CHAPTER MEETINGS
    Meetings are at 7:00 PM at the Barry Township Hall on Orchard Street in Delton the second Wednesday of each month, and are open to the public. Next meeting Nov 9.
    At our November 9 meeting, Larry Pio will present a video of his recent backpacking trip in the Beartooth Mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
    Are you interested in becoming a trail adopter? Dave Cornell reports that there is a need for a new adopter in Barry County. Email him at onestep@mei.net

TRAIL WORKDAY in November:
    On November 12, we will be cleaning up downed trees on the Sackett property in the Augusta area. Please join us for breakfast at the Lakeview Inn in Augusta at 8:00 am, and we will head to the trail at 9:00 am.

— Jimmy Carter

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
    Our chapter president, Tom Garnett, has requested that he be allowed to step down as president. Tom has dedicated enormous amounts of time and energy to his position, and has been a dynamic leader and an enthusiastic supporter of our chapter. At this time, he felt it was in the best interest of the chapter to step down. Fortunately for us, Tom will continue to be involved in the chapter.  Thank you, Tom, for staying involved and for all of your hard work.
    Larry Hawkins, another outdoors enthusiast and long-time active member and supporter of our chapter, has consented to take over as president until an election can be held. Larry has always risen to the occasion and has been the first to donate his time and energies to our chapter. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful people to lead, encourage and support the efforts of the Chief Noonday Chapter.   Thank you, Larry, for giving tirelessly to the NCT.
    The Barry County Chamber of Commerce has published a new map. The NCT figures prominently on the map. Thank you, Jerry Pattock, the compiler of this new map!
    Mick Hawkins has agreed to take over the website, according to Larry Hawkins. Mick is "learning the ropes". Thank you, Mick.
    Barb VanDyken reports that the joint hike with the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo was a great success and everyone had a wonderful time.

SAVE THE DATE:
    Remember: The next annual conference is in Clarion, PA on August 10-13, 2006.

PARTICIPATE IN THE 50/50 CHALLENGE with Teddy Keizer
    Teddy Keizer is embarking on a challenge begun by Wilderness legend Bob Marshall in the 1930's. Teddy plans to hike 50 km in 50 states in less than 100 days. Three of his state hikes will be on the North Country Trail! In Michigan, he has elected to hike in the Manistee National Forest, from 9-Mile Bridge to Marilla Trailhead, on October 27. He is committed to walking at an average pace of no more than 3 mph so that other people will feel free to hike with him.
    The Lower Peninsula State Trail Coordinator, Joan Young, announces that the Spirit of the Woods Chapter will organize an event making it easy for people to meet and walk with Teddy. Chapters are invited to bring displays of their projects, etc to be set up at Highbridge Trailhead midday. Free, quality, box lunches will be provided to participants. The Chapter will provide shuttle services. We would like to see someone hiking with Teddy on every one of his Michigan miles!
    An embroidered patch will be given to the first 150 people who hike with Teddy for any portion of his quest on the NCT (whether in Minnesota, Michigan, or Ohio). Contact Joan Young for details. jhy@t-one.net or 231-7572205
    Learn more about the 50/50 challenge at www.northcountrytrail.org/milp/5050challenge.htm

HUNTING SEASON --- USE CAUTION and COURTESY
    As many of you know, we are privileged to have portions of our trail in the Middleville State Game Area. This time of year, we should be wearing orange when hiking in these areas. Small game, bow and arrow, muzzle loading, and our main deer hunting season are all coming. If you see vehicles parked at the trailheads, consider hiking a different section as a courtesy to the hunters using that area.

Thank you to those businesses that support our chapter:

Lee’s Sports & Sportswear
311 W. Kilgore
Kalamazoo
(269) 381-7700

Sandhill Marketing Communications
1715 Glendale Blvd.
Kalamazoo
(269) 382-2561

Mid-Lakes Mini Storage
11235 S. Wall Lake Rd., Delton
269-623-5005
Provide storage for the Chief Noonday Tool Crib.

Yankee Springs Outdoor Center
Long Lake and Chief Noonday Outdoor Centers
269-795-3856
Provide use of lodge for scheduled Chapter winter hikes

Katies & Christy’s. Midlakes Screen-Printing,
Monogramming Active Wear and Tanning Salon
Delton, MI.
Can put NCT Logo on clothing, by special order.

Web sites:
The web site for the North Country Trail Association is:
http://www.northcountrytrail.org/index.htm .
The web site for the Chief Noonday Chapter is:
http://www.northcountrytrail.org/cnd/index.htm

Have you looked at our web site recently??
    Jerry Pattok has contributed a large section on hiking opportunities in Barry County.
    Larry Hawkins has contributed a listing of camping opportunities near the NCT in Barry County.
    Perhaps you can make a contribution as well in an area of your expertise.

Newsletter Editor: Linda Warren  linblessed54@aol.com