Clyde’s Corner: Camping makes for years of family fun

by Clyde Whitaker

We have my wife, Mary, to thank for this month’s topic. She suggested writing something about our camping experiences over the years. Good idea!

Mary and I have been camping for many, many years, beginning when our kids were toddlers. We started out the usual way, with a tent and air mattresses, which were always flat by morning!

We eventually moved up to a pop-up camper—way better than sleeping on the ground, and much roomier. In 2016, we purchased a 28-foot travel trailer, which we are still using.

Pulling a 4,500-pound trailer is an experience, beginning with fighting the wind that tries to blow us into the next lane. And even though I drive 62 miles per hour, I only get a whopping eight miles per gallon!

But all of us who camp know the satisfaction we get when everything is all set up, the campfire is prepped for the evening marshmallows, and everyone is intently waiting to hear the latest Big Foot stories.

Camping destinations for us have included Bruin Lake, Portage Lake, Wilson State Park, Sleepy Hollow, Brevoort Lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and our favorite, Otsego Lake State Park in Gaylord.

Our four children—Aaron, Josh, Angie and Grant—always looked forward to camping, riding their bikes around the park, playing ball on the ball diamond, and swimming and playing on the white sandy beach. We had many special moments finishing up the day with a hand-scooped ice cream from the camp store while we sat on picnic tables and admired the sun setting across the lake.

Now, our kids are bringing up their kids. Henry, Tyler, Adam, June, Brooks, and Josie all look forward to riding bikes, fishing, and listening to Big Foot stories around the roaring campfire, as they eat their roasted marshmallows.

As in the past, we usually pick a day with blue skies and warm temperatures to make the drive up to Mackinaw City. It’s only about a one hour drive when we’re camping in Gaylord. Once there, we drive over to the rocks by the shore, sit on them, and get splashed when the waves come into shore. The Mackinac Bridge is a beautiful backdrop; it’s nice to gaze upon its beauty.

Of course, the kids have to hit the shops and spend their souvenir money on something they like. For lunch, we like to go to Mama Mia’s; they have awesome pizza, (almost as good as Rob’s Pizza here in town J).

There is just something magical about standing on the shoreline in Mackinaw City, with the Mackinac Bridge in the distance. You can’t help but enjoy the majesty of the deep blue water and watching the boats go back and forth to Mackinac Island off in the distance. It makes you feel very small, but very appreciative.

Camping gives us a chance to slow down, take walks down by the water, spend time together without cell phones, eat ice cream, and breath the fresh, cool air.

If you haven’t tried camping yet, the Whitakers highly recommend it. Its easy to start out with a tent at one of the area campgrounds.

In the words of the legendary bow hunter, Fred Bear, go out and into the great outdoors, “It will cleanse the soul.”

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.

All photos by Clyde Whitaker.

The 2024 Whitaker camping crew enjoying hand-scooped ice cream from the camp store.

Nothing can compare with the pure joy of a family fishing outing.

Clyde’s wife, Mary, has always made sure their pets also have fun at the lake.

The next generation of Whitakers getting used to the feel of Michigan sand between their toes.

Whitakers learn to handle their own fishing lines at an early age.

If you’re old enough to walk, you’re old enough to fish!

The “Might Mac” serves as a beautiful backdrop from Mackinaw City.

Each generation of Whitakers is introduced to the Call of the Wild in Gaylord—a popular area attraction since the 1950s.

Nothing can beat admiring a sunset across the lake after a full day of fun.

Clyde carefully minding his line—or not!

The entire family looks forward to listening to Big Foot stories around a roaring campfire.