Heavens to Murgatroid ! Check out all the spring activities on pages four, five and six! We are developing some active clubs, especially in Michigan. There's more space available for events and activities; if you're wondering why your event isn't there, it's because it didn't get to me by deadline.

" * * *

Over. the past several months, I have received several suggestions, some of them rather pointed, that this newsletter get a name, rather than just calling it, admittedly rather formally, "Newsletter of the North Country Trail Associa­ tion".

Well, I have no real objections, so long as someone can come up with something original, and with every hiking club in the country having its own newsletter, coming up with something original will be difficult.

The only idea I have heard that sounds good is "The Blue Ox", which isn't a real bad idea, considering that the Paul Bunyan legend is shared across the spectrum of countryside that the trail crosses, and building this trail would be a big enough job-for him. But, I've got some reservations about that. Good, environmentally sound reservations, too.

Paul Bunyan was a clearcutter, hardly what we call good lumbering or environmental practices. (After all, the reason that North Dakota doesn't have any trees is that Paul clearcut the place). And, of course, if we identify with loggers, then we have to identify with logger's breakfasts, cholesterol city.

And, I don't need anyone commenting that "Your newslet­ ter is as full of manure as Babe was."

Of course, you've got to give Paul credit. No chainsaws or bulldozers for him; his work was done with an environmen­ tally sound double-bitted axe. And, using Babe to haul logs out of the woods certainly represents non-motorized multiple use of forest resources.

* * *

The 1992 Spring meeting of the North Country Trail Association is still several months away, but even from this distance, it looks as if it will be a pivotal one for the future of the organization, with several key items that will have much impact for the trail and the organization on the docket. This is going to be an important meeting, and if you're really inter­ ested in the trail, you should make every effort to attend. Registration information can be found elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter.

* * *

The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is June 1 O, 1992. 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 autumn issue of the newsletter will be Sept 1, 1992.

., Keyboard Trails - .

~00 .. anmmm~

by the Editor 'j111111111n · l . c:::m=J • ,_ ..

North Country Troll Association Newsletter. Spring 1992

Four Issues $40.00 $60.00 $120.00 $200.00

Single Issue $15.00 $25.00 $40.00 $70.00

Page Size 1/B 1/4 1{2

1

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISJNG FEE SCHEDULE

REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conf8fence, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085

Pl- report any ll!'l'ora or omi89ion• to th. oditor.

(608) 264-5610

(701) 232-8513

(612) 377-0130 (612) 559.5994 (216) 375-4461

(414) 354-8007

(616) 452-4487 (517) 547-7402 (313) 548-1737 (906) 225-1585 (616) 891-1366 (313) 853-0292 (313) 200-29'21 (616) 363-5966 (313) 231-1257 (616) 784-5050 (906) 338-2680 (616) 689-6876

(216) 884-0281 (216) 867-3371 (216) 884-4757 (614) 882-0013 (216) 332-1745

{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) 200-29'21 (814) 435-2371 (814) 723-5150 (616) 891-1:366 (616) 689-6876

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Torn Gilbert, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Su~e 100,

Madison WI 53711

Minneeot1 Rod 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

WiSC(.;iain Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Michigan Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes B(1{d, 14815 Rome Road, Manttou Beach Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, l<Ofal Oak Ml 48067 Don Elzinga. 1010 Allouez, Marquette Ml 49855 Kenneth Gadder, 418 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 Martha K. Jones. 1857 Torquay Ave, RC1{al Oak Ml 48073 Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49505 Vince Smrrh, Box 76, Whttmore Lake Ml 48189 Darlene Snyder, 4067 Luxlord, Comstock Pask Ml 49321 Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, Mundy Ave. Whrre Cloud Ml 49349

Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dorn, Star Rt, Box 476, Sheffield PA 16347 BasbaraA. 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 SP'{ker, 7040 Africa Rd, Rt. 1, Galena OH 43201 R. Baird Stewart, 215 w. 12th St., Salem, Ohio 44460

BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York

Doris and Clifford Abbctt, Rt. 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 14883 Ho.vard S. Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Laura McGuire, 1 Boylan Rd, Newfield NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildflo.ver Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidote, 5 Clinton St., Norwich NY 13815

OFFICERS Pl'llllident: Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, RC1{al Oak Ml 48073 Vice Prnldent: Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St, Galeton PA 16922 Secretary: Nancy Schuler. PO Box 194, Wasren PA 16365 Treasurer: Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson St, Caledonia Ml 49316 Headquarters Mgr.: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, White Cloud Ml 49349

Executive Dir'llC!or: April Scholtz, PO Box 311, WMe Cloud Ml 49349 (616) 846-8874

PRINTED ON

0 RECYCLED 4 PAPER

:> • ofthe

North Coontry Trail Association PO Box 311, WhHt Cloud, Ml 49349 ·~ Headquarters Phone: (616) 68&-1912 Editor: w .. Boyd, 14815 Rome Ro1d, M1nitou Beach, Ml 49253

NEWSLETTER Page2

Dear Wes, I just wanted to say, "Thank You" to all the members and friends that came to North Dakota to our Fall meeting in

TO THE EDITOR

Dear Wes, Some comments on your editorial in

the winter 1991-92 issue, regarding aerobic steam-along bikers.

Please do not try to regulate the cadence of hikers.

Just like the woods with its varied flora and fauna, so too hikers are an enigmatic group. Some arc conditioned athletes, seriously training for each hike, while others, like myself, hike cold turkey knowing they will suffer the next day.

They have their personal theories of why they hike, what they wear, what they eat and how fast a pace they enjoy. For these reasons, I find fellow­ shipping with my fellow hiking friends very enteresting and most enjoyable. I have never met a hiker that I didn't like.

Since I frequently carry and use my camera I most always bring up the rear. Although I really do not mind hiking alone, T usually try to select a trail buddy who has the same moderate walk that I have.

For the most part, those jack rabbits have to wait for us tortoises at the end of the train any way. What will be will be.

So, Wes, please do not try to regulate the cadence of hikers.

Respectfully, Ruth V. Sack

* * * Linda Meike

October. What a turnout, so many more than any one expected! The effort every one had to make to come here made the time spent putting it together so worthwhile. I'm so glad we did it. I want to apologize for a couple of those hills on the first hike. I honestly didn't remember them being in that part of the hike from last year. And I had no idea what was in store for us on the Oak Ridge Trail in the State Forest -­ I'd never been there. If any one got a couple good group pictures, I'd like a print for my memory book. I never managed to get one taken myself. Did anyone get a picture of Mayor Lind­ gren? Thank you, Tom Reimers, for the pictures you sent me. See you all in May.

SERVICE TRIPS sponsored by the Sierra Club, planned for several loca­ tions in Michigan, to be led by Vince Smith, have been cancelled due to Vince's illness. At the latest word, the upper peninsula service trips, from August 23 through September 5, will be led by Don and Gene Elzinga. It appears that the July 19-25 service trip is still on; contact Ralph Powell, 2887 Dalton, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, (313) 971-9013 for more information. Trips planned for May 8-10, July 12-18 and Oct. 2-4 have been cancelled.

