Newsletter of the

North Country Trail •ciation

- WB

The wide popularity of the mercury-vapor light is rapidly stealing away the glory of the night sky even in rural areas. To see the sky in its full splendor, you have to go away from the light pollution to some place where the sky is really dark - and the NCT has plenty of these, especially in its northern reaches. When you're out camping this summer on a clear, moonless night, skip the campfire and turn your eyes skyward, instead, and enjoy the glory of the Milky Way. Look at the star-clouds of Sagittarius, and see if you can make out the dark lanes of Cygnus. The odds are good for seeing aurora this year, again especially in the northern reaches. Any optical aid helps; I first saw Halley's Comet a few years ago with my 8x21 backpacking binoculars, and the brightest comet since 1976 may be visible in April and May. See "Astronomy" or "Sky and Telescope" magazines for star charts and comet information, or check out your local library.

***

The experience of the "Birdseye Hollow Irregulars", detailed on page 8, shows that you don't have to be a member of a trail group to do some good for the trail. The NCTA has only a limited number of people, and when a big project like the 1990 hike comes up, they get spread pretty thin. Right now, I can think of a dozen potentially fruitful projects gathering dust for lack of volunteers that aren't already as committed as they want to be with other trail projects. There's plenty of places to get involved -- in trail construction and maintenance, to be sure, but in other, non-glorious, non-woodsy projects, too, that have plenty of potential for the development of.the NCT. Believe me, there's room for you to get involved!

***

On the subject of the Manistee National Forest, the Michigan Trailfinders have published a 26-page guide to the NCT in the Manistee. Called "The North Country Trail" it offers a detailed description of the grail from the White Cloud trailhead to Big Star Lake, and from US 10 to McCarthy Lake, and is current through June, 1989. It's available from the North Country Trail Association Bookstore, PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349, for $3.00, which includes postage.

***

It's always fun waiting to see what the mail will bring, and sometimes it brings some interesting things. When I received Bill Menke's article, "A Fall Journey on the North Country Trail" (pages 6-8), my first reaction was "Wow, this is great!", followed by "Wow, this is long!" After several attempts to trim it down, I decided that good overcame long -- and it is the longest piece that's ever been in the newsletter. One of the things that I really enjoy about the article is that it looks at the trail through the eyes of the forest manager, who sees things, through familiarity, that the rest of us might not see. Bill, thanks much for this most engaging article!

*** The deadline for the Summer issue of the newsletter is June

10, 1990. For future reference, the deadline for the Autumn issue will be September 1, 1990.

Keyboard Trails

by the Editor

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

Special offer! Any new commercial memberships to the NCTA -- which cost $500 -- will receive a premium of four free

full-page ads in the NCTA newsletter. This is a $200 savings to commercial members.

Four Issues $40.00 $80.00 $120.00 $200

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING FEE SCHEDULE

Single Issue S15.00 $25.00 $40.00 $70.00

Page size 1/8 1/4 112 1

Please report any errors or omissions to the editor.

Finger Lakes Trail Council; Tom Reimers Barbara Smith. John G. Hipps

Buckeye Trail Association: Emily Gregor Michigan NCTA Coordinating Committee: Wes Boyd

Bob Dries Minn. NCTA Coordinating Committee: Rod Mac.Rae, Ed Solstad

Linda Vargeason

(402) 221-3481

(701) 232-8513

(612) 377-0130 (216) 375-4461 (612) 822-05E9

(715) 635-8193 (414) 354-8987

(616) 452-4487 (517) 547-7402 (313) 548-1737 (616) 891-1366 (616) 784-6641 (313) 280-2921 (616) 363-5966 (313) 231-1257 (616) 454-0545 (616) 689-6876

(216) 884-0281 (216) 867-3371 (216) 884-4757 (614) 882-8023 (216) 385-7122

(814) 968-5759 (814) 435-2371 (814) 435-2371 (412) 364-2864

Pittsburg PA 15222

(607) 564-3548 (607) 272-8679 (607) 334-3872

(607) 272-5119 (716) 288-7191

New York: Pennsylvania: Ohio: Michigan: Wisconsin: Minnesota: North Dakota:

REGIONAL CHAPTERS /COORDINATORS/AFFILIATES

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Tom Gilbert, National Park Service 1709 Jackson St., Omaha NE 68102-2571

North Dakota Linda (Vargeson), 1536 Second Ave. S, Fargo ND 58103

Minnesota Roo Mac Rae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis MN 55405 Jim Richards, Rt. 1, Callaway MN 56521 Ed Sols tad, 3701 Pillsbury Ave. S., Minnespolis MN 44509

Wisconsin Robert E. Dreis, 1632 Smith St .. Spooner WI 54801 Gaylord Yost. 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Michigan .Pat Allen. 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE. Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes Boyd. 14845 Rome Rd .. Manitou Beach. Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander. Royal Oak Ml 48067 Ken Gackter , 413 W. Johnson St.. Caledonia Ml 49316 Art Holland. 492 Four Mile Rd .. Comstock Park, Ml 49321 Martha K. Jones. 1857 Torquay Ave., Royal Oak Ml 48073 Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE. Grand Rapids Ml 49505 Vince Smith. Box 76. Whitmore Lake Ml 48189 Jim Warmels, 696 Plymouth NE, Grand Rapids M; 49506 Virgina Wunsch. Rt. 1 Mundy Ave .. White Cloud Ml 49349

Ohio Emily Gregor. 6502 Olde York Rd .. Parma Hts .. OH 44130 Cecil Dobbins. 783 Cliffside Dr .. Akron OH 44313 Jim Sprague. 4406 Maplecrest. Parma OH Tomi Lou sovxer 7040 Africa Rd .. Rt. 1. Galena OH 43201 Herschel A. Rubins. 324 W. 4th St.. E. Liverpool OH 43920

Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dorn, Star Route Box 476, Sheffield PA 16347 Barbara A. Smith. 11 W. Main sr.. Galeton PA 16922 John G. Hipps. 11 W. Main St.. Galeton PA 16922 Glenn Oster. 784 Olive St .. Pittsburg, PA 15237 Paulette Johnson. West. PA Conservancy. 316 4th Ave.,

New York Doris and Clifford Abbott, Rt. 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 14883 Howard S. Beye. 202 Colbourne Rd .. Rochester NY 14609 Candice Bowen Bosworth. Rt. 1. Box 170, Corinth NY 12822 Laura McGuire. 1 Boylan Rd .. Newfield NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers. 3C Wildflower Dr .. Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidote, 5 Clinton St .. Norwich NY 13815

