Weekend Hiking in New York

Howard Beye hike (photo by J Wintski)

received from Cate Concannon

Seventeen hardy souls braved the cold to hike on Howard's section of the Bristol Hills Trail in Naples. As John & Judy pointed out, we had a wide range of hikers and I hope everyone enjoyed talking with each other while enjoying the trail. Although the sun came out when we set out, the wind picked up and a soft snow fell during the day. Although warm when moving, the wind made things pretty cool so not a lot of time was spent at Howard's bench, and only a quick lunch was had at the lean-to at the lookout spot.

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Stoney Brook leanto (photo by gbd001)

received from gbd001 on fingerlakestrail hikers

My son and I spent the weekend in Allegany State Park to get in some hiking before he returns to school next week. (Don't feel bad for him - he goes to Paul Smith's and is majoring in outdoor recreation. We should all be so lucky.)

On Saturday morning we hiked into the Stoney Brook lean-to from ASP 2. Other than a xc skier who passed us on the trail it was 2 feet of virgin snow and slow going despite our snowshoes.

The lean-to was in great shape, and despite all the snow it was dry inside. We were sorry we hadn't planned to stay there (but we had one of the few cabins with a wood stove so it was a bit more rustic than a motel room.)

These segments are on FLTC maps

See Chief Finger Lakes Trail

A View of the NCT

Manistee River (photo from GHTC newsletter)
by Arlen Matson

Hidden under wind blown Lake Michigan ice crystals, our portion of the NCT lies deep in freshly fallen snow. A blizzard attempts to blow it off the path; instead random drifts careen off the trunks of trees. Vertical blue blazes remain through this white season on guard to direct any attempt by a hiker on snowshoes or skis to find some destination.

The summer caterpillars and their silky parachute cords have vanished from sight. Even the imprints on the tread from the trail crew laden with tools and heavy planks are only history from labors well done. Adopters too have their cuttings submerged in a true Michigan winter.

This is an invitation for you to enter into the “treasures of the snow.
Valley of the Giants (photo from GHTC newsletter)

This segment is on NCTA map MI-05

See Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter of the NCTA

Mike Ducek Hikes Brule Bog, Wisconsin

pink grosbeak (photo by Mike Duchek)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
submitted by Mike Duchek

I was exploring the North Country Trail's site, and found the Brule Bog Boardwalk segment which looked very cool. Turns out it is the same segment that was featured in a segment on Wisconsin's National Parks produced by Wisconsin's two public TV stations to coincide with the Ken Burns film.

Just two weeks ago I went, and it was a very nice hike - there was well over 2 feet of snow in the area and more has fallen since I was there. Since I'm also into birds, I was delighted as I began my hike to find one of the birds I had wanted to see while up there - a pine grosbeak. In fact I subsequently saw six more, all of which were very tame and cooperative and allowed me some great photos.

North Country Trail - Brule Bog Boardwalk in Douglas Co., WI (photo by Mike Duchek)

Ravens serenaded me as I exited the bog, and I heard little else. In fact I seemed to have been the only one to hike this segment in a while: as I reached the Catlin Creek campsite, where I turned around, I found a registration box, which showed December 29, 2009 as the last entry. I came back through and hiked a little more as the trail continued across the road before emerging exhausted at the parking spot.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

Siler & Doug Snowshoe in the South Manistee

My camp at dinner time (photo by Paul Haan)

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by Paul Haan (trail name Siler)

My neighbor Doug and I got a chance to go out and do about 16 miles of winter backpacking this past weekend. We started at Croton Dam in the southern Manistee National Forest and hiked north from there. The temps were just perfect (steady in the mid to upper twenties), but the snow cover was a bit light (about 8 inches of hard-pack with 5 inches of new fluff on top).

On Saturday we were joined by Pathfinder and his merry group of day hikers (truth be told, we joined them). Doug and I donned snowshoes and the rest bare-booted. It's hard to know which was the better way to go. With the extra 35 pounds on my back, I guess I'm glad I had the extra traction.

Doug and I hiked about 2-3 miles north of 40th Street before we found a camp for the night. Doug tried out his new Shire's Tarp Tent, which provided amazing heat producing results. I slept in my bivy inside my floorless MegaLight tipi.

On the way out the next morning, the forest was full of tracks from critters who took advantage of the mild evening to look for a mid-winter snack. Most abundant were the deer and porcupine tracks.

