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| The Rock Shelter Loop trailhead; also the trailhead for the Tecumseh Trail, which I will plan to see again in a few months! |
For this hike, I decided to bring along my new High Sierra Explorer 55L bag, and to load it (to an extent) as a test for distance hiking with a pack. Inside the pack I stuffed a blanket and my hammock, in case I got a chance to stop for a time, together with a few other items to give me some weight.
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| The Rock Shelter, a place of solace and security, a place of reflection and peace. |
I arrived at the trailhead after some issues finding it around 1 PM on a Saturday afternoon. After loading up and heading out, I didn't make it more than an eighth of a mile before finding the trail nearly destroyed as a result of logging operations. When I rejoined the trail on the logging road, the conditions were quite poor. Logging operations had created a mess, including obscuring the blaze for the trail where it headed left of the logging road. After overshooting and winding up in a clearing with about 20 other hikers, we all spread out and began working backwards until we found the blaze for the trail, and headed off into the woods.
Being January, the trees were bare, but a stark beauty was found on this hike. Crossing a meandering stream was a joyful experience, and - frankly - I found the Rock Shelter itself a deeply moving spiritual experience. I felt a deep connection there to those who, over the centuries, must have used it in moments of sunshine and storm, in joy or in turmoil.
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| Getting ready to tackle the switchbacks |
After spending some time in quiet prayer and reflection, I continued onward towards a rather steep set of switchbacks which lead up to the continuation of the loop and, ultimately, to a logging road which led back to the parking lot. I was probably out for 3 hours or so, but it was a wonderful trip.
The biggest thing I did not enjoy though, was the hard gravel logging roads. I had not prepared myself for them. I found myself a bit wearied of them as soon as they were encountered, and I did find that they angered me a bit - partly because they reminded me that this wasn't truly unspoiled wilderness, partially because they were the most painful moments of walking, and mostly because the initial walk on them was in the middle of the muck and mire left over from logging operations.
Some lessons learned...
1) Topographical Maps are important in heavily forested areas, even in the winter when you think it should be simple enough to see a trail.
2) Trekking poles, they are a must for me. I need to get some as soon as possible. They will help me with some of my balance and vertigo issues, as well as in bearing the weight of the pack.
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| Your Scribe... |
3) My hiking boots, though 'generic' (Lake & Trail brand from Meijer) are actually pretty good. I feel that, if treated well, they may last me all season.
4) I enjoy photography... but I need to balance my photo stops with my distance agenda.
5) While I wore a synthetic shirt, I wore a regular zip-up hoodie... which means wet cottony clothing. Bad idea, no matter if it is 60 degrees out! I need more technical gear.
Questions about my experience? Feel free to ask in the comments!
