Operation Revive, LLC

Ruckmas Columbus

FOLLOW OUR NEXT CHAPTER HERE!

As always.. … just shifting priorities.

Hey team!

As a couple of you may have notice.. I haven’t been posting much via Op Revive, but have come to realize that the thing we have done that felt the most impactful was the annual Ruckmas event.

With that, I took a hit this summer and wasn’t very active planning this years event… but thanks to my pal Jeffrey Cochran he is keeping things alive for a Ruckmas 2023 and we will be back at it on December 2nd. Please search and follow the Ruckmas Columbus page as I’ll likely wrap this up and focus on Ruckmas.

I appreciate all the love and support here, and hope to see you on the other page!

You all are the best!
Kuhn

Day 5: Traverse City

Polished off the evening with a trip into Traverse City for food and miscellaneous shopping at M22 (clothing) and Cherry Republic (food/drink).

A couple of locals at Empire Beach recommended we check out either Firefly or Pangea’s. Opted to go with the pizza join.

Pizza was delicious. Paired it with some veggies and hummus. Try to get the roof top seating if possible. View of the evening sky was a nice touch. Overall great atmosphere and was dog friendly.

Did find out that many stores in the cities up there will have a paw print or say “pet friendly” on the front door or windows.

Felt like Traverse City was more adult based, but they do have some stuff for the younger crowd. Lots of sand volleyball courts by the lake. Plenty of parking lots (free after like 6 or 8pm). I cant exactly remember, but you’ll be alright.

https://pangeaspizza.com

https://www.tcfirefly.com

https://m22.com

https://cherryrepublic.com

Day 5: Moomers Ice Cream

Worked up an appetite for some ice cream and hit up the recommended Moomers. We lucked out with timing because it got slammed as we were leaving. *That’s why you eat dessert before dinner* 😉

Rachel and I shared a flight of 5 different flavors and I got a chocolate milk. Needless to say theirs tasted really good, which is why I wanted to sample as much as I could 😂

I recommend going out to the farm, smash on some ice cream, take a look around, and then go to the back and see the cows.

https://moomers.com

Day 5: Empire and Empire Beach

After all the Dunes, we popped by Shipwreck Cafe in Empire for some lunch. The Fitzgerald sandwich was delicious 🤤. Kids got the Tugboats and we grab a cherry chocolate chip cookie and some frozen custard.

https://shipwreckcafe.com

🐾Walking back to the truck we saw a sign for Empire Beach and made a detour. Best decision ever! Parking is a dollar an hour and free after like 6 or so at night.
Lots might get full, but you can park along the street.
It has an additional small lake/pond for fishing, basketball court, volleyball court, and multiple playgrounds along the beach. Water was perfect! Cool and clear. We also learned that Ranger will ride the boogie board to float in the deep with us.
🏆This was probably my favorite beach and place to hang out.

https://empirechamber.com/outdoor-adventure/beaches/

Day 5: Dune Climb

Probably the best place for the “dune climbing” experience. It’s enough of a hike to check the box without getting overly stimulated. NOT dog friendly.

Sand was hot, and we honestly wore Crocs in adventure mode for nearly every hike - Easier to get the sand out of. Shoes were terrible when I wore them for the Indiana Dunes and I never wore them again.

Bring water and don’t feel obligated to go to the tippy top… we did and it wasn’t worth the ROI 😂. It’s more vegetation… no glamorous rewarding ocean view. Just hit the first main ledge, get your pic with Glen Lake behind you, and then people watch.

On our way out we actually cooled off in Little Glen Lake really quick. You can see the dunes in the back.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dune_climb.htm

Day 5: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

MUST see experience if you’re in the area.
Don’t forget to hit the Welcome Center to collect you passport stamp!

🐾 Careful with your dog(s) and the hot sand. Fee is charged (need National Park pass). Water recommended.

Fun Fact: “Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is certainly a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 7.4 mile drive loops through the Beech-Maple forest and sand dunes and provides insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. You can take a dune hike along the Cottonwood Trail or stop for a picnic at one of the picnic areas on the drive.”

