The chance of enjoying a gorgeous autumnal vision and sipping french press coffee on a cliff overlooking foggy winding river and colorful trees seemed irresistible. We gave in to the urge to return to this hilly, curvy, and scenic trail and hike in the midst of falling leaves. It was early fall in Michigan after all, a beautiful time of the year to go for a hike.
I came to a realization during the trip. The desire to experience nature’s hidden beauties up close demanded the willingness to do some work. For this one, it required a 23-mile hike with a backpack in a forest and sleeping in a tent in torrential rain and thundering sky, that shook the ground beneath the sleeping bag and pad, for two nights. It also asked for the determination to keep going despite the rain and a sunny attitude even when the feet and shoulders started to throb. Still, efforts did pay off.
Photos properties of The Traveling Chili Pepper
Location: Michigan Manistee River Trail
Some of the backpacks: Deuter and Osprey
Some of the sleeping bags: Lafuma and Sierra Design
Sleeping pads pump by Camp-Tek
Shoes (waterproof, trail/hiking): Columbia and Merrell
Check out REI for more cool backpacking/hiking gears
Some rain gears: Campmor, Marmot, Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardware, Integral Designs
A Story Book for Tori 
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Beautiful thanks for taking me on the hiking tour.