Hello Randy. It is another gorgeous day here in Southern Indiana--fall like temperatures in August with brilliant blue skies, I am back in the classroom doing what I love, my children are fortunate enough to return to college, my son after 2 off-season surgeries is back on the soccer field (at least as of right now), and my wife is more lovely than the day we married...I am feeling blessed. What does this have to do with your video? Well, I'm on lunch watching it and I feel more blessed now! This is one of your best. Once again we see the love of family, the beauty of God's creation, and the adventure life can be. And watching it reminded me how much I love Michigan cherries, but more importantly I sit here crying happy tears as I remember our trip to this area. This was Andrew's very first vacation although I doubt he recollects anything since he was only 2 months...We have spent a lot of time and money showing our kids the world and they "get it". They understand the importance of shared memories, of exploring the world and growing as a result of it, they care about preserving nature, and they care about meeting people. And as I watch your videos I see the same things: a beautiful family aware of their blessings and their place in God's creation. I always smile when I watch them and often laugh and that is a blessing, so although I've written it before let me again say THANK YOU for sharing. God bless all of you!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Jonathan, THAT was indeed a blessing to me! You nailed it, brother, regarding our motivation for these special times together. Thankful you feel the same way too. My wife was indeed greatly encouraged as well as I read this comment a second time to her. Thank you for warming our hearts this evening!

Michigan is full of fun! From cherries to hiking to sunsets.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great time!

Enjoyed your video, thank you. I’m from Michigan have never been to Sleeping Bear. Lived in NY for over 35 yrs am back in Mi. now will visit for sure.

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Nice, Maria! We're originally from that area, now in NJ and like you, plan to return to Michigan. :)

Absolutely wonderful. Love to see you and your family bond on these trips. Enjoy it while they're young!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that, John!

Congratulations and continued blessings to Julie’s parents on their 50th anniversary...such a milestone to be celebrated by a wonderful family get-together! Enjoyed this section of your trip with the fun times, views, food, and cherries 🍒! Take care!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that James! Have a blessed weekend!

Thank you for all of your videos. You have an amazing family.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was very kind of you, Joe! All the best to you!

Great highlights of the Michigan trip in the beginning. Glad I was able to join the family for this one!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Glad we found you at the airport! Fun times!

What a great looking few days! The dunes there are awesome. You are so right, you can't beat the pizza from NYC or Chicago! I have a feeling those sour cherries would be my fav.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great taste, Josh! Pizza is the best! :)

Dude i love your videos so much ! Keep up the good work

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate that! Thank you!!!

Another awesome video! I love tubing down rivers. Yes, Chicago deep dish pizza!!!! That was a beautiful sunset.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Miss that Chi-town pizza!

“Vlogging in season and outta season, just like preaching the Word” love it! Looks like a great summer with the family😁👍🏼!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, brother! Hope you are having a great summer too!

@TheMountainMatt

3 жыл бұрын

Americas Parks Beartooths, Sawtooths and the Wasatch Mtns😁... getting it all in because of COVID😉. Who knows what is coming this fall😳. Keep getting out there with your family 👍🏼!

You guys had a lot of great experiences on that trip! Awesome you got to have the whole family with you. Those cherries looked delicious! Thanks for sharing!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! Cherish these times we can all be together!

What an epic trip!! So awesome the whole family was able to do the trip!! We love Michigan it will always be special for us, because it was our first family vacation. Great video, stay safe and God bless.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and God's greatest blessing to you and your wonderful family! MI is indeed a special state!

I've always wanted to go there. I've only been to Indiana Dunes as far as Lake Michigan parks go. Great video!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated! A hike to get that far north, but well worth it!

Reminds me of GREAT summer moments growing up in the legendary state of North Dakota..Awesome Vlog as always Pastor Randy!!! ✔✔✔

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Glenn! N.D. is legendary!!!

great job putting this together! nice to see the whole family enjoying the circle tour together. Pure Michigan. The overlook opened July 11, weekends only...for anyone passing through in the future. You can also hike it anytime. Adventure On!!!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Joan! Michigan is one of my favorite states. Wife from Muskegon helps too! Thanks for the information...

Loved the video. The sunset pictures are glorious. As always thanks for the fun video.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that, Nancy!

One of my favorite places on earth! The view from the Empire Bluff trail is just as good as any from the Pierce Stocking Drive that was closed.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Good taste, Valarie! Such a beautiful place!

Since first visiting the area five years ago, the Empire Bluffs trail is one of my favorite short hikes anywhere. Beautiful views there, especially at sunset.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Good taste, Rick! You summed it up very well!