* * *

A REVISEDAPPUCATION has been filed for certification of a section of North Country Trail in the Birdseye Hollow State Forest, on the Finger Lakes Trailin New York. Rerouting of the trail caused the total distance of the trail segment to be brought to 8.2 miles.

* * *

throughout the state via the Keystone Trails Association, which had sched­ uled a weekend TrailCare project at the park. TheKTAmembersandother volunteers provided an enthusiastic kickoff to the new trail project. At this time, the first 11/2 miles of trail begin­ ning at Hell's Hollow is nearing com­ pletion. Some clearing has been done for another 3/4 mile to Slippery Rock Creek. The work is proceeding quite well despite the rugged terrain, and the spark of enthusiasm from the initial weekend has bred other productive work outings. Other outings were held on Nov. 3 and 17, and Dec. 1 and 21. For more information about the new trail, contact Mark Eckler (412) 588- 6164; Denny Puko (412) 981-2880; or Dave Maxwell, (412) 341-7632.

-- Shenango Outing Club Newsletter

WORK IS officially under way on the new trail at McConnel's Mill State Park. Trail construction on the six­ mile route through some of western Pennsylvania's most scenic and rug­ ged terrain is being led by the Sh­ enango Outing Club. The first work weekend was held Sept. 7 and 8, with a turnout of 24 volunteer workers on the 7th and 14 on the 8th. A large portion of the volunteers came from

* * *

TOM GILBERT reports that the Na­ tional Park Service now has approval to hire a full-time North Country Na­ tional Scenic Trail Coordinator for their staff in Madison, and that he antici­ pates that the vacancy will be filled by May. In addition, the National Park Service has received some limited funding that will enable them Lo in­ tiiate detailed trail corridor planning this year through Kent County, Michi­ gan, and along the Sandy and Beaver Canal in northeastern Ohio. "This is both exciting and challenging," Tom reports, "As we have seen the benefits and struggles associated with this kind of planning alongthe lee Age National Scenic Trail this past year. But, this kind of planning is absolutely essen­ tial if our collective efforts are to ever result in a trail that is permanently protected and also supported by all levels of government that would have anything to say about this."

* * *

DURING1992, theMicbiganDepart­ ment of Natural Resources will be determining the route the NCT will take through Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Doug Welker reports. "It is likely the trail will enter the park near the south end of Summit Peak Road and exit near where the South Boundary Road crosses the Presque Isle River," he says. "If you're familiar with the Porkies and wish to express your opinion on the many possible routes the NCT could take, contact Ron Welton, Park Manager, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontanagon MI 49953 (906) 885- 5275."

Poge3 North Country Troll Association Newsletter. Winter 1991-92

May 1-3: North Country Trail Hiker's Club (Mar­ quetE) will hold canoe trip into 1he Sylvania

April 25: North Country Trail Hiker'sOub (Mar­ quette) will hold a trail maintenance at the Lake Melin area followed by pot luck at Bob and Sally Brebner's river camp. Work at your own pace. Contact Gene Bzinga at (906} 225-1704 for information about the trail work; Sally Brebner for information about the pot luck at (906) 226-8515.

April 18: North Country Trail Hiker's Club (Mar­ quette) will hold a trail maintenance session in the Har1ow Lake and Hogsback areas. There will be some rock scrambling. Call Dan Hombo­ gen at (906} 226-6609 for information.

April 11: Nprth Country Trail Hiker's Club (Mar­ quette) will hold trail maintenance on .the Little Gar1ic River. Contact Gene Elzinga at (906) 225-1704 or (906) 225-1585 for information.

April 7: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (Mar­ quette} will hold their spring meeting at Peter White Public Library, Marquette, at 7 PM. There will be a slide show· on spring wild flowers. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga at (906) 225- 1704 for information.

April 4: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (Mar­ quette) will hold a trail maintenance day at the Wetmore Landing/Little Presque Isle area. Work at your own pace. Contact Dan Hombo­ gen at (906) 226-6609.

March 28: North C.Ountry Trail Hiker's aub (Marquette) will hold trail construction/mainte­ nance workshop for those interested in adopt­ ing a trail section. Meet at 12 Middle Island Point at 10 NA for instruction and demonstrations. Lunch provided. Contact Gene or Don Bzinga at (906) 225-1704 or (906) 225-1585 for infor­ mation.

March 21: North Cotllby Trail Hikel's am (Marquette) 'NiU hold a X-C/showshoe mp, weather permitting, site to be determiled. Contact Gene or Don 8zinga at (006) 225- 1704 or {906) 225-1585 for information.

Michigan (U.P.)

SPECIAL SUMMER TRAIL PROJECT Michigan Director Arden Johnson reports that he will be doing trail work on informal projects in northern Wexford and possibly eastern Char­ levoix Counties during the summer, and would be glad to welcome volunteers to assist him. Tools, food, etc., are NOT provided, and there is no set schedule, so you will have to contact him to make arrangements. Camping sites are available near the work sites. For more infor­ mation, contactArdenJohnson, 600Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml ~07 (313) 8.."3-0292.

~Sierra aub service trips planned for May 8-10, July 12-18 and Oct 2-4 have been cancelled due to the illness of leader Vince Smith.

August 4: Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM. Call Gene at (616) 534-71'70 for details.

July 19-26: Trail building in northern Michigan, near Traverse aty. Service trip sponsored by Sierra Oub. Contact Ralph Powell, 2887 Dal­ ton, Ann Arbor, Ml 48108, (313) 971-9013, for more information.

June 7: General meeting of NCT Hiker's Oub (Lansing} at 2:00 PM at 550 Boichot Rd., Lan­ sing. Gall Liz Fosberg at (517} 372-5782.

June 6: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Darlene at (616} 784-5050 for information.

June 2: Western Michigan Chapter meeting at 7:30 PM. Cookout at Dwight Lydell park at 6:00 PM. Call Darlene (616) 784-5050 or Mary at (616) 784-6441 for more details.

May 23-25: North Country Trail Hker's aub (Lansing} will go backpacking on the NCT in the Manistee National Forest, 21 miles in 2 1i2 days, some on steep terrain. Party limit is eight, so get your name in early. Call Liz Fosberg at (517} 372-5782 for more details.

May 15-17: North Country Trail Association Spring Meeting, White Cloud, Ml. See elsewhere in this newsletter for more details.

May 9: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Cal Mary at (616) 828-6675 or Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details.

May 3: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Ruth at (616)453-8622 or Ginny at (616) 689· 6876 for more details.

April 25-26: Western Michigan Chapter spruce up the school house weekend. Call Ruth at (616) 364-5966 or Ginny at (616) 689-6876 for more details.

April 25-26: Canoe trip on Kalamazoo River, sponsored by North Country Trail Hikers Qub, Lansing. Camp out one night. For more infor­ mation, call Lee Sherman (616) 781-4316, or write him at 332 N. Madison, Marshall, Ml 49068 before Apr 11.

April 11 : Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Bernice at (616) 456-6157 for more details.

