I have two Hillebergs Travis, if Mrs. M is coming I will bring a Kaitum 3, if I am by myself a Soulo is the forecast is bad, if its ok or has thawed a bit I will bring a Trailstar or Tarp Tent Stratosphire 1.

I will either be bringing a Phd Hispar 800 or Wm alpinelite or Ee rev x 20f for sleeping on, And either a brooks range Mojave or Gooses Feet Parka.

Jim from Minnesota was another possibility too, right?

Yes. I still remain a possibility ... will need to get off the fence soon.

On one hand, it's pushing the limit of where I'm willing to drive.

On the other hand, I really do need to get out.

It'll help if I knew a few more details about route possibilities.

I've never been to Pictured Rocks (have no idea how we missed it on a Lake Superior circle trip we took long ago).

Hi guys,
Finally got my March schedule. Hopefully I'll be able to join you for the Friday-Saturday (contingent on wife and kids activities) but not Sunday.

Sounds like Dana's and Rog's suggestions were similar to what Travis and I had talked about. If anyone is interested, the trip report "Anatomy of a 24" was the stretch from Little Beaver Lake to Mosquito, and "Land of Rock and Ice" was a modified version of the Chapel Loop.

Looking forward to (hopefully) meeting you guys.
Merry, Is Pippin coming?

Ike

Nah Ike the other hobbit can't come that weekend, but I will ensure to bring plenty of good cheese :-)

Thats great you can make it mate.

Good news, Ike!


(who's Merry and Pippen?)


Jim,
There are several route possibilities, and I think we just have to figure out how far people want to hike. It might be a good idea to have 2-3 options in case of weather issues.

I'm good for anything, but wouldn't mind covering a bit of ground to see different things.

Edited by T.L. on 03/02/2013 16:57:50 MST.

(who's Merry and Pippin?)

Travis, you'll find out quick enough come second breakfast and elevensies.

Merry and Pippin strap on the food bag while Ike and I determine if this meal was second breakfast or elevensies.

Edited by rOg_w on 03/03/2013 10:21:50 MST.

Somehow I don't think Si would ever be mistaken for a hobbit.

I see Pippin was wearing the condom. Did he insist on a cooked lunch after 2nd breakfast and elevenses? Or was that just a way to pace himself at higher altitudes?

Need a Shire folk reunion in Colorado this year. Further south and west than last September, though.

Wish I could join you all for the GGG, but my season won't start till after April 15th.

Edited by lotuseater on 03/02/2013 22:14:19 MST.

Another teaser for your trip planning, and to get people on board. Skiied the chapel loop yesterday. Thanks to a recent storm delivering 50mph windgusts, the cliffs have the best ice I've ever seen there. If you want to see more pics , search me on FB. Really, truly spectacular ice. You gotta see this.

Sea cave is a few hundred ft east of chapel rock.

Edited by dsherry on 03/03/2013 07:19:59 MST.

That's bad ass, Dana. I hope we get to see similar things.

After seeing Dana's picture this is hard to do and I really don't want to back out. I have a eleven year old grand daughter that's only been on one short bp trip with me. We've camped a bit kayak ride dirt bikes go country dancing and now have a really crappy band going but this year I think we need to start backpacking a lot more. I've been feeling guilty since I said I would go on this trip. She's growing up way to fast. Thanks for the offer

Hi Mark,

That's a shame you won't make, hopefully we will get to meet up some other time.

Hi Dana,

That is one bad ass photo alright as Travis says.

Travis,

At a trip before Xmas Rog and Ike were amazed by how much food my buddy Simon and I consumed, that how the name a hobbits came up.

Hi Mark,
'Tis a bummer you can't come, but we'll all probably still be backpacking for a long time to come, and Pictured Rocks isn't going anywhere. An 11-year old, however, doesn't stay that way very long. Go make some memories with her!

LOL, you guys!

You all do look quite hobbit-ish in the sense that you're all quite happy in the picture presumably taken around meal time.

That was second breakfast :-)

Here's what I'm thinking....

Its pretty well agreed on where the best scenery is. Since we all have to stop at the Visitors Center to check in/register/whatever, why don't we all meet there, get the most recent and accurate road condition report, and decide where exactly to go then. We can then take a break for elevensies, get to our designated parking spot, and then have lunch. Hit the trail, and soon stop for second lunch.

Now, when do you all want to meet? The wife and I are driving up Thursday late and finding a place in the Hiawatha NF to crash. Already scoped out some Google images. That plan is still open for change though. At any rate we'll be able to meet anytime Friday morning.

Sounds good to me Señor funk.

I would be expecting to get there about 1pm but as I am taking the day off work anyway am tempted to go Thursday as could be there at 8pm. It will have to see.

Stephen,
If you decide to leave Thursday night, we could meet you early Friday for breakfast. Just a thought.

That would be cool Travis,

The decision's been made for me ... grand grandson's first birthday celebration will be on the 24th. Wouldn't miss that even if I could get away with it.

Enjoy the trip, I'll look forward to a report.

Ok, Jim, have some cake for me!

Hopefully next time...maybe a Porcupine Mt. trip?