Feral Pigs in NY Allegany State Park

feral pig (photo from National Forest Law Blog)

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based on a posting in the FLT e-group, original source uncertain

The NY Department of Environmental Cconservation has confirmed that feral pigs (wild boar) are invading Allegany State Park. A road crew saw the pigs last weed whil working, and two visitors managed to take their picture.

The damage these animals do to an ecosystem is considerable. "When they go to the wild they actually go through a morphological change. Their hair turns thicker, darker and courser, and their tusks develop. You wouldn't think that little pink porker could become that razorback type of boar but it does," said New York DEC Wildlife Manager Mark Kandel

There are concerns about the boars invading central New York as well. They can produce three litters a year, and quickly cause problems. They avoid human contact, but will attack if they feel threatened. And an adult boar can weigh 300 pounds.

The DEC wants to eradicate the animals from the state. The New York State Hunting guide reads "Feral swine are a harmful, invasive species. DEC is working to eradicate feral swine from NY's landscape. Hunters with small game hunting privileges may shoot and keep feral swine, at any time, and in any number."

There are areas and times when hunting is restricted in state parks that can override the "anywhere, anytime" directive. The meat of these feral swine is reportedly leaner and healthier than that of the commercial chemical laden pork sold in stores. But NYS law doesn't even require that they be removed. They just want them eradicated before they get established beyond eradication.

Tom Salwasser Blogs about the Chip

Tom Salwasser (photo from his blog profile)

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from Tom's blog

"Hiking and taking pictures. That about says it all. That's what I really enjoy doing. When I get to choose what I'm going to do on any given day it often involves one or the other or both. Taking pictures that I like is great fun but sharing my photography with others makes it real," writes Tom Salwasser of Minnesota.

old style NCT trail marker (by Tom Salwasser)

This is what the very first North Country Trail markers looked like- the NCT name first came from the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota. It appears that Tom has found a new version of those originals.

In his blog, entitled "It's Later Than You Think," he shares many images from the forest, talks about maintenance, his hikes, and his love for the Chip. This is a section of trail that has needed someone to love it since the death of famed (to NCT folks) Rod MacRae several years ago. Salwasser has stepped up to the plate!

Tom's wife, Jean (by Tom Salwasser)

"Fall is the best time of year to hike," Tom adds. "Temps are cooler, bugs are gone, colors are out...speaking of which...Here my lovely wife Jean models the latest in chic woods wear."

Check out Tom's blog for more on the Chippewa National Forest

See It's Later Than You Think

New York Erv Markert Hike

Erv Markert hikers (photo by Larry Blumberg)

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submitted by Larry Blumberg

Led by John Morris's stand-ins, Alex and Michelle Gonzales, ten of us truly enjoyed a wet, drippy, and at times dreary-looking day out on the Finger Lake Trail's Spanish Loop (FLT Map M19) west of the Greek Peak Ski Resort.

This was the Erv Markert Fall Hike, the third in an annual series of FLTC "named hikes" (just in case you were wondering, the Spring hike is named after the FLTC's first president, which was back in the '60's, Wally Wood; and, the Summer hike is named for Ed Sidote, who currently serves as the FLT's end-to-end coordinator).

While John had planned our hike and had certainly intended to be our leader, knee problems limited him to meeting us at the start and finish of the hike. However, he took on that mission with a zeal - he secured free drink coupons for us for after the hike over at the Gatherings Restaurant near Greek Peak. So, John, feel free to "lead" a hike for us anytime!

Spanish Loop Trail (photo by Larry Blumberg)

All told, between the Spanish Loop and a couple of side loops off the Spanish Loop, plus some additional mileage on the FLT over to the site of what may have been an old mine of some sort, we covered about 7 wet miles... it was a good test of our rain and foot gear !

See more pictures from this hike See Finger Lakes Trail

Infected by the H1-K1-NG Bug

Marilyn Hoogstraten (photo by JHY)

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by JHY

Marilyn Hoogstraten may have been infected with a serious virus. It begins with a little worm of an idea drilling its way into the brain. There it waits and festers, feeding on the cells of a 9 to 5 job and a “normal” life until one day it erupts into a feverish desire to run into the woods carrying only a pack and two sticks... Yes, Marilyn is one of the many who grew up wanting to hike a long trail.

With a smile and the swing of a hiking stick, Marilyn confessed to a dream from long ago of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Her story seemed an echo of my own. She married, raised two children, still no time to hike. Then retirement arrived and she started a new business as an outgrowth of a beloved hobby, her talents as a photographer. And she did well. But all those summer weddings prevented her from taking hikes beyond the day excursions of her local club the Grand Traverse Hikers (which is also a chapter of the North Country Trail Association). “I was spending a whole lot of time sitting in front of a computer, and I gained weight” she explained with a grimace.

Then one day she knew she had to do it. She decided that her goal would be to hike all of the North Country Trail in Michigan that wasn’t road walk. That idea didn’t last long! If she was going to do a state, she would have to do all of it. Besides, she wanted to start in March and the southernmost Michigan sections are on roads. Now she has only about 150 miles of the NCT’s 600 in the Lower Peninsula yet to walk. “I’ve only started the UP,” she explained. Her hike near Brevort Lake was one of the most difficult with much of the trail knee-deep in water in the early spring. She began to wonder if she was cut out for hiking rugged trails, but, she said, “I always found the next road or trailhead and then realized that I could do it.”

