1 was getting set to have a Jong discussion about the 2000 by 2000 goal and concept, but I can see that I'm running low on space. This is an achieveable goal: 2000 certified miles - and 2000 members-c-for the NCTAby the year 2000. It's do­ able, folks, and I'd like to see us take it up as a formal goal of the organization. Perhaps we can do that al the spring meeting.

* * *

I was going to write some gripes about aerobic steam­ along hikers that have to keep up that three miles per hour pace whether or not they see anything along the way; we had a bunch of them at the Fall meeting in North Dakota. Then, the Fall issue of American Hiker did it for me:

"So far, hiking has proven relatively impervious to those who feel every outdoor endeavor need be made into a competitive event. Knock on wood for that. Look what's happened to biking and cross-country skiing over the past decade or two. Baggy shorts and knickers are out. Lycra is in. The dreamy gaze is out. The steely look of determination is in.

"For the most part, hiking is still the refuge of the mellow and relaxed. Oh, there are a few ofus who seem a bit, well, ambitious. These folks hike with the vengance of a Viking warrior, never resting until they've conquered every peak in their area over a certain elevation. But, they remain in a minority, and a coup seems unlikely to succeed.

"In Oregon, the Cherneketans (a trail club and an AHS affiliate) introduced a new rating into their organized group hikes: Dawdler. This variety of hike is one notch below "easy" and several notches (and attitudes) below "hard". The club newsletter notes that those participating in a hike so labeled should expect a slow pace and "frequent stops for viewing, photography, etc."

"Noting a growing interest in relaxed hiking, the club even drew up a "dawdler's committee" responsible for devis­ ing guidelines for those participating in dawdler hikes. The rules stipulate that these treks be relatively short (no more than seven miles). But distance is really a minor concern. What's important is the outlook with which one hikes. The commit­ tee's rules state "the group will absolutely stay together -- that is, if one person stops, whether to look at a Hower, take a picture, breathe a few extra breaths, gaze into the distance, whatever -- then everybody stops." Those not wishing to abide by these guidelines are not welcome on the trip. So far, the new hike category has drawn nothing but rave reviews and nary a complaint. This bodes well for the future of hiking."

Next meeting, can we maybe have a hike where we can stop and smell the roses?

* * *

The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is March 1, 1991. Copy received by the editor after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter; receiving it well before that date is highly appreciated.For future reference the dead­ line for the spring issue of the newsletter will belune 10, 1992.

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter1991-92

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REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 Ohio Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085

(608) 264-5610

(701) 232-8513

(612) 377-0130 (612) 559-5994 (216) 375-4461

(414) 354-8987

(616) 452-4487 (517) 547-7402 (313) 548· 1737 (906) 225- 1585 (616) 891-1366 (313) 853-0292 (313) 280-2921 (616) 363-5986 (313) 231-1257 (616) 784-5n50 (906) 338-2680 (616) 689-6876

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

(814) 968-5759 (814) 435-2371 (814) 435-2371 (412) 364-2864 (814) 723-5150

(607) 272-5119 (716) 288-7191 (607) 564-3548 (607) 272-8679 (607) 334-3872

(313) 280-2921 (814) 435-2371 (814) 723-5150 (616) 891-1366 (616) 689-6876

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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Tom Gilbert, National Park Servioe, 700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 100,

Madison WI 53711

Minnesota Rex! MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis MN 55405 Harlan Liljequist, 1605 W. Medicine Lake Dr., Plymouth MN 55441 Jim Richards, Rt. 1, Callaway MN 56521

North Dakota Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S, Fargo ND 58103

Wisconsin Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Michigan Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 Don Elzinga, 1010 Allouez, Marquette Ml 49855 Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 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 Darlene Snyder, 4067 Luxlord, Comstock Park Ml 49321 Doug Welker, Rl, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, Mundy Ave. White Cloud Ml 49349

Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dorn, Star Rt., Box 476, Sheffield PA 16347 Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St., Galeton PA 16922 John G. Hipps, 11 W Main St .. Galeton PA 16922 Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St, Pittsburg PA 15237 · Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365

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 Spyker, 7040 Africa Rd., Rt. 1, Galena OH 43201 R. Baird Stewart, 215 w. 12th St, Salem, Ohio 44460 (216) 332-1745

BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York

Doris and Clifford Abbctt, Rt 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 148B3 Howard S. Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Laura McGuire, 1 Boylan Rd, Newfield NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C WrldflONer Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidote, 5 Clinton St. NO!Wich NY 13815

OFFICERS President: Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Royal Oak Ml 48073 Vice President: Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St., Galeton PA 16922 Secretary: Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365 Treasurer: Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson St., Caledonia Ml 49316 Headquarters Mgr.: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, White Cloud Ml 49349 President Emeritus: Lance Feild

NEWSLETTER Page2

of the

North Country Trail Association PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349 Headquarters Phone: (616) 689-1912 Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

NOTHING IS definite yet, but it looks as if there'll be several work projects on the connection between the Manis­ tee National Forest and the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail next summer. The newly-planned route will go north for a few miles out of the Manistee's Beers Road trailhead, then tum east along the Manistee River, pass a couple of state forest campgounds, and meet up with the south branch of the Riding-Hiking Trail south of Fife Lake. At this time, dates of work proj­ ects have yet to be set. Like to help out? Contact NCT A Directors Vince Smith or Arden Johnson for more de­ tails. Completion of trail in this gap (and anotherone expected to be closed in the Manistee National Forest next year) will make for continuous North Country Trail between the vicinity of Newaygo and a point south of Boyne Falls, a distance of over 200 trail miles.

* * *

DID YOU work on Civilian Conserva­ tion Corps projects between 1933 and 1942. Do you know someone who did? If so, the CCC alumni association wants to knw where they are and what they're up to. The National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps alumni hopes to encourage state and federal agencies to establish CCC museums in areas that benefited from corps proj­ ects. Tue end result? To preserve the works of the CCC for future genera­ tions. For more information, write Karl E. Busch, CCC Museum, 3623 Ren­ dale Drive, Jacksonville FL 32210.

* * *

lachian Trail and in wilderness areas, but directing the bikes to trails "most suited to their use", such as rail trails, woods roads, and cross-country ski trails. On the other hand, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club took a more restrictive approach, following obser­ vations of serious treadway damage, and announced that it "opposes the operation of all-terrain bicycles on hiking trails designated for foot travel only."

Adapted from American Hiker, Autumn, 1991

Page3

MOUNTAIN BIKES remain contro­ versial. Recently, two eastern trail clubs adopted sharply differing policies on trail bikes. The Appalachian Moun­ tain Club adopted a relatively open policy, advocating bans on the Appa-

* * *

YOU WERE EITHER on the bus or off the bus on Saturday at the North Country Trail Association meeting in October, held at Fargo ND. Through the assistance of the National Park Service, a 48-passenger tour bus (see cover) was rented, and meeting atten­ dees hiked segments of the Sheyenne National Grasslands, Sheyenne State Forest, and Fort Ransom State Park, getting to hike 11 miles of the 27.5 already certified in the state. A long day of bus riding and hiking - 6 AM to 11 PM --was capped off by a spectacu­ lar roast buffalo dinner at the pictur­ esque Lutheran Church in the town of Fort Ransom, deep in the prairie life­ style.

