Pre-Trip Planning and Driving Up
I was doing some research on the hikes that I was considering for 2012 after checking out the maps, NCT wikiguide and the Chapter websites
I emailed some of the Trail Volunteers up in North Central Minnesota. What follow is a whole series of emails starting on December 29, 2011
December 29, 2011
Todd McMahon to Bruce Johnon, Darrel Rodekuhr, Jerry Trout, Jeff and Jerry Fitzgerald, Ray Vlasak, Stacy Scheel Davis, Tom Salwasser and Matt Davis.
Hi Everyone
I’ve been studying up on a couple hikes that I’m planning to do in 2012. One of them is a hike starting at the First Crossing of the Woodtick Trail heading west. In October of 2010 I hiked from Hwy 6 near Remer to the First Crossing of the Woodtick Trail, so this next hike will be a continuation of that hike. I’m not sure when I’ll do this hike. Last year the Trail in North Central Minnesota was very wet around Memorial Day because of all the snow, so I might do my Memorial Day Week hike elsewhere. At any rate, I’ll be starting at the First Crossing of the Woodtick and head west. And I have a few questions.
The Itasca Chapter Map shows a campsite near the Parkway Forest Road about a couple miles west of the Hubbard County/Cass County line. But the Campsite is not mentioned in the NCT WikiGuide, so I’m wondering if that campsite actually exists. That campsite would be about 16 miles from my starting point, so It might be the location of my first night campsite, unless I can huff it to Waboose, which would be about 23 miles from my starting point.
I’m also wondering if there is any water between Waboose Lake and Nelson Lake. There is no mention of any creeks or beaver dams in that section. Of course it is mainly hiking on top of the Tower Hill, so there might not be anything. There appears to be many water opportunities on the rest of the hike.
Resupply. There doesn’t appear to be any grocery stores or gas station overly close to the trail. One of the places I’m thinking about resupplying is at Hwy 71 near Itasca. That would be about 54 miles into the hike. There appears to be two substantial gas stations on Highway 71, but both are about 2.5 miles from the trail. One would be at the Itasca Junction, about 2.5 miles north of the Trail. If I wanted to go see the actual Lake Itasca, this would be the way I would go. I would hike up 71 to the gas station, then hike west to Lake Itasca, then take a state park road back to 71 and the NCT. All and all, I’d say that’s about a 6 mile detour off the trail. The other gas station is about 2.5 miles south of the Trail near Little Mantrap Lake. It’s called the Buck Stop, and it apparently has some good food. But then again, I might just carry some extra food so I don’t have to take a detour. A 5 or 6 mile detour is a little more than I want to do.
What’s the Cell Phone Reception like around Itasca? I figure since it’s a tourist area it might have better cell phone coverage than other places on the trail.
I’m devoting a whole week to this hike, and we’ll just see how far I get. I’d like to get all the way to the end of the trail at Greenwater SNA. That would be 88 miles from my starting point of the First Crossing of the Woodtick Trail. Perhaps I can get farther than that if I’m ambitious. Plus the new trail will be in the process of being built towards Frazee, so there’s a possibility I could hike part of that. If I do the hike later in the summer or fall, it’s more likely that there will be new trail built.
And of course, when I hike a trail I’ll be photographing it too. I’m also willing to do some type of promotional presentation for the Local Chapters if you’d like it. I’m doing a class at Canoecopia called “Backpacking through the Boundary Waters” which covers the Kekekabic Trail and Border Route Trail. I could do that presentation or something else. I would be bringing the presentation on a thumb drive so I would need to use a computer and projector.
The other hike I’m planning to do is on the Superior Hiking Trail from Lutsen going south. Perhaps that will be my Memorial Day Week hike unless the trail is fairly dry in North Central Minnesota. And I haven’t quite figured out the dates for the second week of hiking.
Regards from me, Todd
Dec 29, 2011
Darell Rodekuhr to me
Hello Todd..of course that campsite exists, just about a ten minute hike east of the Parkway Forest. Many of us have spent a night at that campsite on a pretty lake.
I myself do not remember any lakes between Waboose and Nelson. Of course, there might be some small ponds depending on the amount of rainfall received that would show as a pond.