April 7: Western Michigan Chapter meeting. Call Ruth at (616) 453-8622 for details.

Aprils: Meeting of NCT Hikers Club (Lansing). 2:00 PM at 550 Boichot Road, Lansing. Trail building demonstration planned.

March 28: Western Michigan Chapter trail maintenance on adopted section. Call Jim, (616) 677 -1326 for details.

March 20-22: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (t,.ansing) will hold an outing at Wilderness state park. Two days and two nights in primitive cabin. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski North Country Trail. Cost is $10.00 per person for the weekend. Reservations and payment required in advance. For more information, contact Liz Fosberg at (517) 372-5782.

Michigan (L.P.)

ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN I111§Lbe recieved before the deadline date given on Page 2 of this newsletter. We wel­ come listing activities of affiliated or­ ganizations, but we must be made aware of them in sufficient time for publica­ tion. (Part of the reason that this listing is longer than normal is the timely a"i­ val of a couple of newsletters that usu­ af/y arrive a week or so after the NCTA newsletter is printed ! -- WB)

NCTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

Page4

May 17: Dayton Chapter, BTA will hold Blue Bird Hike near Senecaville at 1 :00 PM. Contact Marie LeVassier (614) 685-5220 for informa­ tion.

May 17: Dayton BTA Chapter will hold a hike at Sycamore State Park, 1 :30 PM. Contact Elaine Delaet (513)-275-8972 for information.

May 16: BTA Nature Walk. Meet at Community Center, Lore Cambridge (Guernsey County); 1 :30 PM Contact Ralph Evans (614) 685-5704 for information.

Maya-10: BTA Trail Crew weekend in Morgan County at Burr Oak State Park. Contact Jerry Starcher, (513) 339-8109 for information.

May 3: Dayton BTA Chapter will hold a hike at Oifton Gorge at 1 :30 PM. Contact Al Williams, (513) 339-0732 for information.

May 2: Canal Society of Ohio work party on trail and locks at Lockington Locks. Contact Jim Sprague (216) 884-4757 for information.

April 11-12: Trail work weekend at Ft. Ancient in Warren County. Camp at Morgan's Camp­ ground. Contact Todd Molfenter (513) 651- 1983 for information. J April 24-26: Buckeye Trail Association Annual Meeting, Butler Springs, Cllio. Lodging, meals available. Featured speaker will be 'Worldwalker' Steven M. Newman. Contact Mary Hamilton, 1116 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, OH 44622, (216) 343-2071 for information.

April 5: Dayton BT A Chapter annual meeting at Country Buffet on Salem Ave., Dayton, N of Salem Hall. Contact Max Sundman (513) 277- 1383 for information.

April 3-5: Dayton BTA Chapter to host a BT A 'Work Weekend', with trail clearing in Cave Lake Park and Pike and Highland Counties to prepare for BTA annual meeting. Camping at Cave Lake Park, &N of Chillicothe. Contact Mary Hamilton, (216) 343_-2071 for information.

March 28: Dayton BT A Chapter to hold work day at 10:00 AM atT aylorsville Dam. Bring sack lunch, work clothes. Contact Mary Hamilton, (216) 343-2071 for information.

Pages

hike on the BTA. Meet at 10:15 AM at Central YMCA, 40 W. Long St., Columbus, OH. For information contact Esther Homer (614) 224- 1431 (ext. 208).

March 22: Central Cllio Hiking Club will host

March 21 : Dayton BT A Chapter to hold hike on BT in the Navarre/Ft Laurens area. Contact Mary Hamilton, (216) 343-2071 for information.

Ohio

Oct 11: Hike 6 of Hike /I.cross Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub. Contact Tom Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limited to 30 fast and 30 slow hikers.

Sept. 13: Hike 5 of Hike Across Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub. ContactTom Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limitedto30fastand 30 slow hikers.

Au,g. 9: Hike 4 of Hike Across Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub. Contact Tom Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limited to 30 fast and 30 slow hikers.

July 12: Hike 3 of Hike Across Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub, ContactTom Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limited to 30 fast and 30 slow hikers.

June 19-22: 30th Anniversary of Rnger Lakes Trail Conference celebration, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY. For information contact Howard Beye, 202 Coleboume Road, Rochester NY 14609.Also, see details elsewhere in this issue.

June 14: Hike 2 of Hike Across Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub. Contact Tom Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limited to 30fas1 and 30 slow hikers.

May 10: Hike 1 of Hike Across Tompkins County, sponsored by Cayuga Trails Oub. ContactT om Reimers (607) 272-8675, Doris or Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for more details. Hikes will be in two groups, limited to 30fast and 30 slow hikers.

New York

July 17-19: Campsite construction trip on the Chippewa NCT. Contact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130.

May 29-31: Backpack trip on the Chippewa NCT. Contact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130.

April 25: Minnesota Chapter NCTA meeting, 6-10 PM. Dinner, business and speaker. Con­ tact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130.

April 24-26: NCTA display booth at the Great Midwest Canoe Show. Volunteers needed for booth. Contact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130

Minnesota

August 23 - September 5: Trail building near Marquette, Michigan, sponsored by Sierra Oub and North Country Trail Hiker's Club (Mar­ quette). Contact Don Elzinga, 1010 Allouez, or Gene Elzinga 12 Middle Island drive, Mar­ quette, Ml 49855 for more information.

May 30: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (Mar­ quette) will h<?Jd a day hike to explore Mt Arvon, MichiganM!fgl'iestpeak, toscouHl!talfail<. This is a moderate difficulty hike. Contact Doug Welker ((906) 249-1934 weekday evenings or (906) 338-2680 weekends for information.

May 22-25: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (Marquette) will hold a hike in the Trap Hills of Ontanagon County. Trip is moderately strenu­ ous, as there is much up and down hiking; many spectacular views; camp one night on a lake and next on a high bluff. Good chance of seeing peregrine falcons. Contact Doug Welker ( (906) 249-1934 weekday evening~ or (906) 338- 2680 weekends for information.

May 8-10: North Country Trail Hiker's Oub (Marquette) will hold backpack/day hike trip 1D the Pictured Rocks. If enough come, cars will be spotted so hikes will only have to be one way. No bugs! Sandy beaches, high sandstone cliffs. Easy to moderate hike. Contact Gene Elzinga at (906) 225-1704 for information.

Wilderness area in southern Gogebic County. Canoe, Portage and Hike in one of Michigan's new Wilderness areas. Rating is moderate portage and easy canoe. Contact Gene Elzinga at (906) 225-1704 for information.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1992

adequate funding for the authorized long-distance trails across America - including, of course, the NCT. The proposal is being presented currently, and you will be receiving updates on the matter as action takes place.

There is much more that could be mentioned here-as the acquisition of private lands and securing, for perpetuity, obtaining private funding for special projects such as recruit­ ing, training, education, etc., but my space in the Newsletter is limited. And, as this will be my last communication with all of you through the Newsletter from the Office of President, I want space to acknowledge and thank my Officers, Commit­ tee People, Board of Directors, National Forest Service, and National Park Service Director, Tom Gilbert and staff, plus all of you out there who have give of yourselves and supported me in so many different ways during my tenure in office. It has ALL been much appreciated.