* * *

NCTA PRESIDENT Martha Jones reports that she doesn't have a column this month, but says she hopes every­ one had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

* * *

western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, long seen as about the only possible route for an off-road trail, partly due to a bridge problem. Treadway for the trail, now under development, will share the right-of-way with this steam-oper­ ated railroad. While similar arrange~ ments have been proposed elsewhere, this is the first time, at least along the NCT, that this has been done. This trail picks up at Darlington, Pennsylvania, about eight miles east of the state line, and follows the route of the lightly­ used railroad grade westward, enter­ ing Ohio near Negly, and ending near Fredricktown, Ohio. While the rail traffic is both light and slow, bikers should remember that trains do not stop easily, so they have the right of way!

IN 1991, Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania NCT activists, led by NCT A director Biard Stewart, work­ ing with a group that is promoting a scenic tourist railroad, were able to conclue an agreement for the purchase of former Montour Railroad line in

* * *

IN APRIL, 1989, a group of Buckeye Trail enthusiasts began a circuit hike of the trail, meeting one and two week­ ends a month, to walk stage lengths of around ten to fifteen miles per day. As of September, the group, led by Edith Consett, has chalked up over 800 miles, and is eyeing a second circuit.

* * *

SUPPUES OF the NCTA Publica­ tion "Following the North Country National Scenic Trail", written by Newsletter Editor Wes Boyd, are dwindling, but a new edition is on the way and should be available before spring sets in. The new book will be in a smaller format, with larger, more readable type, and has about half again the amount of type than was in the last printing, of November, 1989.

* * *

THEU.S.SENATE has unanimously passed an amendment authored by Carl Levin (D-Mich) calling for enhanced management of the National Parks Service Trails Program. "As a result of this amendment, more trail segments will be clearned, more cooperative agreements will be prepared and signed, and more volunteers will be recruited," Leven told his Senate colleagues. The amendment, now part of the proposed budget for the Department of the Inte­ rior for Fiscal Year '92, adds $50,000 for management of the North Country and other scenic and historic trails. In August, Levin hiked a portion of the trail near Hillsdale, Michigan, and another portion in the upper peninsula. "We're doing whatever we can to fo­ cus public attention on the trail," Levin said at that time. "I probably won't be around to walk it from one end to the other, but maybe our kids will walk it."

-~---· North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

A SECTION of the Finger Lakes Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest was dedicated as official North Country Trail in a special ceremony on September 21, 1991. Shown in this photo are (1-r) Irene Szabo, Finger Lakes Trail Conference President, and Gay­ lord Yost and Tom Reimers, NCTA Directors. The dedication was held during the FL TC Fall Cam pout.

HIKING PARTNERS wanted for through-hike of North Country Trail. Hike will begin about April 1, 1992 at Crown Point, New York. The goal is to reach Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota by December 1, 1992 at about a 15 mile per day average. For further information, contact Ed Talone, 605 Pershing Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910.

October 17-19: Mark your calendar now for the Annual Fall Meeting of the North Country Trail Association, to be held in Pennsylvania/

Pennsylvania

June 19-22: 30th Anniversary of Finger Lakes Trail Confer­ ence celebration, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY. For information contact Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Road, Rochester NY 14609.

January 19: Annual meeting and Dinner of Cayuga Trails Club, Holiday Inn, Ithaca, NY. Contact Cliff and Doris Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details.

New York

May 15-17: North Country Trail Association Spring Meeting, White Cloud, Ml. See next issue of newsletter for more details.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

January 11-12, 1992 For Infornuuion, contact

1-800-666-0160

Dog Sled Racing on the North Country National. Scenic Trail

MACKINAC CITY MUSH

The Hikers Paradise

783 V Clltlslde D~. AKRON, OH 44313

ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, lac.

swissairiJ'

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 (216) 867-3771, or write to:

GRINDELWALD SAAS-FEE

GSTAAD FLUELEN

ENGELBERG LEUKERBAD

KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURR EN LENK WENGEN BETTMERALP RIGl-KALTBAD

SWISS ALPS

January 24,25, 2.6: North Country Outdoor Club (Lansing Michigan) Winter cam pout at Waterloo Recreation Area. Rustic cabin has been reserved for the weekend; it will only accomo­ date 18 and reservations are taken on a first come, first-served basis. This should be a fun-filled weekend with hiking, cross­ country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and ice skating avail­ able. Potluck dinner on Saturday; provide own equipment and food. Contact Liz Forsberg (517) 372-5782 for more details.

Feburary, date uncertain: North Country Outdoor Club (Lansing Michigan) elect officers. Contact Liz Forsberg (517) 372-5782 for more details.

January 18-19: Western Michigan Chapter Snowshoe week­ end. Snowshoe rental available, cheap. If no snow, we'll hike. Stay at "The Schoolhouse", the NCTA headquarters, for $5.00 per night per person. Contact Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details.

January 11-12: Mackinac City Mush dog sled race, Mackinac City, Ml, on new segment of North Country Trail. Contact (800) 666-0160 for more information.

Michigan

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::~ NCTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES J '.:~.- •.•J.• •• •.• •.•.•.•.· •.•.·.········· •'•'•'•'•"•'•'• •,·.•.·.•.•.•,•.• •.•.•,•,•,• • .-:.-::?.~~;:

Page4

says, will be to visit many regions along the trail, and to get to know better some of the people and problems involved with the devlopment, and just to get more familiar with the prob­ lems at hand -- but, she's looking forward to it: "Outdoor recreation has always been an important part of my life -­ particularly hiking and canoeing," she writes. "From the sum­ mers I spent in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as a teen, to my recent explo­ rations of Michigan's wilderness areas, I've never lost the feeling of excitement you can get while exploring a new trail or waterway, or the fun you can share with friends or family when you're in the woods. I have only been on a few segments of the North Country Trail-- one portion in the U.P, near Craig Lake State Park, and then down in West-Central Michigan."

Financing for the executive director position, at least for the first year, has come from a cooperative grant from the National Park Service; after the first year, funding will have to be at least partially found from other sources: another problem that she'll have to be dealing with from the first.

April and the association will be developing a business office in the Grand Rapids area, but the site had not been selected as of this writing. The Schoolhouse at White Cloud will continue as the official headquarters of the organization. For the interim, mail for April can be directed to the NCTA Headquarters address, PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349.

New North Country Trail Association Executive Director April Scholtz readies for a cold morning's hike In the Sheyenne National Grasslands of North Dakota at the NCTA Fall meeting in October, 1991.

After more than a year of work and searching, the North Country Trail Association bas named April Scholtz (form er ly Oja prior to her recent marriage) of Grand Haven, Michigan, to be the first executive director for the organization. She is impressively qualified for the job, and eager to start her duties with the association on January 2, 1992.

April bas worked and lived in most of the states along the North Country Trail. Her childhood was in Minnesota and Iowa; she went to college at Colgate University in the Finger Lakes Region of New York and at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. She attended graduate school at the University of Michigan.

The new executive director comes to theNCTAfrom the Nature Conservancy, where she served as Director of Protec­ tion for the Michigan Chapter, based in East Lansing. She has also served as Natural Areas Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, working on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a corridor for the North Country Trail.

As much of her work for the NCT A will involve getting trail rights across private land in one form or another, she comes with excellent qualifications. In her letter to the search committee, she noted:

"My six years of experience with the Nature Conservancy in Michigan have given me a background in land protection and non-profit management that would be directly applicable to the work described for the North Country Trail Associaton. I thoroughly enjoy the job of developing land protection strategies, I am well able to balance the need to protect areas with the costs of protection, I am an experienced negotiatior, I understand the government regulations that can work for, and against, land protection, and I have been fortunate to work with a diversity of skilled and dedicated volunteers."

