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Barbara and Christopher Cook: NCNST Long Distance Hikers

Barbara and Christopher Cook

Central patch + Michigan, Mackinac Bridge, and 1000 miles

In January of 2018, I mentioned to my son. Chris, that I would like to go to Isle Royale and asked if he would like to join me. “Sure,” he said. I then threw out the zinger. I’d like to backpack. 

Neither of us had ever done this before. With the enthusiasm that I love about him. He again said, “sure.” I was 58. He was 32. We spent the next four months researching and purchasing gear, watching videos on backpacking, and researching Isle Royale. We booked our trip for the first part of June. Then we decided to add some hiking in Pictured Rocks before going to the island.

After we returned from our trip I was missing the trail. None of my close friends were interested in what I did. So, I joined a Facebook group for women interested in hiking. After stalking the page for several months, a woman from the Lansing area posted day hikes she would be doing and asked others to join. 

In April 2019, with the urging of my son Chris, I joined my first hike, met two amazing women and was completely hooked. Being outdoors and physically active and finding camaraderie was everything I was looking for and needed as a former high school athlete. After my second group hike it was clear. My son showed an interest and needed to join me. One of the ladies agreed to let him hike with us. Which turned into her husband joining and the four of us started hiking on our days off from work. May 4th, 2019 our trek north started. 

We met at the MI/OH state line, scheduling ten-day hiking trips and long weekends. Because now it was clear. Our goal was to hike all of lower Michigan on the NCT by the end of the year. After our hiking friends moved out of state, we found Trail Angels to help us continue hiking, and the Trail Community Facebook page introduced us to other hikers to share the trail with. 

We did the bridge walk Labor Day 2019 and became Double Crossers. Sadly, we did not finish lower Michigan and moved that goal to 2020. Three days before our scheduled push in July to finish lower Michigan, I fell in our backyard and sustained a serious lower right leg injury thus ending all of our goals for the year. And, potentially ending my hiking days. 

Luckily with a great doctor, lots of PT and my caregiver, son Chris, resuming our goal became a reality, and on April 27, 2021 we reached the Mackinac Bridge. The last few miles were full of tears and reflection on the previous two years. Ending with our routine Good Job, fist bump and a hug. 

Our next goal was conquering the UP. Every weekend off and vacation was dedicated to hiking, despite the distances and limited time off. We finally completed the UP on August 22, 2025 when we took our last few steps from Michigan into Wisconsin. It was a six-year journey of which four years were dedicated to hiking. After our Good Job, fist bumps, and hug, we spent the weekend celebrating with Susan, a fellow hiker and new friend, at the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival. This journey across Michigan has been special for so many reasons. We met so many wonderful and amazing people, visited small towns we had never heard of and probably wouldn’t have visited without the NCT, found beautiful waterfalls, hiked thru historical buildings, saw views on the trail that only a few will see. We watched black bear cubs and a bobcat cross our trail. We heard the bugle of an elk, found numerous different animal tracks and the amazing smells the trail gives you. Not to mention the gorgeous views. 

We tested our drive, physical and mental ability, planning and problem-solving skills. The priceless memories we have made we’ll cherish forever. My son Chris and I feel so lucky we could do this adventure….one step at a time. 

Together We’d like to thank all of our fellow hikers, Trail Angels, the nice lady at Burger King in Kalkaska who helped us when our car wouldn’t start, trail maintenance teams and the showers after a long, hot day on the trail. We made our goal because of you. Our next journey starts in 2026 at the OH/PA line. 

Learn more about long distance hiker recognition at explorenct.info/NoCoLo/index.htm.