And, although there have been occasions when we haven't all seen "eye to eye", such is inevitable with an ACTIVE group, and I trust has all contributed to the growth of the or­ ganization.

My best wishes to our new President, to be selected at the Annual Spring Meeting in May (which I hope many of you plan to attend), to his/her staff, and to our new Executive Director. We'll be looking for great things from all of you - and, be assured, I will be around to cheer you onward and upward for a few years to come, and to assist whenever and wherever I might be useful.

In planning your spring activities, don't forget "Earth Day" which is being celebrated on April 25th, a Saturday. A recognition hike on the NCT in your area would be GREAT!

-Martha

With spring fast approaching and a new hiking season dead ahead it seems like a good time to review some of the recent accomplishments of the NCTA and also take a look ahead to some of the projects we hope to accomplish in the near future. Certainly a giant step forward for the Association was the signing of the $60,000 Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service bring to reality our dreams and need for an Executive Director to give us professional guidance and expertise in the management of the NCTA, plus an office from which lo work. A physical location for the office has not been determined as yet, but we are in pursuit of several possibilities and you will be advised once a selection has been confirmed. In the meantime, April Scholtz, our new executive director, is hard at work for us and is certainly fulfilling our expectations with her expertise, her dedication, her cooperation, and her savoir-fairc. Definitely a great beginning for our NCT A staff!

Our dedicated volunteers, the NPS and the USFS have done a great job for us on the Trail, adding approximately 150 additional miles over the past two years, with more miles being prepared for certification. I know that sounds like only a few miles when you're thinking 3200-plus miles long, but when you consider the size of our current membership, 500- 600, and the number of members within reasonable "work­ ing" distance of the trail corridor, it's real!y quite terrific. Remember - more members means more volunteers, which in tum means more walkable NCT miles! Memberships - a lllG priority for the near (and distant) future. And another plus, through the NPS, we now have Volunteer-In-The-Park status to offer our volunteers.

With overwhelmingapprovaloftheBoard, theNCTAwill participate in the proposal to Congress for better and more

Don't Forget! NCTA Spring Meeting May 15-17 at White

Cloud, Ml! Be There!

October 17-19: Mark your calendar now for the Annual Fall Meeting of the NCT A, to be held in Pennsylvania.

September 11-13: Keystone Trail Association work party at McConnels Mill State Park. Trip Leader, Mark Eckler (412) 588~164.

April 3-5: Keystone Trails Association Spring Council Meeting and Hiking Weekend, Gretna Glen, Lebanon, PA. For more information, contact KTA, (717) 322-0293

Lunch will be available for interested and hun­ gry attendees. For more information, contact Smithipps, (814) 435- 2371.

March 20-22: Keystone Trail Association work party at on new NCT segment from Eckert Bridge to Hell's Hollow at McConnel's Mill State Park. 'Camping out' in heated cabins free, but due to limited space, preregistration is required. Contact Mark Eckler (412) 588~164 for infor­ mation. March 29: Pennsylvania Chapter of NCTA holds semi-annual meeting at the Clairion River Lodge, Cook Forest State Park, at 11 :00 Aflt.

Pennsylvania

October 23-25: BTA Trail Crew weekend in Pike County south of Nipgen. Contact Jim Sprague (216) 884-4757 for information.

October 24: Canal Society of Ohio work party on trail and locks at Lockington Locks. Contact Jim Sprague (216) 884-4757 for information.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring 1992

September 18-20: BTA Trail Crew weekend in Ross County near Dulan Hollow primitive campsite, 10 miles south of Adelphi. Contact Adrian Vanko (614) 927-2079 for information.

August 22: Canal Society of Ohio work party on trail and locks at Lockington Locks. Contact Jim Sprague (216) 884-4757 for information.

June 27: Canal Society of Ohio work party on trail and locks at Lockington Locks. Contact Jim Sprague (216) 884-4757 for information.

June S-7: BTA Trail Crew weekend in Hocking County, site to be determined. Contact Jack Watkins, (614) 451-4233 for information.

Page6

May ~31: Dayton Chapter, BTA, will hold a campout, hike and workday at Ceaser Creek. Contact Mary Hamilton, (216) 343-2071 for information.

=John Hipps

expected a reception at all but it seemed that the news of our . adventure had attracted the attention of radio and tlevision throughout western Pennsylvania. This prompted the Sh­ enango Outing Club to be there for our arrival. And that was a good thing for us, as we realized a little later on.

Our plunge from 100 feet in the air caused our ball to break through the ice and settle on the bottom. We immedi­ ately became a big, hard, round ice cube.

The park rangers were quick to our rescue with their huge earth moving crane. They quickly scooped us out of our predicament to drop us onto the ground at the edge of the lake.

We struck the ground hoping to be cracked out of our icy shell, only to bounce back up into the air and around the lake shore like horses on a merry-go-round. The second time around we noticed the Outing Club members had gotten their heads together about, we hoped, what to do. The thired time around we were encouraged to see that each one bad brought their tril building tools with them. They were standing close together in a row and when we bounced to the ground in front of them, each in their turn swung at our cube causing it to streak over the ground in the direction of McConnel's Mill. Within seconds we found ourselves rolling down the gorge, bouncing over its rocks, back and forth against its sides, heading pell mell toward that point of the trail yet to be cleared for hiking. We crashed into many rocks and great trees with such a force that the remainder of the corridor was swept clear and clean as we rolled along. Our ice cube shattered into a fine icy power as we struck the last obstacle at the very end of the gorge.

We ended up percend on the top of this small mountain of slush like two cherries on a frozen Daquiri, still wearing our snowshoes, a little worse for wear and tear. It must have looked like we needed some norishment when Mark Eckler looked up at us and said. "How do you you want your drinks, guys? Straight up or on the rocks?"

Pagel

It was a dark and stormy night on top of old' Mount Davis in southwestern Pennsylvania on the fourteenth of February. Because this ridge is the highest of all elevations in the Keystone State, we journeyed there to celebrate Barbie's twenty-or-thirty-something Birthday. We also planned to celebrate each other on the Day of the Great Valentine.

We planned, among other things, to ski and snowshoe for our physical fitness. What better a place for the whole show than the top of the world.

There was several feet of snow when we arrived at the 3,213 foot summit of the mountain at the end of the day, and we wanted more. To insure that it would happen we did our snow dance before bedding down for the night. Three times up and down the mountain and three times around the top would do the trick. And, sure enough, it worked! No more had we jumped into our twin sleeping bag than the snow began to fall. And fall. And fall. And fall. It accumulated something won­ derful. It piled up, not in inches, not in feet, but by the yard.

It was a bright and sunny day when we awoke at the break of dwan. What a joy that our snow dance worked so well! Our wish came so true. So much white magic had fallen that Mount Davis had grown to 4,000 feet. We sang for joy -- so loud -­ that our melodic sound waves shocked the snow drifts into a tremendous avalanche.

