Memorable Moments from My Base 2 Summit Trip
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Traveling from Rochester to Traverse City marked the beginning of my Base 2 Summit trip provided by the Cassie Hines Shoe Cancer Foundation. This experience combined adventure, connection, and personal growth in ways I hadn’t anticipated. From the moment I boarded the 11 a.m. flight to Traverse City, with a brief layover in Chicago, the trip was filled with meaningful moments and new friendships that made every step worthwhile.
Arrival and First Connections
Landing in Traverse City, I met Maddie, the lead staff member who welcomed us warmly. We waited briefly for Ben, another participant, before heading out to the van. Our first stop was a casual picnic where I met other staff members, Tiffanie and Luke, as well as participants Ary and Sarah. The relaxed atmosphere helped ease any travel fatigue and set a positive tone for the days ahead.
After waiting for the last participant, Rachel, we drove to our base for the trip—a beautiful house on the lake. The girls took the bunk room downstairs, while Ben and I shared a room upstairs. That evening, we enjoyed a delicious Mexican-style stuffed pepper with quinoa, prepared by our chefs Karen (Cassie’s mom) and Brenda. The meal was a perfect way to unwind, followed by a cozy fire. t was a simple but meaningful way to start building bonds.
A Quiet Start and Kayaking on the Platte River
Day two began with personal practice. As someone who tends to talk a lot, I found value in starting the day with silence and personal reflection. Watching raindrops fall outside while enjoying breakfast gave me a calm mindset before we set off for the Platte River.
Kayaking was a highlight of the day. I love being on the water, and this trip gave me time to enjoy the surroundings and challenge myself. On the river, we spotted a duck family, which made Ary especially excited. Her enthusiasm reminded me to slow down and appreciate the small moments instead of rushing through. This lesson repeated itself throughout the trip, encouraging all of us to be present and mindful.
Later, we visited a state park to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes, offering a stunning view of Lake Michigan. The natural beauty of the area was breathtaking and added a sense of awe to our adventure. We ended the night with some bracelet making and laughter.
Finding Balance on the Bike Ride
The third day started with a six-mile bike ride. At first, I felt a bit wobbly and unsure, but after about ten minutes, I got the hang of shifting gears and found my rhythm. I intentionally stayed near the back to enjoy the landscape and keep an eye on Ary. She reminded me of a late friend, and I wanted to support her spirit during the ride.
the way into our bike ride, we stopped at a beautiful beach for lunch. While everyone else enjoyed the break in their own way—sunbathing, walking along the shoreline, or chatting over the lunches they packed—Luke and I couldn't resist taking a quick dip in the refreshing water.
After drying off, I wandered over to the small museum nearby to learn a little about the area's history. It was a nice way to mix a bit of education into the adventure before getting back on our bikes.
Our next stop brought us to the incredible dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. The views were absolutely worth the climb. Of course, I couldn't leave without making a sand angel!
Then I decided to attempt a Superman dive down one of the dunes. After my first run, a group of kids dared me to do it again. I jokingly called them out for being too scared to try it themselves. They admitted they were, so I sent it one more time... and when it came to their turn, the kid who dared me chickened out!
We then rode the 3 miles back to the outfitter. Seeing Ary push through and complete the ride brought me joy. It was a reminder of the strength we all carry, even when the path feels difficult. The shared effort and encouragement among participants created a strong sense of community.
We then had some free time to explore the area around the outfitter. Since I'm not much of a shopper, I decided to grab some ice cream. Sarah joined me, and it gave us a chance to connect one-on-one.
She wanted to check out a few other places, including a bookstore—which isn't normally my thing. But one thing I've learned on these trips is to stay open to new experiences and spend time with people who share this unfortunate connection of living with cancer. Sometimes the best part of these adventures isn't the activity itself, but the conversations you have along the way.
We wandered through a few stores and realized we had a similar mindset: if something doesn't call to us, we don't shop just for the sake of shopping. It was a simple afternoon, but getting to know each other a little better made it time well spent.
Heat and Climb
This day started with rock climbing at Elev8 Climbing Gym. I knew going in that heights and I don't exactly get along. I had signed the waiver the night before, but I really hadn't told anyone how nervous I was. When we got there, though, people overheard me quietly mumbling, "I don't know about this."
Even with the fear, I decided to stick it out and watch everyone give it a try. Then I went upstairs and saw Ary climbing. I remember thinking to myself, If Ary can do it, I can at least try. Ary knew it wasn't easy, but seeing them push through inspired me to give it a shot.
I only made it a few feet off the ground, but honestly, that was enough for me. Rock climbing definitely isn't my jam, but I'm proud that I faced the fear instead of letting it stop me. That's what these trips are all about—trying things you might never do otherwise.
After climbing, we headed back to camp. The weather was a little hit or miss, so everyone spent some time relaxing indoors. Eventually, the "sauna gang" came together—me, Rachel, Ary, and Luke. We warmed up in the sauna, then headed out for a kayak paddle before jumping back in the sauna. After that, we grabbed paddleboards and spent more time out on the lake.
It turned into one of those simple but memorable afternoons. Laughing, paddling, relaxing, and getting to know everyone better reminded me that these trips aren't just about the adventures—they're about the people you share them with.
The Nauti Cat
The last day of activities took us aboard the Nauti-Cat Catamaran for a sail around Grand Traverse Bay. The whole trip had an impromptu party vibe. We laughed, danced, enjoyed the fresh air, and soaked in the beautiful views while spending more time together. Brooke was awesome about helping me get some photos with my banners out on the water, which made the experience even more special.
After the sail, we stopped for a quick lunch. That's when I changed into my collared shirt—if you know, you know. Then I realized my phone had been recording inside my bag for the entire sail, completely draining the battery. So much for all those videos! Thankfully, the memories were worth more than anything I could have recorded.
We had about an hour and a half to explore the town before meeting back up at the donut shop. Since my phone was dead, I stuck with Luke, and we wandered through a few stores together. The highlight was definitely Cherry Republic, an entire store dedicated to all things cherry—one of Michigan's famous specialties. I even stopped by Zoltar to get my fortune, and I have to admit... it was surprisingly accurate.
Back at the house, the weather didn't cooperate, so our planned campfire became an indoor gathering instead. In the end, it didn't matter where we were. We shared stories, reflected on the week, laughed, cried, and talked about what the experience had meant to each of us. When it was my turn, I shared my final thoughts and feelings about the trip.
As the evening came to a close, I realized that while the adventures were incredible, it was the people who made this week unforgettable. We all arrived as strangers connected by cancer, but we left as friends connected by so much more.
Reflections on the Experience
This trip was more than just an outdoor adventure. It was a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges, to find peace in nature, and to push personal limits in a supportive environment. The Cassie Hines Shoe Cancer Foundation’s Base 2 Summit trip provided a space where healing and growth happened naturally through shared experiences.
Big thanks to the staff, Karen, Brenda, Maddie, Brooke, Tiffanie, and Luke.
Please check out the foundation at the link below https://www.cassiehinesshoescancer.org/