The first resupply point on the trail is Lake George. There is a convenience store there, and about three miles road hike north on Hubbard Ct 4 from where the trail crosses it. There is a kiosk there also at the crossing.
On the matter of Lake Itasca. The easiest way to get to the lake is NOT by hiking US71 North, but by hiking across 71, continuing on about two miles on the trail, to the intersection of Ozawindib Trail north to the Douglas Lodge area. The lake is further north yet, but you are in the park and may find a ride to the point where the Mississippi River exits lake Itasca. Douglas Lodge is a restaurant, but don't know if there are supplies to buy in the park. YOu could ask there, or visit their website to see.
Cell phone coverage is fair to middling throughout that section you plan to hike. I can find towers most all the way, but Trakfone uses any and all towers.
I cannot tell you anything about west of Lake Itasca, having hiked it only once about 6 yrs ago.
Bye..Darrel in Walker, and thanks for the Christmas card.
Oh..there are two more campsites perhaps not showing up, having been built two summers ago. I guess the best thing would be to mail you an Itasca Moraine chapter map.
12/30/11
Todd McMahon to Darrel Rodekuhr
Hi Darrel
It's more likely that there would be creeks instead of ponds in the hilly areas. The Waboose to Nelson stretch is about 9 miles,
I just will load up on water at Waboose. I might bring an extra platypus bag just for that section.
I think Lake George is a little early for resupply. I don't even think I
need to resupply. But just in case, it's good to know where the places are.
It's also good to know about the Restaurants like Douglas Lodge,
in case I start getting sick of trail food.
I would like some assistance from you while I'm out hiking. I'd like to leave my van at your place, so I have someone watching over it.
I will pay you for driving me to the Woodtick Trail. Matt Davis has also stated he will help me with transportation. So, we'll have to see what happens at the end of the hike.
Again, I'm not really sure yet when I'll be up there.
Regards from me, Todd
It appears I used the right address this time for the Xmas Card
12/30/2011
Darrel Rodekuhr to Todd McMahon
You can count on me for help in getting you to where you want to be. You certainly can leave the van here. There is an extra parking spot in my yard,
you might remember, right across the drive from the two stall garage.
Bye..Darrel
December 30, 2011
Todd McMahon to Darrel Rodekuhr
Darrel
Thanks for your offer of help. I appreciate everything that you trail volunteers do. I got to build some trail myself this year. It felt really good.
I'll let you know when I pull the trigger for the hiking dates.
Regards from me, Todd
January 3, 2012
Matt Davis Responding to my Original email,
T-Man,
Right now, it's shaping up to be a decent spring since the ground is bone dry and we've only got a couple of inches of snow. Here are answers to your specific questions. Others - feel free to chime in too if you'd like.
• The campsite by Parkway Forest Road is new, which is why it's not on the Wiki (not really updated on any regular basis).
• I don't believe that there is dependable water between Waboose and Nelson Lake. There are only really small pothole wetlands on the topo map. With the dry conditions, who knows what you'll find out there.
• There is a post office in Lake George, which is located only 3 mi. north of the Co. 4 / Halvorson Trail trailhead. It would be a good resupply point if you wanted to mail yourself a package.
• You don't have to roadwalk to reach Lake Itasca. You could hike the Ozawindib Trail to Douglas Lodge and then the Brower and Bike trails to the Headwaters. On the way back, you could hike to the Aiton Heights Fire Tower and then take a different trail (e.g. Deer Park & Red Pine Trails) back to the Ozawindib so you don't have to see the same scenery twice.
• There is good cell phone coverage on this stretch because there's a cell tower right across from the South Entrance trailhead at US Hwy 71.
We could probably find someone or people locally to help you with a car shuttle, shuttle to the Headwaters, and/or a food drop.
Take Care, Matt
January 13, 2012
Todd McMahon to Bruce Johnson, Ray Vlasak, Darrel Rodekuhr and Matt Davis
Hi Everybody
Matt, thanks for the information.
Darrel Rodekuhr has agreed to watch over my van while I'm
hiking and he will take me to the start of my hike. I might need
some transportation help at the end of the hike. I will
pay for transportation.
I just want to know the businesses near the trail just in case
I need something. I've walked by places on other hikes that
I wish I knew were there. I'm not going to take the detour
to the Gas station and Lake Itasca unless I really need to.