Marilyn hikes in fog in the Manistee National Forest (photo by JHY)

All of her miles this year have been day hikes. “I want to get a new pack and try thru-hiking,” Marilyn added. “Maybe next year.” She often hikes with friends so that they can put a car at each end of the day’s walk. Tuesday, she walked from Timber Creek on US 10 to 96th St, the Lake / Newaygo County line. She emailed me, and I spotted her in exchange for an interview. Her plan was to camp at Highbanks that night, and friends would be joining her for the next day’s walk. “The logistics of making this hike happen have been challenging,” she admitted.

Her hope was to lose some weight through all the hiking. “But I was so hungry after hiking for three days in a row that I would gain five pounds,” she chuckled. “I lost that, then gained some back. I’m still too heavy,” she admitted. But she also pointed out that she is proof than anyone with a strong desire can walk out their door and take on a long trail. You don’t have to be young and slim, with the limbs and metabolism of a race horse. You just need to have a passion. A map is good too...

Both walking alone and in the company of others give her pleasure. “It’s really nice to camp with one or two friends,” she acknowledged. She really likes the variety of experiences on the NCT. Rural roads can be as interesting as the forests. She’s enjoying the colors of fall the best of all the seasons so far.

As we parted at Wingleton Road she was heard mumbling things like “Maybe I’ll order the Wisconsin maps.” Or, “I could hike most of Ohio in the winter; one of my daughters lives there.” Oh, yes, Marilyn’s infection has become quite serious...

See Marilyn's Journal See A Hike with Marilyn and Maggie for more pictures from that hike

Adventure Sage, Triskit and a Map

a Michigan map (photo by Sage)

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Excerpted from the blog Sage Covered Hills, used with permission

"Trisket and I headed out to the North Country Trail late this morning. It was a perfect day for hiking as we’d had our first freeze of the season overnight."

Sage was hiking in Michigan's lower peninsula west of Hastings, between MI-179 and MI-37, early in October this year.

"My lunch counter was carpeted with fresh pine straw. Leaning up against a tree, I ate my lunch, sharing a bit with the dog. Then I wrote in my journal and read a chapter titled "The Practice of Getting Lost" in An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. I did not get lost; after all I had my map with me (see the photo). We’ll, at least I didn’t get lost in a geographical sense, but when I hike I do often find myself getting lost in my thoughts and that’s a good thing.

Triskit enjoys the hike (photo by Sage)

"I love the way the dog marches around with his tail flying like a flag."

Sage is a frequent NCT hiker, as he lives only about 10 miles from the trail. Read the rest of this post and see more pictures at Sage Covered Hills

See Sage Enjoys NCT Near Yankee Springs for another of his NCT hikes.

Lynn Discovers the NCT

Clarion River (photo by Lynn Haraldson-Bering)

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with excerpts from the blog Lynn's Weigh, used with permission

"Am I, like, the last person in the northern midwest/east to know the North Country Trail existed?" Lynn asked herself after discovering the NCT near the Clarion River in Pennsylvania a couple of weeks ago. She has been on a weight-loss and fitness quest for the past five years.

Lynn, we are sad to say that many people do not know about the trail. But we are very happy that you found it! Following are some of Lynn's comments. Follow the link to read her full entry and see more pictures.

"When I was obese, I didn’t seek out activities that required exertion. I even avoided sporting goods stores and bought tennis shoes online just so I wouldn’t be reminded of all the things I couldn’t – but deep down wanted – to do. Within that mindset, I definitely wouldn’t have noticed a new sign along the road for a North Country Trail trailhead. Whenever I saw or heard the word “trail” I’d immediately recoil knowing my back, knees and lungs couldn’t handle a hike, even though I longed to see the forest from a place other than my car.

NCT (photo by Lynn Haraldson-Bering)

"But we were curious about the trail and where it would lead us, so we (literally) hoisted ourselves onto the trail and started our ascent. This is what it looked like along the way

"I’m all over this North Country Trail thing and ready for the next leg, hopefully before the snow falls. I’m even considering planning a long weekend next year around the trail and hiking it for hours at a time."

Read the full entry at Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes

Annual Community Fall Hike - Wampum, PA

The Gateway Commerce Center Reroute is officially opened (photos by Bob Cody and G. Warren Smith)

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submitted by Bob Cody

The Wampum Chapter of the NCTA October hike began with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate a recently rerouted section of the NCT near Wampum, PA on land owned by the Gateway Commerce Center, Inc. The reroute offers hikers several scenic views of the Beaver River Valley. With fall foliage in full color hikers were able to see the valley at its best.

At least 60 people attended the ribbon cutting. Chapter President Lee Fairbanks introduced Wampum Borough Mayor Jeff Steffler, Borough Councilman James Ferrante, and representatives form Gateway Commerce Center, Inc. Co-Owner Mr. Dan Bruce, Vice President and Chief of Operations Officer Mr. Tom Roth and Office Manager Ms. Deborah Sudano who cut the ribbon to officially open the Gateway Commerce Center, Inc. Reroute.

