SuperNatural Christians Retreat — May 2005
Nickie's Diary

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Rain, rain, go away... When it's this chilly, it's hard to venture very far from the fire.

Today I woke up to the sound of raindrops on the tent. This is the most miserable sound on a camping trip! I didn't want to get out of the tent! Eventually I put on my rain gear and ventured outside. Thankfully, the rain stopped and we agreed to go on a long canoe trip that would include 5 lakes and 5 trails. This was an intimidating plan! I was worried that it would rain all day.

Happy to take a break from our 7-mile hike.

We paired off into the canoes and began our journey. This was the most challenging day by far. We canoed for so long and in between lakes, we had to transport the canoes on our backs to the next lake. The canoes balanced on our shoulders and we walked like this for anywhere between a half-mile to a mile between each lake. The canoes were 65 pounds and we were all able to carry them. I am proud that I could carry one by myself! I am sure we will all have sore shoulders tomorrow.

The Sylvania Wilderness Tract has 33 lakes in an 18,000-acre area. Thank goodness we're only checking out 7 of them!

It was amazing that the lakes were so different from each other. One was small and marshy, another choppy and full of waves, and my favorite lake was a deep, aqua green color. We saw several bald eagles. By the time we got back for dinner, we had all grown closer to each other through the challenges of the day. I was impressed that no one complained about the hard work. We worked together to cook macaroni and cheese, which was the best macaroni and cheese I'd ever eaten! The rest of the night we sat around the fire and talked.

Mosquito nets are essential for camping in Michigan...and they come in a variety of fashionable styles!

In the morning, I had been miserable and wet—I just wanted the day to end. Now I am sad that the best day we have had is over. Tomorrow we have to pack up and be on the canoes by 7 a.m. It will be an early and sad morning.