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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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.…

Day Hike at Mt. Minnie

Hiking, Trip Reports

It has been a cloudy winter, without much sunshine or much good snow for outdoor recreation. Here in Northern Michigan today on this February Sunday, we are having blue skies, with sunshine to make the snow sparkle. Today was a first visit to the Mt. Minnie Nature Preserve in Honor, MI. This 65 acre preserve…

Product Review: Snow Joe Electric Snowthrower

Product Reviews and Demos

New Winter Gear! Winters in Northern Michigan can have a lot of snowfall, and what better than a snowblower to assist with clearing the driveway? We purchased a new Snow Joe SJ627E 22-Inch 15-Amp Electric Snow Thrower. Watch while we unbox it, and give you our first impression with an early snowfall. Product purchased HERE.…

TOUR Cottage Row

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

Tour Cottage Row on North Mantiou Island Tour Cottage Row! Take a walking tour of the historic Cottage Row area in the Village on North Manitou Island. This remote wilderness island is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Lake Michigan. This video features exterior views around all sides of the cottages,…

Product Review: Fishell Canoe Paddles

Kayaking and Canoeing, Product Reviews and Demos

Just out: our product review for Fishell canoe paddles. Getting out for an October paddle on the Platte River and Platte Lake is a treat on a sunny fall day in Michigan! We finally got the chance to get out in the canoe with our new Fishell Paddles. These paddles are cherry wood with the…

TOUR North Manitou Island Cemetery

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

Join me for this quick walk through tour of the beautiful historic cemetery on the North Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located in federally protected wilderness, this cemetery is only visited by backcountry campers. Once part of a thriving island community of farmers, loggers, surfmen, and summer residents, it is now…

TOUR Historic Trude Cottage

Historic Preservation, North Manitou Island History, North Manitou Island Now, Research and Resources

TRUDE COTTAGE Take a rare look inside the historic Trude Cottage on North Manitou Island, in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As island volunteers, we are able to get inside structures that are being preserved. Come join us for a tour and learn a little about the history of this cottage. It was built…