Ryan Dean & Family

South Manitou Island, MI

Aug 22 - 24, 2009

Adventure according to Webster is an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks! Well this particular trip didn't have bears, huge mountain ascents, poisonous snakes, or anything "dangerous/risky". The danger and risk was taking 3 kids (ages 6, 4, and 2) backpacking! Well, we did it and it was amazing! Adventures come in many sizes and sometimes the short and simple ones end up to be the most memorable. This was certainly the case for the Dean family trip to South Manitou. The kids (Emily, Tyler, and Gavin) had all done plenty of hiking and car-camping, just never backpacking. The trip was done with a neighbor and their three kids, all kids rookies as well! The fears of the trip not working were quickly dismissed, the kids did great on the boat ride over and even better on the hike into weather station campground (great spot for families). Even 2 yr old Gavin tried valiantly to carry his little pack only to be carried by mom (Erin) most of the time. Day hikes to the beache, inland lake, and shipwreck highlighted the trip along with great family and friends time around the campsite and fires! The weather for the entire trip was absolutely perfect even the 6 foot plus waves on the ride home! If you haven't been to South Manitou or better yet haven't had an opportunity to backpack, South Manitou is an excellent spot to start out and take the family. Short hikes in with amazing scenery all a short drive away. Can't wait to go back, hopefully next year we'll make it to the perched dunes.