In 1992, a group of NCTH members (specifically Shirley LaBonte, Jan Lindstrom Wester, and Del Parshall) decided to hike the North Country National Scenic Trail across the whole UP, from east to west, in short, easy stretches - but without sleeping in tents, eating freeze-dried food, or carrying big packs! They looked for air-conditioned motels with pools and hot tubs and restaurants with great food and spirits. And, of course, they didn't find those ideal spots right next to the NCT, but with a bit of car shuffling, they came pretty close to their ideals. Thus, the hike became known as "The Softies".
Over the years the following NCTH members and friends have participated in one or more of the hikes: Shirley LaBonte, Jan Lindstrom Wester, Del Parshall, Bev Laughna, Bettie Daly, Sally Brebner, Pavie Rasmussen-Donnelley, Ayleen and John VanBeynen, Gene and Jean Elzinga, Marti Leppanen, Bea Anderson, Russ Fure, Jim and Norma Matteson, Carol McNaulty and Richard Posey, Don Elzinga, Polly Darby, Lew and Kathy Peters, Kathy and Bill Davis, Denise Herron, Hugh and Jan Davison, Bruce Schwenke, Pat May, Mary Beals, John and Marge Forslin, Usula Stock and her 3 boys, Natalie Maki, Nancy Goodreau, Cliff Stammer, Lorana Jinkerson, Wayne Dunifon and Kristen Olsen, Bob and Sue Holtzmann, Don Miller, Carole Bard, Rod Bathke, Chris Tews and Gale Jamson.
The adventure began in 1992 in St. Ignace.
In May 2006 the final leg of the trek was completed on the west end at the NCT trailhead on Copper Peak Road near Bessemer. Two of the original 3 hikers, Jan Lindstrom Wester and Shirley LaBonte, finished and concluded with a ceremony for Del Parshall. As Jan noted, "Yes, the passing years and those rugged western hills slowed us down some, but we made it!" Their advice to those of us who wish to follow in their footsteps is "Hike it from west to east." and "Go easy on yourselves". After all, "that's the Softies way!"
Chronicles of the the more recent hikes follow.
