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Porcupine Mountains / Organic Food Trip, MI

Sep 19 - Sep 26, 2021 -- $1325 ★★


Description


It's the start of Fall Foliage season in The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness -- Michigan's largest State Park. Adjacent to Lake Superior and featuring almost 100 miles of hiking trails, it contains old-growth forest, tumbling waterfalls and amazing views of lakes, rivers and streams.


Our hike will happen in the western portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, taking us deeap in the heart of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan's largest state park and one of the wildest areas in the Midwest. The Porcupine Mountains (aka "The Porkies") enjoy great popularity among hikers, and boast 35,000 acres of old-growth forest, gorgeous rivers and waterfalls, and amazing Lake Superior scenery.


In addition to the majestic natural environment and superior (haha) hiking this trip offers, we will also be providing all or almost all organic food for the entire trip. Our menu will be mostly plant-based, as fresh as possible, minimally processed, and delicious! Our focus will be on delivering flavor and satisfaction as much as on providing healthy, nutritionally balanced meals.


So if you are looking to supercharge your health transformation with a nutritional reboot while enjoying the old-growth forests, picturesque cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking Lake Superior coast of the Porcupine Mountains, then come join us on the North Country Trail, America's longest National Scenic Trail!



Weather

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical September weather is much drier than even a month earlier and averages in the high-60s / low-70s during the day and 40s/50s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures in the 80s and freezing temperatures at night, with the threat of rain on any day. But overall, expect a warm, dry end of September treat.



Probable Trip Leaders

Dan Shafto
2nd Guide TBD


Cost

$1325 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals and any gratuities for guides.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 6 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.


Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. While tips are not required or expected, if your guides have served you well, please consider a gratuity so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.



Important Note

We are not planning to camp on the banks of Lake Superior


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
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Itinerary


Sunday, September 19, 2021

Fly or drive into Minneapolis St. Paul Airport (MSP)

The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

Take free airport shuttle to local hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minneapolis Bloomington W 5151 American Blvd West, Bloomington, MN 55437, 952-830-1300

Distribution of trail mix / Make-your-own trail mix, Covid permitting

"Before" body composition measurements taken

Body temperature measurements taken to check for possible Covid fever

Trip to REI Bloomington flagship store, 750 W American Blvd (Previously 750 W 79th St), Bloomington, MN 55420, (952) 884-4315 for forgotten or last minute equipment. Closes at 6PM

Go to local restaurant for welcome dinner (Dinner not included in trip cost)



Monday, September 20, 2021

Second set of before body composition measurements taken

Body temperature measurements taken to check for possible Covid fever

Free Hotel Breakfast

Check out of Hotel

Your spare bag(s) will be stored either at the hotel or in a storage unit for safekeeping

Shuttle to Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area

Hike Escarpment Trail 2.7 miles to LOC-1 & LOC-2

Camp at LOC-1 & LOC-2

Miles today: 2.7 miles. Total to date: 2.7 miles

Possible Bailout: Lake of the Clouds


Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Hike 1.5 mi on Escarpment Trail

Hike 2.4 mi on Lost Lake Trail

Hike 2.2 mi on Government Peak Trail to Gov't Peak

Camp at GP-3 & 4

Miles today: 6 miles. Total to date: 8.7 miles

Possible Bailout: Lake of the Clouds or Summit Peak


Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Hike 2.1 mi on Government Peak Trail

Hike 0.3 mi around western side of Mirror Lake

Hike 2.6 mi on Little Carp River Trail to Lily Pond Cabin

Camp at LC-3 & LC-4

Miles Today: 5.0. Total to Date: 15.7

Possible Bailout: Lily Pond Trailhead


Thursday, September 23, 2021

Hike 1.1 mi on Little Carp River Trail

Hike 1.2 mi on Beaver Creek Trail to Summit Peak Scenic Area

Hike 1.2 mi past Summit Peak

Hike 1.5 mi on South Mirror Lake Trail

Camp at backcountry campsite SML-2 & 3

Miles Today: 6. Total to Date: 21.7

Possible Bailout: Summit Peak Scenic Area


Friday, September 24, 2021

Hike 0.2 mi around western side of Mirror Lake

Hike 2.8 mi on Correction Line Trail

Hike 0.1 miles along Big Carp River Trail to the Carp River

Fill up all water vessels here as there will be no water at camp tonight

Hike 3.1 miles along the Big Carp River Trail

Camp at campsite BC-2 & BC-1, elevation 1400 ft

Miles today: 6.2 miles. Total to date: 27.9 miles

Possible bailout: Lake of the Clouds or Summit Peak


Saturday, September 25, 2021

Hike 2.1 miles to the Lake of the Clouds Trailhead

End of Hiking

Miles today: 2.1 miles. Total to date: 30.0 miles

Possible Bailout: Lake of the Clouds

Shuttle back to local hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minneapolis Bloomington W 5151 American Blvd West, Bloomington, MN 55437, 952-830-1300

Dinner and Awards Ceremony at local restaurant (dinner not included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Sunday, September 26, 2021

Free breakfast in Hotel

Take Free Airport Shuttle


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