Today’s goal was an easy one: Hike from M-64 to FR 326. According to my original Western U.P. itinerary, I would have hiked from M-64 east to FR 400 today, after Amy dropped me off and went back home. After that, I’d be hiking westbound solo. But as you may know if you’ve read all of my entries, I totaled my car in the flooding near Canyon Falls and had to return home earlier this week.
Despite my devastation about the car, I’d cleared my calendar for this hike. I also had campsites reserved this weekend in the popular Porcupine Mountains and at Black River Harbor. Due to COVID-19, a lot more people are recreating in the outdoors these days. Campsites are packed. If I didn’t use mine, I might not be able to get back back on the trail until 2021.
So yesterday, I made a last-minute decision to come back up here. I had to hurriedly find some shuttles, which isn’t easy in a place like the U.P., where there are very few people. But I made it work.
A Short Jaunt to FR 326
It takes me about five hours to get to the Porkies, plus I lose an hour going from Centrai Time to Eastern Time. I pulled into the parking spot off M-64 east of the Porkies and did an out-and-back hike to FR 326. It was 3.8 miles (6.1 km) one way.
Being the klutz that I am, I slipped on a downhill slope covered in mud – twice – and not only got muddy, but gave myself a 
huge bruise and two long, red scratches under my arm, where my trekking pole bit into me. Lovely.
Rain, Rain Go Away
Uncharacteristically for the U.P., it’s supposed to be nearly 90 F. (32 C.) tomorrow, and there are chances for thunderstorms the next two nights – both nights I’m camping. I hope the storms stay away,
Despite the weather, I’m looking forward to my foray through the Porkies. They’re supposed to be gorgeous, and there are loads of waterfalls on the western end. I’ve snowshoed here in the winter and loved it, so I’m confident I’ll have a great time.
Snowshoe
MI NCT miles today: 3.8 (6.1 km)
MI NCT miles to date: 337 (542.4 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 1,100.2 (1,770.6 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 3,499.8 (5,632.4 km)
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