I'll probably start out with 5 days worth of supplies, which
hopefully will get me past Itasca. I'm more interested in
photographing the main NCT than taking side trips.
If the cellphone works, I might like to have someone connect
with me with some supplies
I'll bring an extra platypus bag just for the section between Waboose
and Nelson.
This might be a pipe dream, but what's the status of the trail
after Greenwater Lake SNA. Is it flagged at all? Otherwise
I will hike the road closest to the proposed route.
We still have 3 more months where you could get dumped on
with snow. So, I keep my plans fluid at this point.
Regards from me, Todd
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Ray Vlasak to me, Matt Davis, Bruce Johnson and Darrel Rodekuhr
Todd,
I don’t see that Matt commented about trail conditions beyond the SNA. The trail has been flagged through Tamarac, but you cannot depend on them still being present after hunting season and the winter. In addition you would find some areas rough going due to brush.
I don’t think the tower at the south entrance is a cell phone tower, but nonetheless reception is pretty good in Clearwater and Becker County. I don’t know about Hubbard.
I can help you with transportation at the end of your hike. Just let me know dates when you know and If I am not available someone in the Chapter will be.
Ray
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Ray Vlasak to me only
Todd,
Thinking about your offer to present, Jun 2 is National Trails Day and LLC will have a hike, meeting and dinner in celebration. Do you think you would be available?
Ray
January 15, 2012
Todd McMahon to Ray Vlasak. Copied to Bruce Johnson, Darrel Rodekuhr and Matt Davis
Ray
Thanks for your generous offer to help me during my hike
I would be happy to do a presentation at your National Trails Day
event if I am hiking in your area during Memorial Day Week.
I am planning to do the hike then, but if the Trail is very wet
then I will hike elsewhere. Evidently the trail was very wet this
past May due to the high snowfall over the winter.
I take thousands of photos of the trail when I hike. I want to
take photos of your trail under good conditions, not photos of a trail covered with water. So far, Matt Davis says your snowfall amount
is very low. But there is still a couple more months where
you can get dumped on.
I will be making that decision sometime in early May. But
hiking the Western Chip to Greenwater Lake SNA is a
top priority for me this year. If I don't hike it Memorial Day
Week I will hike it later in the summer or fall.
I appreciate all the hard work all of the Trail Volunteers do.
Thank you very much.
Regards from me, Todd
Monday, January 16,2012
Matt Davis to me and Ray Vlasak, 1/16/2012
Todd,
The cell tower is a little ways north by the Junction Cafe. I get good cell phone coverage in that entire area despite its remote nature.
We don't have much snow but the ground was incredibly dry going into winter so even if we get a lot more snow in January, February, March, and April I'm thinking it will be dry since it'll soak in. Of course, the frost could go deep too if it gets & stays cold...I'm not sure how that impacts snowmelt infiltration rates.
Take care, Matt
4/9/2012
From me to Ray Vlasak and Matt Davis
Hi Ray
It looks like spring is here already and the threat of
a heavy snow year is over. Therefore at this time
I can commit to a Memorial Day Week Hike of
the NCT in North Central Minnesota. I plan to
hike west from the Woodtick Impoundment, through
the western Chippewa National Forest, Paul Bunyan
State Forest and Itasca State Park. I am not sure
how far I will hike, but I'd like to make it to the Greenwater
Lake SNA.
I will also be available to do a speaking engagement at
your National Trails Day event, if you wish.
I would expect to speak, 30 to 40 minutes and I have 3 different
programs that you can choose from. The first one is called
"Backpacking through the Boundary Waters." It will be a shortened
version of the class I presented at Canoecopia. The second
Presentation is called "The Coolest Backcountry Campsites of the
North Country Trail in Minnesota." I'm developing this for a class
at Midwest Mountaineering Expo. Attached is an example of a handout
for the class. Right now I have designated about 6 Cool Campsites, and
I expect to find more this year when I'm hiking. The last presentation
that I could do is "A Salute to Trail Volunteer," which I talk about all the
great trail people I've met while hiking.
I'd really like to do the Cool Campsite presentation, but I would do the
others if you wish.
Perhaps you have made other plans for you National Trails Day Event.
If so, I understand. But I am willing to do whatever I can to help
promote the trail.
