Well, it was a new era at the 2017 Green Timbers Big Tree Hang here in Michigan with the cabin gone, but we hold true to our traditions and will be returning to our home base by the river in 2018. I figured it was time to get the planning thread started for the 4th Annual Green Timbers Big Tree Winter Hang in the snowy Pigeon River State Forest, located 7 miles west of Vanderbilt, MI.
The official date for this years hang is Thursday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb 25th. I know a number of us will be arriving Thursday morning, but last year a few rolled early and graciously set up camp in the footprint of the old Lower Cabin.
There are miles of trails to explore in the tract, so bring your snowshoes. The river never freezes and water is available. Lots of hanging spots are located nearby. FYI, you might want to bring some extra long tree straps, there are some big trees! The 2 mile hike in takes an hour on a 2-track and is mostly flat. Let's hope for lots of snow this year. Pulks & snowshoes are recommended.
Bacon on the hour is a long-standing tradition with this crew, so come with a healthy appetite and enjoy a long weekend in the woods of northern Michigan. There will be a few cast iron frying pans, dutch ovens and big pots to purify water and help feed the crew. Just a short list of some of the food from past hangs: posada, sausage and gravy, farmer's breakfast, jambalaya, pheasant/wild rice soup, hot apple cider, coffee, bacon steaks, venison, chili, etc....
Post what you're bringing (food, group gear, etc) to the google spreadsheet or when you respond to the thread.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Be prepared to feed a group of 10 (2 main courses per meal so everyone's food that they hauled in gets eaten). We had around 20 or so that attended and it's always a good time. An extra tarp shelter for base camp or a table is always needed. Wood gathering is a group effort with guys cutting, hauling and processing. An extra saw or ax or two (or 3) would help move things along. A chainsaw always makes things go faster.
There is no fee for parking, but the lot is not huge and it can fill up fast. Please, carpool if you can...In past years, I've made arrangements with 2 gas stations at the Vanderbilt exit to stage cars, so I will get in touch with them and post the details later. I'm also in touch with the manager of the Pigeon River State Forest to let him know of our plans and give them the heads up about possible car overflow. With last years light snowfall, we used nearby Hare Road as the access point. It is not plowed or maintained in the winter. As we get closer, we'll have and update on snow condition and access points.
Note: Since this is a winter camping expedition, be prepared for a variety of conditions. We've had lows of -26 and highs in the 50's. Snow, rain, sleet, and high winds are always a possibility. Dial in your gear prior to getting out there and know what your comfort level is. We want everyone to be safe and enjoy their time out there. Travel in two's (or three's and four's) if possible.
Getting there:
From I-75, depart at exit 290 and head south for Vanderbilt. In town turn east (left) on Sturgeon Valley Road and follow it for 7 miles. The main entry to Green Timbers is the stonegate trailhead (on north side of road) on Sturgeon Valley Road, reached just before crossing the Sturgeon River. Location details here (thank you Jim DuFresne).
Come on out and enjoy a weekend in the woods with friends! The price of admission is cheap: bring a pound a bacon, toss it in the pan and help out in camp. Looking forward to getting back north again to the Pigeon River State Forest for the 2018 Green Timbers Big Tree Hang!
Google Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Links to last 3 years of trip reports:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Hang-Michigan
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...body-say-bacon
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=green+timbers
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