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.

Chesapeake Bay Day 8

Got up and had breakfast at hotel. Packed up. Jordan said good-bye to ponies on the hotel property (hotel gave us horse treats at check-in that she's been feeding them). Drove north.

Drove to Philadelphia, PA. Saw outside of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Heavy traffic leaving Philly. Stopped at McD's for lunch around 3:45 (kids hungry!).

Went to Hershey's Chocolate World (Hershey, PA) and took Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour. Pretty good for a freebie. Got a free sample of Reese's Clusters. Yum. Last scheduled stop. Heading home. ETA: 3:36 am.

Chesapeake Bay Day 7

Kids and M swam in lazy river one last time.Saw an aircraft carrier in the ocean from our porch. Drove north - took Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel.

Drove to Chincoteague. Hiked Woodland Trail on Assateague Island. Saw three horses very close and others further away. Drove to shores and relaxed on beach. Saw more ponies on the way out. Went back to hotel (Refuge Inn) and checked in. Went swimming. Ate supper at Don's Seafood Restaurant and kids (especially J) discovered that they like fried shrimp. (I shared.) Walked to "Misty" statue. Went back to hotel for more swimming and bedtime.

Chesapeake Bay Day 6

Kids swam in lazy river, then we drove to Norfolk, VA to tour the Naval Base. Guided bus tour - very interesting. Saw many ships, helicopters, planes. Saw historic state homes from 1907 World's Fair. Got a feel for what life on a base would be like. Drove to the USS Wisconsin for self-guided tour. Spoke to a vet that served on the ship in the early 1950's, and another that served on aircraft carriers.

Came back to hotel and walked on boardwalk down to Neptune sculpture and did some souvenir shopping. Kids had their first saltwater taffy. Ate supper in our room (pizza) after kids went swimming.

Chesapeake Bay Day 5

Drove Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

Stopped at Monticello - didn't have time to wait for tour.

Drove to Virginia Beach - Holiday Inn Sunspree. Kids jumped in lazy river. Drove around looking for a place for supper and ended up at Applebee's. Came back to our nice big room (king bed and pull-out couch/ocean view) for pillow fight and bed time.