Oh my god! EVERY summer, for the last two weeks before school started back up in the fall, our family would drive up to Hiawatha State Park in our VW camper van (5 kids!) to go camping there for those two weeks before we had to go back to school. Mom, Dad & baby sister slept in the VW and the rest of us were out in the big tent. It was SOOOOO fun! We basically lived on (forgive me, we're not vegan) smoked fish and pasties while we were up there. I have so many wonderful memories of that special place. Of running along the trails in my moccasins (silently of course) pretending I was an Indian, whittling sticks with my first jack knife, camp fires on the beach with smores, days and days in a row just living, playing, eating, napping down on the beach. The campsites were so wonderful and we always picked one of those sites that all you had to do was walk up through the woods and over the dune and there was Lake Michigan laying out before you as far as the eye could see! I remember it stayed shallow so far out that you had a lot of room to play very safely as kids and still have your head well above water with your feet on the wonderful sandy bottom. Michigan is such a beautiful place. Amazing memories...
@@ALifeMoreLight Indeed. Another favorite trip I remember was when we went up to Tahquamenon Falls one fall. The tree leaves were in full color and there was a freak snow storm of like 12" the day before we arrived. So we had the rare and stunning experience of seeing the dark tea colored water cascading over the falls against the backdrop of all that gorgeous snow and the vibrant colored fall foliage in its full glory! We ended up renting cross country skis to get in and explore the trails...it was absolutely AMAZING! I'll never forget that trip...
@@ALifeMoreLight I am definitely going with DO NOT TAKE ANY RAW MEAT. It gets in your cooler, it may leak... then the water is funky, then EVERYTHING is funky. And those ziplock bags... they are gonna leak on ya. Learned that one this time and I've been camping since I was a kid. Somehow this point missed my brain.
We really like state forest camp grounds and in general prefer them. North Gemini looks like a beautiful spot. Planning our fall color tour. One, two, what ever weeks and mapping out all state forest campgrounds in the U.P. Happy travels.
That upgraded refrigerator is what we are looking at. Curious,,, did you guys consider the 1743 Alto?. Fixed roof but lighter, way more storage, bathroom is larger, and that big window in front is quite a bit lower to enjoy the views more. Just asking because we are torn between the two models.. thanks for your response.
We have exactly what you are describing: the Alto 1743 with the fixed roof and the electric fridge ( can’t run on propane), DC 31 battery and 200 watts solar panels. We love it. We like the extra storage, enclosed bathroom . What we especially didn’t like about the 1713 was the black curtains that you pull in the evening and at night. There goes all your window effect!
tankhead 10 . I doubt it but then again I don’t have the 1713. People must see you from the outside. Perhaps when all the lights are off. Also check on how much window opening you’ll get. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of airflow. What I love about the 1743 is that the windows are big, let in a whole lot of sunlight, and good airflow on hot summer nights. But I understand that you are attracted by the glass walls. Also the big advantage of the 1713 is that you can store it in your garage.
Great video. I’ve never been to Pictured Rocks, this makes me want to go there. A great camp ground to visit is Fort Wilkins, just East of Copper Harbor. I’ve been there a few times. Very enjoyable.
Xiaohui Fu th-cam.com/video/AaqBL7S6yfk/w-d-xo.html The movers haven’t been an issue. The departure angle for off reading was precarious getting to this spot though. I would say getting here was our limit.
I am jealous on the solar. Wondering if there is something wrong with our panels. The most we have every gotten from the panels in full sun is 16V at 5 amps which isn’t even 100 watts.
There are so mnay ways to troubleshoot its hard to begin to say what might be happening. Sorry, we are not more helpful 😔. We do plan to make more topic style or “how to” videos this year and will add the solar topic to the list! Stay tuned! Thanks for wathing!
Cedar Forest, Are you in an Alto? If so, If you got a 2019 your panels may be wired into the controller incorrectly. I noticed the same problem with ours and just when I was about to contact the company I got a notice from Alto about the incorrect wiring and was able to fix myself in about 10 minutes. Now it charges at 22-30 watts in full sun.
Sub’d and love the vids. Thinking of getting one of these Altos next month. I do 99% boondocking down logging roads and usually camp at some remote lakefront spots in the northern Rockies. How does the trailer hold up on rougher roads...any issues, also, how’s the weather proofing been...any mosquitoes sneaking in, etc? Keep up the awesome vids!
North of 40 That sounds like the ideal camping philosophy! Can we come with?!?! You might want to consider airing down the tires a bit for a softer ride on those bumpy logging roads. We have had no leaks and no bugs. Their are other campers out there with higher ground clearance but I wouldn’t trade our Alto for any of them!
@@ALifeMoreLight D'oh, didn't even think about airing down. Thanks guys, going to buy an Escape 19' today. Thanks for the inspiration and keep the vids coming. PS- here's some footage from the Rockies, come on out! th-cam.com/video/Wa4z6j9_Z4U/w-d-xo.html
Oh my god! EVERY summer, for the last two weeks before school started back up in the fall, our family would drive up to Hiawatha State Park in our VW camper van (5 kids!) to go camping there for those two weeks before we had to go back to school. Mom, Dad & baby sister slept in the VW and the rest of us were out in the big tent. It was SOOOOO fun!
We basically lived on (forgive me, we're not vegan) smoked fish and pasties while we were up there. I have so many wonderful memories of that special place. Of running along the trails in my moccasins (silently of course) pretending I was an Indian, whittling sticks with my first jack knife, camp fires on the beach with smores, days and days in a row just living, playing, eating, napping down on the beach. The campsites were so wonderful and we always picked one of those sites that all you had to do was walk up through the woods and over the dune and there was Lake Michigan laying out before you as far as the eye could see! I remember it stayed shallow so far out that you had a lot of room to play very safely as kids and still have your head well above water with your feet on the wonderful sandy bottom. Michigan is such a beautiful place. Amazing memories...
