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January 2012 Trips
Cross Country Ski at Potato Creek State Park
January 21, 2012
Trip Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Family Rating: High School Youth OK with Adult
Cost: $23, Deposit: $23
Beautiful trails and easy drive for a one day ski near South Bend, weather permitting. Involves some hills but, generally, easy skiing. Trip will not go if there is not snow, so cross your fingers! Cost includes van transportation and park entrance fee. Participants must provide their own skis (no rentals available).
March 2012 Trips
Canoecopia Paddle Sports Expo, Madison Wisconsin
March 9-11, 2012
Family Rating: Adults Only
Cost: $168, Deposit: $83
Cancellation Date: February 15, 2012
Canoecopia is the world's largest paddling exposition and show. If you've ever wanted
to see all the latest canoes, kayaks, paddling gear and accessories in one place,
this is the event for you. The best part is the wide variety of speakers that will both
entertain and educate you about wilderness travel with their fabulous presentations. There
are literally the best outdoor authors, wilderness guides, and backcountry experts you can
find anywhere on the planet. Topics range from describing great trip destinations to water
safety to how to camp or cook in the wilderness and more. It’s one heck of a show and
invaluable if you are thinking about planning or participating in a wilderness canoe or
kayak trip. Because of the cross-over within topics and gear it’s a great experience for
backpackers, too. And, if this isn’t enough, within walking distance is the Bike-O-Rama.
This is southern Wisconsin's largest bike expo. You can comparison shop, test ride,
accessorize, and buy from all 2012 bicycle brands in one place! This is the 19th year the
Arena Building comes alive with thousands of new bicycles! Free admission makes this event
even more special! The plan is to leave the Indianapolis area mid to late morning on Friday,
March 9th, and arrive for the 4:00 PM show opening. The best deals are on Friday - the going
discount for gear / apparel at the show is 15 percent. If anybody thinks they might want to
buy a boat, we will have a rack system to haul back 1-2 boats. Trip cost is $168.00 per person,
which includes two nights lodging in the convention hotel (3 or 4 per room / complementary
breakfast) and travel in the club van. We are booked at a hotel that is actually connected to
the convention center. This means you can come and go at your convenience. Depending on the
mix of the group (male / female), it is possible that someone may have to bring a sleeping
bag. All other meals and show admission ($25 for the week end) are in addition to the club price.
Suwanee River Canoe, FL
March 17-24, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Beginning (easy to moderate)
Family Rating: Adults Only
Cost: $445, Deposit: $222.50
Cancellation Date: February 28, 2012
This will be a 50 mile paddle of the Suwanee River Wilderness Trail. We will be sleeping in cabins, river camps and screened platforms. The route begins in a narrow bluff and ends in a limestone spring area. There will be crystal clear water, alligators and bird life. Some camping will be primitive so bring your tents. We will leave Indianapolis on Saturday and, either drive straight through, or get a motel and arrive in White Springs Florida on Sunday, spending the rest of the day at Stephen Foster Cultural Center (something like Conner Prairie). On Monday we will paddle 9 miles. Tuesday will be our longest day at 18 miles to Haughton Creek with tent camping. Wednesday will be 13 miles to Suwanee River State Park and we will stay in a cabin. Thursday will be 13 miles and, finally, Friday 10 miles to Lafayette Springs for the night. Bring snorkel gear for the springs at 72 degrees. We will drive back to Indy on Saturday.
Car Camp and Day Hike, Yellowwood State Forest, IN
March 31-April 1, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Beginner
Family Rating: High School Youth OK with adult
Cost: $15, Deposit: $15
Cancellation Date: March 23, 2012
This will be our annual early spring outing to Yellowwood State Forest. We will meet at the campground at Yellowwood Lake where we will set up camp and then do a 10 mile hike on one of several trails there. That night we will sit around a warm fire and have a dinner of chili. The next morning we will do a 5 mile hike before returning home. Anyone who does not want to spend the night is welcome to do the trip as a day outing.
