[OUTING-ANNOUNCE] Pictured Rocks National Shoreline Backpacking

[C. Krco]

Short backpacking trip May 20 - 23.  I will be leading a longer trip at the
end of summer, so here's a chance to see what it's like.

The Pictured Rocks National Shoreline is known for sandstone cliffs,
beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, lakes, and a shoreline that's supposed to
be amazing.  The sights should be spectacular--this is, after all, a
National Park.  The cliffs should be beautiful and, if we come across a four
story tall sand dune, well, let me just say that I am prepared to defend my
barrel rolling champion title.  We'll be on the North Country Trail, which
follows the Lake Superior shoreline.

We'll leave as early as possible on May 20th (Sunday)--as soon as everyone
can leave, we'll head out--to find a campsite in the UP Sunday night, get on
the trails Monday morning, and hike until Wednesday evening.  If everyone
can leave on Sunday, we'll get some hiking in then.  We'll return Wednesday
night (the 23rd).

Estimated cost is $65, but we'll collect $80 to cover anything unforseen.
Anything we don't spend you get back (and if we use your car, you don't pay
for gas).

Sign up is by email, but only a $50 deposit will guarantee you're going.
I'll collect the rest when there's a better idea of how much the trip will
cost.  Any questions, email me or find me at the meeting next week.  Limit
is 9 people--several said they were interested at the meeting last night,
this should be a fun trip.

If you're new to this, Hoofers has everything you need except for boots and
a sleeping bag (and clothes, a fork and knife, other obvious stuff).  The
money you give to me, the fearless leader, buys food and gas.  Whatever food
is leftover is divided up among everyone, whatever money is unspent you get
back.  If we drive in your car, you do not pay for gas.  I will send out a
list of everything you need.

How I estimated the cost:  $20 per person for food, $4 per person per day
hiking permit, $3 registration fee per person, $30 per person for gas sums
to $65.  Estimates for food and gas prices are probably high since we paid
$30 for food for a week-long trip and $50 for gas to drive to Arkansas.

Time to check another national park off your list!