We had a lot of fun hiking the North Country Trail last year and for some reason we're just crazy enough to do it again.
(The fact that The Lady is going to get another patch for her collection MAY have had something to do with the decision)
This year, we're necessarily going to hike most of the same sections as we did last year and The Macho Homemaker had the brilliant idea to invite others along on some of the more interesting sections.
We hope to do this on the first Sunday of each month until we reach our goal of 100 miles. Naturally, we will be hiking most every week, but will save the best sections for the group.
You DO NOT have to hike with us to get credit for the event.
We understand that 6-8 miles is beyond the ability of many of our geocaching friends so start with the group and turn back whenever you need to.
We will not be staying in Kent and Barry counties for our challenge. We expect to range as far north as Grand Traverse County and as far south as Hillsdale County.
We hope to have hiking events wherever we go so check this space!
This Hike: (with a BONUS!)
Norris Road Trailhead to McDonald Lake Trailhead - 8.0 Miles
(out and back)
Another one of our favorite hikes along the NCT...
The Lady and I first walked this section of the North Country Trail before we were married almost 30 years ago. I'm not even sure it was part of the NCT then. Still, this is a glorious section - especially during the fall color season.
This is another moderate-to-high terrain cache, with plenty of hills.
As usual during the summer months, be sure to bring bug spray as the many water holes in the area breed mosquitoes like there's no tomorrow.
Meet at the parking coordinates at 2:30pm.
The walk will commence promptly at 3:00 and should take about three hours if you do the complete hike. Add time if you geocache.
Again, you do not have to hike to get credit for this event. Signing the logbook and cheering us on is sufficient.
Again, because of placement limits in the SRA and SGA, there is a dearth of caches along the trail, with only one along our route.
Since you are with me this far, I'll tell you:
The bonus for this event is the Canada Day 2017 souvenir, awarded for attending this event.