April 2012 Trips
Photography Trip, Spring Mill State Park, IN
April 13-15, 2012
Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Cost: To be decided, Deposit: $15
A weekend trip to beautiful Spring Mill State Park. We will be car
camping with an emphasis on photographing spring wildflowers, the
creek and the historic buildings in the park in the mornings and evenings
when the light is best. During the day we will do some light
hiking and additional photography as the opportunities present
themselves.
Spring Wildfllower Day Canoe/Kayak, Big Walnut Creek
April 21, 2012
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to difficult: possible cold weather and challenging river conditions.
Familty Rating: Adults only
Cost: Free
Bring your own craft and carpool. We will explore and put in at McCloud County Nature Park near N. Salem, IN. Myrna will coordinate empty canoe seats with canoe partners prior to trip. Big Walnut is like a smaller Sugar Creek as far as scenery and difficulty. However, there could be unpredictable "sweepers"/downed trees as there are no outfitters to clear these out. Be sure to bring dry bags for any gear you take with you on the river.
May 2012 Trips
Trail Days Festival on the Appalachian Trail
May 17-20, 2012
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: $200, Deposit: $100
Cancellation Date: April 17, 2012
Trail Days in Damascus is an
annual hiker festival, originated in
1987, that includes the event
itself, parade, talent show, etc.
Each year arriving hikers are asked
to check in at the town hall tent
in gazebo/park area. A camping
area is provided for hikers on
South Shady Avenue behind the
old rock school. Alumni hikers are
requested to leave this place for
use for those who are hiking into
Damascus. We will plan on
enjoying the Virginia Creeper Trail
during our stay that is multi-use
for horse, bike, and foot travel on
the old "Creeper" railroad bed.
Several places in town rent
mountain bikes. We plan on
attending the hiker's parade and
visiting with the vendors who
come into town for this event
every year. There will be movie
presentations such as a two hour
slide show of the CDT trail. Many
fine restaurants are in town for us
to enjoy. We will be staying in
two cabins which are located one half
block from the main street in
town, and they will also will have a river
flowing next to them.
Bring your day hiking gear if you would like, as we plan to do a drop-off outside of town and do a 5 mile hike back into town. Several manufacturers will be available for looking at your hiking equipment and doing repairs and cleaning, free of charge. We will plan on arriving in Damascus early enough to have supper in town on Thursday. We will depart on Sunday with plans to be back in Indy at about 6pm.
Appalachian Trail - Maryland
May 26-June 2, 2012
Difficulty Rating: 40+ miles total, 11 miles/day max, elevation gain/ loss <
2000 feet, moderate to rugged terrain
Cost: $302, Deposit: $150
Cancellation Date: April 30, 2012
We will leave Indy early Saturday morning and drive to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 546 miles, approximately 11 hours. We will lodge at the Teahorse Hostel (www.teahorsehostel.com) Saturday night. Sunday morning, after breakfast, we will shuttle to Pen/Mar Park in Pennsylvania where we start our hike back to Harpers Ferry. Total hiking mileage is approximately 43 miles over 4 days with the longest day being 11 miles. Highlights along the way include crossing the Mason-Dixon Line, the I-70 Foot Bridge, Washington Monument State Park, Garthland State Park, crossing the Potomic and Harpers Ferry.
We will arrive back in Harpers Ferry Thursday and stay at the Hostel Thursday and Friday nights. Friday will be a town day; we can explore the town, hike the AT in West VA, or even rent bikes and ride on the C&O Canal. If time permits we will pay a visit to the Antietam National Battlefield. We will head for home early Saturday morning and arrive back in Indy by early evening if traffic is good.
June 2012 Trips
Appalachian Trail - Jefferson National Forest/McAfee's Knob
June 3-9, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Difficult
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: To be decided, Deposit: $50
Cancellation Date: April 30, 2012
Backpack in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia. Broken into two segments, starting with a fourteen mile loop of the "Three Ridges," one of Virginia's most popular backpacking circuits. Segment two is in the Catawba area visiting "Dragon's Tooth" and the Appalachian's Trails poster and postcard image "McAfee Knob."
