Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2015 18:57:55 GMT -8
Evening,
My name is Gavin, I reside in MI. I'm a avid hunter/fisherman, volunteer fireman, ametaur knife maker amongst many other things. I'm 29 YO and as I get older I want to do more "stuff" that I haven't expierenced. One of those things is expierencing MI on foot. I haven't done any hiking outside of hunting or camping outside of state parks (always been a camper- did it multiple times a year as a kid). I want the wife and I to expierence something like this together. She loves state park camping, but has limited exposure it. I don't think we are at the level where we can load the packs up, plot a point on a map and hang out for a week. My thought for our first trip is Porcupine Mountains. It'd give us some opportunity to hike to a cabin, a rustic atmosphere, opportunity to explore, provide her with the safety of a roof / door. Now I live in the lower peninsula, any suggestions in the LP for that kind of hike to a state sponsored cabin deal? I think a 3 day 2 night get away is plenty. I'd more that likely, build us a cart to haul a cooler so she doesn't "starve". We've talked about and I've shown her maps/videos/pictures and she is pumped to do if she isn't pregnant by then. I want to make it comfortable for both of us. I also thought about asking another couple who's shown interest in it as well.
Now this isn't going to a be a this summer thing for, our year of the weddings to attend. I have the majority of what I need gear wise from what I've read. I do have a small list of gear I'd need to get.
Thoughts?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2015 19:28:24 GMT -8
Hi Gavin. Welcome to the forums. You have a lot going for you. Now the project is to branch out, simplify, and enjoy. Stay tuned.
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
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Post by daveg on Jul 19, 2015 19:57:24 GMT -8
Welcome Gavin. I am also a Michigander. We've got several good backpacking trails in the state, but if you want cabins/shelters, three possibilities come to mind.
Porcupine Mountains. One of the best hiking areas in the state.
Isle Royale. A National Park (federal wilderness area) located in Lake Superior. It takes a bit of effort and money to get there (by boat or seaplane), but it's worth it. There is a lodge and housekeeping cabins on the east end (expensive) and some of the campsites have shelters that are available on a first-come basis.
In the lower peninsula, you may want to consider the east half of the High Country Pathway, which is northeast of Gaylord. Clear Lake State Park is located on the trail. There's a nice state forest campground on Shoepac Lake. And a shelter at Canada Creek. Here's a trip report from my 2008 hike.
Be glad to give you any help I can. |
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on Jul 19, 2015 19:57:15 GMT -8
Welcome, Gavin. I really haven't done any hiking in Michigan. I did 6 weeks of work in the UP and got out in the woods long enough to enjoy the black flies. I'm sure you'll find some remote spots in the LP. Maybe look up to see if there are any Rails to Trails in Michigan. Those could have long sections.
An author named Colin Fletcher wrote a book called The Complete Walker. He throws in some hiking philosophy along with lore and wit then adds of gear information and lists. There are several editions of the book each with a different intro and updated for the then current gear technology.
I hope you and your wife hike happy trails.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jul 20, 2015 6:37:46 GMT -8
Howdy Gavin. I'm also from Mi. The Porkies are a great destination. I also think you're starting with a 1-2 night trip is an excellent plan, as you will learn a lot about what works for you and what doesn't. My advice is not to get too wrapped up in everything you need, and loading up your pack with gadgets. The basics are: Shelter (which means a tent for most of us) Sleeping bags (and pads) Food Water purification clothing - layering works well. And in Michigan, mosquito repellent  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2015 16:31:42 GMT -8
Thanks all...
Just came in from attempting my first re handle of a Union Tool boys axe. That will be going with me. I picked up one of those mil surplus framed packs and it came with a a medium pack a couple of years ago. I can definitely over think that's for sure with this stuff. I do some back pack hunting in the state forests. Nothing over night, but I always carry rope, two lighters, two knives and a hatchet, metal water jug, dryer lint in a bag and enough room to break down some layers. I look forward to that every winter. Gives me a taste of it. The biggest thing I'm concerned about if food. She's kind of picky and I have to make the first time comfortable without turning myself into a trash hauler or bear attractant.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jul 21, 2015 6:32:50 GMT -8
Do a search for "freezer bag cooking" on the web.
The only knife I carry is a Victorinox Recruit.
Dryer lint is OK, but cotton balls with some Vaseline worked into them works really well.
For firewood, you can usually break up sticks with your foot, or by breaking them over a log or rock. A hatchet is a lot of weight to carry.
Some lightweight parachute cord works well for hanging your food (bears).
The way to approach the issue is not to try to think of things you can bring along, but rather try to think of things you can leave behind.
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Post by msdoolittle on Jul 21, 2015 7:22:32 GMT -8
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johnnyray
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Argle-Bargle, Jiggery-Pokery, and Applesauce
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Post by johnnyray on Jul 21, 2015 17:35:35 GMT -8
Hi Gavin.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Jul 21, 2015 23:02:40 GMT -8
Welcome! Hope you enjoy your time in the forums. ZbigMosquito
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jay
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Post by jay on Jul 22, 2015 4:02:16 GMT -8
Greetings, Gavin, I am a new member like yourself. I have received a great welcome and am picking up a lot of good info from other members. Hope you have a great experience here, too.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Jul 22, 2015 12:52:59 GMT -8
Hi Gavin! I don't know anything about hiking in Michigan. I just wanted to greet you. Totally agree with Lamebeaver about carrying less stuff. Though some things are nice. Will a cabin provide something to sit on? If not (or when you branch out to tenting), one luxury I still consider worth the weight is this or similar: www.rei.com/product/829896/therm-a-rest-compack-chair-kit-20But in general, for keeping wives happy: less hatchet, more chocolate. |
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