BPL Meetups in Michigan, Candadian Shield, and ADK

All the more better its only a 2 hour drive for me :-)

2 hour drive… I wish, it's about 4 1/2 for me. But it's at least a 4 hour drive for me to get anywhere good in upper Michigan.

Where you based Nathan?

A bit southwest of Port Huron. I've lived here my whole life, it's a bit boring, but I really haven't had the desire to move.

Ah but you are 2 hours closer to the ADK and also Detroit airport to go to the cool places.

I am just north of Midland.

I am 2 hours from the Mackinac bridge.

Folks,

Are we all fixed on Manistee so?

I'd be in for Manistee that weekend. Anyone else?

A few of my buddies may join us.

Hello Stephen

I should be able to do that weekend after all. I'll likely be sure in a few days or so. I see you're planning on Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. I would be coming from the Toledo OH area, (Rt.23, 10 and then 115) so Midland is right on the way. I also could put some days on the end of it, if anyone else would like to extend the hike (on the NCT) perhaps as far as the Baldwin area or at least somewhere below M-55. Or perhaps throw in a canoe trip on the Little Manistee rivers. I know Michigan quite well, ask me anything
:).

Have a good evening,

Dean

Hi Dean,

That's great you can come along.

The more the merrier :-)

Aw, I feel bad ill miss you guys. Coming from Chicago, we pretty much live in Michigan all summer long. Ill be stepping out from Happy Isles on the 28th, so I guess I won't feel TOO bad…

Jen,

How's the weekend before for you as Dean and I are the only confirmed so far.

Stephen. So the north island for two nights? I don't see why not.
Any thought to a backup in case the boat is not running? I am 0 for two on attempts due to storms.

Tim,

I mentioned a while back I would rather somewhere on the mainland as I am limited with the time off I can take off work that week.

We are now looking at Manistee, what do you think?

Anywhere in the LP is fine.
But I am open to other ideas.

Where suits you Tim?

Stephen. So just a weekend walk.
I can do anything. I was trying to minimize drive time. Canada is a problem for you. Let me look st my NCT maps tonight. There may be other trails since it does not have to be a loop. Family members optional?

That is actually my birthday weekend…we are doing a nordhouse dunes camping/swimming/drinking/eating extravaganza that weekend! It's my combined b-day/goodbye-Midwest! party…if anyone wants to join…..

Not much hiking, but an awesome time nonetheless….

Hi Tim,

I can do Canada but its a bit of a drive to Ontario, where in Canada where you thinking about? I can take a day off work if neccesay.

Jen,

What if we moved this trip forward a week?

Stephen. CA is too much driving for a weekend trip.

Jen. Last time I was at Nordhouse there was a bar band playing in the amphitheatre. Tripple Shot.

Is no one working today?

I am on a support call with symantec.

Nothing worse than a support call.

that was just logging a case, they still have to call me back :-)

Some different trips to consider, for Tim's sake;).

What about the NCT north from 9 Mile Bridge to Slagle Creek? I was thinking about 8 miles on Friday, 15 on Sat to Slagle Creek(MRT), backtrack 5 on Sun back to Red Bridge. Most of this would be on non-bicycle sections, Slagle offers trout fishing. I will likely bring my fishing tackle (1# complete), so a trout dinner might be on the menu. (Started this one at Nine-Mile because south of there is a long boggy section that is skeeter haven)

Hoist Lakes is nice but not overwhelming. Small lakes and some rolling hills. The eastern loop has had logging in recent years, so the West Loop might be preferable.

The Pigeon River area offers some good possibilities. The Green Timbers Trail can tied into Shingle Mills pathway by some short 2-track hiking and if you want, some bushwacking. Then of course the High Country Trail is there.

But I'll go anywhere, I've never hiked the MRT or the Jordan.

Almost forgot, I have a State Recreational pass (vehicle specific) and a National Interagency Pass so I can park nearly anywhere without charge.

Dean

Some hills would be nice.