Sunday we will drive to the area and stay in a motel. Starting Monday we will spend 2 days hiking the "Three Ridges" with about 14.4 miles hiking and an elevation gain of approximately 4,000 feet.
We will then spend two days hiking McAfee Knob; it will only be 8.3 miles but will allow us time to watch the sun rise and sun set on the knob.
The final day we will do an out and back of "Dragons Tooth" at 5.7 miles and an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. We will have dinner that night at The Home Place Restaurant in Catawba, Virginia, a popular restaurant with AT thru-hikers. Following dinner we will spend the night in a motel and drive home Saturday.
July 2012 Trips
Youghiogheny River Raft/Peddle/Paddle, PA
July 1-4, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Family Rating: Kids 12+ OK with adult
Cost: $226, Deposit: $113
Depart Indy Sunday morning. 7 hour drive. Stay in guest house each night: ( www.laurelhighlands.com/lodging/gh_ferncliff.cfm). Bike rail trail up river Monday morning (rentals), raft down Class II-III in rafts. Tuesday we raft Class III-IV in 4 - 6 person rafts. There will be guides on the river with us, but we "drive" ourselves. Hiking or town site seeing after rafting. Wednesday AM, short hike around nearby natural water slides, then drive home. Breakfast Mon, Tues, Wed, Tues lunch, Mon dinner and Mon night all included/provided. Bring pizza money for Tues evening and road food Sun and Wed. Bring your own lunch for Mon. Guest house has refrigerator. We'll have kitchen dinner Mon evening.
Boundary Waters Canoe Expedition
July 20-28, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Intermediate with some challenging sections, paddling 38.4 miles total, 37
portages (8.5 miles), average 64 rods, longest portage/day 460 rods
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: $400, Deposit: $200
Cancellation Date: July 6, 2012
This is a great opportunity for club members to explore some of the
most scenic lakes and rivers in The Boundary Waters. The Boundary Waters
is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, maintained by the
U.S. Forest Service, located in northern Minnesota on the Canadian border. The area is
renowned as the finest canoeing area in the world. No other place offers such an
exceptional combination of expansive and varied wilderness canoe routes and intact
natural ecosystem.
The route we have chosen will include the lakes known as
the "Lady Chain" which, according to local storytellers, are named
after the maiden aunts of a pioneer forest ranger. This chain includes
two of the finest walleye lakes in the Boundary Waters. Our route
will also take us through the Louse River. This portion requires
good organization and light packing. There will be at least one
day of long portages, which can be strenuous but promise some great
rewards.
We will be paddling through lacy tamarack swamps and mysterious floating bogs. The opportunities to view wildlife are very good in this lightly traveled area. Portages in this section are occasionally long but follow alongside deep moss covered, stream carved grottos. During this portion of the trip we will be crossing the Laurentian Divide, which separates the watershed between Hudson Bay to the north and the Great Lakes to the south. Paddling will require intermediate skills and some of the portages will be difficult. The ability to lift and carry gear and boats for extended periods is required.
We will leave Indianapolis on Friday evening, July 20th, and travel straight through to the Sawbill Campground near our put in point. We will spend the night in the campground, which is owned by our outfitter, Sawbill Outfitters.
A suggested itinerary for the trip may be viewed at their website: www.sawbill.com/www/planning/sug_routes/louse_river/index.cfm.
On the return trip we will plan to stay at a motel and return to Indianapolis on Saturday July 28th.
