North Country Trail-Happy Anniversary!

North Country Trail- Happy Annivesary

In 1980 the congress enacted legislation to create the system of trails which would be the North Country Trail, and on March 28, 1981 a group of volunteers created the non-profit group that would become the North Country Trail.

From humble beginnings, the trail has grown, evolved and in so doing improved numerous lives.

The North Country Trail is an impressive network of trails extending from New York through to North Dakota. 

Michigan has over 1,000 miles of trails in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the most of the North Country Trail. 

Our family our proud to be members of this association. Although, we have only hiked a few dozen or so miles on the trail, it has captured our hearts and imaginations. 

Jenny and I first encountered the trail while camping in the U.P near St. Ignace. We stumbled over thick roots as we kept an eye out for the wildcats that the ranger told us were recently spotted in the trees.

We have taken our kids for a hike out of the North Country Trail headquarters in Lowell, Michigan. The gentle uphill climb, leading to an expansive view was wonderful soul sustenance and exercise before we returned to the car to continue on our journey. 

A favorite was a recent hike in the northern Lower Peninsula, outside of Petoskey. This hilly, well marked trail was challenging for a trail in Michigan, yet very walkable. 

If you are thinking about getting in some serious hiking this summer consider working towards one of the two badges- the 50 mile or the 100 mile. They don't have to be all from one hike or time frame, but they are a great reminder of the many wonderful memories you will create from walking on the North Country Trail. 

Happy Anniversary North Country Trail!

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Winter in Michigan

Winter in Michigan is a reflective time. A time to slow down and watch the snow fall across the evergreen tree in the back yard, drifting up against the white fence. To smile at the bold squirrel perched on the snow bank as I drove by, a nut gripped tight in its forepaws.

footprints in the snow

It is a time for ice fishing in the U.P in the brief Sturgeon season or ice skating downtown at Campus Martius.  It is a time for counting down to Opening Day at Tiger Stadium and Greenfield Village.

It is a time to walk in the woods along the North Country Trail or bike with your fat tires along Huron River Drive past North Campus in Ann Arbor, leaving the crowded cafes and busy parking structures behind as the wind stings your face. 

It is a time to work on puzzles, organize your travel photos, get out your campground guide, and reserve  your spot at Wilderness State Park. 

It is a time to spend all Saturday morning at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum or walk around the still, silent grounds of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River, or admire the outdoor sculptures at the Solanus Casey Center. 

Cross in the Woods Indian River photo courtesy A. Chromicz

It is a time to be still and let the  power of nature once again pull you in and heal your heart that the world insists on breaking. Again. 

Winter in Michigan