Nelson's Ledges 10/20/2008

10/20/2008 On our way back from a visit in Northeastern Ohio we met up with some friends for a dayhike at Nelson's Ledges. These spectacular rock formations are nestled in a quiet community in Portage County. There are trails rated from easy to difficult with both caves and a waterfall. Definitely a must if you are passing through the area! *You will need to use caution with young children as it can be quite dangerous!* There are only about 3 miles worth of trails but you can spend hours in the park! Across the road from the ledges is a picnic area with playground equipment and outhouse style bathrooms.

Derek was always 20 paces ahead, so excited to see what was over the next cliff or around the other side of the cave. Running ahead, coming back to inform us then off he would go again! The root systems of the trees were amazing. One formed a basket which had the appearance of a spiral staircase.

As the day drew to a close it was time to continue our trip north to central Michigan. We were hardly out of the parking lot and Derek was fast asleep.

Manistee River Trail dayhike 10/15/2008

10/15/2008 Wanting to share what I had enjoyed just a five days earlier, Brian, Derek and I prepared for a hike on the Manistee River Trail. Watching the forecast we were well aware it would most likely be raining. No one seemed to mind.

We spent the evening loadinging our packs and looking over the map, of which we each had a copy. This would be our first hike in a remote area. We left Mount Pleasant mid morning after a hardy breakfast. The trip northward was filled with exciting talk of bears, a waterfall and the "little mac". We also discussed different scenarios, preparing for any accident, emergency or unplanned "event". As we entered the Manistee National Forest the boys began watching more intently for any signs of bear. Turning north off the highway we soon met up with a two track in which we wound our way deeper into the forest. Parking the truck in "the middle of no where" we then proceeded on a foot trail which led to the MRT. Along the way Derek was the first to spot a deer bedded down right along the path. She spooked and ran deeper into the woods. It was indeed raining but did not dampen our spirits.

Our trail was well marked and Derek enjoyed being our guide. The passageway was primarily high above the river with occasional steep hills. Colored leaves littered the ground. Even though it was raining the waterfall was not what we expected. Water was falling over layers of claybeds and rock but was not what we had pictured. (on a return visit it was rushing down with a greater volumn of what we later found was spring water)

As we neared the suspension bridge a fog began to approach on the North Country Trail side of the river. Continuing on we soon spied the suspension bridge referred to by many as the "little mac". The boys ran on ahead anxious to view the river from above. The water in the Manistee is clear and we were able to spot numerous trout.

Despite the rain and fog, the leaves gave forth an unexpected brilliance. We returned to the trail turning back to the south Derek once again leading the way. Passing through a marshy area that was damp and covered in a blanket of leaves there was no visible path. Derek chose to just follow the bend of the river. It appeared a trail had been blazed by deer and following the waters flow we did not fear getting lost. Eventually the trail ended with a steep, unclimbable, mudslide of a hill so we trekked away from the river in search of the true path. Derek was the first to spot it just as the rain subsided. We later nicknamed that "trail", Derek's Detour and have since deliberately taken that trail. We removed our raingear, had a snack and walked on. Noticing the path that had brought us in they said good-bye to their first big hike and made our way back to the truck. Due to the weather we never saw soul from the time we left the road. And the deer we kicked up on our way in was the only wildlife we encountered. Changing from wet clothes to dry we loaded up and headed out already talking about the next time we visit the MRT.

Deerfield Park 10/13/2008

10/13/2008 A daytrip to one of our county parks proves to be both convenient and enjoyable. Deerfield county park, located on M20 in Isabella County is open year round offering 10 remote campsites accessible by a one mile hike or by canoeing. (there is a fee) The park offers 8 miles of trails that can be used by either hikers or bicyclists.



We began our hike at the River Loop which follows closely along the Chippewa River. At the south end of the loop it joins with Wildwood Pathway. The temperature was mild with the smell of autumn in the air.

Both boys enjoyed a leisurely walk throughout the park. We did stop for quite some time to play at one of the two artisian wells on the property. The water is cold and very refreshing.

Most of the trail is easy with options to avoid the one steep incline/decline. I have included a website leading to a map of this park. There are 2 swinging bridges and a covered bridge.

This trail is very kid/family friendly as it also offers a swimming beach, fishing and playground area along with plenty of wildlife to view, rocks to climb and woods to explore. Great place for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

www.isabellacounty.org/parks/images/dnpmap.pdf

Muskegon River 08/18/2008 - 08/20/2008

08/18/08 Brian, Derek and I loaded the truck and headed north. Living in Michigan affords an endless choice of rivers to embark upon. With two adventurous little boys experiencing their very first canoe trip we chose the Muskegon which means Happy River. The Muskegon River is 234 miles in length and its source is found in Houghton Lake. It provides a lazy ride with a sandy bottom and abundant wildlife along the shores. The temperature of the water is made cooler as there are a significant number of artisian wells along the way. We left mid morning. Our destination, White Birch Campground. After a quick look at the river we set up camp then took a short 3 mile hike.We saw several deer and one dead snake. Cooled off with a splash in the river, asked around for help in locating a tasty pizzaria then we were off. Took back roads to an intersection which completed the "town" of Moddersville. Campground owners were correct, very delicious pizza. Made our way back to the campsite, the boys started a fire, roasted marshmellows then settled in for the night.









08/19/08 We woke to clear, blue skies with a moderate temperature. A quick breakfast of granola and juice then enjoyed a rather bumpy ride in the transport van offered through the livery. We were dropped off upstream at M-55 giving us 20 miles between the bridge and our campsite. The mid 80's made for a pleasant day. We saw many turtles and dragonflies with an occasional duck. Around noon we came across a rope swing tied around a tree. Pulled ashore to enjoy several jumps out into the slow flowing water. Stopped for a leisurely lunch an hour later on a sandy hill. Continuing on, we came across several fallen trees which made for some tricky manuvering at times. Being late summer we had to portage three times due to shallow waters. Derek requires more frequent breaks so climbing every sandhill was a must. We made excellent time and were back to the campsite by 4:30. Took a drive along the river to see a bridge we had crossed under then went to a nearby town. While eating at a local establishment we overheard everyone speaking of a major storm headed that way. As the darkness overtook the blue skies it was apparent we didn't have much time. We gathered our things and arrived back at camp just as it hit. The rain came down so hard on our "cheap" tent that it was raining right through the fly. Our site was positioned near a pavilion so I pulled the truck under it and we camped out in it for the night. Played some cards, the boys told jokes and stories then we did our best to sleep in our cramped quarters.








08/20/08 Morning brought clear skies once again but with a soaked tent. After a cold breakfast we decided to tube down river from our site to give our tent a chance to dry. We only tubed 5 miles giving us a 3 mile hike back to our truck. Packed up the still wet tent and headed out. Not wanting to return home yet we went west to my "happy place"...a.k.a. Lake Michigan. Stopped for a burger and fries in Manistee before making our way toward the beach. Hiked a mile north then out on the pier toward the lighthouse. Saw several folks fishing and were fortunate enough to watch one lucky fisherman land a king salmon. What a show! Hiked back to the beach for more exploration and play. As the day drew to a close we settled in to watch the sun drop out of the sky. Boats dotted the horizon and the final view of the sun gave off an orangish hue. Still not wanting to leave we took one more walk north by the moonlight, again going out on the pier, made a leisurely stroll back to the truck and headed home.