Manitou Islands Expedition
Click Here for the Expedition Report
Animated map below (184k - may take time to load)
Animated map of the Manitou Islands Expedition
View of the Manitou Islands and Sleeping Bear Point from the Mainland
Day L-1 (Wed, 20 Aug 2003)
Advanced party will file an expedition plan (click to see sample) with Coast Guard in Frankfort, Michigan. The advanced party will also secure campsite for the rest of team. Main body of team arrives in the evening.
Day 0 Launch (Thu, 21 Aug 2003)
Launch from Glen Arbor, Michigan; bearing for Sleeping Bear Point. Arrive at way point one and continue 7-8 mile open water crossing to South Manitou Island Ranger Station. Register at station and have lunch. Continue to west side of North Manitou Island to camp at Crescent Village (abandoned). Set up base camp, explore immediate area.
Day 1 Circumnavigate Islands (Fri, 22 Aug 2003)
Two teams will circumnavigate both Islands. Team South will explore South Manitou Island including the shipwreck of the Morazon. Team North will explore North Manitou Island including the Manitou Shoal lighthouse. Return to basecamp, gather research, video, discuss findings.
Day 2 Explore interior (Sat, 23 Aug 2003)
Both teams will explore island interiors. Hiking 10-12 miles throughout the day. Team south will have to cross open water. Teams may be detached into smaller two person teams.
Day 3 Break Basecamp and Return to Glen Arbor (Sun, 24 Aug 2003)
If weather is clear, the expedition will depart for Glen Arbor, if not, the team will remain at basecamp and return as soon as weather clears. Members who will be needed to return, will have to make arrangements with the Manitou Island Ferry to cross with kayak and gear on ferry. The expedition team will not make arrangements for team members who leave team and depart by ferry.
Day 4 Alternate Return date (or later if needed)
End of Expedition
Team Breakdown
Expedition
Leader - Chuck Hill
Pathfinder - Chuck Hayden
Mission Specialist (Cinematography) - Bill Smith
Sweeper - Dane Proctor, Brian Hauenstein
Team Leaders - TBD
Replacing the Apostle Island trip (2003), the Fortune Bay Expeditionary Team will take an open water trip to the Manitou Islands on Lake Michigan. This trip will entail over 30 miles of open water travel in unpredictable waters. We will stay on the remote island of North Manitou and visit both islands. Other features include: the Valley of the Giants, South Manitou lighthouse, Manitou Shoal lighthouse and various other features. Those interested should contact Pathfinder and request information. The trip will require open water kayaking experience including self and T rescue, as well as the proper equipment. A brief training session will be available before the trip.
Links to Sleeping Bear Dunes Site
Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved The Fortune Bay Company