Among the duties that Ms. Scholtz will be developing as the Executive Director of the Association will be the develop­ ment of an organizational capacity with staff and volunteers to assist the National Park Service with management of the trail; developing membership development and involvement; the pursuit of corporate and foundation financial support of the organization and trail projects; promotion of public awareness and use of the trail; assisting the National Park Service and others in preparing long-range plans for the development and protection of the trail, as well as establishing and maintaining good communications and public relations with public offi­ cials and private persons and organizations interested in supporting or protecting the trail; recruiting and training volunteers for trail work and maintenance; developing the capability to acquire, hold, and protect lands for the trail; identifying opportunities and needs to develop new trail segments, and the preparation of applications for certification of trail segments, and to provide guidance and assistance to NCTA chapters and other trail organizations for trail work projects, special trail events, public relations, volunteer train­ ing, and so forth.

It will be a big job, and she'll be a while learning the ins and outs, she admits. One of the first things on her list, she

Executive Director NCTA names new

Pages North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

Ontanagon is good. I chose not to cross the river here - a bridge is planned someday - and walked Forest Roads around and came in from FR 884. 1/2 mile west of884 is another beaver flood­ ing (#4). The rest of the way from Laird road is good.

I wrote and received LSIA maps from Sheyenne Grasslands, Chippewa NF, Chequamegon NF, Hiawatha and Manistee NFs, and a PRICE LIST from the Ottawa ($1.00 for each map). At the Bessemer District Office, I complained that all the other National Forest Maps were free, but gave them the $2.00 anyway.

I hope that some of the information shared here may be of use to someone. Gathering maps and information has taken a lot of time and letters. I think over the past 10 years I've visited every U.P. N.F. District office except the Sao and Escanaba! I've also learned that usually one one forester at each district office knows much about the trail status or condition. The best way was to go see for myself.

It's interesting. Having competed the western third and eastern third of the U.P. and the Manistee National Forest, I've yet to meet anyone hiking the NCT. I've met national forest workers, sunday strollers along the Manistee River, a mountian biker, fishermen, hunters. Even on the Pictured Rocks section, most were hiking "The Pictured Rocks," not theNCT.

After I finished the last Ottawa section in August, I spent 11 days hiking all the trails in Porcupine Mountain State Park. Boy did I have a captive audience of serious hikers and backpackers! I passed out my entire stock of NCT bro­ chures and flyers! Most people came from the Great Lakes area - Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio. Less than 1/3 of those I met had ever heard of the North Country Trail and those that had heard of it knew little or nothing about it.

A man I met at the southern bound­ ary of Wilderness State Park - he had scouted the route for the last two miles out to the boundary - was surprised when I told him there were 1000 miles certified. He didn't think the trail would become more than someone's dream. I'm sending him and two National For­ est District foresters copies of the Au­ tumn '91 NCTA Newsletter Trail Status Survey. They get no information on what's happening on the trail elsewhere.

Ski season starts in seven weeks. I think my legs will be ready this year.

by Donald G. Beattie Instead of my usual summer trip to to walk this section when few cars were

the Canadian Rockies, I spent the end of out. July and most of August in the western Norwich Road to Victoria Road is U.P. of Michigan hiking sections of the completed (the Norwich bluffs here, a NCT I hadn't done, as well as all of the beautiful southern view). A beaver flood- trails in PorcupineMountians State Park ing 1 mile south of Victoria Road has - 300 miles in all. I day hike, so double cut the trail and requires a dam crossing. hike most sections, unless loops or rides The section shown completed on the are possible. I've now completed the Lake States Interpretive Association map Ottawa National Forest from Plains Road, was not completed. There were no trail near Covington, to the Wisconsin bor- markings off the Victoria Road. Gray der, over a period of Len years. The five diamonds on the Victoria Dam Road led pieces completed on this trip were (1) 1/2 mile up to the impoundment over- Wisconsin border to Copper Peak, all look, but trail and diamonds ceased about roads but mostly rural; (2) Porcupine 100 yards beyond. MountianStateParksectionoftheNCT, From US45 west and north to the plus all remaining trails there after OttawaNationalForestboundary,soulh completing the NCT (3) Norwich Road of Victoria dam, the trail is marked and to Laird Road in the Ottawa National OK to poor. Dawn Buss, Ottawa Na- Forest, and (4) 1 1/2 miles to Plains tional Forest Crew Leader, and three Road. In addition, I've done much of the others were working on clearing down- new Marquette Section, from Sugarloaf fall on this part in early August. Mountain to Little Presque Isle Point. From US 45 east to the Middle This last is a beautiful section! Branch of the Ontanagon River is a

Some notes and observations: good trail to Baltimore River and Okun- A letter/map received from Porcu- dekun Falls, with the new bridges. (I

pine Mountian State Park last spring met an engineer from the bridge com- showed their approved routing from the pany at the Bessemer District office, Ottawa National Forest NCT trail signs who said their cost was $150,000.) One (totally hidden by ten years growth of mile cast of the bridge is another large saplings, but now once more visible beaver dam crossing - OK in dry after some pruning work) along County weather, but could be slippery in wet Road 519. The approved route follows weather with a heavy pack. comes down the Little Carp River Trail · The section from them iddle branch and Little Carp River Road to South of the Ontanagon River to Gardner Road Boundary Road, then east along the includes the new bridge across the On- road for 3.5 miles. One of the Ottawa tanagon River. There are no trail mark- foresters at Bessemer mentioned some- ings cast of the river, so you have to thing about relocating that trailhead north follow them uddy, eroding construction 1 mile across from Summit Road; this road used to put in the bridge. The road would cut the road connector from 3.5 switchbacks up the hillside; I'm not sure miles down to .9 miles (.4 in the woods the super bridge was worth all the cut- parallel to the road.) then connecting to ting up of the hillside. There are some the Lily Pond Trail, which lies into the blue tapes going straight up the hillside, Little Carp River Trail north of the but no trail; it's steep with lots of down- present connection. Mike Rafferty at fall. Where the construction road is the Porcupine Mountians State Park blocked off, the gray diamonds begin visitor center says he encourages people again; the trail is brushed but not cut Lo write to the DNR in Lansing to en- from here to Gardner Road, but there's courage this routing. The 3.5 miles along yet another beaver flooding near the the South Boundary Road is difficult trailhead. with high weeds, hills, no shoulders, Gardiner Road to Laird Road: From and traffic - I returned in the evening Gardner road to the east branch of the

Forest Notes Ottawa ·National

North Country trou Association Newsletter, Winter, 1991-92 Page6

Southern Michigan NCT group organizes

The North Country Trail Outdoor Club (Lansing, Michi­ gan) ~ot off to a running start with a meeting held on October 12. Flftee~ people attended, and there were thirteen paid memberships at the end of the meeting. The group agreed to meet every two months on the second Sunday of the month and will elect officers in February. '

The club started off with a busy calendar of events including hikes and wintercampingin November and Decem~ ber, and a second meeting held December 8. Planned for January are a snowshoeing weekend, and a winter cam pout at the Waterloo Recreation Area. (See NCT A Trips and Activi­ ties for details.)

For information about the group, contact Liz Fosberg at (517) 372-5782, or mail inquiries to 550 Boichot Road Lansing, Ml, 48906. '

Let's do it aeain! North Country Trail Hikers celebrate 11th anniversary of NCT

The second annual NCT Anniversary Hike hosted by the North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Marquette, Michigan, w.as a great sucess. The weather cooperated, and they had 206 hikers, 60 more than last year. Hikers went various distances of two to ten miles, to see the falls on the Little Garlic River'. This section of the NCT was finished this summer, with the h~lp ?f student volunteers from the Marquette - Alger School District, The club gave away 150 T-shirts and had free cold soda for the bikers after their hike. Both were donated by sponsors.