It was a restful outing, and I'm looking forward to the next hike in two weeks.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-04

See West Michigan Chapter of the NCTA

Duncan Lake (photo by Ken Harmon)

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From the Border Route Trail e-group

Winter Weekend on Gunflint Lake FEB 26-28. This is a casual trip with options to xctry ski, snowshoe, ice fish, dance and of course EAT with 12 other individual ski buffs and Border Route Trail enthusiasts. There are many ski options from beautifully groomed, rolling runs for beginners to back country wildness for those who want a challenge.

THERE IS ROOM FOR 6 MORE INDIVDUALS! We will stay in rustic cabins at Heston's Lodge, (www.hestons.com) Cabins have cooking facilities, showers, wood stoves and lake views. There is also a fabulous lake side wood burning sauna! This is also Gunflint Trail Wintertracks weekend offering other activities like dogsledding, dancing at Windigo Lodge, ice fishing contests. (www.wintertracks.com). But the best part is the camaraderie of shared meals with food enthusiasts. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be included if you like. Trip costs include 2 nites lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and Saturday dinner. We will help arrange carpooling closer to the trip date. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot, no exceptions.

ESTIMATED COST: $90 (includes food) + gas, ski passes, alcoholic beverages. For additional info contact Trish H @ 612-824-1328.

This segment is near the Border Route on the Minnesota Arrowhead

See Border Route Trail

Winter Hiking in Yankee Springs

Paul Henry Thornapple/North Country Trail (photo from Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team)

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submitted by Pathfinder for the Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team

Members on this hike, Pathfinder, Vic, Papa, and Magellan. The Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team is a wilderness exploration group and educational institution. The team is open to everyone of all ages, regardless of skill level or ability. The Team is on a quest to hike the North Country Trail in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

I was hoping that we would get a winter storm for our hike this morning, but no dice. I always love a good challenge.

There was a challenge however, and that turned out to be the trail in Yankee Springs. Now, I have taken the trail a few times through Yankee Springs and it has always seemed to be well marked. I have also spent some time hiking the Chief Noonday trail sections and have always been pleased with what they have.

But, I have to admit that we had a very difficulty following the trail at times, today. We first wonder why they are using nail up blazes down there. Is it a requirement of the land manager? The nail up blazes seemed to be a victim of vandals at times and just plain old weakness at others. Parts of the trail are completely unmarked for over 200 yards. Some turns are unmarked and at other times, the trail simply isn't there because of the confusing nature of two tracks. I would like to let any noondayers [Chief Noonday Chapter Members] on the group know that the Yankee Springs section north of Hall Lake Rd needs some attention, especially Hall Lake to 179. Otherwise, great job on the reroute south of Gun Lake Rd. There are painted blazes on that section. If you can paint, please do.

Very few hikers out there, today. The turkeys however are all over. At times, we discovered 100's in fields.

The day was mostly filled with crunching and sliding. Two sets of hunters were headed out to take down tree stands. The winter sports parking area was empty and a few brave souls have ventured out onto Hall Lake to try their luck (in a couple of ways - fishing and stable ice).

About 9 miles of crunching an slippery walking today. We will be doing about 6 miles on Monday which should bring us to the doorstep of Middleville. It will be a short day as we have another "Christmas" celebration that day.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA
See Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team

Bridal Veil in WInter

ice climber on Bridal Veil falls in Pictured Rocks, Michigan (photo by Lars Jensen)

The Pictured Rocks of Michigan are certainly one of the best known places along the North Country Trail. However, a few of the features really need a winter trip to be seen best.

hiker at the top of a waterfall- look on the far left to see water trickling down the slope (photo by JHY)

Several of the waterfalls like Bridal Veil just don't look like much in the summer from the trail. The falls in this picture is farther west than Bridal Veil, but they look very much alike from the top. When things are drier in the summer there isn't much water sliding over the top of the cliff. And you just can't see much of the falls from the top either. However, in winter the difference is amazing.

ice climber on Bridal Veil falls in Pictured Rocks, Michigan (photo by Lars Jensen)

Lars Jensen visits Pictured Rocks regularly, with many of his adventures taking place in the winter. Bridal Veil is Michigan's highest waterfall at 140 feet.

See Ice Climbing at Pictured Rocks 2009

Youth on the NCT in the Chippewa

Chippewa joins in National Day of Service with Community Day at Shingobee Hills.

from a National Forest Service Success Story, "National Day of Service event on the Chippewa National Forest," by Melissa Rikers, Jan 20 2009, used with permission

On a beautiful winter weekend, Chippewa National Forest staff joined in the National Day of Service connected with President Barack Obama's inauguration. In response to President Obama's call to make an enduring commitment to our neighborhoods, the Forest hosted Community Day at Shingobee Hills on January 17, bringing in families from the Walker/Cass Lake area and getting More Kids Outdoors.

