Two Weeks in a Hammock

Get outdoors and change your perspective

Trees, Trails, Water, & Sand

Who We Are and What We Do

Two Weeks in a Hammock is an education and outreach initiative to inspire regular folks to get out into nature. As two middle-aged people with average fitness levels and more time than money, we model an active lifestyle of adventure.

Why? Our vision is to bring more people into natural settings, for physical and spiritual renewal and refreshment away from crowds, technology, and built environments. It's about getting into the grace of the wild spaces, to equip people with the general knowledge they need and the inspiration to know that they can do it.

It's not about what camping gear to take. It's about how to enter into the sacred spaces of natural beauty.

Meet Vince and Stacie. Vince is a long-time backcountry adventurer, with over 20 years of experience. Stacie is a writer and studier of nature, with a lifelong love of the outdoors. Having met on a volunteer project in the wilderness of a National Park, and married in 2016, we have combined our experience and interests, and have embarked on our greatest adventures yet!

Trees Hammock and Tent Camping

Get comfy in a hammock! Learn about food planning, shelter gear (hammock or tent), and clothing recommendations. Plan your trip.

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Trails Hiking and Exploring

Safety and planning are key to a good trip. Know where to find maps, resources, and gear reviews. "Hike your own hike" is a principle to always keep expectations realistic and get the most enjoyment.

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Water Kayaking and Canoeing

Whether it's a day trip or a two week camping adventure, kayaking and canoeing will take you to new places. Learn how to plan for an outing, and always keep "safety first!"

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Wilderness Ethics

Leave no trace principles are essential for preserving our public lands. Before venturing out, learn what you need to do to be a good steward of the land.

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North Manitou Island

Located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, North Manitou Island has 22.346 square miles to explore. The island is accessible by ferry during the late spring to early fall. Backcountry camping is the main visitor activity. The rich history of the island, and the many off-trail opportunities for discovery make this our favorite destination.

Having traveled there dozens of times over the last 20 years, often two weeks at a time, we have learned many of the secrets of the island. Let us introduce you to the Spirit of the Manitou.

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Speaking Engagements

Perfect for your conference, community organization, business group, and more! Topics vary from technical to personal: backcountry adventures for all ages, environmentalism and outdoor recreation, North Manitou based Michigan History, and inspirational spiritual discovery in nature are some of the options.

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Blog Posts

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Unboxing and Review: Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness

Backpacking, Product Reviews and Demos

Join us for this unboxing, product review, and demonstration of the Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Our Siberian Husky Inkus is 12, and we decided it was time to try him out with a harness. For years, we were concerned he might pull too much. As you can…

Voices of North Manitou Series: Bob and Sara Zielesch

Backcountry Camping, North Manitou Island History, North Manitou Island Now, Stories

Join us for another episode of Voices of North Manitou. Bob and Sara spent many years vacationing on North Manitou Island during the 60s and 70s, and came back as campers in the 90s, and became long-serving volunteers. Step back in time with Bob and Sara on North Manitou Island. Bob’s father was the accountant…

two people with camping chairs in a kitchen

Unboxing and Review: Backpacking Chairs

Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, Camping Skills and Tips, Hiking, Kayaking and Canoeing, Product Reviews and Demos

Join us for this double review of two different styles of lightweight backpacking and camping chairs. We purchased some his and hers chairs. Stacie chose the Nemo Moonlite Elite. At 1 lb 2 oz, this chair can’t be beat for lightweight. It retails for $179.95 at REI. Features include aluminum hubs, reclining back, and a…

The Women of the Manitou Islands

For Women, North Manitou Island History, Research and Resources, South Manitou Island, South Manitou Island History, Stories

This special program was created for the Leelanau Historical Society, honoring the women of the North and South Manitou Islands. Celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about the strong and determined women of the Manitou Islands. The North and South Manitou Islands are places of mystery, with many shuttered old homes and ruins, evidence of…

Black Diamond Trekking Poles Unboxing and Review

Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, For Women, Hiking, Product Reviews and Demos

Join me for this unboxing and review of Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles. The adjustable clips are easy to use and the tension can be adjusted with a small tool that came with the set. These poles feature cork handles have an ergonomic shape and are comfortable to grip on long hikes.…

Headlamp Unboxing and Review: COAST FL60R

Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, Product Reviews and Demos

Join us for this review of the COAST FL60R Rechargeable Wide Angle Flood Beam. This versatile headlamp is both rechargeable and nonrechargeable battery operated, with a bright three-setting beam. Headlamps! We have gone through a lot of headlamps, and this one is a favorite. They either seem to crack, fall apart, or easily unhook from…

Just Paddling

Kayaking and Canoeing

Looking for something new to watch? Try “just paddling”, a new playlist on our YouTube channel dedicated to relaxing on the water. We have been compiling video of various rivers and lakes in Michigan, and currently have 15 videos to share. Float down the Manistee River, Platte River, Au Sable River, and Platte Lake. Enjoy…

Tour of Historic Katie Shepard Hotel

Historic Preservation, North Manitou Island History, North Manitou Island Now

Walk through the Katie Shepard Hotel with me on North Manitou Island! It is normally closed to the public, and this is a great opportunity for you to see inside. Built in 1985, this beautiful building is being lovingly restored. We did our second volunteer trip to North Manitou Island this month, this time with…

Voices of North Mantou: Kevin Mark

Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, North Manitou Island History, North Manitou Island Now, Stories

Enjoy a virtual visit to North Manitou with Kevin Mark and his stories. We have a new episode of our history series: Voices of North Manitou. This series explores the history of the North Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through the people who have lived, worked, played, and been a part…

Backcountry Couples

Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, Hammock Camping, North Manitou Island Now

Watch our guest appearance on Backcountry Couples! One of the great things about the outdoors industry is all the fun people we are able to meet, especially Jonny and Colleen Kuehl. We met them this winter at the Quiet Adventures Symposium, where we were all presenting. They use their platform for education, information, and…

Voices of North Manitou: Virginia Craker Marsden

North Manitou Island History, Stories

We are pleased to announce a new series: Voices of North Manitou. This series will explore the history of the North Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through the people who have lived, worked, played, and been a part of island life over the years. The first in this oral history series…

Day Hike at Lake Ann Pathway

Hiking, Trip Reports

We did a short hike of two miles at the Lake Ann Pathway adjacent to the Lake Ann State Forest Campground, on a sunny March afternoon. This lovely area is near the town of Lake Ann, a few miles SW of Traverse City, Michigan. There are a total of 5.8 miles on the trail system.…