The clu? again had s~nso~ (8) to pay for everything, and made a profit, to use for trail building supplies. They signed up 59 new members, and put out a donation can, which also brought in some extra money. ·

People started lining up for the hike an hour before it was to begin. Besides the local club members, the following NCT A members participated: Vince Smith, Mark Edens Don Elzinga, Gene and Jean Elzinga, Shirley 1..aBonte, Dell p~ Marian and Ronald Schwitzgoebel, and Bob and Jean Wester.

On September fifth, a group from the club met with Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich) to work on the trail. Tom Gilbert, National Park Service Administrator for the trail, was there as well, as well as two forest rangers from the Ottawa National Forest. Senator Levin told the group that he would cooperate in negotiations with landowners and in obtaining extra help for the North Country Trail in Tom Gilbert's office. He ~hallenged ~he group to, with his help, complete the Upper Peninsula portion of the NCT by 2000. He said he had also invormed Governor Engler (MI) that the NCTwas in the state of Michigan -- the Governor had never heard of the trail!

-- Jean Elzinga

Pagel

Cecil Dobbins Akron, OH Donald Elzinga Marquette, Ml Eugene and Jean Elzinga Marquette, Ml Kenneth Gackler Caledonia, Ml Dr. John Hipps Galeton, PA Martha Jones Royal Oak, Ml Tom D. Labernik Nisswa, MN Roderick MacRae Minneapolis, MN Dr. Eugene Majerowicz Los Angeles, CA Michael A. Reed Oronco, MN

(current as of 10/28/91)

NCT action in the Keystone State added impetus at the recent meeting of members from one of the trail to the other at the November 9, 1991. A great turn out of enthusiasts and dedicated individuals reported on past summer activities on trail building and maintenance. Plans were also discussed for 1992.

We are pleased to say that the Pennyslvania Group has a focus on a ten mile section of the trail that will take us to the Ohio Border with the help of Dennis Sheppard of Beaver Falls and his boy scout groups. Kevin Kelly and Mel risinger are homing on a segment of the corridor between Clairon on the river and Parker on the Allegheny under the leadership of David Howes and the Allegheny Valley Trails Association. Mark Eckler of the Shenango Outing Club and a good-sized group of volunteers are working on trail segments that will connect the McConnel's Mills, Jennings Environmental Education Center and the Glacial Ridge Trail into a continuous certifiable segment of about twenty-five miles in the next two years. Mark is also working with land managers of three state game lands in the corridor between Parker and Moraine State Park.

Since Pennyslvania presently boasts the highest percentage of planned NCT certified in any of the seven states, we now have challenged ourselves to be the first to have the entire trail complete and certified within the next five to ten years.

-- Smithipps

New Action in Pennsylvania

North Country Troll Association Nesstetter, Winter 1991-92

Don Elzinga reported 206 participants for second annual hike on Little Garlic segment, along with new financial support. The trail may be able to use some abandoned LS&I railroad grade southeast of Marquette.

Minnesota: Rod MacRae reported a new campsite in Chippewa NF as part of a NCT A/USFS plan to upgrade camp­ sites. Five miles ofroute marked in Paul Bunyan SF, completed by Eagle Scout John Lomnicki. Minnesota State Parks report interest in pursuing certification in Itasca SP.

New York: Howard Beye reports a 2.4 mi. segment of FLT in Finger Lakes National Forest was certified in Sep­ tember. Certification projects underway include 19.6 mi. in Allegheny SP, 3.0 mi. in Bucktooth SF, 7 .0 mi. in McCarty Hill SF, 6.8 mi. in Birdseye Hollow SF and 8.5 mi. in Sugar Hills SF. Closing the gap from Cortland to Cosastolo will be difficult; Remsen - Lake Placid seg­ ments will not be considered until management plans are concluded for the proposed route in the Adirondacks.

Nominating Committee: Kathy Boyd, Vince Smith, Cliff Abbott, Emily Gregor and Linda Mieke were named to the nominating committee.

Volunteers in Park: Derek Blount reminded everyone to send forms listing hours worked on trail. Tom Gilbert stressed the point that a signed parental consent form is required from every minor before they leave on a NCI' serv­ ice trip. The only way to document hours worked on the trail and to recieve VIP coverage is to complete the VIP forms and send them to the NPS.

Adopt-A-Trail: Doug Welker stated that committee is needed to examine Adopt -A-Trail programs as they relate to the NCT. Welker offered to chair the commitee and will provide a written report at the spring meeting.

Trail Signs: Arden Johnson com­ mented that many trail heads are diffi­ cult to located and offered a sample of a possible new sign. Tom Gilbert explained the need for an ad-hoc committee to study the problem due to possible con­ flicts with other governing agencies.

Environmental Issues: Gene Elzinga spoke briefly on possible prob­ lems the organization might incur in the future due to a lack of policy on environ­ mental issues, A comm iltee was formed to address the question of environmental issues as they impact on the NCT and NCTA. Elzinga will chair committee.

Respecfully Submitted Liz Fosberg, Acting Secretary

National Park Service: • Tom Gilbert said the agreement

between NCTA and the NPS expires this fall, but paperwork is under way to renew the agreement.

• The special interest of Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) resulted in NPS re­ ceiving an increase in budget in spite of the fact that the Finance Committee had voted to cut the$100,000budget in half. This increase will add a new support person for NCT in the NPS office.

-Discussion is needed on the possi­ bility of a written agreement between the NCTA and the NPS which allows the NPS to help with both trail location and construction.

-Requests for reimbursement from NPS for cost of tools or material have to be submitted at least 60 days prior to the purchase, and the request should be given to the NCTA president or Executive Director, who will forward the request to the NPS. It is possible to request a specific tool by make and model.

Trail Support: Martha Jones re­ ported new interest by the Green Moun­ tain Club of Vermont in helping connect the NCT with the Appalachian Trail.

Committee Reports: Long Range Planning Committee, Chapter Develop­ ment Committee, and Meeting Format Committee all presented reports, to be reviewed by the membership for pos­ sible adoption in the spring. Part of the Meeting Format Committee report was adopted. (See pp.9-11; the Long Range Planning Committee was laser withdrawn for major revisions, and will be again presented to the board at the spring meeting - WB). The board voted to continue with Publications Committee operations as they stand until revised.

NCT Progress Report by States: Ohio: Baird Steward reported that a

right of way has been granted that al­ lows original route of the NCT to be followed at the eastern entry into Ohio.

Michigan (lower peninsula): Derek Blount reported two new sections com­ pleted, the Shore-to-Shore/Jordan River Pathway section, and an 11 mile seg­ ment from Mackinac City to Wilderness State Park is complete, except for a bridge to be build in the spring. Last mile of the Manistee Forest segment will be completed soon.

Michigan (upper peninsula west): Doug Welker reports that the Ottawa NF has requested RTF funds for shelters along the NCT in the forest; planned Bergland-Nestoria segment does not appear to be a good choice.

Michigan (upper peninsula east):

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

MINUTES OF THE FALL MEETING OF THE

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION, FARGO, ND,

OCT. 20, 1991 SUMMARY

Business Meeting: President Martha Jones opened the meeting and intro­ duced the Mayor of Fargo, ND, John Lindgren. He spoke briefly and answered questions regarding the Garrison Diver­ sion Area.