Shingobee Hills is a historic National Forest Recreation site on the Walker Ranger District. Throughout the day, families visited the Civilian Conservation Corps- built chalet at the base of the sledding hill to warm up and learn more about Forest activities. By the end of the afternoon, over 70 people had joined in Shingobee Community Day.

The Cass Lake High School Science Club, part of the STAR program, also came in for a day and night at Shingobee Hills. The class of 8 High School students and two teachers came prepared for a winter campout. Forest employees helped get the class set up and started their day by teaching the finer points of quinzhee (snow shelter) construction. Kids from the community joined in, helping the high schoolers build the Inuit-style shelter.

Students followed soils scientist Jim Barrott out for a snowshoe hike on the Shingobee and North Country Trail systems. Many of the kids had never tried snowshoes before, but jumped in to the Forest snowshoes enthusiastically! "It was so good to get the kids outdoors and experiencing some winter sports," Howard said. "We actually went further on the trail than we had planned because we saw so much! The kids found animal tracks (grouse and deer) and even saw one deer bounding through the snow. It was a great time. And of course, they loved the [sledding] hill and the warm fire at the chalet."

Community day at Shingobee was a chance to connect kids with the outdoors, and connect the communities to recreation opportunities on the Forest.

Join us this winter on the Chippewa! Shingobee events are scheduled through March, and on February 27, take in the night trails at the 19th annual Cut Foot Sioux Candlelight Ski!

See Chippewa National Forest

Quinzhees on the NCT

This past week, Todd Williams and Jim Colten made a winter trek on the Superior Hiking Trail. As part of their experience they built a quinzhee snow shelter. Todd reports:

"the hike from Gooseberry to Split Rock and the Split Rock loop were all 'broken in' and I traveled at 2-3 mph (normal speed). The first night I slept at Blueberry Hill in a quinzhee. It was warm in the quinzhee and nice although I missed the floor of my tarptent (just spoiled). Had a beautiful sunset and sunrise there at the site."

He also recorded this video.

quinzhee and tent (photo by J Young)

Previous known quinzhees built along the NCT include this one built by Martha B. Northrup and Joan Young in the Upper Peninsula, just outside of the Rock River Canyon Wilderness in 2000. In the picture, the tent is still pitched in front of the quinzhee. Since it took us two days to build the snow shelter, we used the tent for those nights.

built by WTD staff at the NCTA Schoolhouse (photo by J Young)

Finally, this was one of the first quinzhees built in the area. It was constructed at the NCTA Schoolhouse (maybe in 1994) at one of the first Winter Trails Day celebrations.

Have you seen or built others on the NCT? Leave a comment and tell about it.

See How to Build a Quinzhee from the Mohawk Wolf Cub Pack

Soldier Lake Hike

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter, by G. Smith

The skies were cloudy and the temp was a crisp 3F when we arrived at the trailhead on M28. The first of us helped Stan and Kay transfer the food and firewood to the snowmobile sled, which Stan delivered to the pavilion. There was a great collection of loaner snowshoes and skis for new hikers who didn't have a pair of their own.

Several of us parked down by the North Country Trail itself while others followed the snowmobile tracks to the pavilion. I 'shoed up at 9:45am and started down the trail. Snowshoeing in only took me 20 minutes or so. By the time the labs and I arrived at the pavilion there was a warm fire crackling in the fireplace and Lucas was cooking up hot dogs. The air remained cold but the cloudy skies gave way to a beautiful clear sunny day. The snow was just pristine! All in all 39 people came out to snowshoe or ski that day, exploring the snow blanketed campground and the frozen lake. Within a short while the area became cris-crossed with tracks as the various groups set out to explore this or that.



Later after the crowd dispersed, Stan, Kay, Donna and I skied/snowshoed south on the NCT to NF3336. The snow covered landscape and trees were just gorgeous, blanketed thick in snow that sparkled in the sunlight. I stayed way to the rear of the group, snapping as many pictures as I could. We came across a set of wolf tracks crossing a field which led to some interesting discussions. I tell ya, you don't get to see winter beauty like this while sitting at home complaining about how cold it is outside!

All in all a beautiful Winter Trails day!

Four Miles in Tittabawassee Land

snowshoe tracks (photo by J Young)

by Joan H. Young

I had the chance today to add four more miles to my quest to hike the trail, and thanks to the Tittabawassee Chapter, they were pretty uneventful. Doug Seaney helped me spot my car on Mancelona (Michigan) Road, and then we drove around to Starvation Lake Road. I had hopes of being able to stay on the trail all the way through. With the depth of the snow, finding blazes was going to be absolutely critical to that plan. With only a couple of exceptions, I was able to see the next blaze from the one I was at. In the few other cases I was able to make some educated guesses, and was able to find the next blaze.

