Journal Entry [5.11.2010]

I could hardly sleep, anticipating my journey North. I tend to hesitate claiming to be a true 'Michigander', having hardly explored my own state. Traverse City was always a city that sounded appealing. The thoughts raced through my mind as I searched for sleep. A 30min snooze wasn't enough to make up for my lost sleep, but when I couldn't find my wallet I felt as though it was all a dream. After my expired debit card failed at the ATM, I was lucky to remember the archaic form of money, checks, were stored in my study desk. Tip Saved!

I spent the morning driving North where spring has yet to take full effect. The forests thickened as I navigated to Traverse City. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Morgan Truelove in a small window before he embarked on his own journey westward (Colorado river guiding). We played disc golf, gathered supplies for his trip, chicken potpies with his parents, and set the slackline on the beach of Lake Michigan on the Leelanau peninsula.

I awoke to Morgan tapping on my van windows, a blank map in my mind. While Morgan packed his final necessities I searched the map deciding my direction. The predicted rain posed no threats or limitations in my mind. Saying farewell to Traverse City, I headed North on the 'stickered' famous M-22. Leelanau State Park was my destination. When I arrived I contemplated paying the entrance fee at the self-service welcome center. Once the park employee arrived I knew I had no choice, it wouldn't fit my budget. I decided the drive was good enough; on to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Heading South I anxiously awaited the first signs indicating my arrival, but they seemed misplaced, there was no park infrastructure so I continued to drive. As I weaved along the fresh water coast a side road caught my attention. I was looking for a nice lunch spot and came upon the Lane Rd. dead end, landed the Concord (van) and surveyed the scene. The dead end sat on the top of a forested dune, the beach below. I grabbed my Crazy Creek chair and my Subway and headed to the beach for lunch. Once I arrived at the water edge I forced myself to eat, hardly able to sit still, with motherly words running through my head, "You have to finish your lunch so you will have the energy to play." While swallowing my final bite I packed my gear and stowed it on the beach; time to explore!

The rain drops lightly misted the rocks awash, exposing my first petoskey stones. My eyes were glued to the beach searching for exciting rocks. I managed to pause and look around coincidentally spotting a Cairn. I placed a black stone on top to signify my presence and symbolically removing all negative energy. A trail appeared just beyond the Cairn, I followed the path randomly choosing this fork and that. I stopped for a breath, to take in the surroundings, I spotted a cemetery. I approached with the excitement of a 13year old on his first date, unsure what to expect. A moment of silence then I entered examining the headstones that dated back to the late 1800's, the Ericssons laid peacefully below the sandy soils and a mighty canopy.

The trail continued on, opening to a huge grass pasture, an old crop field I presume. An old, but well built barn lay on its edge. I managed to squeeze inside, reminiscent of my adolescent years climbing the rafters in our old Victorian barn on E Dr S. I didn't stay long, more beach to explore.

I found my way to the top of a dune, a lonely bench sat for passerby's to soak in the panoramic landscape. When I reached the beach once more I was sure to keep my eyes on alert, fully present. My senses keen, I spotted an old green ranger cabin. Sliding a rock to the side, I let myself in. It was filled with crayon drawn images from 2000 and 2004. Old candles also lined the inside, some advertised "Anti-Jinxing Candle". I didn't stay long, with a feeling I didn't belong, snapped a photo and left.

Once I returned to the Concord (van) I scouted a nice hammock location on the side of the dune, the waves impacting the sand a hundred feet below. The aqua blue water disappeared into the horizon, meeting the deep blue sky, disguising the transition. A long read on Ed Viesturs 'No Shortcuts to the Top' allowed my body to rest. Only half of the beach had been explored by my footsteps, the other half awaiting my quick sneakers. The cool day didn't hold back my sweat as I ran towards the North point, and the clear cool water didn't hold back my smelly energized body. I ran across the beach into the blue with nothing on but water! Clean from head to toe, flesh to soul, it was time to feed my hunger. Wild Rice with a hint of Lake Michigan's finest sediment, sand. It was satisfying tasteful and warm. My hammock cradled me tightly as I enjoyed a beer for desert, watching the clouds absorbs what would have been the sunset. I sit in Grandpa's van 'the Concord', bed is made, zipper pulled tight. A night next to the Lake, excited for what awaits.

photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2392945&id=22411288&l=3c11632f5d

SPRING BREAK!

This past week I took a journey to Mount Pleasant, MI, for my week of spring break. It was an eventful week. I was able to get my Wilderness First Responder certification and I also got a Job!

All About Visiting Earth (AAVE) gave me the good news, employing me for the summer 2010. I will be leading highschool adventure trips throughout the western US for the summer.

The possibilities are beyond exciting with graduation on the horizon. More adventure synopsis's to come....

Onwards from AKQA on Vimeo.

October 21- 25 happened to be the peak of the Fall Colors in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Chris, twelve friends, and I were lucky enough to absorb the experiecne below the canopy as we set out on a 3 night 4 day 21 miles backpacking trip.

