Is this really the 6th time we'll convene at our home base by the river? That is affirmative! Our destination for 2020 is Green Timbers, in the snowy Pigeon River State Forest, located 7 miles west of Vanderbilt, MI on the Sturgeon Valley Road. Did I really say snowy? Last year was the deepest we've had back there, with close to three feet in some areas. Good reason to have a snow shovel in your kit.
The official date for this years hang is Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb 23rd. There are miles of trails to explore in the tract. The river never freezes so water is available. Lots of hanging spots are located nearby in the pines, cedars and hardwood forest. The 2 mile hike in takes an hour or so, depending on snow depth, on an old 2-track and is mostly flat. Pulks, toboggans & 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 cast iron frying pans, dutch ovens and big pots to purify water. Just a short list of some of the food from past hangs: pork, brats, venison, posada, sausage and gravy, farmer's breakfast, jambalaya, pheasant/wild rice soup, hot apple cider, coffee, chili and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies in Dogger's oven. This group will eat most anything!
Post what you're bringing (food, group gear, shelter, etc) to google spreadsheet:
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, so 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 can fill up fast. Please, carpool if you can. I also arrange for additional parking at Mill Street Pizza in Vanderbilt (opens at 8:00 AM) and have a great breakfast, so patronize them for helping us out. I'm also in touch with the manager of the Pigeon River State Forest to let him know of our plans. When the weather has cooperated, 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.
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, no fee) on Sturgeon Valley Road, reached just before crossing the Sturgeon River. Location details (thank you Jim DuFresne)
https://www.michigantrailmaps.com/me...green-timbers/
This will be the 6th year going back to Green Timbers and it's been a good run. Let's keep up the tradition, so come out and enjoy a weekend in the woods with friends. The price of admission is cheap: bring a pound a bacon and toss it in the pan and help out with the chores around camp. Looking forward to getting back north again to the Pigeon River State Forest for the 2020 Green Timbers Big Tree Hang!
Google Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Links to last 5 years of trip reports:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...eddon-amp-quot
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-February-2018
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Hang-Michigan
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...body-say-bacon
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=green+timbers
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks