Nordhouse Trip

I just returned from a 4-day trip to Nordhouse Dunes. It's been a long time since the last time I was there. I think it was in 1995 with both boys. It's a great back country area however, it's a little bit crowed on the weekends.

Arrived at the parking lot at 6:30 AM on Saturday morning to a full lot. I had forgotten that this is bow hunting season. When I made it out to the beach there were quite a few people on the beach. I really wish people that visit the back country especially a wilderness area would pay attention to the rule. I don't mind people bringing there dogs but, they are suppose to be on leash. Most all I ran across were running free. It REALLY upset me to see a family riding there motorcycles down the beach, more than once. They were there both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday night was a great sunset. It ended up being the only sunset night for the trip. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights were cloudy just at sunset time. Because of the early morning and trip time I crashed early on Saturday.

I really abused myself on Sunday. Took a day trip from my camp at the south end to the observation platform at the north end. It was a couple mile walk up the beach. Once there I decided to take a trip to Nordhouse Lake, which about a mile and a half. Then from the lake back to camp, which was a coupe of miles. All tool I must have put about 5-miles on. The return trip brought me through the parking lot, which put me right at my car. I had parked at the far end of the lot and didn't realize that the trail started there. Sunday night after the sunset it cleared up nicely for a great start night. I didn't want to leave the spot I was in to get my camera to take night sky pics (Maybe next time).

Monday was a day laying around camp recovering from the long walk on Sunday.

Overall the weather was great, with the exception of Tuesday night. It was pretty windy all day but, around 5:00PM it really got bad. I think it was gusting to 50 MPH. I ended up with every layer I had on and when the sun went down, it really got cold. Rained off and on all night and I awoke to wind and rain for the pack out on Wednesday.

I will make the trip again. Next time I want to spend more time in the interior to check it all out.

P.S. I'll post the rest of the pic's on my Flickr Bar the you can see at the other Blog Life Behind the Dust Pan (may take me a couple of days).

New Pack Home

I made the plunge and invested in a new home for my pack alone trips. This one is a bit smaller than the old one but, it's a lot lighter than the old one.

You've been asking about the spec's, 7'-5" X 4'-10" with a 3'-6" ceiling height.

With this tent, my pack weight has decreased by 5 pounds. That's a real benefit when I'm packing by myself and have to carry all the weight.

I will get it a real try on my October trip.

Can't wait.

Fathers Day Trip

For fathers day this year, I spend a long weekend on the Baldwin segment North Country Scenic trail. Started the trip at the 16 Mile road trail head on Friday night, well attempted the start, just as I was about to hit the trail, Murphy jumped out and a thunderstorm came through that lasted about an hour. Once it cleared I got on the trail (wished I had ran pants in the gear), with the fern cover I was wet to the waist by the time I made the ¹/₂ mile trip to camp. (Being a solo-trip, I planned to set camp and day hike portions of the trail.)

Finally got camp set about 8:00 PM and started to dry out. Saturday morning I awoke to rain again, it lasted till about 11:00 AM, so I got a late start to the day.

Spent Saturday afternoon with a walk to the north for a couple of miles, nice walk and seen a couple of dear on the trip. Saturday night, I found a couple of bugs sharing my tent. At the time I couldn't figure out what they were, let alone kill them. When I returned, not realizing that I brought a few with me, I did determine that were Dear Ticks (Not Good).

Sunday was spent on a walk to the south to Highbanks Lake just to see what it looked like. It has been a long time sense I have been there. Couple of turkeys crossed my path on the way. Good to see them again.

Monday was pack out day and back to reality. Overall a good trip if not for the tick problem.

Overall the trail was in good shape however, there were a couple of spots that could use some maintenance. A couple of small trees across the trail, but not a bit deal.

With my Dear Tick ordeal, yes, I found a few still on me after a long hot shower. With my Doctor's advise, I ended up on a 14 day regiment of antibiotics just to make sure there isn't any problems with Lyme Disease. There hasn't been any symptoms! So I think I'm good.

In all my years in the back country and general camping I have never had this problem before. It might be because of the early heat this spring.

Next trip is planned to mid-October for Nordhouse Dunes (another of my favorite places).

Stay tuned!