Grand Island Aug 2-4

**sabinajiles** · 07-05-2018, 08:11

I will be spending 3 days on Grand Island in a month. My only experience on the island was a day trip 3 years ago. My plan is to hike the circumference of the island on the rim trail. I have plenty of time built in to complete the hike so my question to those who have been there is, are there any "must see" beach areas or any of the interior trails, and sights, that I do not want to miss?

**michigandave** · 07-05-2018, 10:18

I was there in 2012 when you could just show up and camp wherever. Now, there is a reservation system in place. Nice place with some great views. Make sure to visit Johnny Dogs in Munising when you get off the island. Here's my trip report:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...uly-26-29-2012

And my buddy's report Big Flounder who was there last year: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...(August-2017)?

**Big Flounder** · 07-05-2018, 10:27

michigandave, thanks for saving me the time to look up my trip report from last year!

sabinajiles, I pretty much followed Dave's route on my trip and it worked out well. If I had to do it over again, I would probably split up the last stretch from Preservation Point to Driftwood. That being said, I'm out of shape so someone in even slightly good shape wouldn't have any issues with that stretch. Actually, since I enjoyed the Preservation Point campsite so much, I'd probably plan myself a zero day and stay there two nights. Not much for spots to hang at that campsite if you have more than one hammock, but it can work. Just be sure to water up before going to Preservation Point or plan on hiking to North Beach to get water as there is no real good spot to get water at Preservation Point (unless you have a bucket on a long rope...lol). Speaking of North Beach, it's a must see. If you have the time to grab one of the campsites nearest to North Beach, a zero day spent on that beach would be awesome as well. Beautiful beach!

**sabinajiles** · 07-05-2018, 16:28

Thanks, guys. I had seen both your reports. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I do have reservations for my campsites and am looking forward to this trip. As I said before, I have only done a day trip there before but that was enough to tell I wanted to see a lot more of the island. Michigandave, I have been in Munising twice before and am aware of Johnny Dogs, although it's my understanding they are now in a different building than when I was there last. I will definitely make a stop there.

**michigandave** · 07-05-2018, 16:35

They have moved to a new location that I think used to be a Chinese restaurant. Don't forget to get the piggyfries.

Grand island is a nice easy hike and I was shocked that they stock the campsites with firewood for you. If your into agates, lots of them on the east side near the Driftwood campsite. Enjoy your trip and post up a report so we can all re-live it again!

**Majortom** · 07-05-2018, 17:32

Gotta love those piggyfries!

IMG_20160728_135759.jpg

**sabinajiles** · 07-05-2018, 18:02

Originally Posted by michigandave

They have moved to a new location that I think used to be a Chinese restaurant. Don't forget to get the piggyfries.

Grand island is a nice easy hike and I was shocked that they stock the campsites with firewood for you. If your into agates, lots of them on the east side near the Driftwood campsite. Enjoy your trip and post up a report so we can all re-live it again!

I'm still undecided how I will document my hike. I have a Gitup 2 camera(GoPro clone) but I'm considering just going with my phone. It can handle all the pictures, video and GPS that I'll need for the 3 days and would save weight of taking other gear. What did you use for your video?

**michigandave** · 07-05-2018, 20:52

Originally Posted by sabinajiles

I'm still undecided how I will document my hike. I have a Gitup 2 camera(GoPro clone) but I'm considering just going with my phone. It can handle all the pictures, video and GPS that I'll need for the 3 days and would save weight of taking other gear. What did you use for your video?

I did that with my daughter's Kodak Playsport waterproof action cam. Primitive by today's standards but pretty decent in 2012. Now, with smartphone technology/storage and power backup, you can really get some great footage, plus it does duty for navigation etc.

Sorry about hijacking the thread, but here's more food porn from Johnny Dogs...piggy fries and I think the Jamaican dog...

**Big Flounder** · 07-05-2018, 20:58

Anymore I just use my cell phone for GPS, taking pictures, typing a daily journal and reading a downloaded e-book in the hammock at night. Take a long a portable charger and you'll be good to go with just your cell phone for a 3 day trip.

**sabinajiles** · 07-06-2018, 11:03

Originally Posted by Big Flounder

Anymore I just use my cell phone for GPS, taking pictures, typing a daily journal and reading a downloaded e-book in the hammock at night. Take a long a portable charger and you'll be good to go with just your cell phone for a 3 day trip.

Yeah, I'm going with the phone and an Anker 10,000mAh power pack. It will do everything I need and is the lightest way to go.