Regards from me, Todd
4/15/2012
Ray Vlasak to me
Todd,
I forwarded your note to the LLC board and have had a couple replys in agreement with the Campsite presentation. I would say that we confirm having you make a presentation for National Trails Day and appreciate your offer. I am a little concerned about the topic. Only a couple of our members are backpackers and I don’t think the campsites presentation will attract interest. My opinion is that the Boundary Waters would attract the most interest and Volunteers 2nd. I assume we can make that decision later as long as we have you locked in? I can discuss the topic further with members.
Again Count on us to assist you with your hike logistics.
Ray
Hi Ray
I think the "Coolest Campsites of the North Country Trail In Minnesota" might be more appealing than you think. In the first part of the presentation I talk about what features make a cool campsite. And what features might make a campsite "Less Cool." And, this presentation is not geared to someone who is a diehard backpacker, it is more geared towards someone who just wants to go out and camp in the wilderness for a night or two and only carry their gear from the car to the campsite and back.
I would have thought that the "Backpacking through the Boundary Waters" would have been your least favorite because Matt Davis has already given presentations to your group about hiking the Kekekabic Trail and Border Route Trail. And the "Backpacking through the Boundary Waters" is more geared towards a diehard Backpacker. But again, in my Coolest Campsite presentation, I do feature two Campsites on the Kekekabic Trail and one on the Border Route Trail.
The Volunteers Presentation would be about all the Trail Volunteers I met since I began backpacking in 2009. For instance I met Joan Young while hiking on the Kek. I would talk about the 2010 Border Route Trail Clearing Trip I went on. And many other trail people who have assisted me along the way. These people include Jack and Jerry Fitzgerald, Darrel Rodekur, Ron Sootman, Phil Nimps, Matt Davis, Brian Pavek, Tom Suter, and a few more. I would end the presentation with a unusual "thank you" to all the trail volunteers.
I am willing to tailor my presentation to your group. And I could do a
presentation about my recent article at Midwestweekends.com called
"Trying Out the Border Route Trail" which I talk about 8 dayhikes on
the BRT. That article is located here
I do have two suggestions for people who are unable to carry gear
and still want to have a wilderness camping experience.
On the West end of the Kek, Smitty's on Snowbank Resort
can motorboat people to campsites on Snowbank Lake, and
then come pick you up a couple days later. While at those campsites
people can dayhike the Snowbank Lake Trail and Disappointment
Lake Trail. Also, on the Border Route Trail, Clearwater Lake Lodge
can motorboat people to campsites down the lake. From the campsites
people can hike up to overlooks on the Border Route Trail
That's all for now, regards from me, Todd
4/23/2012
Ray Vlasak to me
Todd,
Frankly, they all sound interesting to me. I think folks would enjoy “Trying out the boarder route” also. I am undecided so I will leave the choice to you.
Ray
Well, I chose the “Coolest Backcountry Campsites on the North Country Trail in Minnesota.” I really wanted to do that presentation as a warm up for a presentation I would be doing at the Midwest Mountaineering
Outdoor Adventure Expo.
5/17/2012
From me to Bruce Johnson, Darrel Rodekuhr, Brian Pavek, Matt Davis and Ray Vlasak
Hi Everyone
This is a confirmation email, confirming that I am going
to be hiking in North Central Minnesota starting Friday,
May 25 or Saturday, May 26.
I just completed last Friday a 75 mile hike of the Superior
Hiking Trail. Plus another 12 miles if you include
all the side trails like the Oberg Mountain Loop, etc.
I plan to start Backpacking from the Woodtick Impoundment
heading west, on Friday evening (5/25) or Saturday Morning (5/26).
I would still like Darrel Rodekuhr to watch over my van
while I am hiking, if possible, as previously arranged.
I plan to hike through the western end of the Chippewa
National Forest, then the Paul Bunyan State Forest and
Itasca State Park. At some point I might stop backpacking
and start Day Hiking using my bike to get back to my van.
On Saturday, June 2, I will be giving a presentation at
the Laurentian Lakes Chapter National Trails Day Dinner.
the presentation is call "The Coolest Backcountry Campsites
on the North Country Trail in Minnesota."
I am currently working on the Power Point Presentation.
