Michigan GGG (or just a plain old backpacking trip)

Yep, definitely lots of dry socks :-)

Dean,

Here is a photo taken out the back of my house a few minutes again, its combined snow melt and rain yesterday.

I went for a day hike back on Tuesday at a local park, it looked quite similar to your picture. I would imagine that your ground is still frozen a bit further down. Are you hearing any spring peepers yet? Hit about 78 here today, it was great!

Dean

It hit 74f today, plenty of wildlife around now.
I read somewhere last week that the ground is frozen to 5feet.

The following is as of 14April2014, 1000hrs.

River water level information ABOVE the dam and hiking trails.
http://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?config=&forecast=riversobs&gauge=MSKM4

River water level information BELOW the dam and hiking trails.

River water level information BELOW the dam and hiking trails.
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=grr

Red Bridge Weather Forecast for the week of the 14th of April
http://www.findlocalweather.com/pinpoint/us/mi/red+bridge+lookout+tower/current702984.html

Manistee, Michigan, United States (49660)Weather Forecast first half of the week 21st…
http://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?config=&forecast=zandh&pands=manistee%2C+mi&Submit=Get+Weather

Thanks Ken for that,

We might need to pick a different location.

NOAA reports that all-time record flood levels will occur on the Manistee. Depending on how far down Hodenpyl was drawn down this winter, it will remain to be seen how levels below the dam will play out. The MRT side could be very boggy.

Different locations-The Jordan RP may not be any better, that valley could also be extremely wet. High Country/Shingle area perhaps? Maybe something on the sandy coast, Sleeping Bear or Nordhouse? Canoeing instead?

Maybe we could reevaluate by this Sat.

Dean

Hi Dean,

Lets look at the conditions on Sunday and make a call on a new location.

The High Country Pathway could be an optiopn also.

I really wish Michigan had decent Mountains.

Folks,

We may need to look at a fall back plan if the MRT is still flooded.

What do folk think?

Hoist Lakes, Shingle Mill/High Country? I'm thinking that if the MRT is a washout it's likely the JRP would be pretty boggy also, especially the north half. The Manitous aren't open yet. Sleeping Bear? Any one else have some ideas?

The High Country could be an option.

I was flying from Chicago to Saginaw today and could see a lot
of flooding.

I'm looking around online and it appears that flood waters are receding or have already. Waters are below flood stage in Sherman but levels are still classified as 'Near Flooding'. We would be much closer to Mesick than Sherman
I'm wondering if this is because the MRT is downstream of the Hodenpyl Dam?
The gauge in Wellston (just south) is also below flood stage.

I went for a little wander last night on a portion of the Midland-Mackinac trail that was under water a few days ago. It was surprisingly muck free and I wound up sleeping out there. I know that it is a completely different watershed but it was confidence inspiring.

EDIT*- Just noticed my picture is useless, – it is supposed to show that there is no flooding reported on the Manistee river @ Hopendyl Dam, the north end of the MRT.

Hi Kyle,

Thats good to know.

I am not too worried about camping on the MRT as a lot
of the sites are high up, but a lot of the trail is very close to the river.

Fingers crossed it will be fine for next weekend.

Folks,

Can whoever is still up for going let me know.

Cheers,

Stephen

Sounds like fun to me, I sent you a PM with my contact info.

It's on my calendar and I'd really like to go… BUT I'm not a winter camper and I'm a total weenie about the cold. They're forecasting below freezing temps for Saturday night. If that improves, I'm in. Otherwise, I'm on the fence…

Hi Sumi,

Thats no bother at all, I personally love the cold as it keeps the bugs at bay.

Hopefully will see you this weekend,

Stephen

Folks,

I have emails for Sumi and Kyle already, can anyone else who is interested PM me yours, it will make for easier organisation.

I will not be able to make it.

For some reason it won't let me pm you back.

Hi Andy,

We might see you next time :-)

Like Sumi, I'm on the fence because of the forcasted low temps. I don't do well with the cold ( poor circulation from heart issues, I'm always cold unless it's 60 degrees or more ). Hopefully it will warm up a bit.

Hi Nathan,

The forecast is down to freezing at the weekend, but could easily warm up, as I take the forecast with a pinch of salt.

Thats a shame you are restricted to warm weather outings.

Hope to see you their.

Stephen

Forecast is improving! :)

It sure is :-)

Folks,

If anyone else is intersted drop me a PM.