About us
Welcome to Explore the Coast - Southwest Michigan Sports, Outdoors, & Social Group. The purpose of this group is to give individuals/couples the opportunity to meet and connect with others with the same interests. Most events will be in Berrien and Van Buren Counties. We will be focusing on 3 areas: Sports will include: 1) Volleyball 2) Road Races: 5K, etc 3) Golf Outings 4) Watching Football 5) Etc. Outdoors will include: 1) Hiking 2) Camping 3) Canoeing 4) Cycling 5) Etc. Socials will include: 1) Dining 2) Festivals 3) Picnics 4) Comedy Clubs 5) Concerts 6) Game Nights 7) Wine Tastings 8) Etc. We have no membership dues. So why not join us and see what the SW Michigan have to offer. If you have an idea for an event, please email us. Tell a Friend!
Upcoming events
20
Winter Adventure Weekend - Pokagon State Park (Indoor Group Camp)
Pokagon State Park, 450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN, USWinter Adventure Weekend - Pokagon State Park (Indoor Group Camp)
This is cross posted in other groups: https://www.meetup.com/chicagocampers/events/313066870/
https://www.meetup.com/chicagohos/events/313496643/Pokagon is Indiana State Parks’ winter wonderland, with cross-country ski rental; sledding, ice fishing, and hiking.
Pokagon State Park is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.
Angola is on Eastern Standard Time.We will once again be staying in the indoor group camp on Lake James. It has 2 bunk houses (North and South), Counselor's Cabin, a kitchen and dining room with a fireplace, a shower building, and a craft room. The cost will be $100 for 2 nights lodging. All of the buildings are heated.
Photos of previous trip:
https://www.meetup.com/chicagohos/photos/25935495/
Payment: I can accept PAYPAL, VENMO, and also ZELLE.PAYPAL: Enter my email if using PAYPAL. My email is robmize@comcast.net
Also pick the option of sending it to a friend or family member; that way you wont get charged a fee.
VENMO: My VENMO address is @Robert-Mize-36
ZELLE: My ZELLE number is 708-254-2429.**The deadline for full payment is March 3.** After that date if you haven't fully paid I will move you to 'Not Going'; I will move you back to attending when I get your payment.
The South Bunk house will be designated as a "Women Only" bunk house. It is the one closest to the shower building and the parking lot.
Campus Map:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/pokagon_group_camp.pdfMEALS:
You may carry in your own food. The lodge nearby is open for breakfast and lunch.
We can have a potluck on Saturday night if anyone else wants to contribute to the dinner. You can indicate what you are bringing in the comments section.
I will bring snack food and pop. There are utensils and drinking glasses at the site.All other beverages are BYOB. Please bring a cooler for your drinks.
You will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag, etc).REFUND POLICY: **No refunds unless the trip is canceled.**
Park entrance fees $7.00 in-state vehicles, $15.00 out-of-state vehicles.
In your RSVP please include if you need a ride or you can offer a ride.Tentative Schedule (You are free to join in on the activities or not.):
Friday: Arrive at Camp - Meet, Greet, and Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Saturday Morning: Breakfast - Hike
Saturday Afternoon: Cross Country Skiing, hiking.
Saturday Evening: Dinner/Potluck - Games (Board Games/Cards/Euchre)
Sunday Morning: Breakfast - Free Time
Sunday Afternoon: Pack and head for home.Pokagon State Park
Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2973.htm
Park Map: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/pokagon_trail.pdf
450 Lane 100 Lake James
Angola, IN 46703
Toboggan Run: WE WILL NOT BE TOBOGGANING THIS YEAR, AS THE TOBOGGAN RUN IS ONLY OPEN UNTIL MARCH 1.
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/4699.htmCross-Country Skiing:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Pokagon_CCSkiMap.pdfCross Country ski trails at Pokagon are designed to provide a variety in lengths & skill levels. Despite your stature or level of physical fitness, Cross Country Skiing is a great activity for an individual, friends or family.
Description of Trails
Beginner/Novice Trail: This trail is approximately 1 mile in length, with gradual slopes and curves for the beginner. This easy to moderate trail offers a variety of terrain.
Intermediate/Advanced Trail: With an approximate 4-mile length, this advanced trail is for the experienced skier. Steep hills and sharp curves are prevalent terrain on this advanced path.
-Ski cost is $8.00 per set per hour (includes skis, boot, & poles) for adults. For groups of 8 or more, all ski sets are $5.00/hour per person, for any age.
-A driver’s license is required as a deposit.
-There must be a 6” snow base on the trails for the rental to be open.
-The ski rental will stop renting equipment at 4:15 p.m. All skiers must be off trail ½ hour before sunset. Rental skis must be returned by 4:45 p.m.Any questions ask in the comments or message me. We did this the last 2 winters and it was a lot of fun.
This is a great trip. We hope you can make it.
Rob and Denise
1 attendee
Rib Night at Schu's Grill and Bar
Schu's Grill & Bar, 501 Pleasant St, St Joseph, MI, USLet's meet at Schu's for a bite and/or a drink. It is Rib Night at Schu's, $13 Ribs, Fries and Coleslaw. This will be a great way to introduce yourself to the group and have some laughs. If you don't like ribs, no worries. Some people won't be buying ribs.
Address: 501 Pleasant St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Website: http://www.schus.com
Menu: http://www.schus.com/wp-content/themes/schus/uploads/SchusMenu.pdf
I hope you can make it.
Kevin
6 attendees
Let's Take a Hike: Love's Creek Nature Center - 4 Miles
Love Creek Nature Center, 9292 Huckleberry Rd #9736, Berrien Center, MI, USLet's Take a Hike: Love's Creek Nature Center
We will do a 4+ miles hike at Love's Creek. The trails are easy. Love Creek winds its way through this rolling 200-acre natural area outside of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Six miles of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including a mature Beech-Maple forest with spectacular spring wildflowers.
The daily entry fee is $3.00 per vehicle for Berrien County residents. $5.00 per vehicle or non-residents. You may also opt for the $35 annual pass (regardless of residency). The annual pass is good at Love Creek Park, Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Madeline Bertrand County Park.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dog waste must be packed out.
http://www.berriencounty.org/1299/Love-Creek-County-ParkPlease print off a trail map before you come. http://www.berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/11853/2019-LC_HikingTrail-Guide-Summer-SM
We will meet in the parking lot by the sidewalk going into the Nature Center.
Afterwards, we will head to Town Hall Pizza for a drink or a bite.
https://www.townhallpizza.com/I hope you can make it.
Kevin
10 attendees
Let's take a Hike - Black River Preserve - 4 Miles
Black River Preserve, 69401-69499 8th Ave, South Haven, MI, USLet's hike the Black River Preserve in South Haven. We'll meet at the parking lot on 8th Ave (half mile west of 68th) at 10:30. Generally, an easy hike with only a couple of small hills. Trail is non-paved so please wear proper foot gear. We will hike about 4 miles.
https://swmlc.org/project/black-river-preserve/
Lunch/Drink after the hike (optional) - Three Blondes Brewing.
https://www.threeblondesbrewing.com/I hope you can make it.
Kevin
6 attendees
Past events
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