We got into our snowshoes in a great hurry and just in time to be caught up in the drifts that now were sliding down the mountain slopes with rapidly increasing speed. About half way down the snow rolled into one gigantic ball and we were caught right there in its middle. Another 500 feet farther found us rolling along at breathtaking speed with one pair of snow­ shoes slicking out one side of a snowball that by now had grown to the size of the moon, and another pair protruding from the opposite.

Now, it had been our intention right from the beginning to end our weekend celebration on the North Country Trail at the Glacier Ridge section in Moraine State Park. So now, Mount Davis being some 100 miles away, it was obvious we bad some miles to travel before reaching our destination. It would take some skillful steering to go in the right direction. Now, it takes a pretty big snowball travelling at a great speed to have sufficent power to make that kind of a jaunt. We did not want to wear out and melt away before getting there.

We rolled on. And each time one orthe other of our snow shoes stuck the ground, we, in turn, ran a few quick steps to keep our power up and to make necessary little directional adjustments. Between our foot power and the roll power of the ball we were able to maintain enough speed to reach Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park just before dark.

It was a relief to look out on the frozen surface of the water as we rolled up the slope of the surrounding ridge. It was a surprise to see several dozen people on the bank watching us roll up the bank, into the air and drop downward. We had not

Valentines and Cherries

Tall Tales of the North Country Trail

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992

Sunday. May 17 8:00 AM - Breakfast, checkout.

Board meeting continues, if needed. Guided hikes, location to be announced.

Saturday. May 16 6;30 AM - Early bird hike, from the Shack on the NCT 7 :30 AM - Coffee, donuts, juice 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Annual Board of Directors meeting for the

board to discuss business. Meeting is open to board non­ members for observation, though non-members may wish to partake of hiking and boating activities in the vicinity.

11:00 -12:00 -Annual General Membership meeting, approve min­ utes and reports, elect officers, chapter and affiliate re­ ports.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch at Shack (Casserole, salad, cookies, $8.00)

1:30 • 5:30 PM - Guided hikes, locations to be announced. 6:30 PM - Hikers supper (cookout) at schoolhouse, sponsored by

Western Michigan Chapter, $5.00. Entertainment and sing­ ing around campfire following.

Schedule of events 1992 NCTA Spring Meeting

May 15-16-17 1992 Friday. May 15

5:00 PM - Registration, Recognition dinner -- all members wel­ come (Roast Beef, or Ham, with salad, roll, potato, vegetable, relish tray, dessert, $12.00)

7:00 PM - Board Committee Meetings - Committees with business to bring before the board will meet for discussion of recom­ mendations that will be made to the full board on Saturday.

Later - Video and slide presentations on a variety of trail activities.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992

Phone_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Registration Fees:

Adults, $3.00 each before 5/1 Adults, $4.00 each after 5/1

-- Non-Member Registration $5.00 ea. Meals (must be pre-registered):

Friday OHam D Beef ($12.00) -- Saturday noon, $8.00 -- Saturday evening, (HQ) $5.()()

l lcadquarters lodging (make your own arrange­ ments for lodging elsewhere).

llostel (includes cots; bring own blan­ kets. $5.00 per night, reservations recommended, otherwise. first come, first serve.

Camping. $3.00 per night I Make checks payable to NCTA. Registration fee is I non-refundable; other fees refundable up to ten L days prio'.....!..o.l!!<:_!!t~ti_!2S._ J

NCTA Spring Meeting May 15-17 at White Cloud

The annual spring meeting of the NCTA will again be held this year at the Shack Country Inn, 2263 14th St., White Cloud, MI 49349, approximately six miles west of M-37 in White Cloud, and 11 miles from the NCTA headquarters building. The headquarters will have a Saturday night party, and will be open for those wishing to stay there for the weekend.

The spring meeting is held each year to elect offi­ cers, 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 desireable): The Shack Country Inn, address above, (616) 924-

6683. The Harrington Inn, 1117 W. Main, Fremont, MI

49412 (appx. 10 miles from the Shack). Millers Robinson Lakefront Resort, 1932 W. Par­

klane, White Cloud, MI, 49349 (616) 924-6683 (across the lake from the Shack.)

NCTA Headquarters and Hostel, (616) 689-1912. Camping is available at White Cloud City park,

which has showers and hook-ups. Primitive camping is available at the headquarters building (reservations can be made with your meeting reservation) and on US Forest Service 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. r----------------,

Registration Form 1992 NCTA Spring Meeting

May 15-16-17 1992 Mail to: North Country Trail Association,

PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349

Page8

attention they receive from the many families in attendance. Most importantly, they are a team player on a finely-tuned athletic team.

Dogs are trained for racing when they are young. They take naturally to running and pulling, and are eager to be on the trail when race time comes. They are fed high-protein diets that give all the nutritional needs for a working dog. Serious training is started as soon as cool weather sets in; many trainers start the year early with wheeled rigs before the snow falls.

The sleds are usually made of ash and are approximately eight feet long, and are bolted or lashed together for flexibility

' and control. Each sled has a brake, and most sleds have a snow hook for further control. Their cost runs from $295 to $1000, depending on size, construction, and materials. The dogs are usually hooked in pairs, using a strong rope and heavy-duty soaps. Harnesses are fitted to each dog, and are made of light­ weight nylon webbing with padded collars. Booties are put on the dog's feet to protect them in severe weather.

A race is an exciting event to watch. Spectators lined the starting gates within a few feet of each of the teams, and were scattered at numerous spots along the race route. It was exciting to be close to the action, as team after team was brought to the starting line; handlers were needed there to help keep the excited teams from starting early. The teams are let loose two at a time, and the dogs are anxious to go; as the starter sends the dogs off, it is all the handlers can do to get out of the way.

There are many different techniques for drivers during the race. Some drivers crouch down behind their sleds to reduce wind resistance, others push off with their feet to ease the work of their dogs, and others just stand up and take it in the face, In any case, it is a tired but happy team that returns to the finish line a short time later.

To give you an idea of how long it takes to complete the course, on the first day, the following times were logged:

3 dog sport race, 3 miles, 20 teams: fastest time, 15:34.30; slowest time 36:19.25.

6 dog sport race, 6 miles, 20 teams: fastest time, 17:04.85; slowest time 28:23.03

4 dog sanctioned race, 4 miles, 15 teams: fastest time, 13:15.28; slowest time, 17:31.23.

6 dog sanctioned race, 6 miles, 27 teams: fastest time, 15:23.88; slowest time, 20:09.79.

..

by Derek Blount The quiet schuss of sled runners over the new­

fallen snow, and the soft padding of dog's paws on the trail are the only breaks in the cold serenity of the Mackinaw State Forest in February. As your sled races at 20 miles per hour across open fields and through woodland trails, you get a clear feel­ ing for what early trappers, miners, and explorers of the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness felt a hundred years ago. It's easy to forget what you 're here for, with these kinds of dis­ tractions.

It's race time again on the North Country Trail in Macki­ naw City!

