I wanted to include more pictures from the dunes. These were taken by LittleA and LittleE on their dune journey from the campground to the Lake Michigan shore. BigJ and Dad also went along on the hike. It's has been an annual tradition for the past 4 years that we have been going to Warren Dunes.
This first climb from the campground is known as Mt. Randall. It is VERY steep and feels like it's going straight up. It's a tough way to begin, but a great challenge. Especially for us older folk!
The kids run up so quickly because they don't sink down into the sand as much as we do. Show Offs!
I haven't tackled Mt. Randall in a few years, since LittleJ was born. Awww, too bad (not!).
We like to call it the Great Dune Sea (ala Star Wars), but of course it really isn't that big. It takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the lakeshore, keeping up a good pace.
There are a few shady spots here and there for a break, but not many.
It's definitely best to start out early in the morning before the sand gets too hot. That way walking barefoot won't burn your feet, and it's so much easier without shoes or even flip flops.
Some places have dune grass and scrub growing, while others are completely barren.It's all beautiful and amazing though.
Occasionally, blooming plants can even be found.
Here's our finished campsite--good size lot with some grass and partial sun. It worked out great. No complaints of tree roots while sleeping either. That's a huge plus! We'll put up the canopy over the picnic table after we get back from the beach.
The boys relax with some yummy strawberries and blueberries, and wait for the girls to get ready to go to the beach for a swim.
Getting to the beach from the campground is either a foot journey over the dunes which takes about 30 minutes, or a short 5 minute drive. As you can see, we usually drive. The kids and Dad trekked the dunes early the next morning though. It's a huge hike for LittleJ at this point, but maybe next year. They love it! The girls made their dune documentary which I'll have to upload later. In the background is the main sand dune. It's also quite a hike to the top but the view is amazing. 
Finally made it down to the beach. LittleJ loves the giant sandbox! The water temperature was around 65 degrees. It took a while getting used to, but in the end it felt great!
LittleJ got all tuckered out the second day at the beach. I would opt for a few more degrees on that water temperature though. Woo! It certainly cools you off!! 
Here is everyone beginning the climb up the main dune. They all make it to the top except for LittleJ and Dad who only get to the first log. 
And here is the 
The line to wait wasn't too long--maybe 20 minutes. It was a bit crowded, but you were able to go at your own pace without too much trouble. We had visited here before, several years ago, but BigJ didn't remember it, so we thought it would be nice to go back on this special day.
Once in the door they have wall displays of the different Ohio astronauts- 24 in all, as well as a display of the history of flight. Hanging from the ceiling is this great replica of the moon and a moon landing module.
There's also a small moon rock on display. Did you know the astronauts left their oxygen backpacks on the moon so they could use that storage space for the moon rocks they brought back?
a strawberry cheescake trifle. YUMMMMM!!!
We headed to the fireworks in a neighboring town. Not sure quite where we were going but met up with some friends. The show was great! The traffic was horrendous getting back out of town, but we made it home before midnight.
The recipe comes from a cookbook done in my hometown as part of their bicentennial celebration in 1976. As you can see it is pretty worn.
