Rockwell Lake Lodge Ski Package Specials

photo from Rockwell Lake Lodge publicity

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a news release of Rockwell Lake Lodge

Rockwell Lake Lodge, located near Luther in northeast Lake County, opened in June 2008. The 16,000 square foot lodge also has facilities as a conference and retreat facility, operated as a part of Hillsdale College’s G. H. Gordon Biological Station.

photo from Rockwell Lake Lodge publicity

Ten miles of groomed cross-country ski trails surround the lake and wander through the woods. Snowshoers are welcome on or off trail. Return to the lodge and enjoy cocoa and cookies near the fire. For this year's winter season, Rockwell is offering two vacation packages, one for weekdays, and a similar one for weekends. Both offers are for two people, two nights lodging, two breakfasts and two dinners. The Wednesday - Friday plan is just $249 per couple, while the Friday - Sunday plan is priced at $339 per couple.

The Lodge has ten non-smoking guest suites; king rooms include a sleeper sofa. Some rooms overlook the lake, while the others offer a beautiful view of the natural palette of the surrounding woods.

See Rockwell Lake Lodge
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Iceman Iceless, but Record Participation

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based on a news article in the Traverse City Record-Eagle

With temperatures soaring to new records in many northern Michigan cities, there was no ice for the Iceman, or slop for the Slush Cup, but there were over 4,400 riders in the popular bicycle races held this weekend in Kalkaska.

The 28-mile Iceman was won by Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Alison Dunlap, both of Colorado. Both are also Olympic riders. Horgan-Kobelski turned in the winning time for the men at 1:34:02, and Dunlap finished in 1:46:41.

In addition to the 28-mile Iceman from Kalkaska to Traverse City through the Pere Marquette State Forest, is an eight-mile "Slush Cup," and the "Sno-Cone" - a race for kids under 12. The event is the largest single-day mountain bike event in the country.

Thanks to the many corporate sponsors, first place men and women earned $3,000. The runner-ups received $2,000. Third-place finishers took home $1,500.

See Fair weather, huge field mark Iceman
See Iceman race draws record field
See Iceman Cometh Challenge
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The 500-Mile Summer- An NCT Sampler

Young at overlook on Border Route Trail

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by JHY

Joan Young will share photos and adventures from her hikes on the North Country Trail during 2009. From May through October she hiked 500 miles, some in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio. The trail sections covered included the rugged northern Minnesota Arrowhead, and the long connection from Ely to Grand Rapids, MN. Many of the miles were traveled with friends, but about 175 were hiked solo. Some was backpacked, and some "slack-packed."

She will be giving the program twice in the coming weeks, beginning with the Tuesday (Nov 10) meeting of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Beginning at 6:00 pm, at the Lake Bluff Audubon House, 2890 Lakeshore Road, Manistee, the program will follow a very short business meeting.

The second showing will be at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club, Wednesday November 18, 7:30pm. The Conservation Club meets at their Clubhouse north of Brethren, Michigan.

Young is poised to become the first woman to hike the entire NCT. She plans to hike the final mile of her trek on August 3, 2010, at the Boor property near Petoskey, Michigan. She invites anyone who would like to celebrate with her to join her on that date.

Contact Joan Young
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Grand Traverse Center Road Natural Area Has New Trails

trail volunteers (photo by JHY)

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based on a news article in the Grand Traverse Herald

Center Road Natural Area in Peninsula Township near Traverse City has several new trails. Volunteers from the Grand Traverse Hikers Club persevered, and after two rain dates finally were able to work this past Sunday.

Trails were added through the former orchard on the property. A year ago, voters approved the purchase and creation of a park which will be managed by the township. In addition to the orchard the property "includes a bowl-shaped meadow, a climax hemlock forest, varied animal habitat and undeveloped East Bay frontage." Parking has been added, and nearby homeowners have indicated that they will simply walk to the property.

Dick Naparala, familiar in North Country Trail circles, said "Basically, a trail gives people an opportunity for recreation or for exercise. I live on the Peninsula and I think it's a wonderful thing to have another (quiet) area, it's kind of a little oasis in all this busyness."

Thousands of volunteer hours have already been logged putting in fencing and boundary markings. All the volunteer time saves taxpayers money.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has partnered with the township and friends of the project to acquire the land. Other supporters include Hagerty Insurance, TC Rentals, and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.

See Grand Traverse Hiking Club
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Cougars In Eastern UP Verified

cougar or mountain lion (photo from Michigan DNR)

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from a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources today announced it has verified two sets of cougar tracks and confirmed the location of a cougar photo in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The tracks were discovered in the DeTour and Gulliver areas, while the photo was taken near Bruce Township.

