Stefscursion – An excursion, but with Steffeses

Date: 9/24/2022

North Country Trail

Miles walked: 3.63

Total miles: 3.63

This morning started with an overcast sky and high hopes. I’ve always been a lover of long sleeves (while cursed with the ability to sweat profusely at the slightest bit of exertion) and so I enjoyed breaking out the ol crew neck and vest combo.

I had spent a good chunk of time last week mapping out our first hike. I consulted the North Country Trail site and attempted to preview our route via Google Earth. I dropped a pin at each trailhead where we would park in Middleville, Michigan, (only a 25-minute drive from home!) where our 4000+ mile adventure would begin.

Although most of the hike was pleasant–nay, gorgeous! It had a rough start and a tiring finish. We were very nearly rear-ended making a turn into our initial trailhead: a branch of the lovely Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Once we cooled off from that experience (and decided that with our blinker on we were certainly not at fault), we began the hike.

The western Michigan portion of the NCT includes long stretches of road between trail systems, and we experienced some of that today. I wished for a sidewalk, but most of the way we had either low traffic or ample shoulder space. Yakul was having a blast sniffing for roadkill (dogs are so nasty. So wonderful, but so nasty).

The road led us to one of the many NCT trailheads. We were greeted with a map and TONS of information kept up by some diligent Middleville Volunteers. We spent a while admiring the signage (seriously, next time you hike, read everything at the trailhead! There’s so much to learn) and then ventured into the woods.

The trail was gloriously quiet–we didn’t hear a car the entire way–and rich with wildlife. The path was well-maintained and lined with all manner of mushrooms. (If you don’t have it yet, this is your sign to download the Seek app by iNaturalist to identify plants and critters–including fabulous fungi!) We only passed one other hiker on our way and, although we didn’t catch his name, his dog’s name was Hank 😁

The trail markers were easy to recognize and follow. We noted a couple of gorgeous fields and a few flourishing marshes as we ambled. We also saw a couple of firepits around what might have been campsites (officially or unofficially).

As we approached the tail end of our hike, thinking we had about a quarter mile left, we followed the NCT map I had diligently read and researched… only to find we had parked in the wrong place. And that place was a full mile away along a dirt road. This may be the time to note that I am what my mother-in-law calls “directionally challenged.” We passed the time looking at the lovely houses, and Yakul passed his time acquiring a handsome set of burrs (which were thoroughly matted by the time we got to the car). Although that last mile was unexpected, all in all, I would call day 1 a great success. 🎉

3.63 miles down, about 4,796 miles to go.

Have you hiked any of the NCT in Middleville? Let us know here or on our Instagram (stefscursion). And if you happen to know how to keep a fluffy Aussie from attracting burrs like a fur-covered magnet, feel free to share 🌾

Happy trails!