The Second Annual Mackinaw Mush took place on the weekend of February 1, 1992. The race had been set back a couple of weeks due to lack of snow, but on the opening morning, the weather was sunny and crisply cold, with several inches of new-fallen snow. For days, the trail crews had worked feverishly to complete the marking and packing of trails. Mackinaw City Department of Public Works staffers moved snow onto the start areas, set up bleachers and prepared for an influx of people and dogs that would boggle the mind. By race time, the race to have the trails set and all facilities set up was complete.

There was a full schedule of events with four, six and ten dog sanctioned speed races. The race courses are usually the same distance in miles and the number of dogs in the team (i.e., a four dog race is a four mile race). Junior and children's racing with one, two and three dog teams was scheduled for the afternoon. Children's races were a 100 yard dash with one dog, one sled, and one age 4-9 child. Sixty-eight children competed in the Children's Race this year, up 200% over last year. There was also Recreational (sport) racing for those that didn't want to compete for cash prizes. A demonstration of Ski Jouming (cross country skiiers pulled by dogs) was an inter­ esting addition to the day's events. In addition, there were weight pulling contests for dogs, too.

The one thing that impresses you when you first arrive on the scene is the incredible number of dogs in attendance. There were 85 teams in competition, with many other dogs in attendance that were just pets. At times, it seemed that there were more dogs than people; the din of barking dogs was incredible. After races were completed, the dogs became quieter as they rested after their time on the trail.

Many different breeds of dogs compete in the races. The most commonly thought-of dog for racing is the Siberian or Alaskan Husky, but Alaskan Malemutes, Samoyeds, Irish Setters, English Pointers, Dalmatians, Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are also seen on sled teams. All sled dogs are typically muscular and lean in appearance. They are reliable and gentle in temperament, made obvious by the amount of

•

NCT goes to the dogs at winter's Mackinaw Mush

Page 9 North Country Trail Assoc/of/on Newsletter, Spring. 1992

Bob offers volunters two opportunities to help: (1) Money, and (2) labor.

If you wish to contribute monetarily, contributions should be mailed to: Barrett L. Golding, 111 Richards Road, Colum­ bus, OH 43214. Make your check out to "Canal Society of Ohio" and mark it "Lockington Locks Fund". Donations to this cause are considered charitable for tax purposes. This fund will be used lo purchase equipment, such as a brush hog, and to hire a part-time employee to keep the sections between the locks clear.

If you wish to donate labor, Bob will lead work parties usually on the fourth Saturday of the month. Work between noon and about 4 PM. Park near the old Fire Hall in Locking­ ton. Tentative dates are: May 2, June 27, August 22 and October 4.

Help protect this valuable historic resource. Show the pols that people do care about their historic preserves.

-- Jim Sprague; adapted from BTA Trailblazer

The Buckeye Trail Association and the NCT A would salute one of our members, Mr. Robert Mueller. Mr. Mueller, or Bob as he is more frequently addressed, has taken a very active, personal interest in the condition of the impressive staircase of the locks at Lockington, Ohio, along the old Miami and Erie Canal, which the BT/NCT follows. His interest is based in concern over the fate of this important historic resource.

The Ohio Historical Society, the state agency in whose care the locks have been entrusted, has perennial budget problems. Even in good years, the Ohio Historical Society has inadequate funds to keep the lock site cleared and mowed, let alone in repair.

If the present state of deterioration of the locks continues, the locks will tumble into rubble, and a major artifact of canal history along the Buckeye/North Country Trail will fade into obscurity. Only active intervention will change the course of future events.

Ohio Canal Society to restore NCT landmark

Saturday evening. Cindy has thru-hiked the 2100-mile Appa­ lachian Trail and the 2500-mile Pacific Crest Trail. She has written two books on her experiences, ''.A Woman's Journey" and "Journey to the Crest." Other evening speakers will be Rick Marsi, noted outdoor writer, and Bill Ebling, author of the well-known "Fifty Hikes in Central New York" and "Fifty Hikes in Western New York."

The list of workshops is particularity exciting. Workshop titles include: F ossilsA long the FLT; Frogs, Birds, and Other Natural Sounds on the FLT; Reptiles and Amphibians on the FLT; Trail Equipment and Safety; What Hikers Should Know About Lyme Disease and Rabies; Tips on Nature Photogra­ phy;Edible andPoisoniousPlants on theFLT; Rock Climbing for all abilities.

Flexible dormitory and meal packages will be aailab le for those staying at Ithaca College one, two, or all three nights. Complete registration materials will be mailed to FLTC members in the spring. Others wishing to receive registration materials may call the FLTC Service Center (716) 288-7191 or write to FLTC, Inc., PO Box 18049, Rochester, NY 14618- 0048. It's going to be a great weekend, so reserve June 19 to 22 for the FLT 30th anniversary!

Mark your calendars now and plan to participate in a fun and educational weekend celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Finger Lakes Trail. From June 19 to 22, 1992, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference will sponsor an anniversary celebra­ tion at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY. Lecture halls, classrooms, and an auditorium have been reserved for a list of workshops and noted speakers. Interesting hikes and tours are also on tap.

The original idea for the FLT goes back to the summer of 1961 when Wallace D. Wood of Rochester, NY, hiked por­ tions of the Appalachain and Long Trails in Vermont. It occurred to him that a similar trail system might be possible in New York. He presented the idea to the Genessee Valley Hiking Club and a committee was formed to investigate prospects for cooperation of regional outdoor clubs to build a long-distance trail in New York. On March 17, 1962, approxi­ mately 100 people met in the auditorium of Keuka College near Penn Yan, NY, for the opening session of the first annual meeting of the FLT. At that meeting, the FL TC was organized to promote and coordinate the building and maintenance of the Finger Lakes Trail System.

The line-up of featured speakers who will participate in the 30th Anniversary Celebration includes Cindy Ross on

FLT to celebrate 30th Anniversary

Banquet" with about 200 people attending. After the sumptu­ ous feast, Jim, again entertained to the delight of the many children, as he sang some of his children's songs. He promised to write a song for the Mackinaw Mush for next year, too. The evening was great fun.

Sunday, the races began in earnest, as the final heats for the cash prizes were decided. An awards ceremony was conducted in the afternoon, and then everyone left with the friendly feeling of camaraderie in the air, and a whole lot of barking dogs.

This was a great event again this year. Spectator and participant attendance is growing as more of Mackinaw City wakes up to this fine event. If you wish further information on the Mackinaw Mush, sled dogs, racing, or the lditarod race, contact Tun-Dra Outfitters in Mackinaw City or Nunica, Michigan. They are members of the NCTA.

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992

10 dog sanctioned race, 10 miles, 13 teams: fastest time 2&21.74; slowest time 47:01.60.

This year the longest race was only ten miles. Next year, when the new North Country Trail bridge over the Carp River

. is completed, a mid-distance race will be added to the sched­ ule, with six-dog and unlimited classes. Mid-distance races are a minimum of25 miles in length; the planned course will run on the North Country Trail from Mackinaw City to Wilderness State Park and back, approximately 26 miles.

