Strollers, Low Impact and Handicap

If you are venturing out on trails with children and want to take along a stroller or wagon or just don't want something that's "hard" to walk, like hills and stairs, make sure to read the trail guide from the book or website to see if it describes the type of trail it is or if it's handicap accessible. The ones that are can be the most stroller and wagon friendly. I'll try to make sure I note which trails are best in these situations when I have that information available myself and there's not a companion website for the trail.

Please, if you know of any trails that are handicap, family friendly and great for low impact walking, let me know. There are many people who want to lose weight but cannot take on a trail with a lot of sloping and stairs at first because of how much they currently weight, circulation issues, inactivity disabilities, etc. These trails are VERY important to their baby-steps into weight loss. It's so much easier to go for a walk where it's beautiful than to stay indoors on a treadmill.

To contact me, you can comment to the blog post (if the information is beneficial to all of my readers) or to michiganonfoot@yahoo.com. Remember, I'm also on Facebook and through Networked Blogs (see right hand column to connect). I'll be adding a twitter feed this week.

Bad Weather Benefits

It seems that when we look outside we say "Oh, wow, sun" instead of being surprised it's raining. Although I love a good thunderstorm, this rain is really putting a damper on many outdoor activities, no pun intended.

Unless it's thunderstorming, a walk in the rain isn't bad and for those wanting to walk to burn calories, colder weather does help as your body is trying to heat itself. Many of you that like to kayak or canoe, a lot of Michigan trails are along rivers and do have public boat launching sites and water activities available, including rentals. Do keep in mind many of our rivers right now are under a flood watch or warning and currents are a lot faster than normal, so please take extra safety precautions. Deeper water hides debris and fallen trees. If you're an inexperienced boater, stay on foot until the water levels go down.

Speaking of flooding, word has gotten back to me many of the trails that are in flood plains, even if some are flooding over the trails, are still open and quite the sight to see. The excess water brings some wildlife and fish closer to the trails. Just keep in mind some sections of the trails may be closed where the water crosses the path, currents could be present and unseen. If you see water damage to the trail or trees down, please take the time to notify those that manage the trail. Taking a photo of the damage will help.

So if you're brave enough to walk in the rain, find a trail near water that could be interesting to see "under water". Remember, even when the rains stop, the water can still rise for a day or two before it recedes. Do not ignore signs placed around the grounds by trail managers.

Ride the Keweenaw Weekend

Event details here (Facebook link).

Justice For Lily Champions 4 Children 5k Run/Walk

Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Category: Main category.
Added by: trussell

5K walk run to raise money for the Lapeer Child Advocacy Center and to raise awareness of child abuse.

Location: Rowden Park

Phone Number: 810-614-3012

Sponsor: Jutice for Lily

Wild Lapeer Foot Race

Saturday, May 21, 2011 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Category: Main category.
Added by: trussell

Promote local natural resources/agriculture/Recreation and Education.

Location: Ponds & Prairies, Chatfield School and Rolland Warner Campus.

Cost: FREE

Phone Number: 810-664-5647

Sponsor: Joseph Stock

Michigan Trail Maps Started

View Michigan Trails in a larger map

Beautiful Day

I say that with a sarcastic tone because Michigan is having yet another day of rain.  At least the flooded parks have dried out and the river has receded, for now.  Taking a walk in the flooded park does make for an interesting time, unless most of the path is under water too.

I'm curious, what kind of weather won't you walk in?  Are you a die-hard person who will walk in any kind of weather or temps? Did you know walking during winter burns more calories because you are carrying the extra weight of your clothing and from your body trying to keep warm?  Even just walking around the block is better than the same amount of time on a treadmill.  They say in many homes the air quality is worse than some factories.  Fresh air is free and untaxed ;) - for now, maybe I shouldn't give them ideas, huh?

What places have you been in the winter that makes it worth the trouble (plowed, not plowed, scenic, etc)?  It's my experience most trails are not plowed and few are groomed for skiers.  If they are being groomed, hiking and running is not allowed on the groomed portions of the trail.  You must be wearing skis, even snowshoes are not allowed.  The Hansen trail guide does cover this, but it is good to call ahead to the trail staff to find out.  When possible, I will cover this.

Enough of the snow... my other question is do you go for a motorcycle ride and then go hiking somewhere?  Where are your favorite places to take these rides, where you can safely park your bike to walk and are there any good restaurants and lodging nearby?

Coming up in the next week: cellphone apps, geocaching, Deerfield trail in Mount Pleasant.

Lumberman's Monument

Lumberman's Monument is just to the east of Iargo Springs (posted couple of days ago).  It's part of the Highbanks Trail.  I've been to this historical site several times.  Photos of various trips can be found here.  The site can easliy be found opposite Monument Road off River Road, which follows the AuSable to the south.  This is like Iargo, having many steps to walk down to the water and right back up.  It is handicap accessible in the areas surrounding the parking lot and parts of the trails but to get down to the water, it's not.

Iargo Springs - Iosco County

This is a majestic place hidden amongst the trees along the river's edge.  Water trickles from nearly every nook and cranny in the hillside.  On a hot summer day, the cool water and shade from the trees will provide a beautiful atmosphere.  Though not far from the road, when you are here you will forget about cars and anything modern.  All you will see are trees, water, birds, butterflies and steps... hundreds of steps, close to 300 of them.

This location isn't much of a trail but it sure will give you a workout.  There are many stops along the way to take a break but if you cannot handle a lot of stairs, this isn't the place for you, or at least don't venture all of the way to the bottom.  Year round I recommend taking water, you'll need the refreshment, and remember water works best, no juice or pops (soda).

Iargo Springs is located off M-65 on Iargo/River Road in Iosco County (Oscoda), Michigan.  It is a part of the Au Sable River system and a part of the Highbanks Trail.  Nearby is Lumberman's Monument (an upcoming post), Loud Dam, Cooke Dam, town of Glennie (to the north) and several camping areas.  Approximate GSP location is 44.440919,-83.675416.  Other activities can be found nearby, such as snowmobiling, fishing, boat launches, canoeing and hunting sites.  For lodging, look to Oscoda, Mio, Tawas, West Branch or Glennie.

Iargo Springs in a google search.
Iargo Springs - my photos @Webshots
Au Sable River Country website (recommended)