Of the 12 waypoints, we stopped at the:

- Covered Bridge ( #1) - meh
- Glen Lake Overlook ( #2) - not bad
- Dune Overlook ( #3) - it’s pretty
- Cottonwood Trail ( #4) - I don’t think was dog friendly, but remember to stay on the trail to preserve the ecosystem.
- 🛑🛑 Lake Michigan Overlook and Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook ( #9 and #10) - MUST STOP!! Traffic/parking can be a bit crazy. Save the dunes and the time… don’t walk down the hill.
- North Bar Lake Overlook - it was pretty. Rachel wasn’t a fan of the hole in the ground style toilets here. Better restrooms up between stops 2 and 3… ish.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psscenicdrive.htm

Day 4: Art’s Tavern

We ate here for dinner. It was pretty solid and recommend if you visit Glen Arbor. I didn’t take food pics because I was hungry and forgot 🤷🏻‍♂️ but you’ll be alright.

https://artsglenarbor.com

We checked out some shops while we waited for our seats, but a lot of places closed early during the week days.. it was like 8pm.

I’ll show you more in another post because Rachel liked this town that much that we went back lol.

Day 4: Platte River and Loon Lake

🐾 Post Empire Trail hike we went to Riverside Canoes to rent a canoe and 2 tubes to float along Platte River to Loon Lake, then continued to the ending point near Platte Beach.

🐾The kayak and canoes are dog friendly. You can also attach open bottom or closed bottom tubes to the canoe. It cost us just shy of $100, and we were out there for 3 hours maybe 2.5, so it’s nice they give you a seat cushion.

You pay, drive your car and leave it at the end point, a shuttle brings you back up the road, and then collect your stuff and jump in your boat. Once done you may need to return the rental gear.

Running down from Platte Lake, the water was usually pretty shallow the first leg down to Loon Lake and mostly clear with a greenish tone. Saw several groups in the water fishing, a couple of kids skim boarding, and other older folks floating along enjoy adult beverages (not sure the legalities here).

About 1/2 way down you dump off into Loon Lake where a few sandbars give you a chance to jump out and enjoy the water. We hung out with some locals for about an hour.

The paddle across the lake with 2 kids in tow and against the current of the river on the other side (for the second leg) was a bit rough. But we saw a salmon near the fishing weir and eventually made it to the end.

Fun Fact: The weir on the Lower Platte River is the primary salmon harvest location. In the fall salmon enter the Lower Platte River at the mouth on their annual migration. They swim upstream to spawn and are stopped at the weir. The weir gate is raised and lowered to count the fish that travel upstream, and manage the harvest. It’s one of the best times to visit the Platte River in Michigan.

Back at the rental office they have a nice sized gift shop and you get a food voucher for their ice cream and food stand.

I would definitely recommend giving it a go.

https://www.canoemichigan.com

Day 4: Empire Bluff Trail

🐾 Ditched the Camper and hiked Empire Bluff Trail. 1.5 miles round trip with an opportunity to extend the hike if you choose to continue to follow the trail up the coastline. It’s a hilly walk in a beech-maple forest that’s opens up into sandy overlook with plenty of dune plants along a boardwalk.

I’d say it was my favorite or at least one of my favorite hikes of the trip. Trail is populated with folks… but not too shabby.

Recommend drinking plenty of water, as it was an issue with many folks on a hot day. I also like to soak sweat bands in ice water and then wear it around my neck or over my head.

Fun Fact: Your line of sight horizon on Lake Michigan is about 25 miles in any unobstructed direction. If the scenic outlook were six times as high you could see Wisconsin, about 60 miles straight west across the Lake, but from where you stand the curve of the planet blocks that view.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm

Last One

Day 3: Holland Michigan & Indigo Bluffs

- [ ] Left Lake Shore - the lot next to us was completely flooded from an overnight storm. Rachel did her first pull of the camper!

- [ ] Stopped off at FLUID Coffee Rosters in Michigan City, Indiana.
Rachel got the Doncaster and claims it’s one of the best coffees she got in her life. So you should probably give that a whirl.
I had to handle some man business and was oddly entertained by the restroom entertainment.

- [ ] Ranger continued to take ALL the naps.

- [ ] 🐾 Made a midway stop at the Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan.
Pretty little area with a neat little gift shop, authentic Dutch windmill, and many replica buildings of those found i. The Netherlands.
In the Spring they’ll have ~150,000 tulips on display.

- [ ] Overall, Michigan has some really attractive roadside scenery. Lots of pine trees and occasional fruit farms.

