Backpacking: Nordhouse Dunes - Ludington, MI - Sept. 21-23, 2012
Explore dunes that date back between 3,500 and 4,000 years; stand tall on the dunes and look out over Lake Michigan! Join Outdoor Adventures on our trip to Nordhouse Dunes! We'll enjoy the waves of sand and waves of water that beautiful Lake Michigan has to offer. On our hike you will find woody patches of juniper, stunted jack pine, some small stands of northern hardwoods, and dune marshes with wetland species such as hemlock and larch. Keep an eye out for the many species of waterfowl and songbirds that have been identified here, as well as white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, porcupines, skunks, and squirrels. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, with its extensive shore dunes system, is the perfect place to get away from the chaos of everyday life. While small - the area is just 3,450 acres - it boasts an impressive title: it is the only congressionally designated wilderness area located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
- Lodging: Frontcountry Backcountry Tents
- Transportation: Vans
- Leaders: TBA
- Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
- Group Equipment: Stoves, Fuel, Kitchen Equipment
The Trip Does Not Include:
- (Note: Other costs may arise for which the participant will be solely responsible).
- Travel to/from start location of trip (OA Rental Center)
- Personal rental items during the program (photos, videos, backpacks, climbing gear, mountain bike, wet suits, etc).
- Meals outside those specified in "What's Included" section
Trip Information
- Trip Start Time & Location: 5pm September 21st at OAC
- Trip End Time & Location: 5pm September 23st at OAC
- Trip Duration (days): 3
- Minimum/Maximum Participants: Minimum 8, Maximum 10
- Pre Trip Meetings: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 7:30 pm at OA rental center
- Early Price & Deadline: $175 Sept. 7
- Regular Price & Deadline: $185 Sept. 18
Goals:
Introduction to backcountry camping equipment and organization to participants. Introduce hiking techniques. Develop respect and appreciation for the beauty of the area. Provide a positive group experience for participants that requires trust and communication. Have fun!
Activity Difficulty Assessment:
No need to have had prior experience. Necessary skills will be taught before and during the trip. Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a fondness of nature are all you need! More experienced outdoorspeople are also welcome to freshen up on skills or just hang out with people with similar interests. Must be in good physical condition.
Environmental Hazards:
Risks include, but are not limited to: thermoregulatory risks, including hypothermia; injuries related to hiking and backcountry camping including soft-tissue injuries, dislocated joints, strains, sprains, fractures, concussions, burns, cuts, and potentially death. With proper preparation and following of guidelines, however, most of these risks can be minimized. Clothing and outerwear must be adequate and will be subject to inspection.
Participant Screening:
Participants are responsible for knowing their personal fitness levels and should determine their ability to participate on this program with their physician. Any concerns regarding your fitness level and general health should be addressed with your physician.
Expectations of Participants:
- All participants MUST attend the pre-trip meeting. The date, time and location of this meeting varies from trip to trip, and can be found at the OAC website.
- All participants MUST complete the OA medical information, trip waiver, and trip release forms.
- Participants are expected to provide, at their own cost, all personal gear, including but not limited to: sleeping bags, backpacks, eating utensils, shoes, boots, and clothing suggested at the pre-trip meeting (waterproof layers, etc).
- All participants must adhere to Outdoor Adventures policies and procedures.
Itinerary:
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First Day: Meet at the Outdoor Adventures Center in the afternoon and hit the road. Our trip takes us across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The car ride to Ludington is roughly 4 hours, but we will stop along the way and also grab some dinner. Upon arriving at the site, we’ll set up camp and most likely have a campfire complete with s’mores. We’ll be at a primitive campsite on Friday night.
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Second Day: After getting up and making breakfast, we’ll pick up permits for our vehicles and drive out towards the Wilderness Area. Leaving our vehicles at the trailhead, we’ll start our hike in the area. Because this is a wilderness area, there are no designated campsites. We’ll travel until we find a spot that suits the group well. We’ll set up camp and enjoy the solitude and beauty of Lake Michigan. We will hike to Nordhouse Lake to eat lunch, then continue to the lakeshore to relax and find a campsite.
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Third Day: After eating breakfast and breaking down camp, we will have some time to explore the rest of the park or take a quick day hike along the cliffs. We’ll aim to head out mid morning for the return drive to Ann Arbor. Upon the return to the Rental Center, we’ll unload the gear and clean up what messes we made. After that we’ll send you on your way!
