It's that time of year again to start planning our 2016 2nd annual Green Timbers Big Tree winter hang in the Pigeon River State Forest, located 7 miles west of Vanderbilt, MI. For those that attended last years hang, it was truly an adventure with records set for lowest temperatures (-26 and -13 overnight lows) and the amount of food consumed. The official date for this years event is Thursday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, Feb 28th. Most of us came in Friday, but people started showing up Thursday to secure the cabin for our group.
Our destination is the Green Timbers lower cabin in the Pigeon River State Forest. There are plans that it will be torn down, but it's still standing, so we'll be able to use it. The cabin provides shelter and a fireplace. There is also a large fire pit outside. That will be our base camp for the weekend. There are miles of trails to explore in the tract and another cabin with a great view located up the hill a mile or so. The river never freezes, so water is available. Lots of hanging spots are located nearby. FYI, you might want to bring some extra long tree straps, theres some big trees! The 2 mile hike in takes less than an hour on a 2-track and is mostly flat. Hopefully we’ll have snow, so pulks & snowshoes may be needed.
Last year's hang also set new records in the amount of food that was packed in and consumed. It was suggested at our November Gluttony hang that we have some type of meal every 1-2 hours and we plan to hold true to that, even if it's just a pound or two of bacon in the cast iron fying pan or dutch oven. Just a short list from last year menu: posada, jambalaya, pheasant/wild rice soup, hot apple cider, coffee, bacon steaks, venison, chili, etc....
Note, there will be no google signup for food. Post what you're bringing when you respond to the thread, but be prepared to feed a group. Last year we had 16 attend. As we get closer to the event, I'll be posting who's bringing what etc. so everyone will have a feel for what else may be needed.
Part of what made last year such a great success was the mix of people that came out. We had guys from HF and Bushcraft, since there is the overlap in the groups. Wood gathering is done as a group effort with guys cutting, hauling and processing, so an extra saw or ax or two (or 3) would help move things along. If you have any gear that may need a new home, bring it along for trading or sale.
Note: the parking lot did fill up since there were others back in the area that weekend. Carpool if you can. I spoke with the PRSF Unit Director and let him know our plans and mentioned the parking situations (do not park on the main road, only use the lot). He recommended that additional cars could be parked 1/2 mile east past the entrance in a circle located on the north side of the road. I also extended an invite to him to join us and see what we're all about.
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 (thank you Jim DuFresne) http://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-profile/3/71/
Come on out and enjoy a weekend in the woods with some fellow Hangers and Bushcrafters. The price of admission is cheap: bring a pound a bacon and toss it in the pan!
More information about last years adventure: Link to 2015 trip report:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=green+timbers
link to 2015 photos: http://s113.photobucket.com/user/mic...g%20Feb%202015
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