Local Hikers Meet The Challenge

The first annual Sally Forth finishers

Publisher Note: I had the privilege recently of attending a post hike gathering at the scenic area that provides the idyllic setting for the home of Iris & Ernie Mazurkiewicz. My favorite hiker and Lifetime Spousal Companion Lil had asked if I would be willing to drop her off at a site where she would meet up with others to embark on one of the 4 legs of the trek then pick her up at hikes end. When I arrived the celebration was in full swing. 
And I was impressed.
Impressed by the smiles I saw on the faces of the participants. These were women who had taken part in an event that showcased their efforts to promote personal health, camaraderie, willfulness, and a desire to engage with the outdoor wonders our community is blessed with.
Here, in their words,  is their story and we thank them for  their willingness to tell it.

On May 5th, a group of 34 enthusiastic active women participated in a challenge to hike 6, 9, 16, or 22 miles on the local North Country Trail.  The finish line was met with a Cinco de Mayo celebration,  complete with food, drink, music, and a chance to put their feet up. Many of their beloved spouses worked to support the event.

The supportive spouses

The hikers were brought together by Mary Papes and Peggy Mercer after witnessing many groups in Arizona coming together for hiking, biking, table tennis, photography, etc. Over coffee in April of 2016, the two women said, “Why can’t we have that here?”  With a handful of close female friends, the hikes began.  As women invited friends who invited friends, the group grew. It became normal to have a new person show up who knows no one as all women are welcome. What began primarily as retired women, now has a broad range of ages from 30-80.

The women meet to hike twice a month at a designated place and time, sometimes switching to biking or kayaking, and in the winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

​Friday’s event, dubbed Sally Forth 2023 Hike Challenge, was based on The Crucible - Michigan’s largest organized endurance hike - in Pinckney, Mich. The group decided to create their own endurance hike in Newaygo County. This year’s 22 mile portion started at the 40th Street NCT Trailhead and ended west of Loda Lake, picking up the 16-milers, 9-milers and 6-milers along the route. Plans are for this to be an annual event.

Sally Forth is a term used since the 16th century by troops, meaning a sudden springing forth, especially something expected to be difficult. Sally Forth became a favorite phrase of four of the women while backpacking.

​Backpacking is one of several subgroups that evolved. As women discovered common interests, other groups have spun off, including power hikers (bigger miles at a fast speed), paddle boarders, swimmers, weavers, quilters, writers, yoga retreats, and probably others yet to be envisioned.

What have been the personal benefits of this group?  According to Mercer, “Some of my deepest friendships are women I never knew before these hikes.” We have heard many women say, “I’d like to be more active, but I don’t know where to go or with whom.” This gives them both. The connections have been invaluable, creating new and long-term friendships. One of the husbands (a retired doctor) states often, “The health benefits are incredible and they are to be commended for their effort.”
The women are inspired to stay active as long as their bodies allow. 

“The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot”- Werner Herzog