The weather cooperated nicely. It was brutally cold here just a couple of days ago. Today it was mid twenties. Who could ask for more? I had a new pair of Grandoe mittens to "test" and they worked great. The lining is already dry, which makes them a big improvement over the last mittens I had which didn't dry out for days after a day of sweating in the woods. With Manzella liners I had lots of options to keep my hands the right temperature.

depth of snow- those posts are usually 4-5 feet tall (photo by J Young)

It was a quiet walk. I saw one squirrel, some deer and mouse tracks, and shared one small stretch where snowmobiles had run (not illegally- it's on a woods road) with a fox who had been there not long before I.

So, thank you, Tittabawassee folks! My only complaint? When the snow is three feet deep the blazes are only about three feet off the surface, and there are quite a few branches overhead that can scrape you in the face!

I snowshoed the 4 miles in 2 hours, 50 minutes. I'm happy enough with that since I'm not quite as young as I was (Shhh). Total now at 3518 miles.

See more pictures at Only a Few Miles- But O So Good

Earning that North Country Name

snow patterns on evergreens

from Paul Retherford, used with permission

Here are some images that I captured on the North Country Trail West of Rudyard, Michigan in the UP of Michigan. My wife and I decided to take a quick, 2 hour from our house, trip to Grand Marais, MI and back to see a part of Michigan where we have never visited. The ride up was blue skies and LOTS of snow until around Grand Marais where we got lake effect snow and even more snow! I only captured a few images since we were strapped for time and light while there. It was us and the snowmobilers. I think we were one of a dozen cars there. It was really quiet and we spoke with the waitress at the Lake Superior Brewing Company and she said that it was a REALLY slow winter. She said last Sunday she had one table on her shift! Upper Michigan is the spot and the trails are open, groomed, and pretty much empty. Great time to make a trip to Northern Michigan!

Paul Retherford, Sampson, and asta

upper Michigan forest scene

Hiawatha S to S Hike- December

Roger Morrison, Sabrina LSSU student, and Katie MSU student on December Hike- Photo by Julia Rawlings

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter newsletter

December 13th Hike at Salt Point Road
Six hardy souls braved wind and blowing snow to tromp their way down the North Country Trail on the December hike. Julia Rawlings, brought her niece—Sabrina a LSSU student and Katie—a MSU student. Pat and Bob McNamara brought along Taylor, their canine pal. After the hike the group gathered at the Maple Ridge restaurant on M 28 for a delicious bit to eat.

Chery Keesling with pavilion in background at Soldier Lake

Jerry Gauld Recalls 2006 Winter NCT Adventure

Jerry Gauld photo by Todd Zawistowski

excerpted from MyNorth.com by Emily Betz Tyra, Dec 19, 2008

On a cold February 1, 2006, Fife Lake bulldozer operator Jerry Gauld pulled on his worn work boots, loaded up his Kelty Redhawk 5000 pack, its straps frayed like a bushy squirrel tail, and asked his wife to drop him at the Mackinac Bridge.

From there, he snowshoed along the North Country Trail, camping in a tent at night, hellbent on trekking to the western end of the Upper Peninsula. Thirty-nine days later, he reached the Wisconsin border town of Ironwood and lived to tell the tale. Here, he shares the perspective you get only after walking 400 miles in Michigan winter wilderness. In his own words …

It snowed almost every day. I don’t think there was ever a night ever on the whole trip, not one night that it didn’t snow.

That’s my water can—an old bean can, a tall one. There’s a string attached to it. Why I done that: if I’m in the U.P. along the slopes, if the creeks were thawed out, the snow banks would be maybe 4 feet high and you can’t get close to them without the bank caving in, and then you’re going in. So I take this string and I can literally cast for water and fill my water jugs. I’d go through about four or five of these jugs in a day. I drank water constantly.

The way I kept my water thawed out is, at night, I slept with it... more

December Hiking on the SHT

Lake Superior from the SHT photo by Kurt Papke

submitted by Kurt Papke, hiking Dec 8-10, 2008

The Trail
Hiked from Beaver Bay parking lot to Penn Cr campsite and back the next day to Beaver South campsite. Hadn't been on this section in some time and never camped there. The trail had 4-5" inches of fresh powder. No tracks in the snow but the deer and mine. Started out with snowshoes, but quickly strapped these to my pack as there wasn't that much snow and this trail section is pretty rocky.

This is a pretty section of trail. Lots of scenic views, and lots of pine trees in the "green tunnel" that were decorated for the season with fresh snow. It was prettier on Tuesday with the sun shining.

