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Au Sable River Foot Trail
After a trip to REI this week, I tested out some new gear and some new setups for my day trekking. With a few rough weeks on microspikes, I tested Yaktrax on the slowly thawing trails. Not as sure on my feet but definitely better than destroying my microspikes. I also took a new approach to carrying gear, which is going to take getting used to, but definitely worked better. After a gear suggestion, I actually used both trekking poles, and understand why they are suggested to be used as a pair. This was allowed due to a 5L waist pack, which is great for carrying my camera (which I used to keep lashed to my arm) and for easy access to snacks and water.
With 4 miles on the Au Sable River Foot Trail, I was surprised by the extremely well marked trail and came across my first true trail obstruction this year. While it was a large tree down, it didn’t make it impossible to pass and I didn’t even have to leave the trail, thankfully. The trail was extremely flat and pretty level, with only one steep incline, which, if I had been going the “right way” I would have even had a heads up on.
Wakeley Lake
Then, I was off to another 4 miles on Wakeley Lake. This was the first national park I hiked in. I had some issues buying a day pass, but once I got my phone to connect it was great.
I will likely return to do the full 9 miles at some point and take advantage of the camping facilities available there.
The trail was marked as semiprimitive, but it was well marked throughout the majority of the trail (there were a few markers that needed refreshing). It was a little more challenging than Au Sable River, but still relatively easy and led to a brisk approach.
Raven K 