This is a very remote area and in most cases we will be two days from any outpost. Environmental hazards of nature and wildlife will require that standard canoe safety and camping guidelines be followed at all times. We will be conducting an orientation and gear shake down session this spring or early summer at a date to be announced. A comprehensive list of safety requirements and suggestions will be provided well in advance of the trip. Canoes, paddles, and portage yolks will be provided by the outfitter. Participants will need to provide their own personal gear including PFDs, dry bags, sleeping bags, meal kits, packs etc. (a list of required and recommend gear will be provided). The club does have (a few) canoe packs. A Minnesota fishing license will be necessary if you intend to bring fishing gear. The club will provide six camp dinners and two camp breakfasts. Remaining breakfasts, lunches and snacks will be provided by members. Transportation in the club van, lodging on the road, cookware, stoves, water treatment equipment, tents (if needed), and maps will be provided by the club. This is a tremendous opportunity to experience one of the truly pristine lake regions in the world. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this trip. Contact Bob or Bill with questions.
August 2012 Trips
Hocking Hills Hike or Zipline & Tecumseh Outdoor Drama
August 3-5, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Beginner
Family Rating: Younger kids OK with adult
Cost: $150, Deposit: $75
We will be leaving the Indianapolis area on Friday at 3:00 PM to stay at Hocking Hills State Park walk-in campground.
On Saturday we have the options of a day hike on the Buckeye Trail or a trip to the Hocking Hills Zipline Canopy Tour (www.hockinghillscanopytours.com). The Zipline costs an additional $89 per person. There is another option, "Superzip," available for those who would like to fly like Superman. After dinner we will attend the famous outdoor drama Tecumseh (www.tecumsehdrama.com):
"You will sit beneath the stars in the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre as sheer spectacle surrounds you with a herd of galloping horses, live military cannon in action, and the most dazzling battle sequences offered on the American stage." Tickets for the play are included in the trip cost.
On Sunday we will take a 6 mile hike featuring the Old Man's Cave section of Hocking Hills State Park before returning home.
Blue River Paddle
August 10-12, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Family Rating: Kids 12+ OK with adult
Cost: $85, Deposit: $50
Cancellation Date: May 30, 2012
Drive down Friday after work from Meijer, at I-65 and Southport. Three hour drive. Camp Friday and Saturday night at outfitter's campground. Drive home Sunday afternoon. We'll use a commercial outfitter for canoes and shuttle service (cavecountrycanoes.com). Prefer to leave Indy by 4 pm, if people can leave work a bit early. Club provides breakfast Sat and Sun, and dinner Sat. Bring money for road trip food Fri and Sun. Club provides tents and dry bags, you bring: snacks/lunch for on the river, your own sleeping pad and bag, and eating utensils. Remember a change of clean dry clothes for the trip home.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backpack
August 25-30, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Intermediate backpacking
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: $300, Deposit: $150
This is a backpacking trip to explore the sandstone awe-inspiring
cliffs formed by Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We
will follow the south shore cliffs of Lake Superior for 42 miles from Grand
Marais to Munising, Michigan. Along the trip we will pass through the great
dunes of Grand Sable Banks, pass by and tour the Au Sable light house, pass
through miles of Lake Superior shoreline, take in the Chapel and Munising
falls and the cliff views from Minors Castle. Timing of the trip is scheduled
to return to Indy Thursday before the Labor Day Weekend.
September 2012 Trips
Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail Bicycle
September 7-10, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Experienced bikers due to the length
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: To be decided, Deposit: $50
This will be a self-contained bike trip along the beautiful Little Miami Scenic Trail. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a paved trail and is over 78 miles long and up to 12 feet wide in some sections. The trail starts at Springfield in Clark County. From there the trail runs south and eventually travels through to Terrace Park in Hamilton County. There will be opportunities to take side trips along the Ohio to Erie Trail when on the northern part of the trail. We plan on leaving Friday afternoon and returning Monday afternoon with a possible trip to Jungle Jims. Trip cost does not include lunches or dinners.
Windmill Museum Bicycle and Chain O'Lakes Camping, IN
September 29-30, 2012
Trip Difficulty: 35-40 miles total, average 12mph
Family Rating: Adults only
Cost: $95, Deposit: $50
Cancellation Date: September 1, 2012
Noble County, Indiana is home to Chain O'Lakes State Park, the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, www.genestratton-porter.com, and the Mid-America Windmill Museum (midamericawindmillmuseum.org/). Come out for a late summer bike ride and explore all of these interesting places in northern Indiana.
