Michigan BPL Autumn Meetup

Manistee half a dozen times all year round (but only the full loop once). Pictured Rocks twice in winter. A few small sections of the NCT. This is only my 4th year in Michigan so still have lots to see.

I was out at Hoist Lakes earlier this summer. Nice, though not all that exciting. There was NO ONE there in July, so I expect rarely crowded. I was at Nordhouse Dunes last month. Super crowded though if you walk far enough, you can have the dunes to yourself. Beach has gotten pretty narrow, so not exactly an easy beach stroll anymore. Drove by "Sand Lakes Quiet Area" recently (just saw a sign for it) and it piqued my interest. I don't know much about it; sounds similar to Hoist Lakes though maybe smaller area (but more lakes) and open to mountain bikes though I don't know how much it's used. Haven't been to Manistee in a few years. Haven't done any of the NCT sections (except for the Manistee loop); I rarely have another car for spotting to do point-to-point hikes. I really know nothing about the NCT but would be interested. Not sure I'll have enough time to get up to Pictured Rocks for a weekend. I thought November would be better than October for me, but it's looking like the opposite. Weekend of Oct 24th is good. Weekend before (17th) is OK but it better be a good hike if I'm going to miss the Michigan State game…

The UP is definitley too far a drive for you Sumi for a weekend (I live 2 hours further north than you) I have been to Hoist lakes twice for overnighters (once in Winter and in Spring) and it was nice and quiet. I have been to Nordhouse once, was not too pushed about beach walking though with a pack :-) 24th should be doable for me. Let's see what others come back with.

I'm in Indianapolis but I might join you fine folks depending on the weekend (10/24 works for me currently) and the location. I've never gotten to one of these but think I would enjoy it.

Hi Steve, It would be great to have you along.

I just got confirmation on Pictured Rocks for that 24th weekend. If that the weekend you guys choose ill have to do a winter trip with ya…. Can always join us if you want.

Pictured Rocks is really nice, enjoy :-)

All, Would folks rather we pushed this out until the new year? or want to try to set a date.

Im game for what ever. id go a couple times.

Me too ;-)

I say lets try to set a date. Has a location been picked? I haven't been backpacking since July…sad. Time to change that.

I was leaving date and location up to the group, maybe I need to just do it myself ;-)

Hey all I'm new to this forum. Definitely interested in a November meet up. My two cents: It is best for 1 organizer to set the date/location/duration/distance of the trip. People who can make it will make it. If no one makes it..well..enjoy some solitude :)

Welcome to the forum Sean. Let's make it the 7th November, I will figure out a location later.

@new guy — "The Man, the Boy and the Donkey" parable all over again…

Indeed! I'm not available November 7th, but can't wait to hear how it goes!

Stephen- Two day trip? Meeting up Sat. morning, heading home Sun. evening? …lets try to setup time-frame dates and a location soon, so myself and the little lady can see about taking time off from work if necessary. …Charles Deam? TIA KJ

Hi Kenneth, Weekend of the the 7th Nov would be best for me. I can either meet up on Friday or Saturday.

Hi folks, Anyone free for the 6th Nov? if so please PM Me your email address and I will send out location options. If no replies let's aim for December. Cheers, Stephen

Folks, Anyone else interested please let me know as soon as possible so I can make alternate plans if this does not go ahead. Cheers, Stephen Edit: Canceled due to scheduling issues.

bah! missed the post. looks like december was at pictured rocks all weekend. It was awesome. Gust of winds up to 50, waves crashing and still had plenty of fall color.

Sounds like a great trip Andy, hopefully we can organise a trip for December.