Newaygo Man Writes Memoir of a Hiking Life

memoir cover and author (photo of Dale provided by Dale Painter)

written by JHY

Dale Painter shares a life of Standing in the Crossroads... Walking on Spirit-Led Pathways

Dale Painter and wife Kathy have lived most of their lives in the West Michigan area. In this 500-page book, filled with color photos, they share their trail and life adventures in Standing in the Crossroads... Walking on Spirit-Led Pathways.

As a young married couple, they backpacked across Europe, then returned to the U.S., finished school and began their life together as responsible adults, holding down "normal jobs." As their family grew, they chose to take theiir children, Matt and Heather, to the trail, to hike and learn together from being in the outdoors.

Early trips, mostly out west, were geared to be both challenging and satisfying for the children.

Their careers, after a number of traditional years, have been marked by intentional short-term positions involving missions, a summer camp, lighthouse managers, and more.

Eventually, as empty-nesters, Dale and Kathy began hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections.

They always found adventure and food for their souls. Dedicated Christians, the book has many Scripture passages sprinkled throughout the pages.

At some point, Dale discovered the North Country Trail, and has hiked all of its approximately 1200 miles in Michigan.

The book is written mostly in journal style. One might wish for a little more in-depth personal storytelling. For example, I would have liked more details about their feelings surrounding the difficult times. And it should have had one more editing pass (which he states will happen before the second printing). However, it's definitely an enjoyable read, especially for those who are interested in trail life.

Dale has chosen to donate all the proceeds to the North Country Trail Association. To order a copy, email Dale Painter (brickpainter@yahoo.com), and request a book. It will come with a donation envelope enclosed. He suggests a $25 gift to the NCTA.

Dale also gives media presentations about his hikes, which I have seen and enjoyed. See paragraph above for how to contact him.

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Events for the Weekend of Nov 1-2, 2025

a wooded valley (photo provided by Ottawa Parks Foundation)

compiled from various sources

Saturday, Nov 1- Ottawa Sands, 5 miles

Hike the beautiful dunes of the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway from Ottawa Sands all the way to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park! Transportation back to Ottawa Sands will be provided so we can walk the length of the trail segment one-way! Route is approximately 5 miles and includes dirt trails with some steep hills and sandy segments.

Sponsored by Ottawa County Parks and Recreation and Harbor Transit. Saturday, November 1, 1-4:30 PM. NO pets. There is a fee for this hike, and hikers must be 12 years old and up. See more at registration link

Register at The Ottawa County Parks Foundation

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Saturday, Nov 1- North Country Trail, 3 miles or more if desired

The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will be hosting its monthly hike November 1, from the Upper Branch Bridge trailhead on South Branch Road. 43.92831 -86.020085. Parking requires a day use fee or a Federal Pass. Meet at 10 am.

The hike will go south on the NCT to 40th St. and back for a total of about 3 moderate miles. Hikers may choose to continue farther, but there is a half-mile roadwalk before reaching the Bowman Semi-primitive area. The trail in this area follows the Pere Marquette River for a short distance, then traverses woods, crossing a small creek. There is one significant climb.

For more information, contact SPW Chapter

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Saturday, Nov 1- Hike Muskegon regular hike

The Hike Muskegon- West Michigan Parks group hikes every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 am (and occasionally other times). Their destinations are posted only a couple of days ahead of time, so check the Facebook Group to find where the next hike will be.

For more information, see the Hike Muskegon Facebook Group

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To have your quiet outdoor recreational event in West Michigan listed, contact Joan Young. They will be posted the Monday before the event.

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Michigan Invasive Species Funding Reduced

autumm olive in bloom (photo by jhy)

read the full DNR news release at The Michigan DNR

Funding for the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program will be less than anticipated for the current grant cycle. The state’s fiscal year 2026 budget allocates $2.4 million for the program, down $1.2 million from the $3.6 million provided in previous years.

Deadlines and program goals and priorities outlined in the MISGP handbook, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Sept. 2, 2025, remain unchanged. Full project proposals are due Nov. 1. The grant awards announcement is anticipated in March 2026.

“The timing of the grant cycle makes it necessary to announce the funding opportunity in September so funding can be awarded in March,” said Joanne Foreman, DNR communications specialist for the Michigan Invasive Species Program. “Since the announcement generally comes before the state budget is complete, we are careful to note that funds are anticipated, not guaranteed.”

Grant administrators are committed to maintaining the network of 22 cooperative invasive species management areas, or CISMAs, that serve citizens in all 83 Michigan counties. Eligible CISMA requests for up to $70,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities will be granted.

Remaining funds will be available for priority projects and CISMA survey and treatment projects on a competitive basis. Important program dates and information

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan.

Grant requests for general projects can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000. CISMAs can request up to $70,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities and up to $40,000 for specific outreach and/or survey and treatment projects.

There are no match requirements for the program, and match documentation will not be accepted as part of the application.

See Autummn Olive- Beautiful and Terrible

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Onekama Trail Project

from various sources

The village and township of Onekama, Michigan have joined forces to build a 3-mile multi-use trail that will extend from 8-Mile Road (County 598) westward to the outskirts of the village. Roger Burger, Onekama village president, says, “Year-round recreational opportunities are important to the village, along with the other aspects of our community.”

Initially proposed in 2024, the project is moving forward and this week announced that Fleis & Vandenbrink have been selected to begin the engineering and design phase.

The team will begin developing concepts to share with the community before moving into the next phase. Construction could begin in 2026.


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