Our latest trip into the wilderness didn’t require careful planning and slouching over guide books, yet it gave us as much in return as any extensive travels would.

We had big plans for the 4th of July weekend, debating if we should climb Canadian Rockies or explore hills and lakes of Quebec. Entangled in busyness  of life, 4th of July caught us by surprise and we realized that any flight trip would cost us a small fortune. With weekend approaching fast, we looked at the map of neighboring states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana ….. “wait there’s that Manitou Island … let’s go backpacking!” After quick Google search we packed our backpacks, called to arrange ferry to North Manitou Island with Manitou Island Transit and off we went.

The trip that we always considered an “alternative” to other big explorations turned out to be one of the most mesmerizing adventures we’ve taken. It’s often easy to bypass the beauty that’s hidden in our own backyards.

While sitting on pristine beaches, we contemplated our lives and admired beauty of the island. We listened to gentle sounds of waves, birds chirping and wind weaving through the leaves of oak trees. Solitude and simplicity can bring most pleasures in life. Life is good.

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

All shot with Olympus OM-D E-M5