tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56995709844706005192024-02-08T00:30:34.382-05:00HikeMIHiking in MichiganCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-8636934134418385592015-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:002015-09-19T06:00:00.804-04:00Folding BucketThe 10L Sea to Summit Folding Bucket is a game changer!
We use the MSR Sweet Water filter on our backpacking trips, which usually means the two of us standing out in Lake Superior with numb legs for however long it takes us to fill up our Nalgene bottles. I'm not sure why it took us so long to buy this, but it's a game changer, and we love it!
It's small (palm size), light (2.8oz), and Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-50330388011876645002015-09-08T15:02:00.004-04:002020-01-22T12:35:11.133-05:00Lake Superior Provincial Park Coastal TrailWe've been thinking about hiking the Coastal Trail for about 6 years, and this year we finally hiked all 43 miles. Just a few hours north of Sault St. Marie is the beautiful, rugged, and demanding Lake Superior Coastal Trail. This trail is weather permitting! If it's raining or the lake is wavy, we really don't know how this trail is even possible due to slippery rocks. We walked along the Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-13132367298994278722015-09-08T14:00:00.000-04:002015-09-09T13:30:31.581-04:00It's Easy Being CheesyRecently Nathan and I have been preparing for our Lake Superior Coastal Trail trip. I took a few pictures of the dehydrating food process.
I have blogged about dehydrating food before, in Dry Food for Thought, where I list some resources, favorite dried items, and what dehydrator we have.
We've started to hone in on some of our favorite meals and snacks which I'll Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-72348286662472322482015-03-03T15:42:00.001-05:002015-09-08T16:58:15.495-04:00Up North TrailsA flyer from IMAGIN just came across my desk with an article about an interactive map for trails in Michigan. "The Up North Trails Collaborative has a common goal of promoting all trail systems together for all trail users in a 21-county area."
They have been aggregating trail data from multiple sources along with points of interest. Check it out!
http://www.upnorthtrails.org/
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-23833085479056284882014-08-19T21:42:00.000-04:002015-09-08T16:54:52.959-04:00KentuckyFor us Michiganders, Kentucky is actually a relatively short drive away. Here is a Kentucky trip planner post for Mammoth Caves National Park and Red River Gorge Geological Area.
Mammoth Cave Waterproof, Tear-Resistant, Topographic Map - This is a very nice National Geographic map showing contours, trails, campsites and more. A must have! Thanks Jacob for sending us this map and so fast! ItCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-80561300754915192952011-11-05T12:45:00.000-04:002011-11-05T12:45:15.301-04:00Kitchel-Lindquist / Harold Hartger Dunes PreserveConnie and Gerald Lindquist, Harold Hartger, and Marjorie Hendricks made it possible for us to take a walk through this 112 acre dunes preserve.
The Connie Lindquist Trail and Marjorie Hendricks Trail are both interpretive trails. There is a box at the trailhead with the brochures but it is typically empty. The city of Ferrysburg was kind enough to email me the brochures which I have posted hereCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-7856709478106754102011-10-26T22:10:00.002-04:002015-09-08T16:55:51.227-04:00Killarney Provincial ParkIf you're looking for a challenging and remote trip, Killarney Provincial Park's La Silhouette Trail Loop in Ontario, Canada is the hike to do! This is a very scenic area with many lakes and a number of excellent lookouts on the mountain peaks.
For the most part we would not see anybody except for a couple of locations where day hikers can make it in and the canoers/kayakers on the lakes. We Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-4187735835548737712011-10-26T20:32:00.003-04:002011-10-26T22:16:25.281-04:00VanRaalte FarmTake a stroll through VanRaalte Farm in Holland, MI.
There are 160 acres of meadows, forest, ponds, and streams. It is accessible from both 16th street and 24th street.