Executive Director: President Jones introduced the new Executive Director, April (Oja) Scholtz, who will commence work on Jan. 1, 1992.(See Page 5.)

Membership Report: Membership Chair Arden Johnson stated that as of Oct. 8, there were 521 paid member­ ships. There were 130 members whose membership expired June 30, 1991, and have not renewed as of Oct. 8

Headquarters Report: Ginny Wunsch reported there were 21 over­ nighters who stayed at Headquarters, 17 paid and 4 working on the trail. A bill for $687.69 was submitted for work on the school house. Motion to pay bill was approved.

Expenses of U .P. Chapter: Don Elzinga commented on bills submitted by UP Chapter for purchase of tools. Bill for $390.00 was paid.

Spring Meeting, 1992: Will be held in White Cloud, MI May 15-17. Ginny Wunsch requested suggestions regard­ ing format and entertainment.

Fall Meeting, 1992: Will be held n Pennsylvania. Details to follow.

MINUTES OF SPECIAL FALL MEETING OF THE

BOARD OF DffiEC10RS OF NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL

ASSOCIATION, FARGO, ND, OCT. 20, 1991 SUMMARY

President.Martha Jones opened meet­ ing and stated that she had called the special board meeting to address ques­ tions that had arisen regarding the ap­ pointment of a new executive director. The wage and benefit package that had been offered and accepted were explained. The content of the employment contract between the NCTA and April Scholtz was read to the assembly.

NCTAFall Meeting Minutes

Page8

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Review of the Constitution and By-Laws as they

currently govern the time structure, content and conduct of meetings. Make necessary changes after acceptance by the Board of Directors.

*2. That the changes begin to take place in 1992. *3. That the 1992 Spring Meeting be at White Cloud at

the usual time in May. 4. That an annual Board of Directors business meeting

that can include committee chairpersons (or selected substi­ tutes) or their reports be held in annually Michigan, i.e., Grand Rapids, or a place convenient to most members. And that this be a weekend, i.e., Saturday afternoon, to allow far away members time to travel to on Saturday and from on Sunday. This meeting will deal with business matters only, the agenda for which will can published in the appropriate issue of the Newsletter each year as well as the reminder of the meeting in the appropriate subsequent issue of the Newsletter, for benefit of the entire NCTA membership.

*5. That the 1992 Fall general membership meeting be in Pennsylvania at the usual time in October.

*6. That the rotation of future general membership meet­ ings be tentative at the present time.

7. It is recommended that the annual general membership meeting be held each summer during the second week of August, instead of October; a time for the most likely best weather and for all-family participation.

8. That the first general membership meeting be held in the Upper Peninsula in 1993 to accommodate the trail work of the Upper Peninsula Chapter. This recommendation is made knowing that the Upper Peninsula Chapter is very active in trail work during summer months. That all members in attendance can volunteer to be a part of planned trail work, as a family, or for an extended period, i.c., a week.

9. That subsequent general membership meetings, i.e., one out of two or three, be held at White Cloud so that intimate contact with our headquarters is maintained.

10. That subsequent general membership meetings contine to rotate among the six other state. This may allow any one or more adjacent states, i.e., Wisconsin, Minnesota and North

made with the realization of possible changes in the Constitution and By-Laws and with the approval of the board. They are also made in lieu of an eventual, more comprehensive reorganiza­ tion of NCTA after the enlistment of an executive director. It is also realized that these recommendations will be coordi­ nated with those of the Committees on Long Range Planning and NCT A Geographical Reorganization.

This proposal has been revised to reflect changes sug­ gested by various committee and board members following the Fall, 1991 meeting in Fargo, ND. IL is presented at this time by publication in the newsletter for review by all interested members prior to the Spring, 1992 meeting in White Cloud.

A committee was appointed by President Martha K. Jones at the Spring, 1991 meeting in White Cloud to solicit and recommend desirable changes in matters concerning the NCT A bi-annual meetings. Tue committee includes: John Hipps/ Barbie Smith, (Chairpersons), Derek Blount, Arden Johnson, Ginny Wunsch, Tom Reimers and Jean Elzinga. Any correc­ tions, additions, and deletions in the committee membership are to be brought to the attention of the Chairpersons as soon as possible.

Considerable interest was generated in the matter as attested to by the receipt of some 25 comments and sugges­ tions from some 50 members. These suggestions were ob­ tained at the Spring meeting by means of a circulated list and verbal communication and in response to a request made in the summer issue of the Newsletter. The worksheets used in preparing this report are available to anyone upon request.

After study of all comments and suggestions, the follow­ ing recommendations are made for the future management of NCT meetings: their format, content, and conduct. They are

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION Meeting Change

A Preliminary Report INTRODUCTION

Chapter Development: • Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest, Parma OH 44122

Meeting Reorganization: •John Hipps/Barbie Smith, 11 W. Main., Galeton PA 16922

or •Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak, MI 48067

These proposals are being submitted to the membership of the North Country Trail Association for comments and criticisms. Adoption of these proposals will change the or­ ganization and its methods seriously, so careful considera­ tion is necessary. It is anticipated that these proposals will be considered for adoption at the Spring, 1992 meeting of the North Country Trail Association, to be held at White Cloud, Michigan. on May 15-17.

A third proposal, on Long Range Planning, was to have been published in this newsletter, as well. However, comments and criticisms recieved from board members following the Fali meeting of the NCTA proved to be so numerous and thoughtful that the Long Range Planning Committee has withdrawn the proposal, and will submit a revised proposal to the board at the Spring Meeting.

Comments and criticisms should be directed to the com­ mittee chairmen for the various proposals:

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION Proposals for

Meeting Reorganization Chapter Development

Poge9 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

Certain definitions proposed by Darlene Snyder help describe the diverse scope this Committee seeks to address:

1. Charter: The Charter is a written grant of specified rights, aims, and principles. It includes a list of special privileges and/or exemptions as incorporation, tax exempt,

Follow our general reasoning. To do we, will refer for now to a "Chapter" as a "Local Unit". What is the nature of this local unit? What services will this local unit perform?

1. The local unit provides support to the NCT A and maintains some length of the North Country Trail. This is what we want and expect.

2. An optimum jurisdiction of a local unit might be about 100 miles of trail to maintain. Such small units spaced so frequently along the trail create an obvious problem: How does the national organization trying to administer a 3200 mile trail deal in a non-dictatorial way with 32 (or more) distinct local units with varying degrees of autonomy?

3. Some local units are already in existence as fully autonomous organization and have assumed management of important segments of trail. Attempts to reorganize or impose new structure on existing supporters would divide NCTA efforts to develop trail.

4. Political subdivisions do exist. Our deliberations should recognize and strive to take advantage of existing state, county, park, forest, wildlife, etc., subdivision.

Broad Objectives for Rules and Regulation of Chapter Organization:

1. Operate within certain parameters 2. Maintain trail to specified standards 3. Allow for some sort of central administration 4. Follow successful example set by ATC which basically

calls for flexibility.

Purpose of committee: Investigate the issues related to Chapters, Supporting Groups and Supporting Individuals. Our intention is not to reorganize the NCTA. The final recommendations of this committee should slide in beneath any superstructure overhaul.

