Michael Nowak 8/9/21 Michael Nowak 8/9/21

June-July 2021 Hikes

Summer has arrived in the desert southwest. I escaped to the Great Lakes for a couple of weeks. Enjoy the hike and paddles from July!

Paddle 18 - McFarland Lake - Minnesota

It’s about 1 mile to the dock for the cabin
The water was a little wavy
The air was thick, and hot
I followed along with the pontoon, filled with my friends
The kayak back to the landing was smoky from Canadian fires
Overall, the hottest weekend I’ve ever spent at the cabin

Paddle 19 - Grand Lake - Presque Isle, MI

Around Crescent Island, Round Island, and shorelines
My brother and nephew were fishing, so my sister in law and I did a kayak
We meandered around and around
It was the first day it wasn’t raining

Paddle 20 - Grand Lake - Presque Isle, MI

Out to Tanglewood Island and around Crescent Island
Morning paddle, very introspective
Great morning to be out on the lake - wish this was life all the time
This was a solo paddle

Paddle 21 - Grand Lake - Presque Isle, MI

My nephew and I went out around Crescent Island on a sunny, warm afternoon
It was a nice paddle and he is pretty quick for a kid

Hike 22 - Camp of the Tall Pines - New Mexico

Spent the weekend at a cabin and hiked along the disc golf course as friends played
It was up and down, through the hills and forests
Rain hit at the end, and we were soaked by the time we got to the cabin
Overall, a great little course and hike

Michael Nowak 6/8/21 Michael Nowak 6/8/21

May 2021 Hikes

I’m back again with some late spring hikes to share! Good times with good people, all around. Enjoy the photos and tidbits, and thank you for following along. Technically Hike 17 was in June, but I’m including it here. Do you want to come along on an adventure? Contact me!

Hike 12 - Chiricahua National Monument

Met up with friends in Eastern Arizona to spend time here
Hiked the Massai Nature Trail to get the good views
Planned a follow-up visit to hike a more thorough route
There are expansive views of the beauty that is Arizona
The hoodoos reminded me of Utah, only less red
Huge pines line the trails here, including the one between the campsite and the visitor center we walked in the evening

Hike 13 - Fort Bowie National Historic Site

I hiked from the Apache Pass road to the ruins, worth it
Plenty of cacti, and some surprising shady spots
The ruins were interesting - the fort was much larger than I anticipated
Bring plenty of water and a hat
There are opportunities for longer hikes than just to the ruins

Hike 14 - Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail (Olympic National Park)

This was a group effort w/ my BFFs
I wanted to show them one of my favorite spots, and I think it went over well
Lush greenery, sun streaming through the trees/moss/ferns
Fresh air, cool but warm enough
Excellent little hike with a neat old homestead also
Highly recommend all year for all skills (it’s pretty flat)

Hike 15 - Lincoln National Forest (Wofford Lookout Trail)

This was a nice stroll through the woods at the end of nice dirt forest road
The trees were tall, the sun was lovely streaming through
Wofford Lookout Tower is closed, there is a gate, and it is fenced off
Look for a Rocky Mountain Maple tree along the trail - tiny maple leaves (so cute)
Gradual uphill, nothing too major
Trees were hugged, but no harmed (haha)

Hike 16 - Lincoln National Forest (Benson Canyon Trail)

This hike was all downhill, then uphill return nearly killed me
I found this to be very peaceful, as it was WAY down a long road that you have to take slowly if you don’t have off-road tires
There was no one but cows and a few people on ATVs
The canyon was shady, green, and full of life
I didn’t go too far, but this hike was more about the whole experience than distance

Hike 17 - Lincoln National Forest (Fir Trail)

Okay, this was barely a hike, but it was a mile so it counts
It was for the dogs - they romped around and had an enjoyable time
We walked down the hill and then hoofed it back up through the woods to the campground

Michael Nowak 5/11/21 Michael Nowak 5/11/21

March-April 2021 Hikes

Here’s a glimpse of my hikes through May 1, 2021. Thanks for following along. I’m sharing brief, less wordy summaries and more photos. To me, it’s all about the experience and the photos capture it better than my words can in this format. Happy hiking!

Hike 6 - Lincoln National Forest (no specific location)

Found a small canyon on the side of the road
Explored about a mile in the canyon, walking through a dry creek bed
Discovered plenty of desert plants and fun rocks
Enjoyed a break from the extreme wind in the area (thanks canyon)

Hike 7 - Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Hiked through McKittrick Canyon to Pratt Cabin
The trail is well marked and visible; it’s mostly gravel
Pratt Cabin has shady pines and good views
Take plenty of water and wear a hat!
There are many trail options, but this particular hike is perfect for someone looking for a pretty, quick, and easy day hike

Hike 8 - Oliver Lee State Park

This was less of a formal hike and more of a little romp with the dogs along the creek
The park has a big trial that goes much higher, we just weren’t quite feeling it
Camping and hiking with great views of vastness in New Mexico

Hike 9 - Lincoln National Forest (Zinker Canyon)

This canyon is a sunny, tree-lined path up in elevation (it’s gradual)
I went in the evening, and the golden sun just made it feel like magic
So many big trees along the way
Definitely elk territory; we ran up on some and turned back
Multi-use trails - so be courteous to one another
Dog friendly and kind of secluded, hardly anyone out in that area

Hike 10 - Lincoln National Forest (Osha Trail)