This farm is also open in the winter for cross country skiing AND they have a sled hill.Map
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-90963292282184804932011-04-12T19:30:00.004-04:002011-04-12T20:09:22.907-04:00Early Spring FlowersThe first warm days of spring are upon us. :)
Get out and get hiking, and keep your eyes peeled for April Michigan Wildflowers.
Top: Bloodwoot, Dutchman's Breeches, Hepatica, Jack-in-the-pulpitBottom: Marsh Marigold, Spring Beauty, Wild Garlic, Skunk Cabbage
DNR Michigan Wildflower Viewing Sites Guide
Michigan Wildflower Photo Contest Muskegon, MICindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-60325096185994088732011-04-01T06:31:00.003-04:002011-04-01T15:19:31.885-04:00Sleeping SystemSo I hear you're in the market for a sleeping bag?
Some questions you will have to ask yourself:
What is my budget? (Buy the best you can afford, or you will probably be upgrading in the future)
What is the weather like? (Bags have temperature ranges for different seasons. We have a summer and a spring/fall sleeping bag)
What kind of camping am I doing, backcountry? (If so, you'll want to keep Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-89308014856458823042011-03-24T22:37:00.000-04:002015-09-08T16:56:29.433-04:00Manistee River TrailI have spring fever and backpacking has been on my mind. One of my favorite hikes is the Manistee River Trail. The scenery is beautiful, the camping spots are great and the distance is up to you. You can choose to do a 20 mile loop by adding in the North Country Trail (NCT), or just hike in so many miles and camp for a night or two, and hike back out.
Information and Directions to the Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-70628789370038410142011-02-25T06:48:00.001-05:002011-04-12T19:53:48.247-04:00The Art of Pitching a Tent on SnowRead these articles on www.backpacker.com. Thought I'd post for those of you that are braving the winter.
How To: Pitch a Tent on Snow
How-To: Make an Ultralight Tent Deadman
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-2937009198207378232010-12-02T12:41:00.001-05:002011-04-12T19:54:54.813-04:00Geocache!If you haven't tried geocaching you should check it out.
It's a treasure hunt using your GPS :)
You will be amazed at all the treasures hidden on your regular walking paths, hiking destinations, and even right around your house!
The concept is easy. Someone hides something and you find it.
What you might find:
Log book and pen to record your visit
Themed cache (take something, leave Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-68678643865739580152010-10-24T23:02:00.003-04:002011-04-01T15:04:19.893-04:00P.J. Hoffmaster State ParkToday was a great day for hiking around P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, MI. There are a number of trails to choose from. If you want a short hike and some great views, park near the visitor center and take the boardwalks to the dune overlook platforms and then out to Lake Michigan. If you want a longer hike, you can take the beach and come back on the Homestead Trail making it aCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-34710847916695958542010-10-13T06:38:00.004-04:002011-03-24T10:03:02.978-04:00Hidden Gem: Short hikes in your area
Hodenpyl Woods
2500 Robinson Rd. (North of Remington Park)
34.06 Acres
My friend, Lyn, just introduced me to a short secluded hike just minutes from where we work. It seems like you are in the middle of the woods even though it is nestled in the middle of suburbia.
There are numbered and lettered posts scattered along the trail.
The numbered posts identify trees and bushes, and the Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-88175586794204960672010-10-11T13:08:00.005-04:002010-10-11T13:40:28.135-04:00Autumn in MichiganIt's that time of year, when my favorite season is here!
Red, yellow, orange, and brown, and critters all around.
Grab my pack, throw it on my back.
With my hubby and my puppy, into the woods we go.
You should do the same, before the leaves fall again!
Fall Foliage Map
Why Leaves Change ColorCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-86556219083617728592010-10-05T23:09:00.020-04:002019-05-23T11:10:24.404-04:00Jordan River Valley PathwayAnother great Michigan hike is the Jordan River Valley Pathway. You can choose from a short 3-mile loop around Deadman's Hill or a moderate to challenging 18-mile loop on the Jordan River Pathway and North Country Trail.
