10/16 at 4PM:
Let’s cancel the paddle & hike from the US 131 Campground, either out & back west on the NCT towards Dell Rd, shuttle to Dell Rd & hike back, or do the 20-mile Fife Lake loop. See you at 8:30. I don’t know who else will show up, but from there, we have options & not all of the group have to do the same hike.
10/15 at 9PM:
The weather forecast at this time is not looking good for a paddle, 37 in the morning, high of 45 with 50-70% rain. I will make a final decision tomorrow evening. We can still hike in the cold rain, if we don’t paddle, and could do an out & back for approx 12-14 miles instead. At this point, here are those who have shown an interest. You must make your own decision. Regardless, this is a huge change in weather from last Sun’s 72-degree Jordan, so best to be prepared with extra warm layers, gloves, hat, quality raingear & snacks to keep the body fueled & warm.
hike & paddle:
Sara
Rick Waldo
Kathy Taylor
Ian?
hikers only:
Bob Buryta
Kathy Pilon
Anne Stevenson
Fran?
Here's the tentative timetable.
Grand Traverse Hiking Club HIKE
8:30 AM Meet at Old US 131 Campground
Unload boats & lock, store paddle gear in hiker car
Shuttle paddlers' cars to Baxter Bridge, then hikers to NCT Dell Road Trailhead
9:15 AM -1:00 PM Hike 7.2 miles along Manistee River on North Country Trail back to campground at 2.5 mph pace
If you don’t want to walk the entire way, you can hike out from the campground & meet us. We will have a picnic lunch overlooking the Manistee River along the trail. All participants should be dressed appropriate for the weather, bring rain gear, water, lunch, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. I recommend hiking poles, but that’s your choice.
PADDLE
If you are only coming to paddle, you may have to wait for us to arrive, but what a lovely place to enjoy the river view! You do not need to be a TAPC member, but registration is appreciated.
1:00-1:30 PM Get boats & gear ready for paddle
1:30-5:00 PM Paddle 10 miles from Old US 131 Campground to Baxter Bridge
Be sure to bring your PFD, paddle, dry bag with appropriate clothing for the weather, snack & water. This will not be a "float" trip, but is an easy paddle, with slow current & few, if any, obstacles on this big, wide section of the Manistee.