"These are the first confirmed cougar tracks in the eastern Upper Peninsula, and we appreciate the cooperation of the callers who reported the tracks and worked to keep them covered until we could respond to the scene," said Sitar, who is a member of the DNR's cougar team. "Other landowners who believe they have evidence of a cougar on their property, such as tracks or a kill site, are encouraged to contact their local DNR field office as soon as possible, which allows staff to investigate before the evidence is compromised. Without good evidence, like what we had in these two cases, verification becomes increasingly difficult."

Established cougar populations are found as close to Michigan as North and South Dakota, and transient cougars dispersing from these areas have been known to travel hundreds of miles in search of new territory. Characteristic evidence of cougars include tracks, which are about three inches long by three and a half inches wide and typically show no claw marks, or suspicious kill sites, such as deer carcasses that are largely intact and have been buried with sticks and debris.

Several unverified, but reliable reports of mountain lions in the western Lower Peninsula have come to the attention of the editor of this column.

If a citizen comes into contact with a cougar, the following behavior is recommended:

• Stop, stand tall, pick up small children and do not run. A cougar's instinct is to chase.
• Do not approach the animal.
• Try to appear larger than the cougar. Never take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.
• If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.
• If a cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet. Do not play dead. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back.

Cougars are classified as an endangered species in Michigan. It is unlawful to kill, harass or otherwise harm a cougar except in the immediate defense of human life.

For more information about the recent cougar tracks and photo, call Sitar at (906) 293-5131. To learn more about cougars and how to identify their tracks, see Michigan DNR
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Let Your Horse Out!

(photo by JHY)

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from the United States Equestrian Federation

Let your horse out! Show off your best friend by entering your horse's profile at Club Equestrian. Sign up for free, and add your horse to the growing list of horse profiles.

Enter information about your animal's registry, gender, age, name and location. You can upload a picture of your special equine. Choose favorites to keep in a file of "my horses."

Club Equestrian is the web site of the United States Equestrian Federation. The USEF is "dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport." The Federation aims to promote excellence for both horses and humans in equestrian sports. They fund the United States Equestrian Team in international competitions, and license events in this country.

The Federation headquarters are located in the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky

See Club Equestrian horse profiles
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Tom Springer - Looking for Hickories - In GR Tuesday

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from several sources

The author of Looking for Hickories: The Forgotten Wildness of the Rural Midwest will take you on a sensory journey. You are invited to "taste sweet samples of serviceberry jam, smell aromatic sassafrass root, and see and touch the rough texture of the virgin bur oak tree and other natural artifacts found in Michigan." Tom Springer shares from his award-winning book Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, at the Grand Rapids Meijer Gardens, 7 p.m. The event is free for Meijer Gardens Members and GRAHC members, others pay regular admission.

Springer currently is a senior editor at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek. Looking for Hickories is a Library of Michigan 2009 Michigan Notable Book. It is described as "a masterfully written collection that establishes a new voice for the spirit of the upper Midwest and Michigan and offers a fresh look at the landscape as well as the everyday lives of the people who make up the region's small communities."

Springer is a well-known nature and outdoor travel writer. His articles have appeared in such publications as Backpacker, Michigan Out-of-Doors, and Notre Dame, and several of his commentaries have appeared on National Public Radio programs.

See University of Michigan Press
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GR Mountain Bike Park to be Built Near Plaster Creek

location of new trail

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based on a news article at M-Live

The former Southwest Little League park at 580 Kirtland St, SW, Grand Rapids will be transformed to a mountain bike park. The City Commission unanimously approved the plan.

Nate Phelps, president of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, expects that the first skills area will be ready to go before next summer. This section will be about 1.5 miles in length, and is to be located on the former baseball diamond.

In the center of the area is the Helmets-On BMX course, and the new trails will follow the perimeter of the property. Working out the agreements has taken some time. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association wanted to ensure that it will be a public park. This required that the BMX group return their lease to the city

"It's a match made in heaven to have the bicycle motocross people and mountain bikers all at one park," Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation director Jay Steffen said. The West Michigan Chapter of the MMBA will spearhead the development of the trail and the maintenance.

See MMBA
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Win a Year of Skiing

photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

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based on a news release of MSIA

As in several previous years the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) has produced a card that allows the holder to ski at 28 different Michigan ski areas this winter for just $189.

This year, to encourage skiers to try all the great slopes in Michigan, MSIA has also created a challenge for White Gold Card participants. "The first person to use the White Gold Card at all 28 Michigan ski areas will win a card for the 2010/2011 ski season," MSIA chairman, Steve Kershner announced. To win, White Gold Card holders must ski at all the ski areas and then send MSIA their punched-out White Gold Card accompanied by a used lift ticket from each of the ski areas.

