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!
About Me
- EastMI-WoodChips
- I have spent the last 30 years in the computer industry in one form or another. I am currently an application designer and developer working in the automotive industry. I would rather be in my woodshop creating things with my hands instead of with my mind. Yes I also like to Pack in the great state on Michigan!