Once the ribbon was cut, 39 hikers took off into the woods following Hike Leader Bob Cody who is also Wampum’s Co Trail Work Coordinator. The trail traversed land owned by Gateway Commerce Center, Inc., Mines and Meadows, Inc., the PA Game Commission- SGL #148 and the Edwards Family. John Edwards served as Sweep and faithfully maintains his family’s section of the NCT.

Wampum’s Gail Blakeley organized the event. Gail has always organized our hikes and, as usual, everything ran smoothly. There were drawings for two NCT T-shirts. Snacks and hot beverages were served before the hike and at the 3-½ mile stop. Car shuttles were available at the 1 ½, 3 ½ and 4 ½ mile stops. JoEllen Sokoloski, Joyce Abels and Tom Snarey staffed the registration and refreshments tables and placed directional signs, balloons and ribbons where needed. Ron Justi was in charge of parking and helped shuttle hikers to their cars. Terry Jones permitted us to use his property for registration and parking.

scenic view of Chewton, PA (photos by Bob Cody and G. Warren Smith)

Special thanks go out to Wampum Police Officer Terry Bush who did an excellent job of directing traffic and protecting hikers on the road walk portion of the hike. And, we thank Wampum Borough Council for their help and cooperation.

Good fellowship and fine weather made for a great day on the NCT!

Plans for next year’s hike are already underway and will include a newly opened 2-mile section of the NCT in the Darlington, PA area.

See Wampum Chapter of the NCTA

NCT Hikers Volunteer Adventure Success

trail crews grubbing trail (photo from NCT Hikers Chapter)

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from the Fall 2009 Newsletter of the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA

From Wednesday evening, September 16 through Tuesday morning, September 22, the Marquette, Michigan, North Country Trail Hikers Chapter hosted a NCTA Volunteer Adventure east of County Road 510 approximately 11 miles north of US-41/M-28. Primitive camping at the site was home for the week for 10 of the 24 participants.

Superb meals prepared by John Forslin and Sue Holtzmann were enjoyed by all. Jan Lindstrom Wester served as our Marquette based emergency contact person. Work building new trail took place on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm for a total of 52 person days contributed.

Saturday was a day of recreation where some participants hiked, visited the Maritime Museum, stopped in at the Sands Model Airplane Club’s Annual Fun Fly, took a tour of Presque Isle, or just relaxed. Each evening campers circled the campfire and shared stories of hiking and other adventures.

Gold Standard Trail (photo from NCT Hikers Chapter)

Our chapter had scouted and marked the trail prior to the arrival of the Volunteer Adventurers. Our goal was to get a pathway cut to allow hikers to get from County Road 510 east to some two-tracks and road walk towards the Little Garlic River area. Bill Menke, our Regional Trail Coordinator, scouted and marked additional trail that, along with our marked trail, was completed during the VA. Through chain sawing, throwing off debris, lopping, grubbing, leveling, benching, and step building, almost two miles of new trail was opened up to hikers.

A portion of the segment was fine-tuned to meet the Gold Standard of trail building with benching along hillsides and the building of stone steps. Blazing was begun and will continue later this fall. Overall, we more than accomplished our goal thanks to all the volunteers’ efforts.

North Country Trail Hikers Chapter

Lost Nation - Plenty of History to Fuel Hikers' Dreams

Lost Nation Lake (photo from Baw Beese Chapter)

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based on a news article in the Toledo Blade

"There aren't a whole lot of places in southern Michigan you can hike two miles without a road," declared Ryan Bowles. But the Lost Nation State Game Area near Hillsdale is one of those places. Ryan is president of the Chief Baw Beese Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.

Chief Baw Beese of the Potawatomi Nation once inhabited the area, and frontier bad-man legend, Silas Doty, may have tread the paths.

Seven miles of off-road North Country Trail are located in Lost Nation, a gem in the center of many road miles in southeast Michigan. A hiker is surrounded by woods, and can walk the bluffs above the St. Joseph River- the one that flows south to Ohio.

The local chapter plans to soon open another stretch of trail near Litchfield that will follow the other St. Joseph River- the one that runs west to Lake Michigan. The village owns this former wastewater treatment property; a campsite is also planned for the property.

SeeChief Baw Beese Chapter

Davis Hollow Cabin History Program

Davis Hollow Cabin (photo by JHY)

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from the Davis Hollow Cabin Committee

The Davis Hollow Cabin Committee of the North Country Trail Association will have a potluck dinner and program on the history of the North Country Trail's Davis Hollow Cabin starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the former restaurant at the Davis Hollow Marina in Moraine State Park.

The cabin is just one of two belonging to the Association along the 4,600-mile trail. The other is the former Birch Grove Schoolhouse at White Cloud, Michigan.

Chuck Book will present "A History of the Cabin" and its owners, including many photographs of the Davis family. Meat, beverages and rolls will be provided; guests should bring a dish to share. Space is limited, and reservations are required by calling 724-654-4918 before Friday.

North Country Trail