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS President: Thomas Reimers, 3C Wildflower Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 (607) 272-8679 Vice-President: Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE. Grand Rapids Ml 49505 (616) 363-5966 Secretary: Tomi Lou Spyker, 7044 Africa Rd., Galena OH 43201 (614) 882-8023 Treasurer: Kennet~ Gackler, 413 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 (616) 891-1366 Hq, Manager: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 4, White Cloud Ml 49349 1616) 689-6876 Membership Chairperson: Martha Jones 1990 Hike Coordinator: Derek Blount Founding President: Lance Field

NEWSLETTER of the

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI, 49349

Editor: Wes Boyd, 14845 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

Page2

Dear Editor: In your column you asked for com­

ments about multiple-use and sharing the trail with all-terrain bikes. Having been a recreational and commuter bicyclist since my youth, I would express an opinion that in some situations hikers and cyclists do not mix. I believe the criteria should

Sincerely yours, Robert Rusch

Coordinator, High Point Chapter Ice Age Trail

Dear Editor, I support the use of mountain bikes on

the NCT and the authority of the local trail chapter to decide about this use.

Our experience at the High Point Chapter (Taylor/Price County, Wiscon­ sin) of the Ice Age Trail with mountain bikes has been positive. Mountain bikers are a cadre of enthusiastic trail builders. Mountain biking is certainly an "in" sport with thousands of devotees.

Mountain biking has actually improved hiking at the High Point Chapter. Our trails get little summer use. Biking beats down the burr nettle and tends to estab­ lish a pathway.

There may be areas on the NCT where mountain biking would create safety or erosion problems. Those are areas which can best be dealt with by local trail authorities. It is important that we view the advent of the mountain bike positive­ ly since most mountain bikers and mountain bikes can do a lot of good for the NCT.

Alan Flora Prince Frederick, MD

be based on the trail width and difficulty, and tread wear. Obviously, ATBs would be allowed on public roads, railroad and canal right-of-ways because the pathway is wide. However, in areas of areas of high density usage, such as here in Maryland on the C&O Towpath and in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, care must be taken by cyclists not to run into pedestrians (hikers). When I cycled in urban areas in Germany, there were wide paved sidewalks which were split into designated areas for bicycles and pedes­ trians. However, this gives a false sense of security because pedestrians tend to wander where they please. (I personally had to lay down my bike when a woman ran in front of me to catch a bus.) Difficult trails require great skill by cyclists, especially when the bike is loaded with gear. (Should cyclists be required to wear helmets?) Also, what wears out a trail faster than Vibram soles? Answer, knobby tires.

Sincerely, Elwood J. Ensor

Dear Editor, From the start nonmotorized vehicles

have been accepted and encouraged to use the North Country Trail. In western Ohio, bicycle interests have been instrumental in planning and implemen­ ting the NCT and the Buckeye Trail. The bicycle interests have gotten the bridges built and old railroad bridges decked. In western Ohio, people with bicycle interests have done most of the maintenance work. Unless the hikers, walkers, and bicycle people work together, the North Country Trail may be not completed.

Dear N.C.T.A., Although I'm way out on the west

coast, I am interested in the progress of the North Country Trail. I'm one of the two women who hiked the N.C.T. in 1978 sponsored by the now non-existant IBA. I know you've heard from Carolyn Hoffman in the past and I'm the "other one''. I met one of your members this summer and she has been sending me current and back issues of your news­ letter. I figured it was time to join myself. There's not a whole bunch I can do to help now (I figure I did my bit for seven and a half months in 1978) but I'd like to keep in touch. Carolyn and I had some very interesting adventures on the trail and I have great memories of the trail and some not so great ones. I can't believe it's ten years ago that we did our hike.

Enclosed is a check for $10 for adult membership. Looking forward to perhaps corresponding with other trail enthusiasts or at least reading the newsletter.

Lou Ann Fellows 4858 Benton Way

La Mesa, CA 92041

Letters to the Editor

GARY WERNER, long-time coordinator for the Ice Age Trail and it's foundation, has left these groups. Pat Miller, NPS Coordinator for the Ice Age Trail, has retired. The Ice Age Trail has a new address: 630 Riverfront Drive, PO Box 422, Sheboygan WI 53082.

IT IS ANTICIPATED that the National Geographic Society will have an article on "Greenways" in its June issue that will have a map and descriptions of National Scenic Trails. A Geographic book on trails featuring the NCT among others is in the works.

American Hiking Society 1015 31st St. N.W.

Washington, DC 20007

Address

Name

FOUR ISSUES, SIX BUCKS! Please send me four exciting issues of

AMERICAN IBKER. Enclosed is my check for $6. payable to the American Hiking Society.

The American Hiking Society would like to be your voice in the halls of Congress and with the federal land managers nation­ wide. Get to know us through the pages of our magazine. Four issues, just six bucks. Send your check today to receive the current issue.

Four issues. Six bucks.

A Magazine for the Hiking Community

AMERICAN

A RECENT REPORT by the General Accounting Office found that more than half the trails in national forests -- 59,000 miles, are in need or work. Fully 5,000 miles of the system's 107,000 miles were classified as "unusable" because of poor maintenance. Steadily low funding for several years brought on the crisis. The GAO report also said volunteers are not being used to their full potential.

MANY MIDWESTERN hikers will be delighted to hear that following the disasterous decline from the early 80's, the wolf population on Isle Royale in Lake Superior is finally increasing. The winter Michigan Technological University study, led by Dr. Rolf Peterson, reports fourteen wolves this year, with four new pups and one death bringing the number up from eleven.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR now for October 12-14, when the NCTA Fall Meeting will be held in Munising, MI, near the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Tentative plans call for just a hospitality suite on Friday night, with most business going on Saturday. The meeting will be at the joint NPS/USFS visitor center, and many motel rooms are within walking distance; a list and other details will be in the next newsletter.

NCT:fYf Page 3 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

This is my last Trail Head letter as President of the NCTA. I have enjoyed serving the organization and I hope my perfor­ mance, actions, edicts, etc. have been acceptable to the membership. I am very pleased with what the Association has accomplished in the last three years. The NCT is definitely "on the map" as far as National Scenic Trails are concerned. We receive regular publicity in almost every hiking and trail magazine. Our membership is growing and the newsletter, as you can see, keeps getting better. My greatest joy as President, however, has been witnessing the tremendous enthusiasm among our members for the NCT. This is indicated by the major efforts across the "magnificent seven" states to get new trail certified as NCT.

