Day 188: Those Blue and White Blazes

As spring lingers on the tip of our nose, I can’t help but think of taking a hike. And not just a day hike. I want to be outdoors for at least a week. Perhaps the urge is more prominent because we have been quarantined in our homes for the past month. Has it been a month? The days blur together. But the call of the wild is strong and the weather is getting warmer.

It is still one of my life goals to finish the Appalachian Trail. I will continue it eventually by section hiking the rest of it. It may take me a few years, but I will finish it. In the meantime, there are plenty of trails around Michigan that need some foot traffic. One, in particular, is the Midland to Mackinaw Trail that stretches across 210 miles of Michigan wilderness.

The trail was used by Native Americans and was restored in 2001 by the Boy Scouts of America and some other volunteers (Up North Trails). Luckily, the trail runs right behind our family cabin in St. Helen, MI. I was able to walk a small section of it this afternoon.

There is not a lot of information about the trail. It is not a high traffic trail like the Appalachian or Pacifica Crest Trail. I imagine the MTM is mostly used for day hikes. It does not travel through any communities along the way except Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. But by that time, one would need a lot more supplies along the way. There is one guide that was written in 2018 that I plan on buying. Like now. It was only $5 and any help will be well worth it.

Once this pandemic and the school year are over, I think I will be hiking it. That will give me plenty of time to read the guide and plan out my journey. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I think it is doable in two weeks or so. Plus, at the end, I will be able to visit my favorite place on Earth: Mackinac Island.

There is something about being alone out in the middle of the woods that puts everything in perspective. It’s calming. It exposes the soul in a way that nothing else will. It helps the heart appreciate everything that has been gifted to us in this life. So, I shall walk.

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Author’s Note #1: To clarify the title for non-hikers, the blue and white blazes are the painted strips on trees, rocks, or whatever that mark the path of the trail. The main section of the Appalachian Trail is marked with white blazes and the Midland to Mackinaw is marked with blue blazes.

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Image by silviarita from Pixabay