Indiana Whiteblazers - New Years Day hike?

[bigmac_in]

January 1, 2009 I met Chenango and Gorp-Gobbler out at the Sycamore Ridge Trail in Deam Wilderness. It was a great day and I decided to start every year with a hike from now on.

So - on January 1, 2010 I will once again be in Deam Wilderness to start my year. Anyone want to tag along? Not sure which trail I'll be taking yet, but will figure that out over the next few weeks.

Respond here, or PM me, if you're interested.

[bigmac_in]

Sheesh, I ain't feelin' the love . . . .

[Lugnut]

Maybe you weren't a good hiking partner?

[bigmac_in]

Well, I did lose a plastic spoon down a ice covered hill once. And refused to retrieve it.

[Chenango]

Maybe you weren't a good hiking partner?

Someone needs to help this guy out!! I am not driving out from NY this year, BigMac.

That was good hike last year!!

[elmotoots]

How many miles, what time do you start.

Talking to the wife I would like to get her to go, she wants to know if it is (a hike it as fast as you can hike ) or take your time and enjoy the sights hike?

elmo

[bigmac_in]

How many miles, what time do you start.

Talking to the wife I would like to get her to go, she wants to know if it is (a hike it as fast as you can hike ) or take your time and enjoy the sights hike?

elmo

I am NOT a hike as fast as you can hiker, I find that pointless. But everyone can hike at their own pace. Right now I'm thinking 7 or 8 miles, start around noon (might have a headache). If that is too far, or too short, you can keep going, or turn back.

Hope you can make it.

Big Mac

[jorhawle]

I could be up for this. Starting the new year with a hike doesn't sound too bad. I live in Nashville, not too far from those woods.

[swirlman]

Was planning a January hike in IN anyway. This just might work out. Live up Muncie way. Will check with son-in-law to see if he's interested also and get back with you.

[downes911]

Also might be up for this new tradition. Depends on family commitments!! Keep details coming

[bigmac_in]

Great - it looks like I might have some takers. I'll try to iron out more details this week or next. But I will definitely be out there, so make this hike your plans for the new year.

[dradius]

I am almost 100% that I'll be there. I will also be camping at least one night, if anybody is interested in that. And this time let's try to keep the spoons in the packs until we get to camp please.

[bigmac_in]

I'll definitely be out there, but probably not until 12 or 1. Have some company coming in rather unexpectedly for NYE.

Dradius - what night are you going to camp? Any preferences on which trail to take?

[dradius]

I would (will?) camp Friday night (New Years Day) and head out Saturday. Believe it or not I've never hiked the Sycamore trail, so if solo that is what I will do. But I'm completely fine with the Peninsula trail or whatever everyone wants to do if others are involved.

Things are a bit hectic with a new job and the holidays, but I will confirm 100% either late this week or the very beginning of next week.

[bigmac_in]

There's a great campsite about halfway on the Sycamore Ridge Trail. Has a big fire pit and a rustic bench someone put together. If I was camping, that's where I would camp. I would gladly do that trail again, although I've done it several times.

Ah hell, let's just count on doing that one. You could throw your stuff down and we could build a fire there before going on.

[bigmac_in]

I'm going to make it 1:00, just to be safe. Meet in the parking lot at the Hickory Ridge fire tower. We'll head out on the Sycamore Ridge Trail from there.

For those of you that aren't familiar with the area, here is a good link.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/recr...wilderness.pdf

If you need directions, or any further info, just PM me.

Big Mac

[bigmac_in]

WELL, who's coming?????

[swirlman]

I'll be there if I can find the fire tower lot. Never been in that area. What would be the best way to get there comming from Indy, either comimg down 69 or 37? 69 would be better for me since I would be comming from Muncie.

[ChinMusic]

I'll be there if I can find the fire tower lot.

It's a bit over 6 miles on Tower Ridge Road. It's on the left and fairly easy to pass. It is about 2 miles passed the Grubb trailhead.

The GPS waypoint for the firetower is: N39.03485 W86.32117

Take your time on the winding gravel road. A bud of mine wrapped his car around one of those trees.

[rambunny]

This is the 1st moment i've missed Ind. since moving to Atkins Va. and opening the hostel! Deam is a wonderful place-one of my fav's. Have a great time!