PRESENTED AT FALL MEETING, 1991, OF NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION

FARGO, ND October 19, 1991

INTERIM REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE CHAPTER

DEVELOPMENT

Derek Blount Ginny Wunsch Jean Elzinga

John Hipps/Barbie Smith Arden Johnson Tom Reimers

There is, of course, the need for a lot of cement to fill in between the bricks of these recommendations. They are submitted at this time for review by the Board at the Spring, 1992 meeting.

(*indicates items approved by board at Fall 1991 meet­ ing)

CONTENT AND CONDUCT The following is a listing of recommendations for the

content and conduct of the formal business portions of both Spring and Fall meetings:

* 1. That agenda and programming be accomplished by a permanent committee for each of the two meetings. The composition of the committee can be determined by guide­ lines to be established at the Spring, 1992 meeting, after board discussion and acceptance of the committee reports.

•2. Adherence to the Agenda. *3. Adherence to parliamentary procedures. Designate a

person to monitor conduct of the meeting in accordance with parliamentary procedures.

*4. Provide all board members with copies of the Constitution and By-Laws.

• 5. Provide all meeting pre-registrants with a copy of the Agenda for each meeting.

*6. Provide information package to all registered atten­ dants to meetings.

*7. Limit all membership meetings to three hours with a 15 minute break time.

*8. Committee and State Coordinator reports to be sub­ mitted to President, and Secretary, two weeks before meet­ ings.

"'9. Committee and State Coordinator's reports to be submitted in writing for publication in the Newsletter for the benefit of members who do not attend meetings.

10. When important new issues come up during business and membership meetings the President is to promptly assign members or seek volunteers to deal with the matter after the issue has been presented and clarified in a reasonable period of time (five minutes.)

11. Review and establish rules for election of officers and board members, including absentee voting and publication of the slate in the Newsletter preceding the meeting.

12. Election of a Chairman for, and by, the board of directors. It may be approrpiate that this be the current NCT A president.

13. Committee membership is to include general mem­ bers as well as board members.

14. Establish necessary standing committees. Make all necessary use of ad-hoc committees.

15. It is recommended that these changes commence with the Spring meeting, 1993.

* 16. The committee will review the subject of this report on an annual basis into the future as NCT A undergoes gradual evolution as an organization.

Dakota, Michgan and Ohio, and Pennsylvania and New York to co-host meetings if they wish.

11. That a subsequent general membership meeting, i.e., one out of three or four, be considered in one of the states of the Western Frontier, i.e., Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota at a site reasonably convenient to members from all seven states.

12. It is recommended that the general membership meeting be a few days to an entire week so that multiprogram­ ming can be accomplished to include hiking, workshops, display booths, lectures, etc. One of these days can be a business one for board members and committees. Another half day can be a membership business meeting to include a formal brief presentation and an informal part to allow for input from members. That same emphasis be made to provide for trail work for the area involved.

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92 Poge10

Smithhipps

Subsequent to various committee activities and NCTA meetings over the past six months, it has become increasingly apparent that we are dealing with an immense task regarding the revamping of our organization structure and function. The monumental effort of all committees and-individuals have been noble, heroic, and commendable.

The magnitude and complexity of what we are confront­ ing for the best possible holistic health of the NCT and the NCTA's growth over the next few years appear to be over­ whealming. We ourselves are presently floundering a bit in the maze of committee reports, reviews, etc.

For all the reason of the above and more too numerous to metion at this time and other reasons not yet imaginable, we want to suggest that a "task force" committee be established to deal with the entire matter after board meeting general discus­ sion prior to the general membership meeting at the Spring, 1992 meeting in White Cloiud. We will make a motion to that effect at the proper time.

It is suggested that the committee consist of (1) Executive Committee; (2) Executive Director; (3) Tom Gilbert; (4) Newsletter Editor; (5) Committee Chairpersons (publica­ tions, meeting change, long range, chapter development and headquarters); (6) A representative from each state plus Michigan Upper Peninsula not already represented.

This will amount to approximately 15 individuals. This content and number is a reasonable working number for a task of this kind and magnitude.

It is suggested that this "task force" be charged simply with coordinating the findings and recommendations of all committees and results of the board meeting discussions and recommendations at the board meeting in May, 1991. The committee will then create a final agenda for change to the entire board at the general meeting at the Summer or Fall meeting, 1992, for adoption.

RE: Agenda Change November 14, 1991

Editor's note: The newsletter has recieved some com­ ments circulated among board members on the proposal process. Due to the complexity of the issues, and the fact that one issue dealt with by a committee can affect the delibera­ tions of another committee, l feel this comment deserves special attention by the membership:

Comment on the proposals

3. Keystone Trails Association (PA) 4. Western Michigan Chapter, NCTA (Ml) 5. Michigan Trailfinders Club, (Grand Rapids, MI) 6. North Country Trail Hikers Club (Marquette, Ml) 7. Allegheny Outing Club (PA) 8. Adirondack Clubs (NY) 9. Allegheny Valley Trails Association (PA) 10. Shenango Outing Club (PA) What other organizations are lurking in the bushes? We

would appreciate the names and addresses of any similar organizations of which you have knowledge.

Postscript: Do you know of other existing support groups along the trail? Those known to this committee are:

1. Finger Lakes Trail Conference (NY supporting) 2. Buckeye Trail Association (OH supporting)

Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

If this report, which describes the premises for this Committee's deliberations, meets your approval, the remain­ ing tasks would seem to be:

1. Define advantages and obligations of Chapter status. 2. Accommodate those smaller autonomous organiza­

tions which choose to cooperate with NCTA but wish to remain outside of chapter status. FLTC and BTA as large cooperating, autonomous organizations lie outside this objec­ tive. Since both FLTC and BTA have formal, contractual agreements with the National Park Service to develop and maintain segments of the NCT which fall within (but not outside) their trail system, these organizations are not a problem.

3. Set-up guidelines for the formation of State/Regional Chapters which should comprise local Chapters, autonomous Support Groups and existing Adopt-a-Trail components.

These definitions help create a rational solution to the problem. Attempt to set up a flexible system of rules which will allow for several types of local units, all of which now exist along the North Country Trail. As we begin this ap­ proach, we see other situations to which we must adhere. Local politics are paramount to success of our mission.

1. A regional approach has emotional appeal. But this approach fails to recognize existing political reality. Not being able to reconstruct the world to our liking, we choose to operate within the existing political fabric, which is state, county, township, etc.

2. Local units might well organize with emphasis on a County or Forest or Park connection.

3. A local unit should be encouraged to link with other Units in their State to form a State Unit

4. A state-wide unit does offer a manageable number of suborganizalions to report into the national organization. A state-wide unit ultimately may prove as important as the NCT A itself.

insurance, etc. The Charter authorizes the organization of a local chapter.

2. Chapter: A Chapter is a local branch of the national organization. It is entitled to certain privileges but must meet certain responsibilities.

3. Supporting Group: A Supporting Group is an inde­ pendent group with its own By-Laws and policies which is willing to help and work with the NCT A. An affiliation agreement should exist which describes the agreed-upon level of interaction and extent of support.

4. Trail Superintendents (Supervisors): The Trail Super­ intendent is a person or group of people designated to main­ tain a specific section of trail. Said people need not belong to either N CT A nor a Chapter thereof. Said people may be under local land management (Adopt-A-Trail, etc.) and/or groups like Boy Scouts of America, Audubon, etc.

5. By-lawsrThe By-Laws are the set of rules adopted by an organizatiMfor governing its own meetings and affairs.

6. P<>liey:'Policy is an official or prescribed plan or course of actiOO.

Page 11 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

world people. They came to be known as Landlubbers and they prospered and multiplied. They intermingled with the prehistoric people of this wonderful place and began to live in fun and love forever after.