This year, the festivities began Friday night, with a welcome reception for everyone, aptly called an "Ice Breaker". Live entertainment was provided by "Hobo Jim", a well­ known folk/country singer from Kenai, Alaska, If you've ever heard the Official Iditarod Trail song on ABC Sports, then you've heard Jim. It was a lively time!

After the races on Saturday, there was a "Musher's

Page10

THE MABLE LAKE campsite construction crew was led by Becky Durrenberger, Minnesota NCT A Crew Chief and volunteer trail manager (center in front). At left is Connie Carpenter, National Forest Service Trail Manager. In back is Rod MacRae. At right is a volunteer whose name got misplaced in the shuffle. Rod commented, "These photos show a good progress in a day's work.•

6 PM - Camped on the site for the night.

3 PM - Firegrate and biffy has been installed.

1 PM -- The site has been cleared

(Upper right) 10 AM - begin clearing in the thick woods.

Campsites in along the North Country Trail in the Chippewa National Forest have been less than sensational, but last summer and fall, NCTA members took a hand in improving matters. This series of photos, taken at the Mable Lake Campsite in October, shows a day's progress.

Campsite building in Chippewa National Forest

Page 11 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992

Individual/Family @$10.00 per year _ Organizations @ $20.00 per year _ Sustaining @ $50.00 per year _ Life @ $200.00 _

Mail to: BUCKEYE TRAIL

ASSOCIATION INC. P.O. BOX 254 •

WORTHINGTON, OHIO 43085

County State __ ~Zip _

Address _

You are cordially invited to join in the Buckeye Trail Asso­ ciation, Inc. , a non-profit organization, to help promote its objectives and to share in its achievements.

The Buckeye Trail Association is funded solely through membership dues.

THE BUCKEYE TRAIL ASSOCIATION The 1,200 rnle Buckeye Trail is planned, marked, main­ tained and mapped by volunteers. The Buckeye Trail Association was established in 1959, originally to complete a trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The trail is now extended to encircle the state. It is the only trail in the U.S. that touches all four corners of its state.

"lulfpw tlte !J/11e !Jlazes''

I've got more damed bobbies than I know what to do with, but each one is designed to fill a time slot into which none of the others will fit. When it is too cold to sail, I go bicycling. When it is too cold to bike, I hunt deer. When it is too cold to hunt, I ski. When there is no snow, I go ice skating. When it is too windy to skate, I go ice boating. When it is too dark to do anything else, I get my telescope out. When it is too cloudy to see the stars, I read. Maybe I should start a camp.

One hobby that I really love, and that falls into a couple of the left over climatological time slots, is building trails.

I'll bet that raises a few eyebrows when I fill out an appli- cation for something that shouldn't demand an application.

1. What is your name: Jim 2. When were you born: Long, long ago 3. Are you married: You bet 4. What are your bobbies: Building trails 5. Say What?: Buildin' trails 6. Where may we reach you in the extremely unlikely

event we should wish to contact you: 555-8995 And so on. It started with an idea to build a trail through a nearby

woods on which to cross country ski. Pick up a few rocks and some dead branches, cut a few grapevines, trespass a bit, just a couple of hours of work, I thought,

Wrong. Within a year, I estimate I had moved enough dead timber

to build a Viking funeral pyre, enough rocks to satisfy a Georgia prison warden a week, and enough vines to last Tarzan a lifetime. I had also gone through three boxes of Band-aid plastic strips (which are "flesh toned" only if you happen to be a dead Caucasian whose body has just washed up on the beach).

The result of all this labor was a pathetic little path hrough a woods I don't even own. The path did go through the woods. It stopped at the other end. Great idea, a path that goes

North Country Trait Assoclotlon Newsletter, Spring, 1992 Page 12 nowhere and cost me eight yards of tom and bloodied skin and a garage full of broken tools.

Not being a quitter, I spent the next two years expanding my path. Fortunately, we had no snow for two years, so I wasn't diverted from building my cross-country ski trail by such foolishness as cross country skiing.

A bonus to all this trail making is the chance to see wildlife, the view of which usually consists of the tail-ends of various animals leaping in panic ahead of my bounding dog.

My trail is really nice now. It is wide enough to ski on, and curves around just the right amount to be a little challeng­ ing. At one point the trail follows a high bank above the creek, affording a nice view of the water below. I particularly enjoy watching my dog and friends skid off the end of the trail, not knowing about the turn at the bottom of the hill, and falling 60 feet to the river below. It builds in them the same kind of character that I earned building the trail.

The trail makes a complex series of loops through the woods, so as to maximize the small size of the forest. It is free of hazards, other than an old fox den in the middle of the path, which I deliberately left in the plan as a point of interest, and of course the cliff already mentioned. A couple of inches of snow is sufficient for skiing on such a prepared trail.

What I didn't count on was the maintenance. I never dreamed that it would take me so long each fall to re-open the trail, what with having to prune the eye-gouging, bethorned, malicious branches from above the trail, and the burdocks and other weeds from the trail itself. And each time I want to go skiing, I have to first police the trail to remove the dead branches that have fallen on it. The longer I make my trail, the longer it takes to police it. After I police it, I am too tired to ski.

I live in dread of the day the owner of this nice little woodlot sells it to someone who will cut it down. I would kind of like to buy it, but I'm afraid if I did half the fun would be gone. To paraphrase Thoreau, why buy a woods when you can borrow one?

-- Editor's Note: Jim Whitehouse is a lawyer and a syndicated newspaper columnist, who has learned a few facts about trail building the hard way. This copyrighted column is reprinted with permission. -- WB

mlDWEST moUNTAINEERING :D Qdi- ltJe. So. MPs. 55454 • M-F 1(}9, Sa 1(}6, Su 12·5 Ark 1 lnl'fnle behind OU' stcJe ~ igoss 1he street (612) 339-3433

* VISIT THE NC'l'A BCX>TH *

Fri. 5 - 9, Sat. 9 - 6, Sun. 11 - 5

April 24 - 25 - 26

rYI oin thousands of paddling ~ enthusiasts for a weekend of excitement.

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CANOE EVENT On The West Bank

MIDWEST MOUNTAINEERING'S

-,

genaatioos is the .Association's greatest asset, A continuous pathway that coonects seven states is an inspiring vision, one that must be ourtuml if we are to make it a reality.

Now it is my job to help increase the number of individu­ als and organi73iom who are willing to use their resources to nurture this dream. Broadening our support is especially important as we begin to consider building the Trail across private 1and. Acquiring interests in land. and making agree­ ments with many landowners, will immediate increase the Association's need for money and human resources. The Association will take on a greater share of the responsibility f()(' people's experience on the Trail, and what bappeos to the Trail and the adjacent lands.

We are fortunate to be receiving funding this year from the National Park Service to help us with this effort. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, and bis dedicated staff, must also be mentioned as great friends to the Association. Their support bas made it possible for me to spend my time looking for additional funding sources, ways to increase membership, and working with NCT A Chapters and Affiliates to promote their good work.

