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.
No comments:
Post a Comment