The Spirit of the Woods Chapter had 22 people and 3 dogs. The people ranged in age from those of us in our 70s down to a young man who is probably 11 or 12. He was a Scout, so I assume at least 11.
Along the way, we passed by the campsite created by a trail supporter on his land, more than 30 years ago. He can't hike any more due to an injury, but he welcomed us all in to the campsite and treated us with ice tea and cookies. You can't see them because everyone is clustered around the table grabbing stuff!
Here he is; this is Kurt. He was one of our charter members, and was actively supporting the NCT before we were even a chapter.
I was too busy talking to take many pictures. Besides, with this big of a group, we got strung out quite quickly. In fact, I was talking so much that the hike leader Glen had to point this out to me. This is actually pretty cool. It's the seedpods of Poke Milkweed, Asclepias exaltata. Link at the bottom to more pictures from another year. I really wasn't positive of the ID until I got home, because with only a few leaves and the seed pods, I thought there might be a couple of choices. But this one was on my list, and it is correct.
After we finished the hike, Loren and I went to visit one of our former chapter presidents who is on hospice. His wife is doing all his care. It's a bummer all the way around, but it was nice to see them.
Miles hiked in 2024: 465.8. NCT miles hiked in 2024: 142.5
North Country Trail, Manistee Co, MI. Udell TH to Michigan Ave and back. 5 miles
 | See Poke Milkweed
See the welcome sign Kurt posted for me when I walked past on my big hike |
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