Vaca Silver Birch Ranch

The Hall family embarked on quite an adventure this year. We opted to take a vacation to Silver Birch Ranch in Wisconsin. I know pure Michigan has better radio ads, but we passed. We ventured deep into Packer territory---past Green Bay! But it is hard to deny the beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness.







After traveling for 5.5 hours past countless dairy farms, through forests and even an Indian Reservation, we arrived safely at the Ranch. SBR is a Christian camp with a tremendous legacy. The grounds feature a stable with all form of livestock, including horses, goats and pigs...that weigh 800 lbs!

Cassie (7) is an animal lover, so she just lit up when she took a pony ride. Jared chased the roosters around the petting zoo. Cassie also ran after a baby goat that escaped the zoo and carried it back to safety (very biblical).





SBR also has an impressive lakefront. One morning we woke up early and canoed out to an island for a special breakfast cooked by some summer staff. We also saw a family of loons and an eagle's nest. We heard a rumor that a bear swam across the lake 2 years ago. (Probably Cutler after a loss). We also took a pontoon boat tour and they made the mistake of letting Jared drive.





The theme for the year was "The Gauntlet." They actually had a gauntlet set up and I actually ran through it. I even cut my hand and bled. Very medieval. They also set-up a jousting contest...which I didn't win. The highlight of the theme night was when they used a catapult to launch candy into the air for the kids.







Cassie and Ellie were both brave enough to try the dueling zip-lines. Jared talked a good game until he froze in fear on top of the platform. Maybe next year.






Here is an old-time recap of our great trip to Silver Birch Ranch.