South Manitou

After a little hiatus, I am back to posting on my blog here are some pictures from a trip to South Manitou that Jenny and I took with Holly and Mike right after camp this summer.  The day started off cloudy and somewhat cold.  However, we hiked to a shipwreck, had lunch, and then came back to climb the lighthouse.  These are two pictures from the top, both looking northeast-ish.

As you can see, the water was a very pretty blue color and the clouds were retreating.  This was my first time to the top of the lighthouse - despite several previous trips to the island.  The structure itself is nothing spectacular, but the view is one of the top two from a lighthouse that I have climbed.
In case you want to see what the lighthouse looks like, here you go.  It doesn't look very imposing from the ground, but the railing doesn't inspire too much confidence when you are up there.
The ferry ride back to the mainland was very pleasant.  Naps were taken in the sunshine.  We had great views of the Crib to and from the island.  It is an impressive lighthouse in its own right - the cormorants love it.
South Manitou Island is one place that everyone who visits northern Michigan should go to at least once.  Camping just one night allows you to explore all of the island.  The National Park Service has done a good job making the area around the dock very welcoming and comfortable.