To us the plan was brilliant!! The guys were going to do what they loved to do best, and we girls would be doing something we had always wanted to do!! So the guys began researching, gathering information and planning with others in their scout troop for the trip. While Sheri did an internet search and found some possible lake houses for us.
As the time drew nearer plans became finalized. Sheri and I rented a lake house in South Haven, Michigan that fit our needs to a tee! The Andy, Brendan and Colin were chosen along with four others from their troop for the trip to New Mexico!!!
Then came the next phase ... getting prepared! The guys needed to purchase serious hiking and camping equipment ... I'm not talking about the casual sleeping bags and stuff one needs for camping on the usual Boy Scout weekend outings they had been on for the past 3 - 4 years. This was serious rugged hiking and camping that they would be doing!! They needed the right boots, sleeping bags, back packs, etc.
We began preparing for our "adventure". I bought some beach books, SPF 50 sun screen, and started stocking up on wine. Sheri and I made a few lists about meals to fix, food to take .... and then decided to just "play it by ear" when we got there .... there was bound to be a grocery store around and there would always be restaurants ... Oh yes! We bought new beach chairs! Some SERIOUS BEACH CHAIRS!!!For several months the guys worked on getting in shape and trained by hiking 5 to 15 miles or more with 35 pounds on their backs most every weekend ... in all kinds of weather conditions. They needed to be in condition for the grueling demands that they would be facing in New Mexico.
I think that was about the same time that Sheri, the girls and I got manicures and pedicures... with flowers on our big toes :-) and .... I bought another beach book and another bottle of wine. Getting in condition for the demands we would be facing ..... can't be too prepared!!!FINALLY the day arrived!!! We are all leaving on our trips! The guys (with all their gear) boarded an Amtrak train to Cimarron, New Mexico .. where they would arrive 18 hours later to begin a very rugged hiking and camping adventure for the next 10 days.
We girls drove for a couple of hours to the lake house on the shores of Lake Michigan where we would enjoy the sun, swimming, sandy beaches, shopping and sunsets over the lake!!! We had wonderful fun going to the beach .... eating out .... achieving our goal of eating ice cream every day .... staying up late and sleeping-in the next morning .... playing "Fish", "Pick Up Sticks" and "Jacks", reading and for me knitting! Did I mention shopping???? Our biggest adventure was fending off mosquitoes!!! Everyone is home now sharing stories, memories and pictures .... and we all agree that we each had a great time!!!! The boys had some life changing experiences that they will never forget!! All of us have wonderful memories!!
Maybe, next year we'll take our vacation all together ....... hmmmm ..... wonder if we will go on a rugged hiking adventure in New Mexico .... or lie on a sunny sandy beach in Michigan and take pictures of amazing sunsets??
Can you guess where I'll be???
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| South Beach Lighthouse South Haven, Michigan |
2 comments:
Hi Joan,
Loved your vacation blog. We rented a cottage on Lake Michigan near Holland, MI for two years when the kids were little. We loved our time spent there. We used to spend all day on the beach. I remember gorgeous sunsets!
Oh how wonderful... now my vacation wheels are turning for next year.
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