I leave the office with mixed emotions. The job as President has significantly reduced the time I have had available for hiking and other outdoor activities. The office involves a lot of work, a labor of love for me. I look forward to getting out more often. However, I will miss working with such enthusiastic trail builders as those who serve you on the Board of Directors.

A lot of credit for recent NCTA accomplishments goes to the Board of Directors and other officers. When things go well, as they have, the president tends to receive the compliments. But, how about Ginny Wunsch and co-workers and their trans­ formation of the headquarters building? Wes Boyd's efforts on behalf of NCTA publications are remarkable. Pat Allen and Tom Gilbert have done an excellent job for us on the political front. Our financial situation is sound, thanks to Ken Gackler. Martha Jones keeps rolling in new members. Emily Gregor continues to climb the ladder of success in the world of trails and hiking (she's now Vice-president of the American Hiking Society). To Vince, Ruth, Barbie, John, Glenn (it took me three years to spell his name correctly), Cecil, Tomi, Art, Gaylord, Rod, the New Yorkers, and others no less notable on the Board, I extend my sincere appreciation.

Of course, a genuine "thank you for a job being done well" goes to Derek Blount. His efforts and those of Art, John, and Barbie who preceded him in planning the NCT tenth Anniver­ sary Hike are appreciated by all of us. There can be no better tribute to their efforts than a wonderfully successful Anniver­ sary Hike. I hope the Directors, State Coordinators, and all members of the NCTA will publicize, organize, and participate in this major event on September 2. The big day is coming! It could have a tremendous influence on development of the NCT and NCTA in the next ten years. Please, please plan to participate and/or help out with this important celebration.

Our annual celebration of the North Country Trail, the spring NCTA meeting, will be held from May 18 to 20 in White Cloud, Michigan. Over twelve hundred people attended last summer's meeting of the Appalachian Trail Conference in East Strouds­ burg, Pennsylvania. Obviously, the NCTA is not yet as large as the ATC, but we should expect a hundred to attend and participate in our annual meeting, shouldn't we? The annual meeting provides a great opportunity to get to know other trail lovers from all over the beautiful North Country. Many tall tales of hiking travels are told and heard at these meetings. The annual meeting is also an excellent opoortunity to tell your Board of Directors and your next President what you think of the NCTA and how it should operate. Please be there. See you then.

-- Tom Reimers

A letter from the President

Trail Head

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

Sept. 2 - I 0th Anniversary Hike!

.March 10 -- Western Michigan Chapter hike in the Rogue River State Game Area. Meet at Christensen Nature Center at 9:30 AM. For information, contact Jim Davis at (616) 677-1326, evenings.

April 12 -- Spruce up the schoolhouse. Meet at the headquarters at 9 AM Saturday and Sunday. Call Ginny Wunsch at (616) 689-6876 or Dors Poll at (616) 455-7504 for information or directions.

June 5 -- Western Michigan Chapter meeting at 7:30 at 3592 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs. For information, call Wally Doane at (616) 696-2777 or Darlene Snyder at (616) 364-8722 days or (616) 784-5050 evenings.

June 9-10 -- Trail maintenance in the Rogue River State Game Area. For information, call Art Holland at (616) 784-6441.

June 24 - July 7; Trail building east of Kalkaska, 1\11. Contact Vince Smith, Box 76, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189.

July 14-15 - Trail maintenance in the Manistee National Forest, White Cloud Ranger District. For information or directions, contact Ruth Sack at (616) 363-5966.

August 4-5 -- Trail Maintenance in the Manistee National Forest, in preparation for the 1990 Hike. For information, call Darlene Snyder at (616) 364-8722 days or (616) 784-5050 evenings.

Aug. 19 - Sept. 1: Trail building in McCormick Wilderness Area west of Marquette, 1\11. Contact Vince Smith, Box 76, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189.

Michigan

September 2; NCTA Tenth Anniversary Hike at locations along the North Country Trail. Don't miss it!

New York March 31 - Wallace Wood Founders Hike. FLTC May 4-6: FLTC annual Meeting, Masonville, NY May 13; Ed's Trail Marathon Fun Run. 26.2 miles on the

FLT at Robert Treman State Park. Contact Ed Hart, RD4, 201 Updike Rd., Ithaca NY 14850 (607) 272-2943.

June 16: Virgil Forest Fun and Frolic Runs 8k to lOOk. Contact Joe Dabes, 1189.-J)ryden Rd., Ithaca NY 14850 (607) 272-8957.

July 7: Finger Lakes Trail Fifty Miler -- Treman State Park. Contact John Sholeen, 206 N. Titus Ave., Ithaca NY 14850 (607) 273-1107.

July 22: Finger Lakes Trail 7k and 15k Runs, Virgil State Forest. Contact Joe Dabes at above address.

July 28 - FLTC President's Hike Aug. 19: Virgil Mountian Madness Trail Run, 21.1 miles,

Virgil State Forest. Contact Joe Dabes at above address. Sept. 2: Virgil Forest Monster Marathon Run-Hike, part of

NCT 10th Anniversary Celebration. Staggered start handicaps based on age and sex. Virgil State Forest. Contact Joe Dabes at above address.

May 18-20: NCTA Spring Meeting, White Cloud, MI. Contact Virgina Wunsch, PO Box 311, White Cloud, 1\11 49349 (616) 689-6876 for more information.

NCTA

Page4

The Hikers Paradise

Moderate optional length DAY hiking along skyline trails. 7-2 week tours basing at 15 mountain 3-4 star hotels. All hikes guided by NCT member .Cecil Dobbins. For a free color brochure call (2161 867-3771, or write to:

ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, lac. 783 V Cliffside Dr. ~111!!111!!-•lr',,, AKRON, OH 44313 i1'1'1J~ "J&T

GRINDELWALD SAAS-FEE

GSTAAD FLUELEN

ENGELBERG LEUKERBAD

KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURR EN LENK WENG EN BETTMERALP RIGl-KALTBAD

SWISS ALPS

travelling from Norwich, first to explore routes and then to wrestle those routes into submission with his brush-bashing machine.

Finally, Bob Muller himself appeared in the eastern half of M-12, lured to Birdseye Hollow Park by one of Terry's postcards. Bob, once lured, leapt into the fray with such untamed enthusiasm that he worked what amounts to a full time job on the segment from South Bradford through Birdseye Hollow to Everetts Road for two months running.

(Of ~ourse, characteristically, he had taken it upon himself some time ago to spruce up that faded intersection on South Bradfor~ that had s:emed so ~auspicious a couple of years ago).