The MSIA White Gold Card, entitles purchasers to ski one time at each of the participating ski areas during the 2009/2010 ski season. Also included is one free ski tune-up (edge sharpen and wax) at participating MSIA ski retailers. Paying for each of these tickets and the tune-up individually would cost over $900.

The card is valid for the entire ski season, except for December 24, 2009 through January 4, 2010. The cards are non-refundable and non-transferable. To get the tune-up, White Gold Card purchasers take their skis or boards to one of the over 40 participating ski shops. Only 400 cards are produced, so act quickly to get yours.

See MSIA White Gold Card
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Woman Walks 10,000 Miles - You Can Too!

Martha Michel celebrates her 10,000th mile (still from KKTV video- see link below)

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inspired by several news accounts

Yesterday, the 88-year old Martha Michel of Colorado made headlines as she celebrated the 10,000th mile she has walked in memory of her late husband. Martha and Lester Michel used to walk together around the pond at the Namaste Alzheimer Center every day. Since Lester died in 1998 she has continued her walks, keeping track of each lap around the pond on a golf counter.

I have no desire to belittle this accomplishment, but would like to point out that this is a goal that almost anyone can attain! Although this is the equivalent of hiking across the United States several times, it was accomplished by walking only 3 miles a day over the course of 12 years. A three-mile walk takes only an hour or a little more to complete, certainly possible for anyone who decides to take the time to do it.

The Michels had a long history of outdoor experiences. Lester was a Colorado "Fourteener," having climbed the 55 peaks in the state over 14,000 feet. Martha accompanied him on 32 of them.

However, a history of physical fitness does not overcome the simple commitment to a course of action. "Whether it’s raining, snowing, sunshine in 100 degree heat, Martha is out with her red umbrella and jacket, doing her 15 laps a day," commented Namasté administrator Janice Fisher.

And even three miles a day can be a challenge. Martha has a screw and 9-inch pin in one ankle. Not to mention that at 88 years of age even being spry does not mean that you'll feel like walking every day.

But, that simple commitment to walk every day can net you 10,000 miles or more too!

See Colorado Springs Gazette
See the video at KKTV
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Traverse City Hiker Striving for 1000 Miles

Marilyn Hoogstraten (photo by JHY)

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by JHY

Marilyn Hoogstraten of Traverse City is on a mission to hike 1000 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail. And she is well on her way toward that goal. I met up with her today at Timber Creek, on US 10 west of Baldwin, Michigan, and hiked along for a couple of miles.

"I had always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail," Marilyn explained. "But here I am in Michigan, and the NCT is right here. I decided it was time to do it." She has set as her first goal to hike all of the trail in Michigan. So far she's done about 450 miles in the Lower Peninsula, and 25 in the Upper. Her plan is to complete the LP before winter sets in.

She is a member of the Grand Traverse Hikers Club (a chapter of the North Country Trail Association), and has spent a lot of time working on the trail, so she appreciates a well-tended pathway. Today she was hiking from US 10 to 96th St, at the Lake/Newaygo County line. Within that section she will make use of the new Sterling Marsh boardwalk.

Rather than hiking a continuous route, Marilyn has done sections wherever she could work out the logistics, keeping track of what she has completed and what is yet to do. Often she hikes with friends who help her with car spotting, as well as provide companionship.

See Infected by the H1-K1-NG Bug for more
See Marilyn's Journal
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When Learning Comes Naturally - PBS

kids learning about toads (photo by JHY)

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from the Learning Child Series

"When Learning Comes Naturally" is a new video from the Learning Child Series.

It asks the question, "How can children be encouraged to make a lasting connection to nature?" Four schools in New York, New Jersey and California which have made an effort to incorporate nature activities into their curricula are featured. Discovery is encouraged through outdoor play, activities and creative endeavors.

The documentary shows how children must develop a sense of value for the natural world before they can care for it and develop an "ethic of environmental responsibility."

The description states: "Integral to these nature programs are facilities that are not often seen in a standard schoolyard – gardens, small trails and outdoor 'green adventure' areas. These may not take up much room at all, but allow for the discoveries and choices that are vital to child development and learning."

I saw the program on PBS this weekend, and it is full of great ideas for connecting children with the wonders of nature.

The Learning Child Series are videos produced for public television. They are meant to be an aid to parents and teachers. These programs are carried by over 150 PBS stations. The video can also be ordered.

See When Learning Comes Naturally (a pdf)
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