Monday, January 1, 2018

Happy New Year 2018!

Happy New Year!

How did you start 2018?

I began the year by getting up at 5:00AM for a sunrise hike at the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy's Bundy Hill Preserve

I wasn't alone in my determination to see the first sunrise of the new year from the highest oint in Isabella County - nine other nature lovers joined me for this hike.  This has become an annual tradition.  On January 1st 2017, a group of approximately 15 hikers made the same trek to begin the new year.

In 2017 we experienced a great sunrise.  Unfortunately we were not so lucky this year.  An overcast sky prevented us from seeing the sun.  Still it was a great opportunity to start the new year off with a dose of nature.


While most of Isabella County is flat or gently rolling, Bundy Hill is part of a glacial moraine that rises above the rest of the county.  The trail to the summit climbs more than 160 feet from the parking area and can be a bit of challenge when covered with snow.  


It's easy to overheat when climbing hills in the winter.  Remember to take it easy.  You don't want to break a sweat when the temperatures are near zero degrees;  when you stop moving the sweat means that you get cold fast.  It's better to remove layers or open zippers and be a little chilled when beginning a winter hike than to freeze later once your clothes are sweat-soaked.

Starting up the final seep section of the trail.

We arrived at the summit about 10 minutes before official sunrise (8:09AM).  We stood around talking for a few minutes, hoping that the sun would break through the clouds.  When it became evident that we were not going to get our wish we snapped a couple group pictures and headed on down the hill to get an early start to the new year.


While leaving I saw my first wildlife of the year - a pair of White-tailed Deer.


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