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February 22, 2004Sleeping Bear on Bear Claws Record-Eagle/John L. Russell Snowshoe hike at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore with ranger Barb Kippen, who shows visitors types of snowshoes then gather at the Windy Woraine to hike a half-mile through the woods. Snowshoers revel in the snowy silenceByRecord-Eagle staff writer EMPIRE - Not many places are as peaceful as a snow-covered trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And for Elizabeth Tyson, one of the best ways to enjoy it is on a pair of snowshoes. "I like just being out here," Tyson said Saturday as she held out her hands and surveyed the powdery scene. "It's the quietness." The Manistee woman joined about 40 other people to conquer waist-deep snow on a tool that dates back more than 2,000 years. National Park Service ranger Barb Kippen led a group that included seasoned users and some first-timers who trekked their own path near the Windy Moraine trail overlooking Glen Lake. "Don't be embarrassed if you fall down," Kippen said before setting out. "It's part of the fun." Many beginners quickly learned how easy it is to tumble over while strapped into the large wood frames criss-crossed with leather bands the park provided. The style of shoe is commonly called the Bear Claw or the Michigan. Others didn't find that out until they made their way down a steep slope studded with young trees. Those who managed to stay upright, like Susan Wilson, did so with the help of many pliable, skeletal branches. "I'd rather go down than up," the regular snow-hiker from Empire said when she reached the bottom. "But if I had to go up, I'd be sad." From there, the group made its way to a clearing where the discussion quickly turned to what types of animals live in the park. Many wondered if they would see a cougar, like park volunteer Eleanor Comings did last fall. "They generally stay to the south end of the park," Kippen said. "But if you want to see a cougar, just come and find Eleanor." The group traversed an open meadow where they joined up with the Windy Moraine. Laurel Goebel of Novi came out with her 9-year-old son Todd, who didn't really enjoy all the hard work. "It's tiring," he said. "But the hill was fun." The pair are in town to visit her parents, who live on Glen Lake. Goebel said it had been 15 or 20 years since she last wore a pair of snowshoes. "I love it," she said. "You get to come out to different parts of the woods than you normally do in the winter and it's a lot easier than people think." Howard Veneklasen from Holland, Mich., enjoyed the hike with friends who have a place at The Homestead. It was his first time in a pair of snowshoes, which showed when he pitched backward and fell over at the end of the trail. "I think it's fun," Veneklasen said after he picked himself up and regained his balance. "We tried this this morning without snowshoes and the snow was up to our waists," he said. "We learned real quick, snowshoes are the way to go." The hikes will be offered at 1 p.m. today, as well as Saturday and next Sunday. Snowshoes are provided free of charge, but the park entrance fee is required. For more information, call (231) 326-5134.
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