South Manitou Day 3

Packed up camp after breakfast (pancakes & eggs) and headed to the ferry. We had to be there at 11:00, but boat didn't leave until 4:00 so we had lots of time to kill. Around 3:15 we finally got our turn for a lighthouse tour (very cool) and then we had to high tail it to the dock to make the ferry. Another long ferry ride back to Leland (1 1/12 hours), then headed back home for comfy beds and showers!

South Manitou Day 2

Had a good breakfast of scrambled eggs then took off on a hike. The dads carried backpacks so the kids didn't have to carry anything. We hiked to the village, toward Weather Station Campground, then to the dunes. Gorgeous wildflowers growing on the dunes. Finally made it to Lake Michigan. Had lunch on top of the dune, then kids and dads ran down. All the kids except B "became one with the dune." Water was very cold at the bottom. Climbed back up, then continued. Saw cedars (not that impressive) and shipwreck (very impressive) where M, J & B waded in their undies.

Hiked back to camp via Schoolhouse. Figured we went around 10 miles. Had early supper of hamburgers (thanks to my bro) and hot dogs. We were all very hungry! Went to bay to wade - all the kids and my brother dunked themselves under.

Went back to camp and had lots of treats - hot chocolate, jiffy pop and smores.

South Manitou Island Day 1

Did this trip with my brother and his two boys, ages 11 and 9.

Met at our house at 5:30 am and drove up to Leland, MI to board the ferry to South Manitou Island. Ferry ride was long because we stopped at North Manitou first. Whole trip took around 2.5 hours.

Arrived on island and backpacked approx. 1/2 mile to campsite (G2) in Bay Campground. We were proud that we got everything in one trip. There was a water spigot about 1/2 way between village and campground and an outhouse a few campsites away. Nice large site designed to hold several tents, plus we had our own large fire ring and nice benches.

Ate a quick lunch and spent the afternoon setting up camp. Had hot dogs for supper and campfire snacks/smores. Kids turned in early and adults enjoyed the campfire. Rained hard in the middle of the night, but we all stayed dry.