Ending 2012

Twenty-twelve was pretty jam-packed, so much so that this blog was mildly neglected. I was constantly running and trying to get as much out of each day as possible.

I built up a new mountain bike and a new commuter/ dirt road warrior, started brewing beer, survived another year of law school and built a rockwall.

Unfortunately, I did not get very many hikes in. Aside from the trip to Kentucky I think that I got 9 or 10 real hikes in. With that in mind I was determined to finish 2012 strong. That meant a trip to Old Baldy. 

In the spring I am going to bring my tripod out here to get a crisp shot of the dunes leading up to Elberta because none of my shots turned out satisfactorily.

Even though the picture quality is not perfect, the subject matter is second to none.

Osprey Daylite: C's new quick pack. Hopefully she gets to use it more in 2013!

As for goals in the new year, mine is very simple: More Everything, and make the most of everything.

Today: workout, juice, mountain bike, read for school... nap?

-J

Just over the next hill...

We seem to always be asking, "what is over the next hill?" This may be an example of our curiosity or our anxiety of future things which we are looking forward to or are unsure of.

I think that there is a lot to be said for always striving to make it just over the next hill. Doing so pushes you to always be forward looking and trying to get more out of life.

If what you find over that next hill doesn't suit your fancy you can always turn around and enjoy your towering view of the low ground that you have passed on your journey.

So go on, strive to make it just over the next hill, and if it doesn't kill you then you should probably try to make it just over the next hill, and the next.

-J

Back in Nor-Mich and loving it. Expect to see new posts from all the usual places and a few new ones 

Yesterday my friend Matt came for a visit so I had to show him my new favorite spot, Old Baldy. After the half-mile barefoot hike we descended the face of the dune. The thrill of rushing down the dune, bounding almost weightless and at tremendous speeds is somewhat overshadowed when you finally reach the bottom by the sudden realization that lingered in the back of your head the whole way down, "oh my God, look how high we have to climb."

Though the ascent was challenging it was not impossible and I urge any of you who make your way out to the end of the trail to make the extra effort to let your inner child out by barreling down the sandy chute.

On another note, while walking around at nearby river we saw a few salmon. Maybe this week I could hook into my first one!

Wish me luck.

-J

(PS. Gosh it feels good to be done with this semester's classes)

The rain never kills a quality hike.

As you all know you can plan the perfect trip with all of the right stops and scenic overlooks, however one thing that you have no control over is the mood of Mother Nature.

We had been hiding in the shade and sitting in front of fans for two weeks trying to beat the heat that South East Michigan was dishing out when we planned our three day getaway to our hometown of Onekama Michigan. With current trends in the weather we thought that we would have the perfect day at the beach followed by a family gathering round the perfect beach bonfire.

Mother Nature, however had other plans. When we got out of the car at my mother's house I noticed that the temp had already fallen significantly and I could feel the cool breeze the comes from the big lake before all Summer rains.

Sure enough when we awoke in the morning the dusty ground was pocked with dimples, evidence of a good morning soaking.

Regardless of the weather Chelsea still wanted to steal away to one of our new favorite hiking spots; Old Baldy.

The rain subsided and actually quit altogether until we were midway through the hike. However the thick canopy that shields the trail afforded us a dry path to the dune-top overlook.

Chelsea with a Rain be Damned smile!

The thick forest and the lush ferns dampen any outside noise, it is great.

We were lucky enough to find a tree that had been struck by lightening. One of the two trunks was completely destroyed. The charred splinters are said to bring good luck so we picked a few up.

A foggy afternoon, all alone.

At the end of the trail I decided to lose the shoes for the return trip, paying homage to one of my new heroes: Cody Lundin of Dual Survival. Barefoot hiking/ living is not at easy as it looks, but it didn't kill me either!

Our mini basecamp for an hour or so. We had some coffee and tea and enjoyed the view of the lake, the oncoming storm and the gulls as they flew well below.

Cheers to an awesome place! Note the Outpost mug! If you need any gear while in the Manistee area you should check them out.

If I could have a desk right here my production level would be through the roof along with my moral!

 

A little caterpillar that we noticed on our way back.

Until next time old friend.

Proof of my barefoot trek back!

This will go down in the books as yet another relaxing afternoon trip to that high bluff overlooking the big lake. Though it was rainy the hike did not suffer one bit.

Thank you Michigan for your endless bounty.

-J

Oh how ye change, My Michigan...

Remember two weeks ago when I made my trip out to Old Baldy?

Remember how nice it looked; clear, pretty and most of all, no snow on the ground?