~fect10us enthusiasm continued: several local Finger Lakes Trail Conference members, again called by Terry's postcards, showed up for several work sessions, even bringing local friends and relatives to help explore and chop. The fall work weekend in October brought out more folk from Rochester, Coming, and Syracuse to help clear and tidy the last of this approximately six and one-half mile portion. Unfortunately it was too cold that weekend to paint blazes, but ol' noble Bob did a bunch more of that since then.

In summary, having overcome an unholy number of bee hives populated by squadrons of guard bees who take their jobs far too seriously, the Birdseye Hollow Irregulars have created mostly from scratch, six and one-half miles of new trail from ~ut~ Bra~ord to Everetts Road, roughly three miles from the Junction with Hammondsport's Boy Scouts.

The new portion features a short road walk northward out of South Bradford that affords open views, then a descent slowly on an ?l~ woods road. This time of the year should afford an appreciation of the steep woods descending to the northeast off that road, a.view more obscured during the summer. Departure from the d!rt r?ad ~es the FLT through the one private landowner m this section, who, we are happy to report, is enthused about having the trail on his land. State forest land borders his, and continues through woods toward creek bottom­ land to NY 226, where a brief road walk ends on a departure from Aulls Road to a unique circuit around the wooded lip of an old sand quarry, thence through pleasant level woods to a bridge across Mud c.reek, the major waterway in the valley to Savona.

. Another bnef ~oad walk takes hikers over a bridge across Birdseye Hollow s creek and swamp (pay attention, bird­ watchers) to the trail's continuation up the east side of the swamp, through a portion of strange grass hummocks known fondly as Terry's Humps, to the day-use county park which featur~s a sw!1111PY pond with resident Canada geese, a marked and rucely-bndged trail, porta-johns, and hand-pumped water. The FLT follows that upland portion of the park trail then cont.inu:s through stat: land across roads and creeks and past fascinating old foundations and huge old trees in a section that is at present not blazed, but is cleared, marked at road junctions and flagged with plastic tape.

A good suggestion was made at the last Conference board meeting: temporary signs will be installed in early December at the ends of the blazed portions to explain the sudden cessation of marked trail, and to give directions to continue.

Next year ... a complete M-12!

The Irregulars vs.

The Missing Link Editor's note: For years, the Finger Lakes Trail has suffered

from a nagging gap on the main trail near Bath, New York. Last fall, a group of FLT supporters decided it was time to close the gap. In this article, reprinted from the Finger Lakes Trail Neuis, Irene Szabo tells how a trail ungroup assaulted the problem.

Closing this gap, hopefully this year, will make for an approximately 460-mile fully blazed segment of the NCT, the longest located largely off-road.

Until last year, Map M-12 had not even been issued for some years. Three days walk east of Hornell (FLT Maps M-10 and M-11) along well tended trail through woods, ravines, and several hills with great views brought you down along Knight Settlement Road to a trail dead end. Where NY 415 goes under NY 17 at the Cohocton River, northwest of Bath, the Finger Lakes Train just . . . ended.

And, the Bristol Hills branch ended its fifty-odd mile path forlornly in the middle of nowhere, a day's walk north 'of the main trail's dead end at 415 and the Cohocton River. The main trail didn't continue again for a good two days' walk, no matter how you went over roads and hills, almost ten miles northeast of Savona, at a crossroads in South Bradford. No sign, and only a faded odor of a blaze announced the beginning of the FLT's whole eastern remainder.

In the past two years, however, serious efforts have begun toward establishing that missing link, M-12. First Richard Harrison, and then Bob Muller re-established the long-lost trail northward up into the hills from NY 415 to the southern end of the Bristol Hills Branch and then eastward downhill toward Mitchellsville. Bob's section features several long views and appealing stretches of tall woods, threaded by the tidiest piece of trail like to be seen anywhere. It's rumored that he rakes the grass and vacuums for dust. Besides, where else in one snowy April morning can you watch pileated woodpeckers while walking with a white Russian wolfhound who appeared silently out of nowhere and joined up for a few miles?

Hence, in 1989, M-12 was published to show the new eight mile section from the river to Mitchellsville, including Bob's side trail to Hickory Hill Campground. Meanwhile, Boy Scout Troop 18 of Hammondsport is working to establish a route through private lands across the valley below Hammondsport to the steep hillside eastward, overlooking Keuka Lake. Wine companies have been cooperative, but private landowners provide mixed reactions. As it looks now, the trail may have to ascend the wooded hill on the east side of the valley in a steep enough portion to require some switchbacks. Troop leader David Oliver says the boys are excited to get going on trail work, impatient for legal niceties to be done with.

A meeting is tentatively planned for December among the Boy Scout Troop representatives, a major landowner at the top of the hill above Hammondsport, and another group building trail in from the east, in order to establish the route through the landowners many acres of farm and woods, where the two sections of trail will meet. This meeting spot will serve to focus the route-exploring efforts over the remaining three miles or so to be created next season between the eastern and western halves of the overall M-12 effort.

During this last year, from the east has toiled a handful of trail-builders, totally unrelated to one another by hiking club affiliation or even geography, united only by their respective dedication to creating that missing link in the trail. Hudson Close of Elmira prepared the way by wandering uncountable hours in search of portions of old trail that were marked ten years ago, and then abandoned without being connected to the rest of the FLT. Terry Giarrosso of Syracuse reconnoitered tax maps and DEC maps and then armed only with charm and unfailing politeness, tackled landowners. She also kept this totally unofficial ungroup informed and on schedule with an unending barrage of postcards and letters. Ed Sidote kept

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

October 9, 1989 [Monday - Columbus Day]

7:30 AM I'm dressed and crawling out of the tent. Any earlier and it's too dark to see. It got fairly cold last night but for the most part I slept pretty well, considering that it was the first night on the ground. It's just now getting light. A little later, there is a beautful sunrise which I have a commanding view of from the vista. I take my instant oatmeal and hot chocolate the few feet to the best view and sit in the morning rays to watch the view unfold and to soak up what heat I can. There was ice in the canteen this morning (later in the day, a fisherman told me it was 24 degrees).

While getting things organized in my pack, an apple popped out and rolled over the hill. I was right on top of it and tried to go after it but soon tripped and was rolling down the hill, behind the apple, until I grabbed a little tree to stop myself. I figure the apple isn't worth getting hurt and listen as it rolls all the way to the bottom, probably 3-400 feet below me. This gives some indication of the steepness of this country.

8:45 Camp is all cleaned up and I'm starting on the trail. 9:00 I've reached Coates Highway already so I wasn't camped

very far north of the highway. Yet, any traffic was barely discemable.

