Anyone in Michigan?

**canoebie** · 12-24-2009, 12:44

Would Yankee Springs SRA have anything to offer?

**gargoyle** · 12-24-2009, 13:30

Originally Posted by canoebie

Would Yankee Springs SRA have anything to offer?

It would , and its in my backyard. Two large established campgrounds, Gun Lake and Deep Lake, respectively. Miles of trails, quite a few lakes, etc. If we go backcountry, we just need to notify the DNR, for a off-trail permit. No big deal and easy to acquire. Fresh water availabilty, and parking. And Bathrooms++.

**TZBrown** · 12-24-2009, 13:56

I also would be interested in the group hang. Brighton rec area or holly rec area are other options also

**lonetracker** · 12-24-2009, 15:14

guess i am the only yooper representative?just about the whole u.p. is forest,millions of trees.overwhelmig acres of state and fed land are availeable.i have camped all over the mid to western u.p.mostly i truck camp on a back road off of a back road.do not go to many campgrounds but have hung at sylvania,craig lake,mccormick,and big island lake wildernesses.lots of awesome camping potential(can we use that word on here,it has that other bad word in it

)up here,if you lowers ever want to get away from the crowds,and don't mind the wolves
hung up
bill

**Trooper** · 12-24-2009, 15:35

I don't want to interfere with anything that Gargoyle is planning for January or February, but what about tentatively planning something for May of 2010? I'm sure that I'd be up there and settled by then as I have 120 days from December 22, 2009 to move.

**gargoyle** · 12-24-2009, 17:11

Trooper, Feel free to plan away, I'm just offering up some suggestions for now, looking for input, etc. I'm always up for a get together. Looking forward to meeting you. As well as the rest of the gang.
LT, the UP is a definite hanging meca, just a really long drive for most.
I thin after the holidays I'll start a poll and see what a good date and place is for all interested.

**Rug** · 12-24-2009, 22:56

Umm, guys I hate sounding like an idiot, but I have never hiked anywhere. I am a bicycling-Camper, car-camper, and RV camper. So a list of suggested reading would be helpful. I don't object to 2-20 miles of hiking to find a spot to hang; but I really don't know what to expect.

(Walking to find my car in the parking lot is about how far i usually walk.)

**Trooper** · 12-25-2009, 00:09

Originally Posted by Rug

Umm, guys I hate sounding like an idiot, but I have never hiked anywhere. I am a bicycling-Camper, car-camper, and RV camper. So a list of suggested reading would be helpful. I don't object to 2-20 miles of hiking to find a spot to hang; but I really don't know what to expect.

(Walking to find my car in the parking lot is about how far i usually walk.)

No worries. I've never been bicycle camping, but I can't imagine hiking is much different. Try to reduce your pack weight so that you are more comfortable, and if your with friends, everyone can share the load. Here are some videos that show how its done:
Shug's Snowshoe Ramble
Shug's St. Croix Saunter

I get a topographical map and find something that looks interesting that is close to a source of water. I try to make it at least a mile from parking, but not much more(45-90 minute walk), which gets me to a camp site well before dusk. I then set up camp, gather wood, prepare dinner, and enjoy a cigar and some whiskey.

**Rug** · 12-25-2009, 00:37

So i should get a pack?

Would a school backpack work?

**Trooper** · 12-25-2009, 00:46

Originally Posted by Rug

So i should get a pack?

Would a school backpack work?

I've used a The North Face Wasatch before, which is essentially a school backpack. It isn't big enough for winter camping, but for a couple of days in the summer you'll be fine. I'll send you a PM with what gear I carry-pretty basic stuff.