Its something truly Erie about your videos, I always feel better after watching them !! What a great trip, and a fantastic accomplishment for the folks. 50 yrs?? Wow!!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for those kind and very original remarks! Very happy to hear that! Have a super weekend!

Great video! Really liked the cherry orchards, and your statement about being in season like the word. More wonderful adventures with your family!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mark! Have a blessed weekend, brother! 2 Tim. 4:1-4!

@MarkH163

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Thanks Randy, yes, good words to live by indeed!

I visited up (upper peninsula) couple of times. Upper Michigan is a beauty. Small towns around Lake Michigan and Lake Hiawatha National forest adds a charm. Most unrated place and not advertised like other tourist places and I am happy to see this video.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Good words - so true and kind! Thanks for watching!@

Hello America's Park's😊! I'm happy to see that the family is enjoying the Great Lakes vacation. Sleeping Bear is definitely one of my favorites and looking forward to getting back up there during the fall season. Now, if we're talking Pizza I would agree that Chicago Deep Dish is the best! Great video Randy!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, Al! And right on with the chi-town deep dish. One of our favorite foods, but interestingly not preferred among the folks out east.

What a road trip! And ice cream ♡♡ im sorry that the 450 dune clime was closed, but what a fantastic sunset close...the view was stunning! We love cherries 🍒 that had to be the highlight!!! incredible!!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Loved that drive around Lake Michigan! Hope you guys will get to experience that one too!

yeyyyy family again exploring the national park

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Hope you are having a nice summer, Senja!

Randy, Another fine tour by America's Parks! What a great time with the family, and taking us along to pick cherries was a nice side trip that I enjoyed with you. Everyone looked to be having a great time. Excellent video directing and editing. You make the best of it, and thank you for bring us all along! . . . Mike

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Kind words, Mike! A pleasure to have you with us!

Oh those cherries look delicious!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Right on! :)

Great video! Looks like a fun trip and those cherries certainly looked delicious.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tyler! Can't beat the good times up in Northern MI!

Another great video! Made me hungry for the fresh cherries like I had in Washington state! This is another place I had never heard of before and that's always fun to watch! Best wishes from rural Mississippi, Stay Safe!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! Enjoy your weekend!

Looks so fun!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Maria!

Great storytelling. Great music. Great video. We really enjoyed the adventure. Thanks for sharing with us. Rotary phone-what's that? Hilarious. Our girls enjoy playing with the rotary phone when they visit Grandma. Your family seems like a collection of just wonderful people. We are so glad we came across your channel. Subscribed and looking forward to more adventures with you guys!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

So kind of you guys! Seems like you have great hearts as well! All the best with your adventures!

What a neat little area. As you have shared in other videos, experiencing the areas surrounding the parks gives you a true feel for the area and its community of people. So cool to take that in as well. Some folks might just hit the park and roll on out never knowing what they missed. This was a great reminder of that. I know I have probably said it 10+ times but I love how diverse the editing is in your videos. You got an "Oh that's cool" out of me the you added the arrow graphics. As always Thank You for sharing your adventures and inspiring us to get out there, to all America's Parks. Big and small. Much love and have a wonderful week :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that, Jymn! And beyond the wonderful kindness, thanks for noticing the changes in editing. Fun to change it up and learn new things! Have a great weekend!

What a fun road trip you had! Lots of adventures. Hope I can get down to lower Michigan next summer. Just got back from spending some time in the UP at my sister’s. Did some hiking with my niece along the top of Lake Michigan. Stay safe! Be well!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Renee, you too!

Amazing footage! What an amazing trip with great views and experiences (and CHERRIES!) I've written it before: You're so blessed! I suspect that Shane loved the river tubing. The sandal attachment on the tube is ingenious. On two occasions (one tubing and another rafting), I forgot to bring sandals for the hike back. Needless to say, my feet were burning on the asphalt during the return trip. It actually felt better walking on the gravel next to the road. I was 16-years-old; and, it was the first (and only) time that I've ever hitchhiked. Also: Congratulations to the wonderful couple for their 50th wedding anniversary!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Chris! Beautiful words!

around the lake! awesome! tubing looks so nice... beautiful orchard. too bad about the dunes but you sure found a nice spot wow // great trip, thanks for taking us with you/ and ps NY pizza is the best but Long Island is where the best NY pizza is haha/ bagels too

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, keep forgetting you are an east coast guy too!

