8/7/2004 - 8/15/2004 Pictured Rocks, Northern Michigan

After a tough start trying to get people interested in a well planned trip to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the trip went off as a success. With just three people, Mr. Jensen, ASM, Mr. Cormier, ASM and Christopher J., 1st Class Scout, we definitely camped 'Low-Impact'.

What was originally planned as a six night backpacking trip was cut in half to three nights. This shortened trip allowed the three adventurers to cover 25 miles of the eastern half of the park known as the beach side. To add, the weather was perfect with bright sunshine every day and not a drop of rain.

Even more amazing was the fact of being in the Upper Peninsula in the summer and not effected by bugs, especially those notorious black flies. The evening mosquitoes were warned off by evening camp fires in our sites.

Hiking along the Lake Superior Shore and the Twelve Mile Beach was a special treat that even experienced backpackers like Jim and Bill had not previously had the pleasure of enjoying. For Chris it was a special treat as his first multi-night backpacking trip and a wonderful end to a fulfilling year in scouting.

I would like to say even the food was good, there is something about freeze dried chicken teriyaki that you just can't get at home (or was that wouldn't make at home). The last night meal was complete with a three berry cobbler with a chocolate crumb topping and a cup of hot tea.

The last day was the one to remember. A 6:00 AM wake up call to pack up camp and hike out to make it back to the visitor center by around 10:00 AM. Our shuttle showed up about an hour and a half late with a flat tire. We soon found out not much else was working that day along with the mechanic to bring out a spare. We sat by patiently waiting until we convinced the driver to try another option, she responded by saying "I suppose I could call another driver", we all agreed that would be a good thing.