site http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/hiawatha/

And, Palms Brook State Park has the Kitch-iti-kipi Big Spring. It may seem hokey or touristy but I thought it was really impressive! I'd go back in a heart beat.

Welcome Nonconformist - I plan to transplant myself to the UP in 2006. Do you still live there or have you moved away?
last edited: 6/16/05 8:23:03 AM”

“OMG, I can't believe I forgot Big Springs---thanks Tarabull! Ya definitely gotta set aside a few hours to check that out, CM. Don't forget to empty the penny jar so you can drop 'em down in the spring.

Moving to God's country huh, TB? Nice move. What will you be doing for employment: cutting timber, selling beer, or running a bowling alley/roadside flea market? JK of course...I was born and raised there but became a troll about 15 years ago. I think if I had a decent employment op I would move back again in a heartbeat. Thanks for the welcome.”