Easy to get to, just west of Cloudcroft, NM
The trail is rocky, but not too bad and good for dogs
There is shade and some open spots with great views of White Sands
A great day hike if you’re headed to Cloudcroft and want to get a little exercise

Hike 11 - Lincoln National Forest (Upper Karr Canyon)

This hike was more of a stroll through a snowy forest than following a trail
We had a few inches of fresh snow, blue skies, and sunshine
The trees were tall and plentiful, as were the moments of enjoyment
There may have been a trail, but I’m not sure, and don’t care (I know there are marked trails in the area)
Can’t beat a cool, crisp day in the forest
This would be a great place to escape the desert heat below in the summer time and is dog friendly

Michael Nowak 3/8/21 Michael Nowak 3/8/21

Jan-Feb 2021 Hikes

Here’s a brief write-up of the hikes I’ve taken through February of this year.
Thanks for following along.

Hike 1 - Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

Hiked 3.15 miles with my Eric, Brian, and Jen
West Mountain Trail, Mountain Top
It was rainy, gray, and cool and we brought the dogs
This was my first visit to Hot Springs
0 lbs of trash recovered (very clean)

Hike 2 - Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

Hike 5.25 miles with my Brian
Sunset Trail - it was gray and cool and it snowed
We took the the big dogs with us
0 lbs of trash recovered (very clean)

Hike 3 - White Sands National Park (New Mexico)

Hiked 3.25 miles with Mike and Cora (and their doggo)
It was bright and sunny, but not hot
The sand dunes were cool and the illusion of being lost is real
Take plenty of water!
0 lbs of trash recovered (very clean)

Hike 4 - Huntsville State Park (Texas)

Hiked 7.13 miles on the Chinquapin Trail (solo, no dog)
It was sunny and warm with a good amount of people
The wind through the pines was magical and made me feel truly escaped
0.5 lbs of trash recovered (not a whole lot, mostly wrappers/toilet paper)

Hike 5 - Lake Mineral Wells State Park (Texas)

Hiked 5.24 miles with my aunt on the state trailway system towards Mineral Wells, TX
There was so much trash, I couldnt’ even get it all. This path follows the highway and it’s just not great.
Very noisy and it was borderline rainy
0.5 lbs of trash recovered (so much more, would require more bags and parking closer)

Michael Nowak 1/11/21 Michael Nowak 1/11/21

52 Hike Challenge 2020 Recap

2020 was a year that sparks a variety of emotions for many. I had a decent year, despite a pandemic and economic downturn. My need to be outside increased as my work grew more stressful, so I actually completed the 52 Hike Challenge for 2020.

I was bad about documenting all of the hikes, but I did try to do a grouped update more sporadically. I’m still finishing the last half of 2020, but my goal for 2021 is to update on a monthly basis. Look for monthly updates at the end of each month!

2020 In Review

Total Miles Hiked: 191.26

It wasn’t about the miles, this year
The average hike was between 3-4 miles
My longest hike was 12 miles at Fort Richardson State Park (TX)
The shortest hike was 1.59 miles at Big Thicket National Preserve (TX)
I did many big weekends of hiking many state parks and areas in a cluster to make up for lost time, bad weather, etc.

Favorite Hike: Skyline Trail at Mt. Rainier

This hike was one I have wanted to do for years, and regret not doing in 2018 when I was there
I hiked it with one of my besties, and we truly had a lovely time and took breaks
The weather was mild, sunny, and perfection with views for days
It was a busy, even during a pandemic, but we still felt safe
Skyline was just standout trail in what was one of my favorite trips to date

Least Favorite Hike: Lake Arrowhead State Park

Like many state parks in Texas, they’re not rich in trail uniqueness
This state park is centered around a lake for lake access, so the trail was a mowed field
It was fine, if you wanted to walk around while camping, but nothing of interest at all

Looking Ahead - 2021

I’m doing things a little differently this year. I’m taking the base of the “52 Hike Challenge” and making it more “52 Hikes With Mike” style. I’ve always been pretty strict in terms of the “rules” set by the original challenge, and many will carry over, but I needed to add some options.

What’s the Deal?

Hikes, trail runs, paddles, mountain bike rides on trails, snowshoe adventures, and cross-country skiing adventures all count as a “hike” for 2021. I counted one paddle in 2020 as a hike, but it did include some beach walking and boardwalk excursions.
I’m a Groundskeeper this year! I’ve always picked up trash, but this year I’m going to publicize it a little more so look for that and if you feel inclined, share my social posts to spread awareness.
I’m still aiming for unique trails/paths/whatever each time. I managed 52 unique trails for 2020, so that will not change. If I go to Big Bend and do two BIG hikes in the same trip, they may be counted as individual hikes. It truly varies, because at many state parks the trails are short and so I’d count the whole day at the park as one. It’s totally subjective, and I will do what feels right.
I’m relocating so my state park quest is transferring to New Mexico - it was my main motivator in 2020 to get out and hike. There are many state parks in Texas I still want to see, so it will be on the back burner when it comes to planning
If you want to safely hike, paddle, or adventure just send me a note or a text! I’d love to explore new places with you!

I am thankful if you’ve read through all of that and follow my adventures. I create content to remember the stuff I do, and to share it with the world. I’m good if two people read it or no people read it… enjoy at your own pace. Cheers to 2021 - the year of great changes for me personally and professionally.