Twenty-seven people showed up despite a 19 degree temperature to hike. The five dogs didn't care what the temperature was!
Each year, each chapter can present an "Honor Award" to the outstanding volunteer of the year. This year, that was Jack Barnhill, a relatively new member. He's showed up for almost every work opportunity and eagerly helped. Jack's on the right, and chapter president Dan Driesenga on the left.
The trail had been walked by others, so that made things much easier. Most everyone went out past Leaf Lake, just over 2 miles outward bound.
And look who came! My hiking buddy Bill drove over just to participate with us. Did I remember to take a picture of us together? No. But here is proof of the adventure.
About half of us went out to eat afterwards. I did get a picture of one of his Christmaas presents. This is a knife made from a piece of metal from the Mackinac Bridge. When they replace parts they sell the pieces. Lots of people have sections of the grating (some of the roadway is grating to help with expansion). I have never seen a knife like this before. Notice the interesting pattern on the blade.
So I have the first 4.2 miles toward my Hike 100 Challenge for the 10th year!
I've decided to count treadmill miles (yesterday), but I'll keep them separate.
Total Miles hiked in 2026: 6.7
NCT miles hiked in 2026: 4.2
Treadmill miles 2026: 2.5
North Country Trail, Newaygo County, Nichols Lake north out and back 4.2 miles
 | See SPW December 2025 |
3 comments:
That was a great turnout for the hike. That knife is quite interesting. What a great gift.
Ann- we are consistently getting large groups. Making plans for how to improve the experience for all
Lulu: "I would have shown up too! I have the furs to handle it!"
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