ASPIRE TRAIL TRACKER

UPDATES PAGE

For emergencies only, you may text or call our satellite phone at: (269) 671-7537

Parents, please save this phone number under the name "ASPIRE Trail" in your contacts. This way, you'll recognize our number immediately if we need to contact you in an emergency.


Note - our satellite phone will not always be powered on and capable of making or receiving phone calls or texts.

1:40pm

We have arrived safely to the trailhead. We will be hiking about 8 miles to our campsite and our ETA is 6:30pm. It is raining, but we are all covered and ready to go!


3:30pm

Half way there. Making excellent time. About 4 miles to go - and at this pace we should be at camp by 5:30 - 6pm. Rain has stopped for the moment and we are enjoying some flat terrain.


5:45pm

We have arrived. We are tired and wet but happy to not be hiking. Getting our tents setup.

10:00am

We had a wet night but slept well. Breakfast has been enjoyed and we’re packed up and ready today. 11 miles. Pray for strength, and sunshine!


2:20pm

We are about 7 miles into our 11 mile trip for the day. We are hiking along the lake now, so it is cold, but everyone is in good spirits!


5:05pm

We’ve arrived. We are exhausted.  11.9 miles in 7 hours. These kids are amazing. Lots of blisters and aching muscles, but spirits are high. Pray for rest and restoration.

7:40am

We're up and it's raining. We're adjusting our distances today and splitting the remainder of the trip into two equal hikes. Spirits are okay, but feet, legs, backs, and shoulders are definitely sore.

Last night, we sang every possible campfire song ever written, laughed, and enjoyed sitting around a pretty decent fire.

We are hiking to Chapel Beach today (about 7.5 miles) and then to Miners Castle on Thursday (also about 7.5 miles). Pray for emotional strength today and a positive outlook.

There is a lot of talk on the trail about what they plan to eat when they get home, so please stock up on their favorite foods and snacks. They’ve earned it!


9:50am

Leaving camp. Spirits are very high. Rain stopped. Pray for safety, and a continued positive outlook. Will check in when we’re at camp. 

9:15am

We left camp this morning at 8:30 headed to a closer extraction spot. No emergencies have caused this, just lots of blistered feet and sore shoulders. We’re being picked up at Chapel Rock parking at the end of miners Road. 1 1/2 miles to go. Last night, we built a huge fire, sang songs, had worship, and went to bed feeling full.


10:05am

We have reached the Chapel Rock parking area where we are awaiting the shuttle that will take Mr. Zork to the bus. Everyone is in good spirits and very glad to reach the end of the trail.

Our current ETA is 5-6pm. We will update you if that changes and give you a more exact time when we are closer to Camp Au Sable.


3:10pm

We’re eating some pizza in St. Ignace. Kids are enjoying some “real” food. Everyone is looking forward to being home (and have missed their family)!