9:30 (Milepost 10.5) Ten wild turkeys just crossed the trail in front of me. As I stop to watch them, they seem in no hurry to get out of sight. I must not have spooked them very much or they'd be long gone. Finally, they go over the hill and as I look away from them and back to the trail, I see a fox squirrel at the base of a tree about 20 feet ahead. Maybe I should just stop for a while and watch wildlife. This is a beautiful, clear day. The sun is shining and the fall color is vivid. Like yesterday, this section of the trail passes along the rim and the hills are steep and long.

10:05 I've stopped for a rest break, where the trail is just upslope from the big powerline. The "resident" flock of geese is again flying around and doing their beautiful ''wild goose'' call.

11:45 Reached Drilling Road. Elapsed time from Coates Highway has been three hours.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990 2:15 I've run into a man and his three young sons from Big

Rapids. They left Marilla Trailhead earlier this morning and have hiked in about 4 miles. They're now on their return trip to their car and have enjoyed the hike and the trail.

2:35 I just ran into 4 mountian bike riders from Ludington, who have started at Coates Hwy. and have come this far. They'll go a little farther and then retrace their route. They report that the trail is in fair condition for mountain bikes. On the Manistee District, we have not built the trail to accomodate the bikes due to the steep, sidehill terrain. While we don't prohibit them, we do inform the riders that the trail isn't designed for bikes.

4:10 I'm now paralleling the Red Bridge Tower Road (FR 5022). This road goes a short distance farther and then terminates at the old firetower site. At the site, one can see the remnants of the concrete footings that supported the four legs of the 100 foot steel tower. I can imagine that when this tower existed the towerperson had a commanding view.

4:30 I've reached the Pole Road (FR 5344) and have left my pack to walk east on the road to see if I can find the spring from where I'll obtain my nights water. I find the creek flowing pretty nicely on the right side of the road about 1/ 4 mile from the trail. I. think that we could probably develop a concrete spring box a little farther upstream that would be a little closer to the trail.

5:20 I've been pushing to get to this spot for the first nights camp. It's a nice vista overlooking the rim and the Manistee River Valley. Not knowing exactly how long it would take to set up camp this first night, I didn't want to arrive too late.

5:55 The tent is already set up and I've got a little fire going. I hear a flock of geese go over just above me. What could be more beautiful than the haunting calls made by a flock of Canadiens?

7:45 Supper is over, dishes washed, and I've sat around the fire drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Several hoot owls call in the distance and the moon is half full so things are pretty bright. Since it's a clear night, it may get a little cool. Good thing I've got a warm down bag. Having pushed hard with the heavy pack, I'm ready to turn in.

October 8, 1989 [Sunday]

· 1:00 PM. I start' south from the Marilla Trailhead. The temperature is about 40 degrees and '.,he sky is overcast. My wife, Donna, and my dog Cruiser, a German Shorthair, are accompanying me for the first mile or so and then wil return to the truck, Someone had to drop me off so the three of us are enjoying the beautiful Sunday afternoon together.

1:10 We've reached the first overlook. From here, there is a spectacular view of Hodenpyle impoundment and the colorful fall foliage. The entire segment of the trail follows along the rim of the first high hills west of the Manistee River valley and offers the opportunity for many views. At this point, there is an old road on the right, which will be closed by the middle of next summer. All the way to Coates Highway, the trail is within a designated Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area (SPNMA). Campsites abound throughout this area, as they do for most of the trail, but there is no nearby water for cooking or drinking. One of the tasks ahead of us is to try to locate and mark potential sources of water. These will be untested sources and anyone choosing to use them for cooking will have to boil or otherwise treat before consumption.

1:15 We've reached another vista - a new one created by one of our employees this past summer. John did a nice job and it looks real good.

1:30 The next major landmark along the trail is Marilla Creek. This is a beautiful, clear stream that flows year-round. It's probably OK for a water source but should be boiled or treated as the headwaters is in the farm country east of Marilla where vegetable crops are raised and various pesticides probably used.

We've recently constructed a neat little foot bridge that crosses the creek about 5 feet above the water. It's a beautiful spot for a rest break and to take a few pictures. Just shortly before reaching Marilla Creek is one of the major ORV problem areas where they are doing severe damage and causing erosion to a hill. This will hopefully come under control when we implement the SPNMA. After taking some pictures, Donna gives me a hug and she and Cruiser head back for the trailhead. For the next three days, I'm on my ?wn.

~Fall Journey on the North Country Trail

by Bill Menke District Ranger, Manistee National Forest

For a long time, I've wanted to hike the entire length of the North Country Trail as it exists on the Manistee Ranger District -- a distance of some 45 miles. The northernmost trailhead in the District is located on Beers Road about two miles east of the little town of Marilla in Manistee County. North of this point it is only a short distance to the Manistee National Forest boundary, where the trail will eventually pass through State and private lands on its' way to the Mackinac Bridge. The southern end of my hike will be the boundary between the Manistee and Baldwin Ranger Districts, about two miles south of Freesoil Road, in Lake County.

I have several reasons for wanting to undertake this journey. The fir."t is to check our work progress and determine what we have left to accomplish to meet the agreed upon NCT standards. Secondly, I enjoy backpacking and want to see the scenery along the trail during the fall color season. My third and most important reason, though, is to become intimate with the trail so that I can better relate to the public and their need for information.

I'm carrying a small tape recorder to help record my thoughts along the way. I should point out that I'm walking at a fairly brisk pace to cover distance - probably faster than the average hiker.

MANISTEE RANGER DISTRICT NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990 8:35 The tent is down and almost everything is packed. All

thats left to do is to have some breakfast and then be underway. Today is going to be a welcome change from yesterday. The SU? is already coming up brightly through the trees and the sky is perfectly clear. .

9:05 Everything is packed and I'm ready to start on the trail. The camp has been left in a "no trace" condition except for the spot where the tent stood.

1Here, you can see t~e leaves temporarily crushed but they ll soon recover. The fire ashes have been scattered after insuring that they were dead out, and the spot has been covered with leav~s and litter .. There'.s only about seven miles to hike today and it sure looks like a ruce fall day ahead. After a final look a~ the ~psite I'm ~m .the trail. My pack actually feels light this mornmg .. The majority of ~he food is gone and I'm carrying only the basic camping supplies.

9:35 I've stopped to write a Warning Ticket to someone who has constructed an illegal, permanent in-ground rifle bunker for deer hunting. It's quite elaborate with carpeting, swivel captains seat, etc. We'll have our Camp Sauble crew remove it.

10:00 The day is warming up nicely and I'm stopping to ~~e off my coat. I'm just east of the swamp where th~ tr~ is basically obliterated by marsh grass and fallen, dead Jack pine. We will be working on this section and getting it to standard shortly.

10:25 I've now crossed Tyndal Rd (FR 5203). This section of the trail passes through low, rolling hills of mixed oak and some pine. It's pretty in its own way but certainly not as spectacular as the north part of the trail.

11:30 Bear Swamp now lies on either side of me as the trail follows an old grade through the swamp. Bear Swamp is a lowland hardwood stand that is seasonally flooded. This is a little different experience than the rest of the trail. Elapsed hiking time from Nimemile Bridge is four hours.

11:55 My shoulders are getting a little tired so I've stopped for lunch. Most of this section of the trail is quite flat.

12:15 I'm ready to put the pack on again and start down the trail. The weather today is crystal clear with a nice blue sky. Winds are moderate. The leaves are filtering down to the grourid and all in all, it's just a beautiful fall day. It should only be a mile or so to where the car will be waiting. It'll feel good to get the pack off as I can feel that my joints are getting sort of sore and a general weariness has set in.

12:35 I'm now passing through a redpine plantation that we planted perhaps 30-35 years ago. It's interesting to note the profusion of old White Pine stumps that still exist here. More evidence that before the great logging era much of this part of Michigan was stocked with predominantly large white pine -- the famous Michigan pineries.

1:00 I've reached the last "two-track" before the district boundary. The car should be in the permanent opening just up the road. I'm off-loading the pack to go look for it. AhHa -­ they've done a perfect job as the car is right where it's supposed to be. I'll load the pack in the car and then continue on the trail to the district boundary.

1:10 I'm back on the trail. It's sure easier to walk with just a camera bag and a few maps. Whoops -- there goes a grouse. A burst of feathers and energy!

1:25 Hey, there goes another grouse. I need my dog and a shotgun!

1:25 I've reached the last bridge built by National Forest Volunteer John Bowling. This is a masterpiece, elevated about 18 inches above the floor of a seasonally wet hardwood swamp. This will allow a dry foot passage during the spring when the area is flooded, The bridge is over 125 feet long and curves through the trees very beautifully.

1:40 Shortly before reaching the district boundary, the trail passes through a small grove of large white pine. This is a pretty spot for a few photos.

1:41 Actually, the grove is such a short distance before the boundary that I'm already there. I've just kicked up a covey of five grouse. What a way to cap off the hike! This is the southern boundary of the District, where we border the Baldwin Ranger District. At this time, they have not been able to connect their portion- of the trail to this point.

Now all that's left to do is to retrace my steps to the car, and then to head for home and a nice hot shower.

8:00 I'm just now ready to crawl out of the tent. I overslept a little this morning but it sure feels good. My knees and feet still feel a little tired. During the night, I heard the owls on several occasions and at one time, was awakened to a tremendous vibration of the ground. It turned out to be what I think was a "heavy duty" buck as when it got some distance away, it stopped to snort and blow at the scent of the tent.

October 11, 1989 [Wednesday]

by myself. This is the second major trailhead we have on the Ranger District and is roughly at the trail midpoint.

10:35 I'm already back from the store and ready to shoulder the pack and continue south. The Wild Cherry Pepsi tasted good even this early in the day.

11:15 After leaving Udell Trailhead, the trail passes through flat terrain for about 3/ 4 mile and then begin the climb up into the Udell Hills. I'm now on top of the "Hills". This is a beautiful area of moderately steep hills that are covered with good quality hardwoods. The colorful fall foliage makes this a perfect time to be on the trail.

12:40 I've stopped for lunch at the high hump that has a nice long distance view to the north or northwest. I'm a little unsure of the direction as it's a cloudy day. To get to this vista, one has to talk a short distance off the trail and climb the hump. The route is fairly obvious. This is a nice temporary vista, cleared by a clearcut timber harvest a few years ago. As the clearcut grows up, the vista will be eliminated. The weather is very cool and breezy and it looks like it could rain at any time.

1:10 I'm starting back on the trail. Lunch consisted of peanut butter and jelly on crackers (carried in an old Pringles can), dried cherries, Pringles, a candy bar, an apple, and a little Wilers grape drink.

1:45 The long white flag of a deer bouncing through the trees just caught my attention and provided a thrill.

2:20 The Little Manistee River crossing is a nice place to stop for a rest. This is a beautiful little river and is one of the premiere steelhead streams in the entire U.S. I'm reluctant to use it as a source of water due to all the upstream development. Yet, it's time to obtain water for tonights camp so I plan to see if I can get it from one of the nearby cabins. South of Ninemile Bridge, there are no known water sources. We'll have to work on that.

3:15 After crossing the river, the route turns left on Ninemile Road (FR 5202) for 1/4 mile. The trail goes south from the right side of the road. I'm now back on the trail. Its well marked here and is incised to the agreed standards.

3:50 I'm ready to stop for a rest break as my shoulders are really weary. The extra eight pounds of water that I got back at Ninemile really adds to the load. Just prior to sy:>pping, I saw 3-4 deer scatter out through the forest. This is more or less a flat section of trail but it winds nicely through the oak forest, and the Camp Sauble crew is doing a nice job of construction on this segment. This has been a grey day that looked like rain at any moment. So far, I thank my blessings and hope it'll hold out for another mile or so until I get camp set up. Then it can rain if it wants to. The autumn color is not advanced as far in the Udell Hills or on this part of the trail as it was near Marilla.

4:20 I've reached the spot where I want to camp for the night. It's on a little ridge overlooking a wetland. Nice hardwoods are present. My shoulders are about to get to me. This extra eight pounds of water is the ''straw that breaks the camels back.'' Not only are my shoulders tired but I still hear thunder in the distance and want to get camp set up before it might rain. As with all the other campsites, this one has an abundance of firewood within 50 feet of camp.

7:45 I've already watched the fire for quite some time, thinking about all the good thoughts one thinks of while watching a campfire. It's getting quite dark and I'll probably turn in pretty soon. This campsite has been perhaps the most remote of any as I've heard less outside traffic or other noise than at the others.

8:10 I'm about ready to go into the tent and read for a little while using my candle lantern. Four owls are calling to each other. One is fairly close, perhaps 3-400 yards away. What a nice sound!