Another great video from an epic vacation! Such a good looking group. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary, I bet they loved having you all in to celebrate. Sorry you didn’t get the epic dune climb in, but a nice plan B. They are harder than they look, especially when you are barefoot and the sand is hot. The cherry U-Pick brought back some memories. As kids, picking fruit was alway a summer job for us. It takes a lot of cherries to fill what’s called a “lug”, I wish I had a nickel for every cherry I picked. The first day you’ll eat a few but you get over that pretty quickly. You are looking a little more ripped than usual, so I guess you’re working off that Chicago pan pizza! Blessings on your travels.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, my friend! Have a wonderful weekend!

That Dune Climb killed me last year. I only made up the first 2 major dunes. Told my husband to go on without me and I parked myself under one of the trees. We started at 10am in early July and it was already 93°. 🥵 your family were troopers!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Neat to hear you've been out there! Yes, hiking up that sand is a killer... especially in 93 degree heat!

perfect family day out with perfect weather. regardless corona

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was well-said! :)

Such a great episode Randy! Loved it, I have to get up there and see this, thanks for trekking ahead so I know what fun to have lol! Great work as always!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

So worth it, Tom! Enjoyed your Anastasia video off the FB page. Coming over to leave a comment, brother!

Awesome video thank you! My wife and I are expecting our first child in April. I’ve been watching nothing but camping videos! So glad I found your channel. Can’t wait to take our little one to some parks.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to hear! We brought up our children in the National Parks. So many good memories. Hope the same for you and your new family! Congratulations!

What a spectacular place enjoyed this ty for sharing sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Gotta love the Midwest!

That loop you did looked incredible on the map! Sleeping bear Dunes was a really cool park! The cherries you guys picked looked phenomenal! I'm 100% with you when it comes to pizza. Chicago Deep Dish number 1 New York number 2. Awesome video brother 👍

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Eric! Fun drive around the lake. Thumbs up on your pizza taste!

Another good one Randy! Looks so fun to visit that area. Loved how you edited this one showing all of you enjoying the area and its food. cant wait to see what you have coming next! Kyrie Elison on the up coming trip to you my friend.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Robert! Possibly one more from the Michigan trip - the day my brother-in-law and I went ATVing N. MI. Have a super weekend!

Been preparing for a SW trip and found your videos. Thanks for all the Zion and Bryce tips (I’m sure I’ll find more as I review your full list). But, I couldn’t resist watching this one of my “backyard.” Sleeping Bear is truly a magical place. We do it at least once every Summer and Riverside is always a favorite stop. The full tubing trip comes to an end at Lake Michigan, with a gorgeous beach with incredible views, and no need to walk back - you park your car there and they shuttle you back to the start. Sorry you missed that! Next time! In fact, if you make it back, I can definitely share some insider tips so you can experience even more. Take care!

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate all that, Jeff! My wife is from Muskegon, so we are often visiting Michigan. Would enjoy knowing of the gems you alluded to including more info on the tubing. Could you email them to me at: americasparks1@gmail.com? Enjoy the SW!

@jeffhoo222

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Will do!

I love a nice early start and 04.00 suits me just fine and Happy 50th Anniversary to your parents, dam fine achievement! You sure packed a lot into that road trip and $7 a bucket for pick your own sounds good value to me and we have the same thing in the UK as well. Pizza sounded good to be but ice cream won hands down, good to see you had a plan B and were not put off by the closed signs at Sleeping Bear Dunes - you win! Cheers Alan

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

You always put it so wonderfully Alan! Think your comments often exceed the video itself! :)(

So beautiful!! Love Michigan. Hubby's family is from Western MI. We need to get back up there, and now Sleeping Bear is a must see, as well! Thanks for sharing!😍🌅

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Sara! My wife is from Western MI too. Like our second home!

@sarabrown-janowiak1892

3 жыл бұрын

How cool! Hubby's family is from a small town call Manistee. Just an hour or so north from Ludington, and past Holland. So beautiful, and yes, definitely a nice and peaceful getaway

@sarabrown-janowiak1892

3 жыл бұрын

Also of note, that small town, Manistee has a National Forest (which we have yet to go to), but beautiful photos that I have seen. Manistee National Forest, I've also heard it called Huron- Manistee National Forest. Just an idea for a next trip idea when you guys visit MI again.😊🌳🌲🏕

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

@@sarabrown-janowiak1892 Thanks and funny you should mention that. Next video - ATVing up in that area.

