If you're looking for a fun summertime backcountry experience, North Manitou Island, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is unparalleled. The island is reachable by a one-hour ferry ride from the mainland (there are one or two ferries per day, depending on the time of year). Once on the island, you're completely on your own--there are a few rangers that live near where the ferry boat lets off, but other than that its complete backcountry--aside from a few (maybe 8?) designated sites by the rangers station, you can camp anywhere you like! Of course, you have to follow the rules (no open fires, no camping within 100 feet of water, the trail, or historical structures), but these are not difficult. You must bring enough food and clothing to last your stay, as well as a water filter for the cold, pure Lake Michigan water. The best part of the island is that for the most part, its like being on your own tropical paradise. Occasionally we bumped into other hikers on the trails, but for the most part it felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. I hope you like the photos--if you ever have the chance, I strongly recommend this park. I hope to be able to go back next year!
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Comments: 4
I did get a break and found some solitude locally here,
affectionately, calming you from my neighborhood