Kind of like this:

Well I went back two days later and this was the scene:

I love the diverse climate of this state!

-J

Coffee at the Edge of the World: a quick break at Old Baldy

We have made the walk out to the old blown out dune known as Old Baldy several times however this week I opted to leave my walking shoes behind and take the two-wheeler.

The tight trail that leads out to Baldy provides technical terrain that suited my beginner biking needs. There are no long straightaways to gain speed, however the tight turns and downhill sections are a blast! There are even a few sections where I was able to get enough speed to get a little air.

Upon locking my bike up to a tree at the base of the steps I climbed to the entrance of the open space. Overlooking the sandy vastness I was instantly filled with joy.

The view from the northern portion of the dune offers you a great view of one of the Herring Lakes and also the Lake Michigan shore; awesome.

I took in the view to the north for a while and then hiked the west ridge to one of my favorite spots, the highest spot that you can reach in the dunes area.

The view from up here is just magnificent. I fired up the stove and began fixing myself a cup 'o joe. I cannot think of a better way to relax and just take things in than having a fresh cup of coffee.

Instant coffee, not the best, but it will do in a pinch.

I love a good coffee shop as much as the next guy, but you cannot beat this view, and the barrista is a pretty cool guy too.

Cafe John at the top of the world. I really wish that the land conservancy allowed camping in the dune area, this would be the coolest place to camp.

Remember to heed the rules of the trail!

The bike ride back to the car was just as great as the one out to the dune, I decided to take the longer path and it was a good choice on my part. The next time that I bike out there I will take that path both ways; great straight sections leading to tight curves and some nice rollers!

I cannot stress enough that you need to take the time to check Old Baldy out, by foot or by bike it is a great trip. Take your dog, he will love it, but keep him on his leash.

-J

1/11/2011 Photo of the day

How beautiful the open spaces of Northern Michigan. Today's Pic 'o the day is taken looking North from the northern tip of Old Baldy in Arcadia.

This was not taken today, however it is the image that I am focusing on today.

Hopefully I will get one more chance to get out here before the end of this semester; hopefully by snowshoes!

On another note:
       -We are getting a pretty decent amount of snow here in Ann Arbor today. I am not upset about that in the slightest.

Hope you all enjoy the snow and the outdoors, even if it is just standing outside and breathing in some clean air.

Take Care,

-J

A familiar trip

After an endless late night drive north we made it to our lodgings. We were treated to snacks and drinks by my parents. The cats acclimated to their new surroundings and began to establish the pecking order for snackage.

We retired early and drifted off while watching Seinfeld, a tradition while at home.

In the morning we were treated to a beautiful blanket of fresh snow.

Harboring the inspiration that I get on mornings such as this, I quickly fried up some eggs and toasted bread. Chels and I ate and discussed the best plan of attack for the day.

We decided on what is becoming our new spot; Old Baldy.

Arriving at the parking lot we were greeted by an un-groomed path and lot. Our tracks were the only ones around. We packed the cameras, water, tripod and mittens and headed down the trail.

While chelsea was busy snapping some of her great work, I rushed ahead to see what was in the middle of the trail ahead.

Here she comes!

It appears that though we were the first humans on the trail that day, we were not the first life-forms, beaten by bunnies!

The trail was snow-covered, lightly, but still covered. My old standard hikers, the Keen Targhee model, help up well in the snow and subsequent not-yet-frozen sand dune. I am very glad that I got those a few years ago.

Snow slowly fell as we made our way through the woods to the blownout dune. Our anticipation of the view to come would not be overshadowed by the weather.

But alas, as we made it to the stairs leading to the dunes the sky emerged a gorgeous blue as if we were being welcomed by the lake:

The view from the top of these stairs is as close as you will get to perfect:

We hiked to the Northern lookout of the dune were I noticed a wall of snow heading our direction, however I snapped this before the snow came:

We played, frolicked, shot our Christmas card photo and hiked to the highest point we could find! Most of all we enjoyed each other's company.

Here are a few of the more memorable shots from the trip:

Setting up for the Christmas Card! ------>

Hello Lake Michigan! (Hey Tim Allen was right about Michigan's Beauty hey? P.S. Pure Michigan still lives!)










This was a great hike, I cannot wait for the snow to become so deep that the average hiker lays up his hikers until the spring. At that time I will strap on the snowshoes and head back to Old Baldy, it has got to be even nicer draped heavily with thick, lake-effect snow!

Bring it on mother nature! Enjoy the snow friends!

-J

P.S. dropped the new Olympus Stylus Tough in the snow halfway through this trip and it continued to take great shots! Long live everything-proof cameras! New review coming soon!