Camping (Part Two)

Two weeks after our first camping trip, we packed up the tent, sleeping bags, and s'mores ingredients and were on the road again. This time, we drove to Silver Lake, Michigan to enjoy the sand dunes. Camping is always interesting with a group of nineteen, with kids ranging in age from six months to seventeen. We usually feel pretty sorry for the people that are unlucky enough to get a campsite near ours.

Friday night was the usual set up, dinner, s'mores, and enjoying the campfire. Saturday morning we put on our swimming suits and went to Silver Lake. The lake itself was quite pretty, but what was really spectacular were the dunes on the other side.

 We stayed at the beach for a bit, and then rented a pontoon boat to cross the lake.

 

On the other side, we climbed up a sand dune that was practically a wall. It was quite a struggle to make it! But once we did, it was soooo worth it!

Joel and the other kids had a blast burying each other, rolling down the dunes, and dumping sand on heads (that was mainly Joel).

Later that evening we took a tour of the sand dunes on a dune cruiser.

The vehicle went through the dunes, up and down like a roller coaster, and stopped periodically to explain history or give facts about the area. It was really interesting.

The best part was stopping at a remote beach on Lake Michigan. The water was calm, the beach beautiful, and the sun was just coming out from behind the clouds. It was breathtaking.

The next day we packed everything up and drove to Little Sable Point Lighthouse before we left.

We climbed to the top--100 spiraled steps--and looked out at the beauty of Michigan. It was a little hard to appreciate the beauty while having a death grip on Joel's hand and butterflies in my stomach, but I managed. :)

We had such an amazing time at the Michigan Dunes. It was great to get away and experience something new with our friends and family.