Senator Levin Meets Nimblewill Nomad

Senator Carl Levin greets NimblewillNomad while NCTA Director Bruce Matthews looks on (photo by JHY)

by JHY

At the Grand Traverse Hiking Club National Trails Day event this morning, NCT thru-hiker Nimblewill Nomad (Eb Eberhart) was welcomed by about 50 people. Everyone gathered at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground just west of Kalkaska, Michigan.

The club was celebrating the official opening of the connection of the TART and KART trails with a new section of the North Country Trail. Another reason to celebrate the new trail section is that these miles of NCT will no longer be concurrent with the Shore-to-Shore horseback riding trail.

Senator Carl Levin attended the festivities and presented NCTA Executive Director Bruce Matthews with a ceremonial copy of the Omnibus Public Lands Act which (among other things) gives the NCT authority to buy land from willing sellers.

Senator Carl Levin presents Bruce Matthews with a copy of the Omnibus Public Lands Act (photo by JHY)

After the opening ceremonies participants took part in one of three activities: a hike, a bike ride, or kayaking. A morning in the woods is always great when it is followed by grilled hot dogs, potluck salads and desserts!

Hot dog lunch follows the morning activities (photo by JHY)

See North Country Trail Gains Willing Seller Authority
See Nimblewill Nomad's Journal

Two More National Trails Day Events

from various sources

The Harbor Springs Chapter, Michigan, of the North Country Trail Association near Petoskey, will sponsor a two mile hike on Saturday, June 6, on “Section 2” of the trail between Brutus Road and Stutsmansville Road in Pleasantview Township. A longer hike is optional for those wishing to go further on the trail. All are invited, including children, to this free hike. We will see spring wildflowers, a beech-maple forest, cross an active stream, and ascend to a climax forest that includes beech, maple and giant ash trees. There is a section where the effects of logging can be seen and how the trail has been preserved. Carpool from the Pleasantview Township Hall at 10 a.m., returning at approximately 1 p.m. Difficulty level: moderate. Bring bug repellent, water, and a lunch. Contact Gary Zebko, (231) 526-1312, for information.

The North Country Trail Hikers Chapter, Marquette, Michigan, is hosting a family hike for National Trails Day from 1:00-4:00 pm at Wetmore Pond. Go north out of Marquette on County Road 550 (the Big Bay Road) for approximately 5 miles - a little past Sugarloaf Mountain. Watch for our signs on the left on the curve. Hikes range from easy to moderate in woods, over some wetlands and up into some rocky outcrops with views of both Wetmore Pond and the Lily Pond. Connections to the North Country National Scenic Trail lead towards Hogback Mountain or to County Road 550. Contact Lorana Jinkerson, 906-226-6210, for more information.

More Trails Day Events

from various sources

The West Michigan Chapter will host a continental breakfast followed by a hike and a DVD of the trail. We will end with a potluck lunch. Meet at the Schoolhouse on June 6, 10 am. Members are each urged to bring at least one non-member guest to the annual celebration of National Trails Day. Contact JerriLynn Osmarosmarjer@charter.net

The Star of the North Chapter, Minnesota, have a planned trail rehab, and maintenance day planned in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer, MN. Contact Brian Pavekpavekb@comcast.net

The Chequamegon Chapter, Wisconsin, is celebrating on June 20th with a trail maintenance day. Contact Marty Swankmarty808@centurytel.net

National Trails Day Events

from various sources

This coming Saturday, June 6, is National Trails Day. Several North Country Trail chapters are planning events.

The Itasca Moraine Chapter, Minnesota, is hosting its 8th annual event near Itasca State Park. Rather than the customary hike, a workday is scheduled on a section of the trail under construction. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The gathering point is where the North Country Trail crosses Spider Lake Trail. From Park Rapids take Hwy 71 north, turn right on Hubbard Co. 89, turn east onto Coon Lake Forest Road, and north onto Spider Lake Forest Rd to the event.

Bring water, sack lunch, and snacks. Bring loppers or pruning shears; other tools will be provided. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy footgear.

Contact Carter Hedeen at 218-732-9226 for more information.

The Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter, Michigan's UP, will join with the Michigan DNR Project GO at Tahquamenon Falls. Join them for family fun and "Hike between da Falls." Volunteer for an hour or so to promote the North Country Trail!

Contact Kay Kujawa kay1940@lighthouse.net for more information.

The Spirit of the Woods Chapter, Michigan's LP, plans a family fun day at Blacksmith Bayou east of Manistee and south of Brethren in the Manistee National Forest. There will be hikes on the North Country Trail, an interpretive trail walk, free lunch, and a short kayak trip is also an option.

Contact Ramona Venegas rvenegas@fs.fed.us for more information.