@sarabrown-janowiak1892

3 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks Really?! Thata awesome!! We love it up there! Such a quaint little town. Has the Forest and beaches, and a delicious ice cream shop😊👍

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Christine!

How fun! We are getting close to this area - missed this video a few years back 🤔

@AmericasParks

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Heading to the area where Julie grew up! Love it out there... enjoy!

Great video. Bummer about the closed trail. It's good to be able to pivot and still make the most of it though!

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Well-said! Experienced a lot of that - never a guarantee at the National Parks! It seems trips rarely go exactly as I plan them - especially this year.

Beautiful video Randy ! Nice highlights of your trip around Michigan Lake . Must be hard to climb that dune 😝 Love your editing and music mix , just great ! Took time to look at your video on our vacation road trip in Quebec . Still have a week left . Have a great weekend H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈🇨🇦

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your road trip! I'm sure you are getting a lot of great footage!

@SergeCousineau

3 жыл бұрын

Americas Parks Yes it’s crazy ! I will never catch up ...I haven’t even finished my 84 days road trip still have 30% left to edit 😛 Have a great weekend with your beautiful family H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🇨🇦🌈

You can't beat fruit in season right where its grown! Not only is it usually reasonably priced, the taste is phenomenal over what ends up in the store.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Right on, Andy!

Excellent video. Enjoyed the small overview of the trip at the beginning and also liked that you showed that the areas surrounding the parks have great things to offer as well. Would love to get the family up here sooner rather than later. I know it would be a hit. Thought about it this year but in doing my research saw that there was just too much closed (ferry service and the scenic drive) to justify it. I haven’t been here since I was a small child, so it would basically be a first time visit for me. Sorry the big dune climb didn’t come to fruition but it was a nice lesson to share with your viewers that things happen on these adventures and you have to roll with the punches. Well maybe you weren’t that sorry that it didn’t work out. That would have been an extremely brutal climb back up.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

That was great, Michael! Thanks for the feedback and hope you get some time up there next summer!

Great video. We’re here now. 😄

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Have a super time!

i like your videos . keep going

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate that, thank you!

Awesome content, ❤️ the🎶

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mark!

Nice video. Beautiful views

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

Too bad you had to miss the big dune climb, but I'm sure your legs don't regret it. You have a wonderful family, they will have such great memories of your trips. Wonder where they plan to bring their children?

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate the kind words! Your final question is a good one - time will tell, but I think the memories we created have been good ones they'll like to repeat. btw- did that 450 foot dune climb in 2006. A real challenge indeed!

You cannot compare deep dish pizza to thin crust pizza. They are two completely different meals with two completely different purposes. Both delicious though. 😜 That being said... This area looks amazing!! Can you do a video on your favorite places for boating (kayaking, canoeing, etc). I think you've been to enough places to give good input on that. My favorite place is the Delaware Water Gap for kayaking, but you may have other thoughts. :)

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Love a good pizza connoisseur! :) Thanks for the kind words and suggestion, Irene!

I was inspired by your video you posted two weeks ago on Pictured Rocks and feel the need to go. My family of 3 are flying into Milwaukee, WI renting a car doing one way road trip, 2 weeks back, to Salt Lake City, UT. Any suggestions on what to see along the way? Any reason why you have not been to Isle Royale, should I by pass it?

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to hear! There is some neat stuff in Door County, WI. We toured Lambeau Field - even as a Bears fan, pretty cool. Isle Royale hopefully next year. Just haven't had the opportunity. Heard it's incredible, but boat shuttles might be closed. Enjoy!

Did you guys camp at Platte River campground? What’s your secret setting up tents late at night for an entire family?

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, Platte River. Good eye, John. Kind of late night set-up by default! lol! Shining the car headlights on the site helps. Needed to inflate the air mattresses down the street however, not to disturb the other campers.

We were there in 2016

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Really one of these places everyone should experience!

🥰👍

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

R u post to eat the fruit before bying?

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, permission from the owner to eat away as we harvest. Not all U-Picks permit this, but many do. Check first...

Sorry excuse my ignorance, but around which month did you visit sleeping bear dunes?

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

Np Alex, we were there in mid-July 2020. Take care!

About how long is the empire bluffs trail?

@AmericasParks

2 жыл бұрын

It's a short one - about 1.5 miles.

@mattyounis5636

2 жыл бұрын

@@AmericasParks ok thanks

How was it there

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! A lot of neat activities and beautiful, clean lands.

Detroit has better pizza than either of those places.

@AmericasParks

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, coming from Chicago, hard to find and comparable pizza. Need to stick to the big cities! Take care!