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Today is the beginning of our great backpacking journey along the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. We probably spent about a week getting equipment, preparing, and packing everything we would need for our three day trip. We’ll be heading from the top of the mountains all the way to the Santa Cruz coast. Charlotte dropped us off at the trailhead in Castle Rock State Park. I never get tired of how beautfiful it is here just about every day. Our first day we’ll be covering about ten miles and camp at Waterman Gap. ...

One last hiking trip to Henry Cowell with Gabe before we take off on our backpacking trip. The little guy was a bit tired today, so it’s best not to push it.

Gabe and I have a big backpacking trip coming up, so we need to do a lot of hiking to prepare ourselves and our new boots for the trip. This is one of Charlotte’s usual hikes up to Bear Mountain and then down to the San Lorenzo River and back. A nice three hour hike is always fun.

Gabe is fired up to go out fishing since we came back from Michigan. Charlotte wanted to come along as well. Time for Captain Dave to fire up little Nemo. It’s a nice morning as the lighthouse and some dolphins welcome us back to the Monterey Bay. Over at Santa Cruz reef we pickup a few little fish including one rock cod keeper. Heading back we pass a few others enjoying the bay. I think the otters look like they’re having the most fun. ...

This time a smaller crew is heading out to Copper Harbor via a new route. First stop is the town of Gay. The kids can’t resist the inevitable snickering. Amazingly this is my first trip to this stamp mill, and I can’t believe I never explored this great spot. The water is so low over at the Tobacco River I can’t believe it. Next stop is Eagle river and the falls. We’re amazed when we run into thick fog typical of Santa Cruz. ...

Today we’re enjoying a hike up Hungarian Falls. This is one of Charlotte’s favorite places to run or hike, but today we’re taking it a bit slower. Back at the cabin, Mackenzie, Monica, and Gabe whip up a tasty cake.

An interesting site while driving through Calumet. Not much to show for today’s activities, but Mackenzie’s smile is an indication everyone enjoyed themselves.

This morning Charlotte is off to run the 10 mile Canal Run over in Hancock. She went with the walkers, but since it was competitive she didn’t do it for the time. Sounds like it was a great run. They should have some bike races up here too. Mackenzie arrived to visit with us for a week, and I know Monica is loving it. No visit would be complete without a trip to the big mine. What a cute group of miners! ...

Our neighbors the Rice family are finally selling their cabin. They told us we could grab anything we liked from their shed, including this very nice little sailboat. The Peyser boys were happy to take on the project. A nice boat ride over to Houghton for some fun over at Chutes and Ladders. It was a little too cold for some, though Doug found a good place to hide. ...

It’s always a nice evening for a boat ride, and tonight we’re headed down the channel to Jacobsville. There’s never a shortage of beautiful sunsets on the lake.