Among other things, the people developed two es­ pecially useful products: the Blarney Stone* and the Blue Berry. The Blue Berry became the most popular and important part of the lives of all Landlubbers. The bush flourished with unbounded abandon in the leftover old Ireland peat. Blue Berry Bogs came to occupy a great portion of the valley and now extended from one end to the other.

Berries grew tasty rich and blue and the bushes grew strong and thick. Eventually they grew to a few feet to several yards thick and strong enough to walk on, ride horseback, build dwellings and to handle all other requirements of everyday life.

Twenty-five hundred years later a pair of hikers were backpacking the North Country Trail near the outer edge of Blue Berry Bog. They came to a neat looking place where they decided to camp over night and pick berries for dessert.

After having just taken a skinny dip in the pristine waters of Lake Lubber early in the next morning,

they browsed around looking for the best berries of all. It was then they noticed a spot where the bushes were pressed down into a saucer­ shape some three yards wide and six yards long. An outline began to take on a familiar shape. The couple's

::: ::: ::: :: :/fEifailt :: .: :: ·: .::-::: ~i~fs~~~;~:m~~~~~;~;r \;!:=:·:· :' ·= ::.-=·· :' ': ·=· :····· ·= •• ... : :. ::;;. shining black hairs. They, no doubt, belonged to a very large black bear that had also, no doubt, just spent the night there on the comfort of a blue berry bog mattress.

Being still early morning the couple became alarmed that this monstrous creature might still be in the immediate vicinity. They no more than said this to each other than they heard a thunderous roar! They looked up to see a mountain of a bear running toward them with wide open jaws in whose throat there was a pair of tonsils the size of bowling balls.

Not having asked the bear to "Say Aaaah", they figured be was up to no good for the two of them.

What to do? No weapons! No time to run! John quickly disappeared into the wide open mouth. Barbie was quick to grab him by the ankles just as

he was about to disappear from sight. She planted her heels into the bushes, pulling as heard as she could and John suddenly snapped out of the bear's bowels! In the meantime, he had grabbed the bear by the root of his tail and pulled him inside out!

The bear was so embarrassed by this sudden turn of his own event, he whirled around to get away as quick as possible wondering which way to go.

And that's the bear truth. -John Hipps

*To be the subject of a future Tall Tale

I don't believe that tall tales are told only on the Keystone section of the North Country Trail.

It has been discovered recently that Ireland settled the new world long before Columbus and the Scandi­ navian Norsemen. This fact came to light when a group of backpackers simultaneously found that Stone Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine are really a twin pair of blarney stones. And this is how it happened.

This story, by-the-way, was confirmed for me a number of years ago in a personal dialogue with a Sioux Indian I befriended in North Dakota by the name of White Faced - Red Necked - Lying Squirrel O'Mal­ ley, whose ancestry can be traced back to the outcome of a celebration between Irish Americans and Native Americans back in 500 B.C. during an Indian Hop/Irish Jig.

Irish men and women left the Ole' English Iles for the world's New England peninsula when it became so crowded back home they could no longer play with their shillelaghs. They also could not put up with the English.

The group brought with them two huge granite stones, one in the bow and the other in the stem, to keep the ship on course during the ocean crossing.

As they neared the New England coast, the wildest of all possible storms came upon them. It was Typhoon Brogue and it generated a tidal wave so powerful it swept the ship pell-mell across the rest of the ocean and onto the beach where it immediately came apart. One stone came to place in a place later to be known as the Peanut State, and the other 2000 miles north where it came to rest on a mountain of red lobsters. The sorrowing Irishmen looked down over this great dish of sea food that smelled pretty fishy. They were green with fright. And this was the birth of the leprechaun.

Of course, the lobsters were not very happy about this sudden intrusion into their world and onto their backs. They were quick to the attack to drive these strange, liltle green men away, and away they did go ahead of a great flurry of snapping pinchers and wiggling claws. And West was the only way to go.

This time their landing place was in a pleasant, quiet valley among the mountains of a place later to be known as Keystone.

The Irishmen, of course, brought their peat bags with them which they used to build a darn across the valley. A beautiful lake was formed which served to nourish and care for the needs of this race of new

Which way did he go? or

A tail of one big bear and two little bares

North Country Tail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92 Page 12

somewhere up ahead. At the midway part of the mara­

thon, Ed Stabler still led the field, with Janet Stein, 40, of Honeoye Falls, NY, in second place, and defending cham­ pion, Joe Dabcs, 52, of Ithaca, NY, in third position, one minute behind Stein.

Two-thirds into the race, Dabes and Stein faded to fifth and sixth positions, while Gary Burdick, 36, of DeRuyter, NY; Paul Rabenold, 39, of Farmington, CT, and Jamie Palacios, 31, of Richmond Hill took over the second through four positions.

Stabler continued to hold off a fast­ approaching Palacios to win the Mon­ ster Marathon in 3 hours, 33 minutes, 21 seconds. Five minutes back, Palacios captured second in 3:38.07, while Bur­ dick and Rcbcnold tied for third in 3:40.57.

"Lovely trail, lovely day!" com­ mented Stabler following his awesome victory.

"I couldn't wait for the last down­ hill," said Gary Burdick, the winner of Ed's Ultra and Virgil Mountain Mad­ ness, "I went out like I was going to have a good day and I did."

"There was not much fight left in both of us," added Rabenold, referring to his tie with Burdick.

the most beautiful yet toughest mara­ thons in the east, with 5560 feet of total climb," tempt the race directors from the Finger Lakes Runners Club, the sponsor of the event.

The course, consisting of two iden­ tical out and backs of 13.1 mile each, featured an age-sex handicapped-stag­ gered start determined by the National Masters News age-graded tables for the marathon distance. Older gents and women were among the earliest starters.

The first runner to begin the race was Horst Heinicke, 71, of Ithaca, NY, who was off at 6:57 AM - 93 minutes ahead of the scheduled start for males aged 34 and under.

Ed Stabler, 62, of Syracuse, NY, began 61 minutes ahead of the "young­ sters." Stabler, ranked second in the US in the male 60-64 age group two years ago by Running Times, and a World Veterans Games triple medalist in 1989, was picked as a pre-race favorite to win.

One by one, 48 marathoners and 39 half-marathoners headed down the road and up the "monster" hill, climbing 1000 feet in less than one mile. Cool tempera­ tures, yet sunny and clear conditions made for perfect, yet cautious running - the Forest Monster was lurking

by Diane Sherrer Photos by Peter Rath

VIRGIL, NY - When the Virgil townsfolk gather around the campfire, they speak in hushed Lones of a five­ hundred year-old Iroquois Indian leg­ end that tells how a "Forest Monster" chased the Indian brave "Jost-Du-It" out and back twice along a nearby 13.1 mile trail O\:er the Virgil Mountain and Greek Peak summits. Jost-Du-It's time for the 26.2 miles was about four hours, but he then collapsed near the present finish. Soon after he quickly vanished, presumably eaten by the Forest Mon­ ster.

The Second Annual Virgil Forest Monster Marathon, and its new com­ panion, the Monster Half-Marathon (mini-monster) was held on September 1, lo commemorate the tragic tale. But poor Jost-du-it, one year later and his body still had not been recovered.

The Forest Monster, surviving on chicken wings and lost skiiers, contin­ ued to stalk trail innocents who thought they could outrun him over 26.2 miles covering sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Finger Lakes Trail.

