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- Backcountry Camping
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- Camping Skills and Tips
- Do It Yourself
- For Women
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- Hiking
- Historic Preservation
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Meditations on Nature
- North Manitou Island History
- North Manitou Island Now
- Product Reviews and Demos
- Research and Resources
- South Manitou Island
- South Manitou Island History
- Stories
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- Wilderness Ethics: Leave No Trace
- Winter Camping
Getting Ready for Outdoor Adventures
We recently appeared in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Wellness & Healthy Living for Seniors, with our article titled “Getting Ready for Outdoor Adventures”. This is a publication of our local senior services agency, Sharecare of Leelanau. Getting Ready for Outdoor Adventures Living in Northern Michigan, everything you need to create a lifestyle of outdoor…
Unboxing and Review: Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness
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
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…
Unboxing and Review: Backpacking Chairs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…