The Allegheny Outdoor Club has desigened emblems outlining the route of the North Country Trail through the Allegheny National Forest. This patch will be available at a cost of $3.50 to any person who has hiked, skied, or snowshoed the entire trail within the Allegheny National Forest. The beginning date for starting this is August, 1989, but there is no time limit for completion. Persons wishing a patch should submit an applica­ tion to the Allegheny Outdoor Club president and include a log showing dates when each segment was traversed. For further information, contact Charles and Marjorie Neel, Star Route, Sheffield, PA 16347 (814) 968-5415 or Donald and Brita Dom, Star Route Box 476, Sheffield PA 16347 (814) 968-5759.

The Midwest Region of the National Park Service has decided to reorganize its administration of the Ice Age and North Country National Scenic Trails and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The administration of these three trails will be consolidated in Madison, Wisconsin, where there has been an administrative office for the Ice Age Trail since May, 1987. This move is designed to increase the effectiveness of the Park Service's effort to ensure the development and management of these trails.

Tom Gilbert, North Country Trail Coordinator in the Omaha NPS office, among other duties, has been named to head this new office, which will also include two other administrators and a secretary. The changeover is expected to take place iii. early April. Once the change has been made, the address will be "National Park Service, 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 205, Madison WI 53719''. The phone number will be (608) 833-2788.

Gilbert to head Madison office

Reportf_rom theNPS:

Page 9

Help the trail to grow across private land.

DONATE TO THE NCTA TRAIL FUND

Give a birthday gift that will last a lifetime

Looking for information about the North Country Trail? A new NCTA Publication, "Following the North Country National Scenic Trail", written by Newsletter Editor Wes Boyd, is now available through the National Headquarters for $2.95. The booklet was written in response to requests for more specific information about the trail than the NCT A had previously been able to provide. The booklet, which is much more detailed than the now out-of-print NPS "User's Guide to the NCNST", has nine sketch maps and heavily-packed pages of information about the nation's longest National Scenic Trail. While not a trail guide, it is designed to give users what they need to know to get information on specific trail segments, and perhaps inspire a dream or two along the way.

-- James J. Hocking, a giant among walkers who marked up 270,000 miles in his pedestrian career, advised: "The whole trick is stepping off on the big toe of one foot, forward with the other, landing on the heel, knees locked, arms swinging. I always averaged about 40'' to the stride . . . really moving along."

-- Poet William Wordsworth was a confirmed walker. He had trekked 180,000 miles by the time he was 65. He thought nothing of walking 15 miles across the mountians to take tea with a friend. To him, walking was a more natural condition than reclining, sitting or standing. He composed much of his poetry afoot.

DID YOU KNOW ... from Finger Lakes Trail News, Vol 2, No. 1, April, 1963:

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference is beginning to make plans for its 30th anniversary celebration to be held in 1992. Approximately 100 people met in the auditorium of Keuka College near Penn Yan, NY, on Saturday, March 17, 1962, for the opening session of the first annual meeting of the FLTC.

At that meeting, members discussed classes of memberships, approved annual dues, voted for incorporation of the Confer­ ence, and elected officers. Wallace D. Wood was elected President (the Wallace D. Wood Distinguished Service Award is presented anually to the person or persons who have made outstanding contributions to the Conference during the previous twelve months). Names of the Conference and the Trail were approved at this meeting. After adjournment of the general Conference meeting on Sunday, the new Board of Managers met for the first time.

Howard Beye, NCTA Director and FLTC Trail Chairman, is leading the planning committee for the anniversary.

of 30th Anniversary FL TC plans celebration

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

Please include $1.00 postage per order. Make checks payable to: North Country Trail Association

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North country Trail -- a rugged, unique coast on the still-wild Lake Superior Shore. Updated in 1988, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-date information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $5.95 each (Wholesale $4.25 each)

Address---------------------------------------------

Name------------------------------------------------

--- copies of GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE at $5.95 per copy

--- copies of FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL at $2.95 per copy ($2.00 per copy if ten or more)

Packed full of information about the North Country Trail. "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the trail" -- and lots of other useful information_ Much more comprehensive than the now out-of-print National Park Service "User's Guide to the North Country Trail". The most inclusive and up-to-date information on the whole trail. $2.95 each. Wholesale (10 or more) $2.00 each.

GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE, including revised Lakeshore Trail Guide, by Olive Anderson.

Just Published! FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL by Wes Boyd

NCTA Bookstore P.O. Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349

North Country Trail Bookstore • : Send Order To: • . • • • • •

The American Hiking Society reported in its February issue of American Hiker that AHS membership has grown by 225 % since 1981, totaling about 4,500. California claims the most members with more than 500, followed by New York with over 300. States with more than 100 members include Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington .

AHS merubet-ship is up

WANTED: backpackers to participate in the Superior Hiking Trail Association celebration on completion of half the two hundred fifty miles of proposed Superior Hiking Trail. The one hundred fifty mile thru-hike will commence July 24, and finish August 4, the day of the celebration. Interested hikers may obtain details by contacting Bill Anderson, 2105 E. 2nd St., Duluth. MN 55812; (218) 724-4816. Hikers are encouraged to reply as soon as possible. June 1 is the cut-off date for hikers wishing to assist us with this event.

Super-ior- hikerx

A special fund was approved by the board during the Spring meeting budget deliberations. The fund was set up to put aside money from yearly membership dues and donations for the purpose of purchasing trail easements or land corridors on private land.

The fund currently stands at about $300.00 due to the generous donations of several individuals at the fall meeting and responses to the advertisement in the newsletter.

The real work of this organization lies in obtaining trail access across private land. It is vital that the funds be available when the opportunities arise. All donation to the NCTA are tax deductible. PLEASE: 1990 starts the tenth anniversary of the founding of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Give the trail a Birthday gift that will last it for a lifetime.

Trail Fund has $300

The Board approved the plan for a cooperative agreement with the Bad Medicine Lake Citizens Association (MINN) subject to clarification of liability responsibility.

Design. of 1990 Anniversary Hike Logo was approved.

More North Country Trail Outings are planned for next year. This summer, we'll again have two trail-building outings: June 24 through July 7, and August 19 through September 1.

The early outing will again be in State Forest Land east of Kalkaska and south of Alba, Ml; the August outing will again be in the McCormick Wilderness area. We'll stay in established campgrounds and hike or drive to work. Cost, $45 per week (includes food); bring your own camping gear (tent, etc.) Non members welcome. Please send self-addressed stamped envelope. Contact Vince Smith, Box 76, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189 for more information.

Michigan work weeks planned

NEW BUSINESS: The following individuals were elected to a three year term of

office as Directors: Tom Riemers, Ken Gackler, Cecil Dobbins, Tomi Spyker, Ed Sidote.

