Day 35 – Thursday, June 10

50.9 miles, 15 mph, Odometer: 2362 – Escanaba, MI to Manistique, MI

KEVIN – We took an easy day on the Upper Peninsula. I could see Lake Michigan on my right most of the day.

SUZI – We search online for campsites, reserve them when we can, and hope for the best. Today we pulled in to Manistique Lakeshore Campground, a privately run outfit on the shore of Lake Michigan. It was apparent immediately that this was a winner. The friendly woman in the office welcomed us efficiently and with lots of good information. Clean, level(!) site with a nice table and fire pit. Clean, well designed shower building. Walk/bike path to a small area of shops and ice cream. Easy walk to the boardwalk and beach where we entertained ourselves and Leslynn. The cooler, pleasant weather beside the lake made it even better. And the rain behaved by waiting to fall until we slept.

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MADISON – Camping with a Toddler – To manage expectations, first of all, Leslynn is a mithril-spirited child. Curious and affectionate, determined to do many things herself but reinventing kindness and bonding steadily with our family as we travel. I am told most children are not so enjoyable to raise.

That said, if air travel with a toddler is an all day marathon in putting her first, camping with a toddler is a relay race. One adult minding her or two adults splitting their attention is enough to mostly keep her out of mischief. She’s not prone to wandering off (unlike her mother as a tot. Zuzu is relieved.) So far play dough, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, books, toys and movies, plus swimming, bike rides and walks keep everyone happy. Beach shovel and rake resulted in a lot of dirt carried to unlikely spots around the camp. Markers, as is the trouble at home, tend to decorate everything but paper. She’s not a picky eater, exactly, but when she’s done eating, her current behaviors are to offer food to whomever is sitting next to her, or to throw the remainder on the floor. She’s a happy swimmer, a cuddly bunk mate (sharing the dinette bed is working out best.) All in all, trust your relay team and enjoy a happy camper.