Frozen Waterfalls & Ice Caves

Robert WellerTake A Hike!

What comes to mind when you think of a winter getaway? Probably some place warm right? Maybe a beach somewhere just lying in the sun with a cold drink in your hand. I would have to guess that most people don’t think of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a winter destination. I mean unless you are into snowmobiling or skiing why would anyone want to go where it’s colder, right? Well, what if I told you that there are things to see and do in the U.P. during the winter months that you can’t see or … Read More

Lost! – “It’s a helluva feeling, ain’t it?”

Rebecca MorganTake A Hike!

A few years ago when our current home was our cabin and the property was new and less familiar, I went snowshoeing one blustery winter’s day.  Admittedly, I do not have a great sense of direction.  Add to this that I was focused on making my way through deep snow, having only been snowshoeing a few times in my life, and the result was a few moments of panic.  I realized I might be turned around when things were no longer familiar and I came upon some old abandoned buildings I’d never seen before.  This … Read More

Springtime “Gathering” in the woods is an ancient outdoor pastime as old as humankind

Tom LounsburyFriends of ELO, Youth Hunts

By:  Tom Lounsbury. The outdoor pastime of gathering “wild” edible plants goes back to the very beginning of humankind, in order to survive, and it is an atmosphere which truly goes hand in hand with hunting, trapping and fishing (hence the term “hunter-gatherers”). Mushrooms come to mind right away and when it comes to picking springtime mushrooms (of which there are a wide variety), I stick strictly to morels as they are the only edible fungi I’m truly familiar with and comfortable in eating. The fact is, I absolutely love eating morels which have a … Read More

A Backpack Fishing Adventure

Jim KushnerFriends of ELO, Take A Hike!

By: Jim Kushner. Not long after moving to northern Michigan I found myself quickly becoming friends with Matt,a local guy. Our common interests, hunting & fishing was of course one of the things that ignited what would become one of those rare friendships that lasts a lifetime. Matt became one of those friends who will spend his days off helping you when you really need it, one of those friends who says “whats mine is yours” and means it. Of course it was not always that way. When I first found out about Matt’s interest … Read More

KENYA: A TIMELESS SAFARI

Bruce TerBeekFriends of ELO

By:  Bruce  Ter Beek. Last June my wife Nancy and I had just returned from a four week European trip.  We were both tired and suffering from jet lag.   She said she was all adventured out and just wanted to enjoy our home but commented “You have that funny look on your face.  What are you planning now?” “Africa” I replied.  Thus began the odyssey of a life time. Over the next few weeks we defined the type of trip we wanted to take.  We both wanted to learn about the culture of the people … Read More

The Unconventional Fish Story

Adrian ZarantonelloFriends of ELO

By: Adrian Zarantonello My adventurous wife, Rachel, and I planned a backpacking excursion on the Manistee River Trail this spring. We both agreed to pack our fishing poles in hopes of catching some trout. The weekend arrived and our trek to our camping spot began.  After setting up camp we decided to wet a line. I caught a small brook trout and lost a nice one so I gave my spot up to Rachel and slid downstream so she positioned five feet upstream of me,  right behind a nice slack water eddy. After casting for a while with no action we noticed a big fish splashing around, swimming in … Read More

Do it! Hike it!

Wild Game DynastyTake A Hike!

Spend a day or afternoon on a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in the 500,000 acre Hiawatha National Forest.  The NCT meanders through the Hiawatha “playground” for 82 miles. Pack your daypack, take water, and dress for the weather and season. Stroll along an ancient sand dune ridge.  Wander under whispering red pines.  Rest on the banks of a gurgling brook, or trudge beside the Niagara Escarpment outcrop.  Enjoy the Lake Superior waves lapping the sandy shoreline along the Whitefish National Scenic Byway. Experience the amazing four seasons on the NCT.  … Read More