Thanks for sharing! Michigan is to often overlooked!
@@ALifeMoreLight Indeed. Another favorite trip I remember was when we went up to Tahquamenon Falls one fall. The tree leaves were in full color and there was a freak snow storm of like 12" the day before we arrived. So we had the rare and stunning experience of seeing the dark tea colored water cascading over the falls against the backdrop of all that gorgeous snow and the vibrant colored fall foliage in its full glory! We ended up renting cross country skis to get in and explore the trails...it was absolutely AMAZING! I'll never forget that trip...
Food prep ideas! I'm going digging for them now ;) Thank you!
Nina Campbell I think we may need to do an entire video on food prep! Thanks for watching!
@@ALifeMoreLight I am definitely going with DO NOT TAKE ANY RAW MEAT. It gets in your cooler, it may leak... then the water is funky, then EVERYTHING is funky. And those ziplock bags... they are gonna leak on ya. Learned that one this time and I've been camping since I was a kid. Somehow this point missed my brain.
It’s beautiful there
D'Ann J it sure is!
Beautiful scenery. I love the U.P. Never been to Pictured Rocks. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Lucky Dawg Productions Moderator This area is soooo incredibly beautiful!
Next Spring/early Summer I’m going up to that part of the Mitten ⛺️🚙😍🎣
We love the Yooper life!
We really like state forest camp grounds and in general prefer them. North Gemini looks like a beautiful spot. Planning our fall color tour. One, two, what ever weeks and mapping out all state forest campgrounds in the U.P. Happy travels.
The U.P. Is gorgeous in fall! Enjoy!!!
I really love your videos . You guys crack me up.
😊 Thanks for watching, Ella!
I was looking foe some reviews on these Alto travel trailers, I see you two really enjoy your trailer, nice going and be safe.
Thanks! We do love our Alto.
That upgraded refrigerator is what we are looking at.
Curious,,, did you guys consider the 1743 Alto?. Fixed roof but lighter, way more storage, bathroom is larger, and that big window in front is quite a bit lower to enjoy the views more. Just asking because we are torn between the two models.. thanks for your response.
tankhead 10 We did not consider another trailer. Once we saw that side glass we were sold on the R1713!
@@ALifeMoreLight I hear ya.. thanks
We have exactly what you are describing: the Alto 1743 with the fixed roof and the electric fridge ( can’t run on propane), DC 31 battery and 200 watts solar panels. We love it. We like the extra storage, enclosed bathroom . What we especially didn’t like about the 1713 was the black curtains that you pull in the evening and at night. There goes all your window effect!
@@FrancoisBert . Can't you just leave the black out curtains open at night? I want the teardrop she wants the fixed roof... Lol
tankhead 10 . I doubt it but then again I don’t have the 1713. People must see you from the outside. Perhaps when all the lights are off. Also check on how much window opening you’ll get. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of airflow. What I love about the 1743 is that the windows are big, let in a whole lot of sunlight, and good airflow on hot summer nights. But I understand that you are attracted by the glass walls. Also the big advantage of the 1713 is that you can store it in your garage.
Great video. I’ve never been to Pictured Rocks, this makes me want to go there. A great camp ground to visit is Fort Wilkins, just East of Copper Harbor. I’ve been there a few times. Very enjoyable.
Brad Gaerlan Watch for next Sunday’s video ❤️
I’d love to see how you pack and store everything!
S M comming soon!
Like your videos! Wondering if you feel comfortable with the clearance driving on unpaved road or to some remote sites with electric mover installed ?
Xiaohui Fu th-cam.com/video/AaqBL7S6yfk/w-d-xo.html The movers haven’t been an issue. The departure angle for off reading was precarious getting to this spot though. I would say getting here was our limit.
Xiaohui Fu thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing, safe travels!
I am jealous on the solar. Wondering if there is something wrong with our panels. The most we have every gotten from the panels in full sun is 16V at 5 amps which isn’t even 100 watts.
There are so mnay ways to troubleshoot its hard to begin to say what might be happening. Sorry, we are not more helpful 😔. We do plan to make more topic style or “how to” videos this year and will add the solar topic to the list! Stay tuned! Thanks for wathing!
Cedar Forest, Are you in an Alto? If so, If you got a 2019 your panels may be wired into the controller incorrectly. I noticed the same problem with ours and just when I was about to contact the company I got a notice from Alto about the incorrect wiring and was able to fix myself in about 10 minutes. Now it charges at 22-30 watts in full sun.
what brand / model are those chairs that you have?
GreasyGrits The green one is a Helinox Sunset. Hair. The recliner is a Lafuma Antigravity chair. We love them both!
Sub’d and love the vids. Thinking of getting one of these Altos next month. I do 99% boondocking down logging roads and usually camp at some remote lakefront spots in the northern Rockies. How does the trailer hold up on rougher roads...any issues, also, how’s the weather proofing been...any mosquitoes sneaking in, etc? Keep up the awesome vids!
North of 40 That sounds like the ideal camping philosophy! Can we come with?!?! You might want to consider airing down the tires a bit for a softer ride on those bumpy logging roads. We have had no leaks and no bugs. Their are other campers out there with higher ground clearance but I wouldn’t trade our Alto for any of them!
@@ALifeMoreLight D'oh, didn't even think about airing down. Thanks guys, going to buy an Escape 19' today. Thanks for the inspiration and keep the vids coming. PS- here's some footage from the Rockies, come on out! th-cam.com/video/Wa4z6j9_Z4U/w-d-xo.html