- [ ] 🐾 Rounded off the day arriving at our campsite for the next few nights - Indigo Bluffs in Empire, Michigan (Sleeping Bear Dunes)

https://www.fluidcoffeelove.com

https://www.holland.org/visit-windmill-island-gardens

https://www.indigobluffs.com

Post 3

Day 3: Holland Michigan & Indigo Bluffs

- [ ] Left Lake Shore - the lot next to us was completely flooded from an overnight storm. Rachel did her first pull of the camper!

- [ ] Stopped off at FLUID Coffee Rosters in Michigan City, Indiana.
Rachel got the Doncaster and claims it’s one of the best coffees she got in her life. So you should probably give that a whirl.
I had to handle some man business and was oddly entertained by the restroom entertainment.

- [ ] Ranger continued to take ALL the naps.

- [ ] 🐾 Made a midway stop at the Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan.
Pretty little area with a neat little gift shop, authentic Dutch windmill, and many replica buildings of those found i. The Netherlands.
In the Spring they’ll have ~150,000 tulips on display.

- [ ] Overall, Michigan has some really attractive roadside scenery. Lots of pine trees and occasional fruit farms.

- [ ] 🐾 Rounded off the day arriving at our campsite for the next few nights - Indigo Bluffs in Empire, Michigan (Sleeping Bear Dunes)

https://www.fluidcoffeelove.com

https://www.holland.org/visit-windmill-island-gardens

https://www.indigobluffs.com

Part 2

Day 3: Holland Michigan & Indigo Bluffs

- [ ] Left Lake Shore - the lot next to us was completely flooded from an overnight storm. Rachel did her first pull of the camper!

- [ ] Stopped off at FLUID Coffee Rosters in Michigan City, Indiana.
Rachel got the Doncaster and claims it’s one of the best coffees she got in her life. So you should probably give that a whirl.
I had to handle some man business and was oddly entertained by the restroom entertainment.

- [ ] Ranger continued to take ALL the naps.

- [ ] 🐾 Made a midway stop at the Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan.
Pretty little area with a neat little gift shop, authentic Dutch windmill, and many replica buildings of those found i. The Netherlands.
In the Spring they’ll have ~150,000 tulips on display.

- [ ] Overall, Michigan has some really attractive roadside scenery. Lots of pine trees and occasional fruit farms.

- [ ] 🐾 Rounded off the day arriving at our campsite for the next few nights - Indigo Bluffs in Empire, Michigan (Sleeping Bear Dunes)

https://www.fluidcoffeelove.com

https://www.holland.org/visit-windmill-island-gardens

https://www.indigobluffs.com

Day 3: Holland Michigan & Indigo Bluffs

- [ ] Left Lake Shore - the lot next to us was completely flooded from an overnight storm. Rachel did her first pull of the camper!

- [ ] Stopped off at FLUID Coffee Rosters in Michigan City, Indiana.
Rachel got the Doncaster and claims it’s one of the best coffees she got in her life. So you should probably give that a whirl.
I had to handle some man business and was oddly entertained by the restroom entertainment.

- [ ] Ranger continued to take ALL the naps.

- [ ] 🐾 Made a midway stop at the Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan.
Pretty little area with a neat little gift shop, authentic Dutch windmill, and many replica buildings of those found i. The Netherlands.
In the Spring they’ll have ~150,000 tulips on display.

- [ ] Overall, Michigan has some really attractive roadside scenery. Lots of pine trees and occasional fruit farms.

- [ ] 🐾 Rounded off the day arriving at our campsite for the next few nights - Indigo Bluffs in Empire, Michigan (Sleeping Bear Dunes)

https://www.fluidcoffeelove.com

https://www.holland.org/visit-windmill-island-gardens

https://www.indigobluffs.com

Day 2: Post Continued

Left campground to get to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for our National Parks Passport Stamp. NOT DOG FRIENDLY

You’ll need a NP pass to enter park.
Veterans can get a free NP pass online.

🐾 West Beach Dune Succession Trail
Part of Diana’s Dune (Conservation Initiative).
1 mile loop from the parking lot, up the stairs and continues down and up through the scenery. Can be very Sandy. Crocs can get the job done. Spits you out at the beach, then back past the bathhouse to the parking lot.
I got overheated and we ended up ditching our idea of swimming so I could get back to the truck and cool off.
Beach and scenery was beautiful, but sand hiking always is a pain 😂

https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/diana-s-dare.htm

🐾 Kemil Beach
Sandy bottom beach with some rocks near the shoreline. Water is cool, crisp, and clear. Enjoyed these beaches better than the saltwater ones along coasts. No sharks and creepy swimming stuff that’ll make your backend pucker if it touches you.
Had to park down the road (not a terrible walk up the hill). Needed a NP pass to park. Restrooms at the parking lot and nothing at the beach.
After a while of swimming we left due to storms coming in, so we were unable to hike the nearby Dune Ridge Trail as planned.
Not a bad little beach.