Sign at Deadman's Hill Scenic Overlook Parking Lot
Check out this link for information on what to expect and how to get there:
Jordan River Pathway Loop Hike
Maps: Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-47073085291824029152010-09-23T06:35:00.003-04:002010-09-23T08:11:33.096-04:00Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits: Hunting Season in MichiganWith hunting season in upon us in Michigan, we need to take more precaution when trip planning and hiking.
Here is a link to the Michigan 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest.
It lists the 2010-2011 hunting seasons: http://www.statehuntandfishregs.com/MI/
Michigan DNR Service Centers: Contact Information
(Phone numbers listed below map)
Tips to stay safe: How To Stay Safe While Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-81328014675679182992010-09-15T22:31:00.076-04:002010-10-11T13:39:07.770-04:00It's Not a Walk in the Park... Or Is It? Isle Royale Trip Report 2010Yes, we made it back... and our trip to Isle Royale was great! :) We had great weather for the most part however it did get rainy and windy at the end of our trip. Isle Royale is definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of beautiful views, trails, campsites, and nature. I have to say the sound of the loons is quite amazing. Unfortunately we did not get to hear wolves howling or see any moose.
ICindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-8289428948172382592010-08-19T11:57:00.008-04:002015-09-08T16:56:18.813-04:00Isle Royale Trip PlanningHere are some helpful resources if you are planning a trip to Isle Royale.
Isle Royale National Park Website
(Make sure to take a look at the park newspaper under brochures, handouts, and park newspaper. It includes transportation information and schedules.)
NG Trail Map
High quality waterproof map.
Isle Royale, Foot Trail and Water Routes
Book by Jim DuFresne. Has Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-33946801768420935722010-08-15T13:56:00.022-04:002010-09-21T10:38:13.078-04:00Gear Review: UrsackTired of critters doing this to your food bag?
This bag was on a 10ft bear pole when they chewed a hole in it.
Check out these critter and bear resistant food bags!
http://www.ursack.com/
Since we won't be in bear country we just picked up a couple of the Ursack minor bags. Nathan and I purchased the ursacks directly from their website and were impressed with their quick Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-46294292274157650642010-08-12T06:12:00.001-04:002010-09-21T14:30:23.921-04:00Hike In My Boots (Lacing Technique)I just wanted to share a boot lacing technique that works well with boots that have closed metal eyelets over the foot and open hooks up the side.
Starting at your toe, comfortably snug up the laces going through the metal eyelets. Do not make this area too tight and if your feet swell leave a little extra wiggle room.
Then make a VERY snug double or triple overhand loop (also Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-83813343985251765642010-08-06T12:27:00.008-04:002019-04-09T10:35:37.275-04:00Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has spectacular views. It is located on the shore of Lake Superior and is a GREAT place for backpacking. I highly recommend spending some time out there and if possible hiking the entire 42 miles. Pictured Rocks is part of the North Country Trail and is located between Munising Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-70311665122966604532010-08-05T06:30:00.002-04:002010-09-21T10:39:57.845-04:00Gear Review: Sea to Summit X-BowlTired of carrying a plate and a bowl, and having to pack all your clothes and gear around it?
Check out the X-Bowl!
OK, seriously this thing is awesome. It is a collapsible bowl that is also a cut resistant plate! It is the perfect size for a meal and easily tucks away into my pack. I have carried this for a few years now and still really like and recommend it!
Product Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5699570984470600519.post-75938984392169606152010-08-04T12:36:00.003-04:002010-09-21T14:30:45.364-04:00Dry Food For ThoughtIn preparation for our hike across Isle Royale, Nathan and I have been dehydrating a lot of food. I am amazed how easy this is and how well it tastes dry or re-hydrated! We are dehydrating meals for many reasons including:
-Reduced weight
-Space savings
-Food Preservation
-Healthier meals
Some of our favorite dehydrated items are:
-Apple chips and apple sauce fruit Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10814839576615953376noreply@blogger.com2