Snowshoe trip in the Porkies

I have booked an eight bunk cabin at the Porkies for the nights of Jan 2nd and 3rd for snowshoeing. I know, sleeping in a cabin and not a hammock. Well this trip is more about the snowshoeing, but I suppose you could bring along your hammock and sleep outside. I wouldn't want more than the amount of people that should be in the cabin. You would be welcome to cook and dress in the cabin at of course your share of the fee. It's $60 a night to be split evenly for each night of use. I booked the River Union cabin. I believe it's around a three mile hike in. It would be a free-for-all hike for anyone who goes, but I wouldn't want to see anyone hiking alone in the winter. Finding someone who is around your pace for a day hike is always preferred. Waiting for someone to catch up would be to cold. Get my point? Last year I stayed in a yurt and they had just about everything you need. There was firewood, fire pit outside, stove inside for warmth and to melt snow, pots and pans, and all the modern features of an outhouse :rolleyes:. So let me know if you are interested. Three are confirmed, one possible and the rest open. Come roll in the New Year with a trip in the snow!

Oms, nice offer, not sure I can make it tho. Might be a good idea to explain the Porkies to those not familar with them. For those of you needing a 'snow fix', this is the place to go.

Oms,

We have something in common: we are both planning an outing the same weekend.

When you say Jan 2&3, do you mean into Monday the 4th?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gargoyle

... Might be a good idea to explain the Porkies to those not familiar with them. For those of you needing a 'snow fix', this is the place to go.

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I'm not Oms, obviously, but to address Gargoyle's point: The "Porkies", or more properly, the Porcupine Mountains, is a Michigan state park on the shores of Lake Superior. It's the closest thing to "mountians" we have in the midwest:rolleyes: .

map: http://www.michigandnr.com/Publicati...tmapforweb.pdf

It contains many miles of backpacking/xc ski trails, escarpments with terrific view of the lake, and stands of old growth white pines. A wonderland anytime of year, but my favorite time there is winter! Spent many a week alone "lost" on the woods,and several times in a snowcave near Lost Lake.

Wish I could make it! There is also a ton of great skiing with in an hour of there. Big Powderhorn, Indianhead, not sure if Blackjack is opening this year. Not to mention Cat-sking at the Porkies. It is BIG SNOW country!

Have a great time and post pictures!

Thanks Canoeski for posting the link. We are planning to go up and stay somewhere on Jan 1st and then get there early and hike to the cabin on the 2nd. We will then stay the night of the 2nd and 3rd. On the 4th we will hike out and drive home. I sort of threw a quick post out there this morning. It wasn't very clear. Bottom line is there are some nicely groomed trails for cross country skiers which provide smooth snowshoeing as well. Last year we snowshoed between the ski ruts. If your into skiing you will really like the trails. There are also trails that are not groomed not to mention just bush whacking. If your wanting to, there is a downhill ski area in the park. I also did that on our last trip along with "cross country ski by lanterns" on a two mile loop set up by the Ranger. It's a winter wonderland up there. Here are some pics from last year.
http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG6...u3ksSop_HalAE#

Nice pictures! Looks like a ton of fun. On your way back try to hit the Black River area and check out the water falls...
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/10780/travel.html

Yeahhh, the pictures dont do it justice....

Sounds like a fun trip. I always thought that a yurt trip would be a lot of fun. We have a good yurt system out here about an hour out of Boise that has 5 or 6 yurts and miles and miles of trails to and from them. If I remember right they are full stocked with everything but food and bedding for up to 8 people. Always wanted to do a long weekend trip and not have to carry all the gear and worry all the time about staying dry and warm constantly, have a warm place to go into when done running around the woods. Will have to try and do a trip with the kids some time. :)

GAAH! (sorry- just the thought of that MUCH snow... maybe I should change my name to Orchid girl..)

Last chance for anyone interested. I will be picking one of the guys up from the Joliet, Il area and heading north. If you are in route we would be happy to swing by and pick you up. Three of us are going so there is plenty of room. We are stopping and staying in a motel by Lake Gogebic on Friday night. Saturday we will get up, eat and have a short drive to the Porkies. Plan on snowshoeing on Sat and Sun or if you want you can do your own thing (like build a igloo or something :) ).

Oms

The pictures are BREATHTAKING!
WOW
TOM

Insert long string of 4 letter words indicating frustration at not being able to go here!!

I'm off those days, but saving up for Mt Rogers.

Just wondering: is snow shoe rental available for those who don't have yet?

REI rents snowshoes. One would have to call, but it's possible the ski shop in the Porkies may rent them. Last year we snowshoed to the slopes for a day of downhill. If I make it by there for some hot chocolate I'll inquire about it.

So do we get a trip report?

Just got home last night. Want to get the pictures together and write a little TR. All I can say is that it wasn't hanging, but more like going on a vacation to a resort where you play and then enjoy the comforts the place has to offer. Got to go to work now.