We'll leave Indianapolis on Friday evening, stop for supper along the way and continue to Chain O'Lakes State Park where we'll car-camp for 2 nights.
On Saturday, we'll bike about 40 rolling miles on county roads with stops at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site ($3.50 per person) and the restored working windmills at the Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville, IN ($4.00 per person).
On Sunday, we'll either hike trails at Chain O'Lakes State Park or rent canoes (not included in trip fee) for a few hours before returning home in the early evening.
Trip fee includes transportation, camping fees, 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Not included in the trip fee: Friday supper, both lunches and admission to both museums (total $7.50 per person).
* Wearing a bike helmet is required for this ride. No exceptions.
Bryce Canyon National Park Backpack and Zion National Park
September 22-29, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Strenuous *
Family Rating: High school youth OK with adult
Cost: $225, Deposit: $112.50
* Because of the elevation and single day gains of up to 2000 ft. participants need to be in good physical condition. A practice hike to evaluate physical ability is mandatory.
Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah. Bryce Canyon,
despite its name, is not a canyon but a giant natural amphitheater created
by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is
distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by wind,
water, and ice erosion of the river and lakebed sedimentary rocks. The
red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for
park visitors. Bryce sits at a much higher elevation than nearby Zion
National Park. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet.
We will spend 4 days and nights backpacking the Below the Rim Trail and the Riggs
Spring Trail, an approx 32 mile linear hike in Bryce Canyon. The hike is in a high
desert with elevations ranging from 6800 to 9000 ft. The 5th day will consist of an
8 mile day-hike in the "Fairyland section" at the north end of the Canyon. For
further information on Bryce Canyon here are some websites:
www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm
www.utah.com/nationalparks/bryce_canyon/hiking_trails.htm
Zion National Park is also located in southwestern Utah. A prominent feature of the 229 square mile park is Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and up to half a mile deep, cut through the reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone by the North Fork of the Virgin River. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park's unique geography and variety of life zones allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches.
We will visit Zion on the 6th day. There will be two options: 1. Day hike
the "Zion Narrows," a slot canyon of the Virgin River that requires
wading, 2. hike up Angels Landing an 1800 ft hike up a pinnacle with incredible
views of the Zion Canyon. That evening we will return to Las Vegas, staying at
the Luxor Hotel.For further information on Zion, here are some websites:
www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/narrowsday.cfm
www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/angelslanding.cfm
Included in your $225 fee are all permits and camping fees, rental car fees, gas, club gear fees, meals when camping and one night at the Luxor. Lunches are on your own, as is dinner after the backcountry portion on Wednesday at the Bryce Lodge. Meals in transit and when in Las Vegas are also on your own. Transportation is on your own to Las Vegas, where we will meet up for the 6-hour drive to Bryce Canyon. Currently Airfare nonstop on Southwest is $423 which includes bag fees.
October 2012 Trips
Paw-Paws at Depauw Day
October 20, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Beginner
Family Rating: Kids 12+ OK with adult
Cost: $17, Deposit: $17
Mountain biking or hiking in and around interesting defunct gravel
pit. I have seen lots of Paw Paws here in the past, and we'll catch
them when they’re ripe.
Edible Wilds/Car-Camp at Lieber State Recreation Area, IN
October 27-28, 2012
Trip Difficulty: Beginner
Family Rating: Kids 12+ OK with adult
Cost: $25, Deposit: $25
Drive down Saturday morning, camp Saturday night while water is still on in the park (flush toilets/showers!). We'll hike/explore at our leisure, with plenty of patience for photo setups as well. Edibles in season, seen here in past: persimmons, beechnuts, ground cherries, wild grapes. (SRAs permit "harvesting," unlike State Parks). Club provides tents, cooking equipment, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. You bring lunches, sleeping pad and bag.