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/kemil-beach.htm

Day 2
Left campground to get to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for our National Parks Passport Stamp. NOT DOG FRIENDLY

You’ll need a NP pass to enter park.
Veterans can get a free NP pass online.

🐾 West Beach Dune Succession Trail
Part of Diana’s Dune (Conservation Initiative).
1 mile loop from the parking lot, up the stairs and continues down and up through the scenery. Can be very Sandy. Crocs can get the job done. Spits you out at the beach, then back past the bathhouse to the parking lot.
I got overheated and we ended up ditching our idea of swimming so I could get back to the truck and cool off.
Beach and scenery was beautiful, but sand hiking always is a pain 😂

https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/diana-s-dare.htm

🐾 Kemil Beach
Sandy bottom beach with some rocks near the shoreline. Water is cool, crisp, and clear. Enjoyed these beaches better than the saltwater ones along coasts. No sharks and creepy swimming stuff that’ll make your backend pucker if it touches you.
Had to park down the road (not a terrible walk up the hill). Needed a NP pass to park. Restrooms at the parking lot and nothing at the beach.
After a while of swimming we left due to storms coming in, so we were unable to hike the nearby Dune Ridge Trail as planned.
Not a bad little beach.

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/kemil-beach.htm

Just want to toot this guys horn:

smashed it today at the at Burr Oak today.

Thanks for making questionable life choices with me and accomplishing such a challenging day!

Proud of you buddy and blessed to have you as a friend!!

Day 1: Columbus…ish to Lakeshore Camp Resort in Indiana.

Left late, but thanks to Anthony at RCDRV for helping inspect a few last minute questions.

Ranger napped as we went west on 70 to Indianapolis then north up to the Indiana Dunes.

Scenery was as expected… fields and windmills.

Showed up later in the evening. Site has a busted electrical out late that needed replaced. Slept near the railroad tracks, but for a place with like 1,000 spots it wasn’t too shabby. Lots of amenities we didn’t use, but the bathrooms were pretty nice.

The site flooded the morning we left, but just to be 10 minutes away from the dunes it got the job done.

Ranger.
Indiana Dunes and Michigan trip.
More to come…

First triathlon in the books! It was slow, but enjoyable. Got the bug, so very likely to do more in the future!
Thank you to the fam jam for cheering me on!
And thank you to everyone who helped with the tips and tricks up through race day. It’s an amazing community to hang out with!

Proud of these kiddos! ⚽️🏆
Went 0 losses on the regular season and even came out on top in the league championship!

Sign up here! https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Columbus/RunToChurch5K

From 5k to fishing… we had a busy Saturday.

Did a family fun run at the On Our Sleeves 5k.
Went straight to soccer and tied our game 2-2.
Then spent the evening out on the boat at Buckeye Lake.

Ready for more of these summer shenanigans…

The story of our OSU 4-miler.

Pre-race:
Me: I’ll walk this race with you.
Rachel: (just waiting for the moment I ask her if I can go ahead and run it)
Me right before the start: “I think I’m going to run it.”
Rachel: (already called it).

Me: Races ahead and burns out at mile 3.
Rachel: “stop calling me I’m trying to finish the race and I’m dying.”
Me: (7 calls later and a final answer from Rachel) “I know. You already ran past me. I’m with the medical folks.”

Thanks for finishing on the 50 with me.. barely, and ruining your time too 😂

Played Stupid Games and Won a Stupid Prize. My closest to a DNF.

Hey team!

Can anyone use 4 tickets to tomorrow’s Spring game? Rach and I will be coaching the kids’ soccer game.

Hey team!

Just a reminder of the OSU 4-miler. Free ticket to the Spring Game on Saturday, April 15th and race on Sunday the 16th.

Rach and I will be at the race if you want to join us. Then we will also have the kids at the game... extra $5 per ticket when you register for the race.

Hope to see you there!

April 2023 » The Ohio State 4 Miler Virual classes include packet mailing.Packet Mailing for the in-person classes (Ohio State 4 Miler, Ohio State 4 Miler + VIP, Bruts Bolt Kids Race) is available for $25 and can be added during the registration process.