We all raced from class to Battle Creek, MI where we rendezvoused at my home. We hit the road with excitement and energy, Great Smoky Mountain National Park or bust. 14 deep, we drove through the night. 7 people per van allowed little time for sleep. As we approached Pigeon Forge, TN the horizon began to illuminate. By the time we were climbing the twisted Smoky Mountain roads, the sun was peaking her face over the Appalachian Forest horizon. With a reclaimed energy we convinced ourselves to start our 4 mile day upon arrival. We trekked up, up, and continued to climb elevation, not until our food deprivation matched our sleep deprivationdid we arrive at camp; exhausted.

We woke to an Autumn rain that was pleasing to to the ear, and our feet soaked up the weather. It rained throughout the day but we battled the elements. Without a complaint we did everything in the rain; hiked, cooked, set up tents, ate lunch, dinner, went to bed.

The third day provided a great mix of terrain that led us into a stand of old growth forest. Trees towered above us, some as much as 10ft diameter. We arrived at camp, a small group occupied the designated site, so we cross a stream onto the stream bank and found just enough room to construct our tent city. Once we were established, we realized that the site was closed due to bear activity. However, the sign looked faded, and we would make sure to take ALL necessary precautions.


Day four, we climbed again, this time to victory; to the concord (van). For some it was their first trip, the most miles ever hiked in one day or in one outing, others enjoyed the company and new friendships, others reconnected, but we all enjoyed the simplicity of our party of 14, living in the backcountry.

Fall Colors Tour 2009!

This past weekend, some friends and I were lucky to be part of the 2nd Pine River Extravaganza. Tanner, Carsten, Chris, Trent, Matt and I made the trip into the Huron-Manistee National Forest to a hunting cabin secured by Tanner. We all opted to sleep under the stars instead of using the security of the trailer.

I was happy to be able to sleep in my hammock and took full advantage of the area and found two trees that would suffice. However when I was awaken, fear running thorough my blood, by the yelling of some Michigan wildlife I was wishing I had someone near to confirm the bloody kurdaling scream coming from 20ft. At first my panic placed me in Colorado, with campers sleeping all around me, once I realized that I was in Michigan and there is nothing to worry about, I was able to fall asleep. The next morning we concluded it must have been a rabbit being slowly killed or making love, yelling like a school child or Nevadan prostitute. (one or the other)

The Pine river is the fastest running river in Michigan, and it gave us a wild ride. The river meanders seemingly unaltered by human activities which provided some technical terrain for us to navigate. We all made the complete trip on water without a single canoe tipping over. Big improvement from last year. This trip was wonderful and we really lucked out with the weather, blue bird skies throughout the weekend. It was a great end to summer. Yesterday being the autumnal equinox, it's time to welcome the cooler nights, foggy mornings, changing leaves, and apple cider.

All moved in, Grand Rapids, MI. Year five of college has begun at Grand Valley State University. One more year until I hold the bachelor in hand. Classes have begun and the great Michigan fall is near.

My latest adventure was for a college credit. Large boat sailing, in fact. The most fun credit I have taken at Grand Valley State University by far. 8 students met on a sail boat in Great Lakes marina, located on Muskegon Lake. The first evening we took the boat out and learned the skill by doing the task, Myudic (the name of the boat). We had light winds but nothing extreme. That night Capt. Rick took us to a funky pizza place, but had delicious beer and pizza.

Day two we were able to go out on the Big Lake, Lake Michigan. I was amped to take the boat out and sail in some great wind. Unfortunately there was no wind forecasted, and indeed none came. However we made the most of our adventure to the depths of Lake Michigan, and jumped off the boat (pic above). The water was clearer than imaginable. I was able to see the sail boats keel underwater from 20ft away. I took the opportunity to try to swim as deep as I could, and was surprised when Capt. told me he could see me the whole way.



Marina, include your email in a comment, so I can contact you!!

Today is the final day of my work agreement with Camp Chief Ouray. Yesterday the final group of campers went home to get ready to start school, and today we cleaned.

This past week was spent in camp, having our group of international campers get involved within camp to help them develop better leadership skills. I was thoroughly impressed with the group, as they rose to every occasion, always exploding my expectations. On Monday night, we were lying on the ground in a circle looking at the beautiful night sky. I repeatedly tried to get the campers attention so that I could show them the milky way, which looks like a large cloud stretching across the sky. Just as they all finally were paying attention and looking towards the horizon, I said "Now if you look up right there you will see..." the rest of the sentence was going to be, ... a cloudy area which is the milky way. But instead, as I finished saying "...you will see...", a HUGE meteor (big enough that I could see a dark circle with fire coming off behind it with a bright orange trail following behind, painting the sky) darted across the sky, exactly where I was drawing their attention. The campers freaked out and were very impressed, but I assured them that "I just know these kinds of things". It was possibly the best counselor moment I have ever had.

It was a fun week, but the summer is now over. All of my gear, along with Chris' fills my mom's Camry, waiting to return to Michigan. I am excited to return to finish my final year of school, and move into my new place. It has been a wonderful summer, one that I always had in my sights, but it surpassed all of my expectations.