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Post by Spartan on Dec 7, 2016 14:10:29 GMT -8
So I need to buy all alps mountaineering gear with a wiggy sleeping bag and a banana kilt.... I'm glad I came here. I've been buying all the wrong gear this whole time
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reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,164
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Post by reuben on Dec 7, 2016 14:20:03 GMT -8
"This thread has been reported." - RanD/@eyebp
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jazzmom
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a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,064
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Post by jazzmom on Dec 7, 2016 14:37:10 GMT -8
Spartan, Start at Red Bridge. North Country Trail, cross over the suspension bridge and back to red bridge on the Manistee River Trail. Beautiful trail any time of year. Thank you! I was looking at starting there or seaton creek campground but it looks like starting at the red bridge will save the best views for last. I've done it both ways and I think it depends on how much you want to hike on day 1 vs day 2 (I've always done the hike with one overnight.) The best campsites (IMO) are on the MRT side and closer to the Red Bridge, so if you start there and do the NCT side first, you need a pretty big day 1 to get to them. Some people will do two nights out, with a short first day a few miles in and a dry camp on the the NCT. That makes getting to the western MRT sites nice and easy for the next night. What I've wanted to do for a long time is to stash a kayak at the dam, hike the MRT from the Red Bridge, then paddle back. It means I can't take my dog though, which is why I haven't gotten around to it. I live in Ann Arbor, btw. Not really allowed to talk to Spartans...
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Post by Spartan on Dec 7, 2016 14:46:00 GMT -8
Thank you! I was looking at starting there or seaton creek campground but it looks like starting at the red bridge will save the best views for last. I've done it both ways and I think it depends on how much you want to hike on day 1 vs day 2 (I've always done the hike with one overnight.) The best campsites (IMO) are on the MRT side and closer to the Red Bridge, so if you start there and do the NCT side first, you need a pretty big day 1 to get to them. From what I found, campsite 6 on the MRT seems to be a great spot. Where would you suggest starting that would kinda break up the 2 days but put me around that campsite after the first day ?
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jazzmom
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a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,064
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Post by jazzmom on Dec 7, 2016 15:03:49 GMT -8
I'm trying to picture #6, but can't. I like the sites that are on the side creeks; there are a few at Slagle and a really sweet spot on Arquilla, I think. If you're a decently strong hiker, you can get to 6 starting at the Red Bridge. I'm guessing mile 15 out of the 20 mile loop?
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
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Post by RumiDude on Dec 7, 2016 15:43:23 GMT -8
I thought she's a librarian. It's the same thing. Rumi ~the liberated~Dude
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Post by Spartan on Dec 7, 2016 16:29:09 GMT -8
I'm trying to picture #6, but can't. I like the sites that are on the side creeks; there are a few at Slagle and a really sweet spot on Arquilla, I think. If you're a decently strong hiker, you can get to 6 starting at the Red Bridge. I'm guessing mile 15 out of the 20 mile loop? Sure would make for an easy 2nd day if I knocked 15 out of 20 the first day. Thank you! I'm excited to get out there for a weekend trip.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,164
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Post by reuben on Dec 7, 2016 18:08:58 GMT -8
Reuben <~~~~~ playing the straight man on the comedy team (set ya up for that one hoping you'd provide the punch line)
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 7, 2016 18:47:23 GMT -8
This thread is out of context...
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Dec 7, 2016 18:47:35 GMT -8
Site 6 sits up on the bluff as I recall. I would start at the hikers lot 1/2 mile up from Red Bridge and hike the NCT side first and stay at the look-out or the site 1/4 mile past it. The next day cross over and stay at 6, 7 or 8. Hike out the next morning.
Oh, I almost forgot. GO BLUE!!
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Post by Spartan on Dec 7, 2016 18:51:47 GMT -8
This thread is out of context... Are we breaking rules? Uh oh. That didn't take long for me lol
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Hungry Jack
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Living and dying in 3/4 time...
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Post by Hungry Jack on Dec 7, 2016 18:54:56 GMT -8
Being from Michigan, have you hiked the manistee river trail loop? I'm probably gonna hit that trail this spring or wait till fall. I'm gonna have to give that a try with the sprouts! This is a great weekend option for Chicagoans like me. Just don't expect any privacy. i typically park at Red Bridge on Friday pm after driving up and head up the NCT side. The first decent site is at Red Hill, about a mile in. About another mile along the ridge, there is a spur that leads 100 ft to a cool outcrop with enough space for a ring and two man tent. I usually pack in enough water for that first night, breakfast, and through noon as Eddington Creek is about 8 miles up the trail. But if you descend the bluff and head into a stand of cedar near the base you might find water (not flowing, mind you). its usually a very quick walk to Little Mac. Just don't miss the turnoff. The MRT side is more interesting, IMO, with plenty of water. Another option to consider is combining Ludington State Park with Nordhouse Duned. You can park at LSP, use the easternmost trail that borders the lake, and traverse the dunescape to reach the forests in Nordhouse. With a decent map and some courage you can find Nordhouse Lake. Then head west, reach the shore, and return south along the beach to the lighthouse at LSP. This was a great trip when I did it one late September.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 7, 2016 21:43:00 GMT -8
I thought she's a librarian. It's the same thing. Rumi ~the liberated~Dude I'm a ninja librarian. Don't provoke me... But when it comes to going bare, well, I'm a red-head. I can expose my sickly white skin to the sun for about 45 seconds, max. So I guess I have to be repressed. Dang. I was all set to party.
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Post by hikingtiger on Dec 8, 2016 9:06:28 GMT -8
Try the egg nog. It'll get you there. lol
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Post by Spartan on Dec 8, 2016 9:43:10 GMT -8
Well I'm definitely ready to party now because I just passed my electrical journeyman exam!!
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