One of the first projects that was presented to me was to work with representatives form a coalition of organizations supporting federally-designated long-distance trails to de­ velop Congressional legislation giving support to these trails.

It's a great pcivilege to be writing to you m; the new executive director of the North Country Trail Association.. I was tbrilled to be selected to wock: with you during tbis lime of expansion and change. I've been on the job foc a oouple of montbs now, and I'd like to share with you some of my initial activities and thoughts.

A few weeks after I began working for the NCTA in January, I bad the opportunity to spend a cold but brilliantly sunny Saturday afternoon with the West Michigan Cllapta, hiking the trail near White Cloud. Perhaps having sun on our faces after the longest recorded period of cloudy skies in west Michigan bad something to do with the joviality of the group, but I found the people that were biking and snowshoeing that day to be a source of energy, good humor, interesting stories, and above all, a real love for the outdoors, especiallythe Trail.

This didn't surprise me - I experienced the same thing when I first met many of you at the Fall Annual Meeting in North Dakota, as we hiked the rolling bills of the Sheyenne National Grasslands. I was impressed by the time members and volunteers were putting into the Trail through work parties and special events, and introducing others to the Trail. Enthusiasm and active caring also comes through as I seek advice and assistance from the NCTA Board of Directors.

This shared concern for building something that enriches our lives, the lives of others, and leaves a legacy for future

Page 13 North Country Troll Association Newsleffer. Spttng. 1992

adult $9.95 T-Shirt

\ ------1

North Country National Scenic Trail

..

The Hiker·s Paradi'se

NCT Patch $3'.oO · ·. Volunteer strip $1.25 State Strip $1.25 . . .

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Hike Distance strips (must ql.Jt:Juty) $1.25 ·.·. ·.··.· ·.··· .· .... 5, lo, l S, 20. 25 or 35 miles hiked in one day

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North Country Trail 1oth Anniversary T-Shirt (circle size): I Adult, S, M. L. XL XXL. l 00% cotton, It. blue only@ $9.95 each I 1::== Child6/8.10/12.14/16--50/50cotton@$7.95each Phone I I Please enclose for shipping & handling: Michigan residents include 4% sales tax Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I

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Moderate optlonal length DAY hiking along skyline tralls. 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:

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volunteers, and support the expense of an office. As I learn more about the full range of activities occurring on and for the Trail I hope to help Chapters and Affiliates find money for specific Trail projects.

I will do my best to build upon the excellent foundation that has been laid by many dedicated volunteers. You are the reason that the Trail is there for all to enjoy in the days ahead! Thank you for giving me such a warm reception to the North Country Trail Association. I look forward to meeting many more members at the Spring Meeting in White Cloud on May 15 through 17.

Hike Across Tompkins County The Cayuga Trails Club and Cayuga-Tompkins Healthy

Heart Program of Ithaca, NY, will sponsor a Hike Across Tompkins County on the Finger Lakes Trail from May through October, 1992. Experienced hikers will lead slow-hiking and fast-hiking groups in each of six east-to-west hikes across

"Tompkins County, NY.Aspecialcommemmorativeshoulder patch will be presented to hikers who complete all 50.2 miles across the county. Vehicles will be available at road crossings for those who choose not to finish a hike. The Trail is rocky and muddy in certain areas, so appropriate footwear is essen­ tial. Pre-registration is required for all hikes, which will be limited to 30 slow and 30 fast hikers. Call tom Reimers (607) 272-8679 or Doris and Cliff Abbott (607) 272-5119 for information, hike schedules and registration.

In February, our interests were represented to Congressman Sidney Yates and the House subcommittee on Interior Appro­ priations by Coalition member Gary Werner of the Ice Age Trail Foundation. We are now in the process of seeking to identify Congressmen who will take a leadership role in the passage of this legislation, and in May we expect to do further lobbying for this proposal to significantly increase the funding given to federally designated long distance trails.

Other funding proposals are being developed for founda­ tions and corporations. Initial proposals focus on our need to increase the NCTA membership, help us coordinate and trail

North Country Trail Association Newsleffer, Spring, 1992 Page 14

r•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••··~ I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE Name.......................................................... I I __ copies of 'Following the North Country National Scenic Trail' I I $5.95 per copy ($4.00 per copy if ten or more) Address...................................................... I I __ copies of 'The North Country Trail -- Manistee National Forest" I

$2.00 per copy. (no wholesale) I City, State, Zip........................................... I I __ copies of 'Guide ~~-~~e~7~~~~ c~f~~se~~~~n1~nL~~~~~~)' I 11 __ copies of 'Guide to the North Country Trail -- Chippewa National Phone 11

Forest• $1.25 per copy($. 75 per copy if ten or more) I Please enclose for shipping & handling: I I __ copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 I

O Croton Dam - Hoder;ipyl Dam O lnt~iloehen - Boyne FQI_~ $10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 ~ I O St. Ignace - Harvey'• O MErl¬ //ualte - Ironwood':"'. $25.01 - $100.00 $4.00 I I $5.00 per set . All 4 sets, S 18.00; Binder, $2 .. ~ No wholesale Over $100.00. $5.00 • M;chigan residents include 4% sales tax •

I copies of 'Certified Sections of the North Country Trail' I -- (Check. appropriate sections:) 0 Allegheny NF & Cook Forest, $2.90 Make check/money order payable to: I o Wayne NF, $1.50 0 Little Miami scenic Pork, $l. l S 'North Country Trail Association' I

I O Miami and Erie Canal, $1.80 o Manistee NF $2.20 O Hiawatha NF, $2.20 o Chequamegon NF, $1 .80 Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I I OChippewaNF, $2.20 OSheyenneGrassland. $1.15 P0Box311 I

.. Complete set with binder. $15.40, plus $2.00 shipping. White Cloud, Ml 49349 • ------------------------- ------------

Page15

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 (10 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 Star Lake, and from US 10 to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available.

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.

OTHER GREAT TRAIL INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM tirE NORTH couWlf:tRAIL BOOKSTORE

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 (10 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.

FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL, by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter editor. Packed full of information about the NCNST. AH-new edttjon. 64 pqqes. Not a trail guide, but a trail discussion. "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. Available spring 1992. $5.95, ($4.00 wholesale 10 or more).

JusT PU81;1§8EDllltf • NEW[lff • JUST PUBL{SHEDUlll

North Country Trail sookstere North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992

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I Phone ( ) _

Name Address -----------~

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

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

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

$ 10.00 $ 15.00 $ 5.00 $ 25.00 $ 50.00 $ 250.00 $ 300.00 $ 200.00 $ 500.00 $ 5000.00

Adult . Family (includes children under 18) . Student (under 21) Senior (Over 70) . Organization . Supporting . Donor . Life: : . Spouse of life Member. . 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.

r-------------------------------------~, APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

I I J I I I

Building the North Country National Scenic Trail will be a big job. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help with making the dream a reality by joining the North Country Trail Association.

A DREAM THAT1S BEING REALIZED

North f.ountry National Scenic Trail

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North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1992 Page16