Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

Whether climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes, visiting a museum, or looking forward to the perfect rocks Laurel, Elisabeth, and Henry had fun with Auntie Kristen. It is always a special time when she joins us. This time found me working in Texas so I missed out. But everyone else had a great time.

With our own coffee maker in our cabin (the shed roof cabin) and some carefully stored breakfast materials we enjoyed many mornings on the beach before everyone else woke up in the morning. Playing on the beach with the toys and draft wood with the kids and a good cup of coffee (thank you Higher Grounds) was one of my most enjoyable moments. By the time the folks were getting up it was usually about time for Henry to take his morning nap. Here the big windows on the cabin proved detrimental as Henry could stand up and keep an eye on the activity in the area (and not sleep). So judiciously placed cardboard solved that and although he usually didn't like it he did get some sleep.

Collecting rock, whether on the shores of Lake Michigan or Superior was a constant activity for Elisabeth. We finally had to limit the number of rocks that came home. I think that we set the limit at 5 and let her pick. I believe that the rest stayed in Grandma and Grandpa's cottage for another time.

Riding with Grandma , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . RIding in the rear compartment of Grandma's kayak was a highlight for Elisabeth. We enjoyed some calm days that made launching the kayak fairly easy and the lake less frightening. I don't think Elisabeth ever did to much swimming though - to cold.

DSC_0285 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Returning from the island you couldn't leave Copper Harbor without a stop for some ice cream. I like mine with local wildberry topping usually bilberry or thimbleberry. The ice cream enabled us all to smile for a family picture - those don't happen very often so we take any chance we can get, even if it is on a playground next to an ice cream shop.

Returning Home , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Coming back from the island was another smooth journey and it was nice to see our family their waiting for us.

Dad and Andy , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Hiking on Isle Royale was amazing in that we saw so few people and the trails were very narrow. It really felt remote despite the hundred or so people that came over with us on the boat. Away from the lodge area it was rare to see anyone on the trails. We saw one moose (swimming), plenty of loons (also swimming), and Andy saw a wolf (on land). Many, many mosquitos had a piece of me on the island - they are relentless.