But I am wondering what AV equipment I will be needing
to bring. Basically I'm wondering if someone can provide
a projector and screen. I'm planning on bringing my laptop
and an additional thumb drive with the presentation on it.
I do have a projector and a smaller screen that I can bring
if I have to. But I was hoping not to bring them.
That's all for now
regards from me, Todd McMahon aka Tman
I called Ray Vlasak and he told me that someone in the Laurentian Lakes Chapter has a computer projector, so I wouldn’t be needing to bring my projector. I continued to work on the presentation and included a couple more campsites that I checked out when I was hiking the Superior Hiking Trail in early May.
5/18/2012
From Bruce Johnson To me
Hello,
You will enjoy the backcountry campsites along the NCT in Hubbard County. The one at Waboose Lake is worth the five minute walk off the trail. From there it is the longest segment with out a water source (11.2 mi.) with out a water source. Between Spur One Forest Rd. & Steamboat Forest Road you will climb to where the Thorpe Fire Tower was & on the way pass through a stand of mixed white & red pines that are very nice. Soon you will enter a cut over area (nice to be able to see the moraine hills & then into a pine plantation...you will now be near the top of the hill with nice large trees & open area where the tower was. There is access to this spot off of the Thorpe tower Rd. aprox 1 mile south of Steamboat forest Rd.
At Nelson Lake the cost is $12 per night & the best site is #7. there is a scenic overlook bench & room to put up a tent there. The loop trail is nice and the lake is deep & clear (unless we are still in the pine pollen season in which case it will be covered with yellow pollen). From Nelson west it is a walk in the park. Do fill up with water at Crappie Lake (crystal clear) & at the Schoolcraft River. Between Schoolcraft Lake, a couple miles South of where you will cross Ozawindib led the Schoolcraft party to what he named Lake Itasca; that was in 1832.
Have a nice walk.
Thank you Bruce for your thoughts on the hike. It’s always good to have some guidance on a trail that I have never hiked before.
At some point I found out that the Itasca Moraine Chapter was having a Work Day on Friday, May 25 at Lake Waboose. I decided I would drive up a day early and help out on the Work Day. I packed and got my gear ready in my usual ways. Everything was pretty much ready from the Superior Hiking Trail hike that I just completed a few week earlier.
May 24, 2012
Hello to all my Trail Friends
I am unplugging the computer after this and heading north for Minnesota this evening. Tomorrow I will start hiking west from the Woodtick Impoundment near Walker, MN. But first I'm going to stop by Lake Waboose near Akeley where they are completing a loop trail around the lake. I'm not sure what time I'll get over there tomorrow. I'm planning on driving tonight until I feel like stopping, then complete trip tomorrow morning.
At any rate, I'll be hiking through the Chippewa National Forest,
Paul Bunyan State Forest and Itasca State Park. To keep track of
where I'm at, go to my website at
http://sites.google.com/site/isawtman/
I will also be giving a presentation at the Laurentian Lakes
National Trails Day Dinner on June 2 near Itasca State Park
regards from me, Todd
5/24/2012
From Darrell Rodekuhr to me
OK...Todd..the easist way to find us tomorrow. is to get to the boat access point on the WEST side of Lake Waboose. This is easy to find going north from Nevis on State Road 2, then going straight ahead on "Spur One" when highway two does a ninety degree turn to the left. Straight ahead is marked with a non-maintained forest road sign, but it is perfectly ok. About 3or 4 miles ahead, you will see the road sign posted for "Lake Waboose boat access".....our trail is to the left of the parking lot there where there will be our parked cars...OK..see you tomorrow I hope..Darrel..just home from Detroit Lakes, 67 west of Walker, Community Band rehearsal.
I started driving up on Thursday, May 24. I wanted to get passed the Twin Cities so I wouldn’t have to deal with rush hour traffic in the Morning. I stopped at a Perkins on the North Side of St Paul. The restaurant was filled with college students from the Bethel and St Thomas Colleges. The service was slow considering it was past midnight.
12/25/2012 12:23 am
From me to Darrel Rodekuhr at a Perkins near St Paul, MN
Not sure exactly when I will arrive but I would guess around noon
I finished up at Perkins then drove for another half hour and pulled off the interstate a Rogers, MN where I crawled in the back of the van and went to sleep.