Here are details for those interested in participating in the 2019 People of The Heart Water Walk along Lake Superior Saturday through Monday, Oct. 19-21.
Route information
This is a general route with anticipated stopping points; weather and other factors may influence where the walk begins and ends each day. Also note, a support shuttle will accompany Walkers. You can hop in at any time and shuttle any baggage you may have with you.
Saturday, Oct. 19: Copper Harbor to Mohawk along Highway 26, taking the second cut off to US 41; alternative route -- first cut-off to 41 in case of weather or traffic.
Sunday, Oct. 20: Mohawk to Houghton via US 41. Take first right under Portage Bridge and follow Shelden Avenue to Good Shepherd Church.
Monday, Oct. 21: Good Shepherd Church, Houghton, to Sandpoint Lighthouse, Keweenaw Bay.
Schedule:
Friday, Oct. 18:
• Lodging available at Fanny Hooe Resort in Copper Harbor for 10 people (double occupancy), with Copper Harbor Walkers, and in Houghton/Hancock at Cynthia Drake's, Anne Newcombe's or Charli Mills' homes.
• Lodgers who plan to stay the night at Lake Fannie Hooe Resort need to check-in at 5 p.m. to get room, linens, and instructions on how to clean room in the morning (room is free in exchange for cleaning it before departure).
• A pre-walk gathering and feast is planned early evening in Copper Harbor (please message organizers on the Facebook page for directions).
Saturday, Oct. 19
• Begin at 6 a.m. from Astor Shipwreck Park (Copper Harbor Lighthouse Overlook)
• Walk along the Lake as much as possible (safety and weather dependent)
• End walk at 5 p.m.
• Feast at Bethany Lutheran Church in Mohawk
• Lodging at church (bring your own sleeping bags), at Farm Block (6 beds, plus camping spots), and at Cynthia Drake's, Anne Newcombe's or Charli Mills'.
Sunday, Oct. 20
• Begin where the previous walk left off at 6 a.m.
• Walk to Houghton (cross bridge by 5 p.m.)
• Feast at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 6 p.m.
• Lodging at church (bring your own sleeping bags), at Cynthia Drake's, Anne Newcombe's or Charli Mills'.
Note: If anyone certified to drive a Michigan Tech van would like to support Walkers on this day your help would be greatly appreciated!
Monday, Oct. 21
• Begin 6 a.m. from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
• Walk to Sandpoint Lighthouse in Keweenaw Bay
• Feast at Senior Center in Baraga
Things to consider bringing:
Women are kindly asked to wear long skirts during this ceremonial Walk (if you do not have one others are bringing extras along)
Wear layers
Hooded parka or hoodie
Raincoat
Waterproof footwear/comfortable walking shoes
Extra socks
Bandages, ibuprofen, neosporin
Bright colored clothing - think safety
Good gloves with grips
Camel backs/water bottles (please avoid non reusable plastics)
Toiletries and prepped disposal bag
Sunblock/wind protection
Headlamps for early morning Walkers
UPDATE: This walk is Anishinaabe-led, and they have protocols based on their traditional teachings. Please consult the list HERE to be sure you are respectful of these if you wish to join the Water Walk. or request a copy from Charli Mills at wordsforpeople@gmail.com.
All are welcome to participate in any part of this journey!
Miigwech!
