New Equipment Test...

Today Charlie and I are heading over to Lawless Park for a hike.  The temperature is about 35 degrees right now with expected highs of 52 degrees.  Typical Michigan weather for this time of year.  I'm pretty excited because I am going to try out some new gear today.  For our birthdays next month my parents and Lorie bought Charlie and I our first gear items for this experience last week. 

On our first few hikes, in the snow, we wondered why many of the team members were able to stand the temperatures while only wearing what looked to be a very light Spring jacket while Charlie and I were hauling around a ton of weight wearing our Carhartts.  Turns out the jackets they were wearing were technically designed and acted as a shell that kept out the elements while holding in heat.  Charlie and I have been doing some research and found jackets that I think will fit the bill.

Today we will put them to the test.  Last week we picked up our Eddie Bauer 365 Nisqually Lightweight Shell Jackets.  These jackets are a technical waterproof/breathable shell designed for every type of precipitation, from light drizzle and morning mist, to total biblical deluge.  Complete with a full hood, pit zips and easy packability, they are a fully technical shell that will provide protection from wet weather in any climate.  They are a 2 1/2 layer construction with fully sealed seems and rated to withstand up to a 10,000psi pressure.  The layers relate to the durability with 3 layers being the toughest while the psi rating translates to hours of rain protection.  They are made of durable nylon with a full-zip front, zippered chest and hand-warmer pockets, adjustable cuffs, and a drawcord at the hem.  Lorie helped with the color selection reminding us that a hi-vis color was more important than the current style trends.  A very wise suggestion.  I think they look great and can't wait to see how they work out in the field.  Well, time to head out into the woods...we will let you know how they worked in our next post.


Brian

Grand Mere State Park Hike - StairMaster on Steroids

Saturday March 17, 2012  -  Grand Mere State Park  (12 miles)

StairMaster on Steroids

A 12.5 mile hike may not seem like much to the experienced hiker.  Although, add massive sand dunes to the equation and the scenario changes.  Today, my dad and I hiked at Grand Mere State Park, a beautiful lakefront park located near Stevensville, Michigan.  It was really beautiful.  We got to hike in the woods, up and down the dunes, and along Lake Michigan.

We met, at 9:00am, with our hiking team at the pavilion before the hike and Coach Gunn and Mr. Janssen gave us some instructions about trekking poles, strength training and Hours on Feet (HOF).  Coach Gunn and Mr. Janssen really explained why trekking poles are useful and showed us how to hold and use them so we wouldn’t tighten up our bodies and waste energy.  After the lecture I told my dad that I was still not sold on the idea…because I like to have my hands free.  But now that I have hiked some real hills and narrow trails I think I will work with my dad to figure out a way to attach them to my pack…so I can have my hands free when I want…but still have them available when I need them.

Coach Gunn told us that this hike would be somewhat like hiking in the Grand Canyon, minus all the sand.  The hike was two laps long with one part being in the woods and the other over the dunes and along the beach.  My dad and I had talked about the importance of staying fueled and hydrated a few days before this hike…he says I get crabby when I get thirsty…he shouldn’t complain much because he’s really grumpy when he gets hungry.  So, we decided to take a break and eat something and drink one of our water bottles on each loop that we completed.  This worked out really well.  We both felt good at the end of the hike and I never felt like I was running low on energy…even when we climbed over all the dunes.

 

There was this one dune that was a monster.   They had an alternate trail that you could take but my dad and I decided that we would do it…and believe me…you had to DECIDE that you were going to make it or half way up you’d probably change your mind. 

My dad loved Coach Gunn’s saying right before you got to the dune…my dad and I kept chanting “Suck it up!” as we climbed the monster.  When we got to the top the view was awesome. 

You could see the hidden lake behind the dunes from the top.  And coming down the backside of the dune was a blast.  We started out slow and then just let it rip…it was like running on the moon and in mushy marshmallows at the same time.  




 Each step you felt like you were kind of floating and then the dune would suck your leg in to the middle of your shins and then grab hold.  Then you had to yank your leg out and then you would kind of float until you hit the dune again.  It was really cool!  We conquered that monster twice during this hike.

Unlike most of the hikes that we have done the second lap went the faster.  I think this was because we were really trying to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the hike.  I really liked this hike.  Next month, Papa, my grandfather from Tennessee, is coming to visit and my dad and I are going to take him on the first part of this hike.  I can’t wait to show him this trail.  He hikes with a hiking group in Tennessee and always takes us for hikes when we visit during Christmas break…so, it will be neat to take him on a cool hike when he comes up to visit next month.  I think he will be really surprised.  Below are some other pictures from our hike at Grand Mere State Park.

Here we go...up, up and away...	Dang...Where's the Top???
Cool view...	Down to the beach...
Walking along Lake Michigan...	Back-up we go...
Thanks for the hand...	This looks bad...
That's a HILL!!!	It's a Never Ending Hill!!!
Proof that we made it up the mountain...	The Hidden Lake
Time to come down off the dune...	A refreshing break for dad...
Sign of a good hike...	Grand Mere State Park Stevensville, Michigan

Saturday Morning Strol (12.5 mile)

Saturday Morning Stroll (12.5 mile)

12.5 miles marks my dad’s and my longest hike.  We started the hike from the top of our street and worked our way through the countryside and into town.  Since we were planning on heading through town I asked if we could make a few stops along the way…which was really cool.  After about 5 miles we stopped at the Family Video, usually a ten minute drive, and I got to rent a few videos, that I have wanted to see, for later during the weekend.  About a mile or so later we stopped at Veni’s Candy Shop to get my Mom a little treat….which truth be told…my dad and I ate most of…next time we will have to get more.  But we were trying to “Fuel as you go.”  And there’s nothing like some sweet chocolate to help a hiker stayed fueled up when you got 6 more miles to go.

