Since we had camped on South Bass Island last year and visited Put-in-Bay, this year we headed over to Kelly's Island. We had heard that Kelly's Island was really family friendly and had some hiking trails. We had put up the tent in the backyard earlier in the week to make sure all was in working order. We had a split tent pole to replace, and a new air mattress to purchase. The kids got excited for camping once the tent was up. We even let them sleep out there by themselves for a few nights. (They were fine).
We left for the island early in the morning once the car was packed up. We stop to see the Marblehead lighthouse, but it wasn't open for tours at that time. Eventually we got over to the ferry. Both boys love riding the ferry...though Tamlin was nervous that Jude would go overboard (he kept a hold of him whenever Jude ventured over to the guardrail.
The Kelly's island campground was nice. The campsite weren't nearly as small as the one on South Bass, but we still had a shore-side place that was quite nice. Rock lined the water, so no private beach...but the beach was just a short walk away and MUCH nicer than South Bass. And the bathhouse was really close.
It was very, very hot. We actually hit the beach twice that day. The water was warm and very calm since the beach was in a bit of a sheltered bay. The sand was fine and stretched out into the water a long way, so the boys had fun wading far from shore and the water only being about chest deep. Tam has been practicing his floating and loved it when I would toss him up into the water. Jude has been practicing going deeper into the water and still loves to cling to me for rides around.
We had a little fluttery visitor on the beach. The butterfly flitted around Jude, much to his delight.
Back at camp, the boys had fun exploring around, climbing on the rocks, looking for snakes, and playing with our neighbors, who were awesomely friendly and talkative.
Of course, after dinner we had s'mores. Jude likes his just slightly warm... meaning he waves his marshmallow stick in the vague vicinity of the fire before asking for the graham cracker and chocolate. Tamlin likes his more burnt, but not on fire. I think we all just really like this summer-time treat.
At dusk, the boys tried some fishing...with no luck...though they all fun casting out into the calm water. We did see several water snakes which sped away through the water. After fishing, the boys were briefly washed up and set into their jammies. We all relaxed around the fire as the sun set, and the stars came out...billions of stars. I loved just sitting and listening and being at peace.
We did go hiking and saw the glacial grooves, supposedly some of the largest in North America. They were cool to see, but the boy were quite disappointed that they couldn't go climbing all over them. (It was a bit sad to see that a fence was needed). I love Tamlin's choice of hiking wear here...yep those are woof ears atop his hiking hat.
The trail we went on was through the woods and through a mess of misquitos. We went along fine until we hit a quagmire of mud...gobs of mud....mud mud mud. And I, unsmartly, was in only sandals. So, we turned back...and decided to a take an acess road through the shrub/prarie instead. A cool choice because we then saw snakes (or the same snake twice), lots of butterflies and dragonflies, and the edge of the old quarry.
Back in "town", which consisted of only a handful of streets, we did stop for lunch and a round of mini-golf. The boys are still horrible at this, but we all had fun. Despite many demonstrations, Jude insists on holding his club in some odd fashion and push/dragging his ball down the green. No holes-in-one were made, but no one beamed anyone with one of the clubs either.
When we got back over to the mainland, we again stopped at the lighthouse and were able to do the little tour to the top. The kids liked looking out at everything, but going down the spiral narrow stairs made me nervous. Jude especially would make me flinch since he kept trying to step down on the tiniest part of the stair...I eventually made him turn around and go down the steps like a ladder just to ease my fear of him falling. (No one did). At the gift shop, Tam was able to get his first light-house stamp for in his journal :-)
Here's Kelly's island off in the distance as we left via the Ferry.
Here's the view of Cedar Point from the top of the lighthouse.
It was a fun camping trip, and I would certainly do it again. I liked both islands and wouldn't mind alternating between the two each year...It would be easier to get around if we could ditch the car and all ride bikes, but I don't think that will happen for a few more years yet.
A good trip, the tent and new air mattress held up well, and we all had fun. (Even if Tam really wanted a wooden snake that I wouldn't buy for him).
Next year, we need to drag more friends along!