The trail is very quiet in the winter: no grouse drumming, no crickets or frogs at night, etc. Just the sound of buzzing ATV's...

This is not a great trail section for snowshoeing - too rocky and lots of steep stair sections. It was fun to clamber around in though, but I was really glad I had my trekking poles.

The Penn Creek campsite is ideal for winter camping, but I would think it would be really buggy in the summer. It is in a low area, making it very protected from wind. Very pretty.

The Beaver South campsite is great for hammocks! It is also pretty in the winter, and the pine trees keep it very sheltered. Nothing like the train blowing their whistle at 1AM... This campsite is right on the river, but it was impossible to fetch water as the open spots were all in the middle of the river and I didn't trust the ice. I stayed here on night #2 because the last weather forecast I heard before hitting the trail was for -10F that night, and I wanted to be close enough to my car to bail out in case of problems. These two campsites on the Beaver River are great for this - 15 minute walk from the parking lot, on the beautiful river and very pretty sites.

note the temperature photo by Kurt Papke

The Weather
Started out at 15F at noon on Monday and went down from there... Fortunately, there was very little wind except Monday night, so the wind chill wasn't too bad. Monday night got down to zero, Tuesday night down to -2 or so. I was plenty warm while hiking, in fact my biggest challenge was overheating. I was plenty warm at night except for a brief period Wednesday at about 5:30AM when my back got a little chilled. I was worried about staying warm in camp, but I had plenty of warm clothes and fared pretty well.

The Gear
The hammock worked well - the hardest part was staking out the tarp with the frozen ground and not enough snow for a snow anchor, but fortunately both campsites had a log or two close by that I could drag over and tie up to. My hammock tarp has only two tie-outs, so pretty simple.

I hate white gas stoves. I bought an MSR Simmerlite on sale this Fall, and I'm still not good at priming/warming this thing up. I also found out that BIC lighters don't work at 0F, but my REI stormproof matches worked like a champ.

Keeping water from freezing at these temps is a challenge. The Platy Insulator I'm testing for BGT froze up in the first 2 hours. I love the Montbell Permafrost jacket I'm testing - kept me unbelievably warm in camp, and also used it for insulation under the hammock at night.

Wore my Raichle waterproof hiking boots during the day - worked just fine even though they're not insulated. Carried bulky Itasca camp boots for the evenings, which have removable Thinsulate liners that kept my toes toasty at night.

My new REI Zenith 0F sleeping bag performed well. It has synthetic insulation so it is bulky, but its really warm and kept its warmth despite getting a little damp/icy from condensed perspiration.

I was glad I had a big pack - I'm testing a 90L High Sierra. It was packed full and I had stuff strapped all over the back. It wasn't that heavy, just under 50 lbs with 3 days of food and 3L of water, but winter stuff is bulky.

The Food
Not much new here except I did try Pop-tarts for the first time for breakfast. My wife works for General Mills and got some free Fiber One Strawberry tarts. They are quick and easy in the morning, and interestingly do not freeze at any temperature (unlike my protein bars...)

Lessons Learned
Winter backpacking is very different from the other seasons. I find I have to cut my mileage in half: daylight hours are short, the going is slow and strenuous in the snow, and it took me forever to break camp in the morning with melting snow for water and everything. I was very tired after two days - maybe from my body having to generate so much heat.

My biggest concern before the trip was keeping warm. This was a complete non-issue. What I need to learn to do better is regulate my temperature while hiking, taking off and putting on layers more dynamically. This was particularly an issue on this trail section as there are a lot of ups and downs which caused me to break a sweat. When I got into camp on Monday night my hair was frozen solid ice...

All that said, I think Winter is my new favorite backpacking season on the SHT. No bugs, no other hikers vying for the good campsites, and the air is so clear when the sun is out.

Lemme know if anyone is interested on going along on a future trip. I plan to do at least 1/month all Winter, though not all on the SHT. I want to hit the Porkies, and also want to try some of the Driftless areas in SE Minnesota along the Mississippi.

Retherford Family Snowshoes on the NCT in the UP

from Paul Retherford's Xanga Blog, Dec 7, 2008, used with permission.

We were out today snowshoeing on the North Country trail in the UP of Michigan near our house. Here are a selection of images from our trek. The snow was so deep at points that Asta would disappear. She had to hop like a rabbit almost the entire time too. Sampson was a trooper, just got cold after a bit. They both wore their winter barn jackets.

The tired images of the dogs were on the ride home and at the Coop while we picked up dinner.

Enjoy the winter images from Northern Michigan by me and my wife, Megan...

Thanks for looking. I always love comments!

Take care.
Paul Retherford Photography, LLC