OLD BUSINESS: By-law Committee reported on proposed amendments to

By-laws and Constitution. Board of Directors approved a Dues sharing plan. Twenty-five

percent of dues will be placed into a national expense account. Proportional to the membership in each state, the funds will be available to NCTA chapters, to cover authorized expenditures.

Board approved a plan for a cooperative agreement with the Bad Medicine Lake.

The fall meeting of the board of directors was held on October 21 1989 in the lodge of the Burr Oak State Park in Ohio. The following is a short extract from the events of the meeting. REPORTS:

Treasurer reported a balance of $4,543.81. The 1989-1990 budget was explained.

Membership increased by fifty-eight new members. The NCTA now has members in twenty-five states. The Board approved a pledge payment plan for life memberships.

Board approved printing of booklet ''Following the North Country Trail" reprinting of improved NCTA brochure. A Director of marketing and a plan for a Marketing Committee was approved. Glen Oster was appointed Director.

The National Park service apointed Steve Elkington to the position of Long Distance Trail Coordinator for the NPS Trails. Based in Washington, D.C. he will work on resolving NPS policy issues as they relate to trails such as the NCT. The 1990 NPS budget has a proposed line item for the NCT. As of the meeting, there was no information on its passage.

Report frorn NCTA 1989 Fall Meeting North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 199C Page 10

REGISTRATION FORM Mail to: NCTA 1990 NCTA SPRING MEETING P.O. Box 311

May 18-19-20, 1990 White Cloud, MI 49349

Name: Address:

Phone: REGISTRATION FEES: ---Adults, $2.00 ea., before 5/1 ---Adults, $3.00 ea., after 5/1 ---Non-members, $4.00 ea. MEALS (MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED) ---Friday, ---ham, ---turkey, $12.00 ---Saturday noon, $5.00 ---Saturday evening, HQ $5.00 HEADQUARTERS WOOING (Make your own arrangements for lodging elsewhere). ---Hostel (includes cots; bring own blankets $5.00/night, First registered, first served. ---Camping, $3.00/night.

Make checks payable to NCTA. Registration fee non- refundable; other fees refundable up to ten days prior to meeting.

Pat Allen Bob Dreis Ginny Wunsch Martha Jones Wes Boyd Derek Blount Paulette Johnson open open open

1992

Doris Abbot Clifford Abbott Howard Beye Laura McGuire Jim Sprague Cecil Dobbins Tom Reimers Glen Oster Tomi Spyker open open open

BOARD OF DffiECTORS Term of Office

Term Expires May 1991 Gaylord Yost Rod MacRae Ed Solstad Linda Vargason Milke Art Holland Emily Gregor Ken Gackler Ruth Sacks Barbara Smith John Hipps Vince Smith Jim Warmels Jim Richards

1990

Sunday, May 20 Predawn: comet viewing hike from headquarters? 8:00 a.m. Hikes and trail clearing: 1. Trail clearing on Croton Dam segment. 2. Hike from HQ to Park City, site of lumbering days ghost

town and original site of schoolhouse. From here, hike to Loda Lake, and on to trail. Long or short hike.

3. Hike or bike on Hart/Montague hiking/biking trail, % hour drive away.

4. Trip to Shrine of the Pines south of Baldwin and hike.

Saturday, May 19 Predawn: It's possible a bright comet will be in view in the

early morning sky. Predawn hike, from headquarters, weather permitting, to see it. Bring binoculars.

6:30 a.m. early bird hike -- from the Shack on the NCT. 8:00 a.m. Coffee-donuts-juice. 8:30 a.m. Annual Board of Directors and Membership

meeting. 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($5.00 at Shack). 1:30 p.m. Derek Blount: 1990 Hike. Wes Boyd: 1990 Fall Meeting. Tom Gilbert: Progress of the trail. 4:00 p.m. Trail building demonstration. 6:30 p.m. Hiker's Supper (cookout) at HQ. ($5.00) Evening program (at headquarters): John Hipps and Barb

Smith -- Folk Dancing; Ruth Sack, ''Casey at the Bat''; Irv and Mary Lauder, Dutch Dance and Accordian Sing-A-Long; Rod MacRae, Harmonica. Social hour between acts -- bring your own tall tales and talents.

Friday, May 18 5:00 p.m. - Registration, punch bowl. 7:00 p.m. - Recognition dinner -- all members welcome. (Ham

or Turkey, $12.00). Dinner will be followed by discussions, group displays, slides

of 1989 Boy Scout Jamboree by Derek Blount, and a meeting for Michigan members.

SCHEDULE

The annual spring meeting will be held this year at the Shack Country Inn, 2263 14th St., White Cloud, MI 49349, approxi­ mately six miles west of M-37 in White Cloud and eleven miles from the NCTA Headquarters building. The Headquarters will be the starting point for the various hikes scheduled for the weekend unless otherwise designated, and will be open for those wishing to stay there during the weekend.

The spring meeting is held each year to elect officers, to consider and make decisions on timely matters concerning the development of the NCT, and to unite the members of the NCTA.

Recommended lodging (reservations desirable): The Shack Country Inn, address Above (616) 924-6683. The Harrington Inn, 1117 W. Main, Fremont, MI 49412

(approximately ten miles from The Shack). Miller's Robinson Lakefront Resort, 1932 W. Parklane, White

Cloud, MI 49349 (616) 924-2362 (across lake from The Shack). NCTA Headquarters and Hostel, (616) 689-6876. Camping is available at White Cloud City Park, which has

showers and hook-ups. Primitive camping is available at the HQ building (reservations can be made with your meeting reserva­ tion), and on US Forest Land at Minnie Waterfowl Sanctuary and Benton Lake. For more information on the latter two, contact White Cloud Ranger Office, Manistee National Forest, White Cloud, MI 49349.

NCTA Spring Meeting May 18-20 at White Cloud

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1990

Phone--------------

Name

Address

I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. Enclosed is $ for a

membership.

0 Yes, I would like to further support the North Country Trail Association with my tax free contribution of $ . enclosed.

Adult. $ 10.00 Family (includes children under 18) $ 15.00 Student $ 5.00 Organization $ 25.00 Supporting $ 50.00 Donor $ 250.00 Life $ 300.00 Patron $ 5000.00 Commercial $ 500.00

Annual Dues: membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. Dues paid from April 1 on are valid through June 30 of the following year.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

North Country Trail Association PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349

You can help with making the dream a reality by joining the

North Country Trail Association.

Building the North Country National Scenic Trail will be a big job. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do.

THAT'S BEi NG REALIZED

North <:ountry National Scenic Trail

A DREAM