I did notice that my last two weeks of lounging had an impact…and I found the last part of the hike tough.  I felt like all the conditioning I had been doing for the last few months was gone.  My legs were really aching during the last few miles of the hike.  No more taking time off from training…that’s for sure.  I have to admit, I had also not prepared for this hike like I usually do…kinda rushed the Hike Plan and didn’t really think through my gear and supply list very well.  Thankfully my dad had stashed away a few extra granola bars that helped a bit toward the end…but definitely wouldn’t have kept me going if this had been a marathon length hike.

 

Overall, it was a really good hike…and I learned a few things…like my dad is not just being a pain when he asks me if I have completed my hike plan a few days before a scheduled hike...or when he reminds me, after a hike, to replenish my pack supplies before I sit down to relax.  I kinda get it now…things are a bit more serious once you pass the 10 mile marker and you need to be ready and have your gear in order.

 

And even though I am not a big “Nap” fan…I really enjoyed taking that afternoon when we got home.  I am looking forward to our next hike at Grand Mere State Park.  It will be more on nature trails which I like more than roadway hikes.  It should be a lot of fun and it will be nice to see everyone in the hiking group again.

Two Laps at Love Creek

I woke up Saturday morning and thought, “Boy, this hike is going to be tough.”  For the past week we’ve had good weather…and then two days ago winter decided to return…snow and all.   We didn’t have to drive to far for this cool hiking spot at Love Creek Park.  Coach Gunn reviewed some more information about gear and we watched a neat picture presentation about past trips to the Grand Canyon.   

After that Coach Gunn told us about the two hike options,  One was a 10 mile road hike, which was highly recommended, or we could hike the 5 miles of cross country skiing trails through the park.  At first I thought we should do the road hike…because I wanted to hike more than 5 miles…but my dad said we’ll just hike it twice.  So we manned up and chose the snowy trail through the woods.

Coach Gunn went with us on our first lap, with some others that wanted to hike the trails that day.  Our first lap took a little longer because Coach Gunn had to mark the trail with green paint markers in the snow as we went.  In some spots you couldn’t even tell the trail bridge apart from the pond. Everything was white.  It was pretty cool.

We finished the first lap and took a quick break to get a snack then headed back out on the trail.  Between the footprints and the trail markings we had no problem following the path.  There was one part where the deer tracks were on top of ours…kind of like they were walking the trails behind us the first time around.    When about halfway through my dad and I turned around and noticed that no one was following.  Even though doing the second gave me some cold, wet feet…it also gave me a real sense of accomplishment.  I was glad that my dad and I chose to hike the trail twice.  I really liked this hike and my dad and I are planning on coming back out here for one of our individual hikes when things warm up and start growing this spring.

Morris Farm Hike

Our hike began with a lesson on the right gear to take, at the YMCA in Niles.  The plan was that after the hour long lecture, we would begin our 9.2 mile hike around the outskirts of town.  It would be a more urban style hike, mostly on paved roads.  Due to the heavy frost that we had last night the most dangerous thing on the hike seemed to be the invisible black ice that caused us to slip and slid around.

Coach Gunn presented a lot of good information on the most appropriate gear to bring on hikes. We learned a lot about how to pick out the right type of shoes.  He really stressed that the old style leather boots will not be too comfortable for 20+ mile hikes.  He suggested trail runners, with good treads and a sturdy heel.  Coach also discussed the qualifications of a good day pack.  A good day pack should hold at least 15 to 20 pounds and have a 3 liter water bag for hydration.  This will be crucial on longer distance hikes in the sun.  A good, waterproof jacket and pants will help with additional comfort during your hike, not only for rain but for cold, since it holds in your body heat but is not bulky.  He also recommended jackets that have lots of ventilation ports since you will want to be able to regulate the airflow so you don’t overheat.

When we started the hike my dad and I discovered how slippery this hike was going to be…we both about fell five or six times on the walkway leading out of the YMCA.  We moved into the grass after that.  The night before, the weather decided to go from originally 40 and sunny, to 13 and snowing.  After we discovered how to avoid the slippery spots we picked up the pace and for the rest of the hike we led the group.  We thought about stopping for a break at our house since the trail ran about a ½ mile from our house at the halfway point...but the continuous flow of people behind us, kept us pushing onward.

I really enjoyed this hike.  It was definitely one of the faster ones, and I was able to have a lot of fun on it too.  One of the greatest experiences on this hike was when we were finally driving home, seeing the other hikers and yelling “FIRE UP!”  I can't wait until our next hike.

Barron Lake Road/Trail Hike

The hike Saturday went great.  It was mostly a road hike…with two very short sections of trail…more like cutting through a yard…but trail just the same.  Ron doubted that it was only 9.3 miles…due to the extra little loop that I added to his regular walking path around Barron Lake…but the “Map My Ride” program actually gave us a pretty accurate map and mileage rating.     

Charlie wasn’t able to join us this morning because he was sick…so he decided to pass on this hike.  Tyler decided to bring his BMX Bike along and switch back and forth between riding and walking.  It was pretty neat to see some of the tricks that he can do on that bike…Charlie and Nate would have enjoyed that.

The landscapes didn’t really call to me to take photos…but I snapped a few shots of things along the trail that caught my eye.  Hope you enjoy them.

Barron Lake Road/Trail Hike

Well, this Saturday, Charlie and I are going to do a 9.3 mile hike that we mapped out with some suggestions from my friend Ron.  We are going to meet at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport, 2018 Lake Street, Niles Michigan, at 10:00am and head out for a stroll around Barron Lake.  Ron walks around the lake quite frequently...but we added a few more miles to the stroll that Ron usually takes...we'll see how he likes the additions we made.

Barron Lake Road/Trail Hike