"The Monster Marathon is one of

Where's .lost-Du-It? Stabler and Stein Outfox Forest Monster

WOMEN'SCHAMP,JanetStein,40,ofHoneoyeFalls, NY, finishes 6th overall in 3:47.35.

Page 13

MONSTER CHAMP Ed Stabler, 62, of Syracuse, NY, crosses the finish line in record time, 3:33.21.

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

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North Country National Scenic Troll

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·North Country Trail Shop

No one invading this territory es­ caped the scrutiny of the Forest Monster himself. "I observed people thinking this was a lovely day but not looking for a monster ... and then I got 'em!" the Monster bragged, licking his chops.

Come join us next year. The Forest Monster will be waiting ...

really push it if you run just the half." The top three female finishers in

the Monster Half were seasoned out­ doorswomen. Audrey Balancer, 35, of Cortland won the women's race in 2:18.36. Balancer is an accomplished triathlete, skier, and winter/summer biathlete.

One minute back, Laurie Collins­ worth, 30, of Freeville, NY, captured second in 2:19.49. Collinsworth is a national-class orienteer.

Deb Wilcox, 29, of Larona, NY, took third in 2:32.49. Wilcox mixes trail running and roller skiing for pre-season cross-county ski training. "The first 1000 feet is where I dropped all the people I started with, then they all came back," said Wilcox.

"I was with him all of the first half and he took no water or aid," observed John Geesler, 32, the seventh place fin­ isher from St. Johnsville. "I thought either he's phenomenal or he'll pay ... he's phenomenal!"

Amy Spenciner, 20, of Berkshire, NY was the second female with a time of 4:48.24; Dale Weitzel, 39, of Read­ ing, PA and running her first marthon, road or trail, was third in 5:50.12.

Meanwhile, the half-marathoners who had a birdseye view of the mara­ thon race, waged a battle that was no less intense.

Shawn McDonald, 25, of Ithaca was the men's victor, two minutes of Challen Ingraham, 28, of Earlville, NY and Jim Carmen, 39, of Newfield, NY. Hector Vargas, 44, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was the first masters finisher in 2:08.31.

McDonald, an experienced trail runner who finished in 1 :46.38, offered some advice to first timers out on this course. "If you run the whole Moster you must pace yourself on the bills or they'll take a lot out of you. But you can

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Winter, 1991-92

"Kamikaze" Dabes battled the women's champion, Janet Stein, down to the wire for the fifth position. Dabes, forced into a final road sprint, clocked a 3:47.25 and Stein, the first woman across the finish line, recorded a remarkable 3:47.35. .

Dabes, one of the best men aged 50- plus on the Northeast Trailrunners Cir­ cuit, had exuberant praise for Janet Stein's performance." Janet is incredible on the downhills! She caught me at the top of the final monster hill (1000 foot de­ scent) and stayed with me," recounted Dabes. "She's better than some of the best women trail runners I've ever seen,"

This was Stein's first trail mara­ thon, although she's in training for an upooming road marathon. "I get so excited on trails! I'm pleased I got in under five hours. I didn't feel any pain, and it was an absolute dream of a day," Stein ex­ claimed. "I just ran my own race."

Jamie Palacios, who recently moved to the US from Ecuador, caused quite a stir among fellow competitors. Pala­ cios' "real time" of 3:38.07 beat the 1990 "real time" record by 39 minutes.

Poge14

Please enclose for shipping & handling: $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 $25.01 . $100.00 $4.00 Over $100.00 $5.00

Michigan residents include 4% sales tax Make check/money order payable to:

'North Country Trail Association'

Name.......................................................... I I Address . I .................................................................. I

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Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I PO Box 311 I White Cloud, Ml 49349 • ------------

copies of 'Certified Sections of the North Country Trail' (Check appropriate sections:) O Allegheny NF & Cook Forest. $2.90 O Wayne NF, $1 .50 O Little Miami Scenic Park., S 1. 15 O Miami and Erie Canal, $1 .80 O Manistee NF $2.20 o Hiawatha NF, $2.20 o Chequomegon NF, $1 .80 I O Chippewa NF, $2.20 O Sheyenne Grassland, S 1 .15

.. Complete set with binder, $15.40, plus $2.00 shipping. -------------------------

copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) o Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dam o lnterlochen - Boyne Falls O St. Ignace - Harvey O Marquette· Ironwood

$5.00 per set. All 4 sets. $18.00; Binder, $2.50 No wholesale

I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE I __ copies of 'Following the North Country National Scenic Trail' I $2.95 per copy ($2.00 per copy if ten or more)

I __ copies of 'The North Country Trail -- Manistee National Forest' . $2.00 per copy. (no whoiesale)

I I __ copies of 'Guide to the Pictured Rocks Notional Lakeshore•

$5.95 per copy. ($4.25 each if ten or more) I I __ copies of 'Gulde to the North Counttv Trail -- Chippewa National

Forest: $1 .25 per copy ($.75 per copy if ten or more) I ·­ • I I­ I I

r••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••·····~

GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Olive Anderson. Includes revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North Country Trail -- a rugged. unique coast on the 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 (l 0 or more) $4.25 each.

THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud trailhead to Big Siar Lake, and from US l 0 to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available.

FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter Editor. Packed full of information about the NCNST. "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. The most inclusive and up-to-date information on the whole trail. November 1989 printing. $2.95 each: Wholesale (l 0 or more) $2.00 each.

OTHER GREAT TRAIL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE

MICHIGAN MAPSETS developed by Arden Johnson. Maps to follow the NCNST in the Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, and the trail between St. Ignace and Munising, and northern lower peninsula. Four separate sets, part of a l" per mile series to be developed for the whole state. Order from Croton Dam to Hodenpyl Dam, Interlachen to Boyne Falls, St. Ignace to Harvey or Marquette to Ironwood sets. $5.00 per set; $18.00 for all four. Binder with indicies, $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps.

GUIDE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST by Roderick Mac Rae. Discussion of the route and trail log from east to west in the Chippewa National Forest. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages. $1.25 each; Wholesale (l 0 or more) $. 75 each

CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL by Byron and Margaret Hutchins. The long-awaited start to a trail guide for the entire trail. Accurate route descriptions by an experienced guidebook writer who's walked the sections with a measuring wheel, covering many certified sections of the long enough to be a hiking destination, published in an easy to carry loose-leaf form. Individual map sets at various prices (see order form); whole set, including binder, is $15.40, plus $2.00 shipping. Sorry, no direct wholesale.

JUST PLJ8llSHEQllllf • NEW!!!I • JUST PUBLISHED!!!!!

North Country Trail Bookstore

Page 15 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92

o Yes, I would like to further support the North Country Trail Association with my tax free contribution of $ . enclosed: Phone '~-~>--------- I L--------------------------------------~

North Country Trail Association PO Box311 White Cloud, Ml, 49349

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5000.00

Adult....................................................... $ Family (includes children under 18)....... $ Student (under 21) $ Senior Citizen (over 70)......................... $ Organization.......................................... $ Supporting............................................. $ Donor.................................................... $ Life :........................ $ Commercial........................................... $ Patron................................................... $

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.

A CHALLENGE FOR THE so's

2000 Members by 2000 2000 Certified Miles by 2000

It's not going to be easy, but we can do it. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can helpmeet the challenge by joining the North Country Trail Association, and by inviting others to join, too. Let's do it!

r--------------------------------------, APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP I

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

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Page 16 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter 1991-92