ramblingriggs: Cousins Camping Weekend July 17-20, 2014

Once again, the only Pod in the Park.

The third annual Cousins Camping weekend was another huge success. From Kalkaska to Blissfield to Monroe to Livonia to Baltimore, Maryland, we all converged on the tiny town of Port Hope, Michigan. It was truly like taking a step back in time. It was a very small town with a full-service gas station, a bar, a post office and an ice cream store. We camped at Stafford County Park located right on the shores of Port Huron. We were camped on site #12, and with the rest of the family, we all formed our own little compound with the fire pit right in the middle. It was perfect --- minus the fact that it was July and we had to turn on the heater in our camper for one night and wear hoodies and long pants while sitting

around the campfire. This has been a crazy weather summer in the Mitten.

We arrived to camp late on Thursday night. We were the last to arrive. Traffic was terrible coming out of Ann Arbor. For miles we did about 15 to 20 miles for no apparent reason. On Friday, we biked in the morning and explored the little town of Port Hope. Friday afternoon we loaded up two cars and ventured to

Heck Cousins at Heck's Bar.

Pinnebog, Michigan to the site of "Heck's Bar" (for those of you that don't know me that well, that is my maiden name). We were all excited to see if we were related. The owner, Robert Heck II, was very welcoming. He was equally enthusiastic to find out where we were all from and if we could trace back our roots. Well, sure enough, his family and my family originated in the same small town in Germany. We enjoyed some great Michigan beer and all sampled the famous "Heckleburger." This burger is the foundation of the Heck's Bar menu. It was OUTSTANDING! It was the first burger that I didn't have to drown in condiments. My mouth is watering just thinking about it again. If I ever venture to that side of the state again, I'll be sure to stop in and see my new "cousin."

Saturday morning my brother cooked up a mean breakfast to send a few of us off on a kayaking adventure. I had never kayaked a Great Lake before and I will admit I was a little nervous. We headed down to Harbor Beach to set sail. I did pretty well this time with navigating my kayak. I was able to get in it and out of it ok without

Cousins Kayaking on Lake Huron.

getting wet! That is always a successful trip in my book. At one point, I did have whitecaps coming over the front of my kayak but that didn't last too long and I was able to stay afloat. I was just reminding myself to stay calm and be sure that I was heading into the waves and not against them. I also had my cousin Patie nearby to keep the conversation going to take my mind of things (Thanks Patie!)

Saturday night we cooked up a fest, played some rounds of cornhole, sat around the campfire telling stories, catching up, toasting to those that are no longer with us, and making plans for next year. All the fine ingredients to another great Cousins Camping Weekend.

Here is some more photos of the weekend....