First we stopped at the one location on the NCT in the Lower Peninsula where you get a wide open view of Lake Michigan. It's at the southern edge of Wilderness State Park. The trail follows the lake for a ways in Petoskey, but that is technically Little Traverse Bay. Here you can look out to the horizon, but to the north the farthest bit of land to the left is Waugoshance Island, then Temperance Island, then Waugoshance Point. These form the point of land that dribbles out into the lake from Wilderness SP.
Then we went to the Skyline Overlook where I ended my first E2E hike (see link below).
Depending on your direction of travel it's either your first or last look at Lake Michigan. You can see a sliver of Little Traverse Bay in the distant right.
Then Marie and I walked up to see the Skyline Shelter. It's one of the nicest along the trail. Enclosed on all sides. (And not a hostel- this one is free)
There are bunks inside for eight people. There have been a couple of complaints that there is no water at the shelter, but there is a clearly marked side trail to a spring that is about 0.2 miles away. Seriously, lots of shelters are about that distace from water access at a creek.
Then we just had to pop in to Deadman's Hill. The hill and overlook itself is on the non-NCT side of the Jordan Valley Pathway, but you get this wonderful view of the whole valley (much more spectacular in fall, but one of the nicest vistas in Lower Michigan). The NCT is down at the bottom of the near valley.
Next we did a stop at the Highbanks Rollway on the Manistee River so Diane could see one of the big oxbows. You can see the water on the left as well as the right, but you'll have to squint.
Finally, we did a drive by of the Highbridge crossing of the Manistee River. Sorry, I did not take a picture there. I have a lot. You can see the Manistee River crossing in the same place by following this link.
Seems I tired out my friends. But we have new adventures planned for tomorrow.
Diane's fitbit says she walked 5 miles, so Marie and I walked a little farther. Doesn't seem like we did that much, but who am I to argue with technology? We are back at my house, and have unloaded some of the stuff. We ate an ice cream dinner, which was perfect on a hot day.
The Celebration was wonderful. Old and new friends, great momemtum for the Association, great hikes, great weather.
Miles hiked so far in 2024: 371.8. North Country Trail miles in 2024: 124.6
North Country Trail, various small pieces. The app said 5.0 miles total
 | See Celebration 2024- Saturday
See The Party's Over But It's OK |
3 comments:
Making stops along the way might make the total hours higher but it breaks up the driving and it's a bonus if you find interesting places to stop.
Lulu: "Deadman's Hill?! Can't we go to Happiness Hill instead?"
ann- for sure!
Lulu- nope... everything here is Dead. Dead River, Dead Man's Creek, Deadman's Hill, Dead Horse Marsh. :)
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