Desert Camp

We went up to McDowell Regional Park last weekend for one last camping trip in the desert. (At least for a while.) Everett signed up for a Dawn to Dusk mountain bike race on Saturday so we all went along to keep him company. How is it possible that it could rain on us, two consecutive races, in the AZ desert. We haven't had rain here in months, but it decided to rain pretty much the entire weekend. Everett did great and rode about 50 miles that day, despite being cold and wet. The rest of us were a little luckier- we got to hide out in the tent while it was raining. Then, when it got too much for us to handle, we took refuge in the local starbucks for some hot drinks and snacks. Best of all, we had a serendipity! Everett's brother and family are in the process of moving cross-country and stopped in to visit us in Phoenix. They stayed at a hotel (smart people), but they did come out to hang at our campsite and roast some marshmallows. Fiona and her cousin, Violet, had fun getting to know each other. They are about a year apart in age, and will have a great time together really soon! We were so glad to get to see them and have some company while Everett was racing. As always, the boys are up for any adventure. As long as Daddy keeps the fire going and the hot chocolate coming, they're ready to handle anything.

Camping with Five

We had a great Independence Day weekend. We escaped the desert heat and headed up to the mountains a couple hours west of here. It was Fiona's first camping trip and I think she had a great time. She helped set up the tent, supervised the cooking and just generally looked cute.






We went for a nice hike through the mountain meadows. The weather was perfect and the scenery was gorgeous.



Apparently the wildlife agreed because we found a rattlesnake who had come out to play. He's the squiggly black thing in the picture. Ev lifted the boys up to view it from a "safe" distance. I think he and I have slightly differing definitions for that, but that's probably because I would have preferred to be about a mile away.



Ev and Trevor went mountain biking later that afternoon while the other two and I relaxed in the campsite. We read books around the campfire, talked about animal footprints and all sorts of other fun things. The campground was very quiet, so we had a peaceful, relaxing holiday. I think we'll have to go camping again soon!

Blueness

The next stop on our vacation was Crater Lake National Park. Setting up camp takes a lot less time now with two great helpers, even though we were getting swarmed by mosquitoes. Thank goodness for DEET, because the citronella was just not up to the job. Although, the candle did drown 5 or 6 of them. We got to experience Crater Lake from the top of the crater as we drove around, and then we got a totally different perspective from a boat ride on the lake. Take a good look at the side of that crater- we hiked down into that...and back up. I considered just having my mail forwarded to the boat dock, but finally decided that if Braden could make it, so could I. I hope you can get a feel from the pictures just how blue the water really is- I've never seen anything else like it.

Tallness

I've finally had a chance to check-out some of my pictures from this summer's vacation. We had a really fantastic time in the northwest, and the pictures just don't capture it. You'll see what I mean if you've ever been to any of these places. There is just no way to show how amazing old growth redwoods are. And this was only the beginning...

Camp Senator Wash

Last weekend, we did a trial run for our camping trip this summer. The goal: to take all our gear and tools and put them (and ourselves) to the test. We needed to make sure we have everything we will need, and that we know how to use it!

I thought it was also a good time to assign responsibilities. There's no room for free-loaders on a camping trip.



Everyone helped with the tent and gathering firewood.

While Dad chopped the wood, the boys made a fire ring nearby.
They did such a great job!
Especially for the first time! After the ring was ready and the wood was ready, Ev found some horse poo to really get the fire going! What kind of a marine would he be if he couldn't build a great fire?!

We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the open desert. No other people in sight. A crackling fire.

The night was quiet and full of so many stars. I expected to hear some coyotes, but heard only the odd bird or insect.

The sun comes early in the desert. I was awake at 0430, with plenty of time to catch the sunrise.

We were sleepy, but excited and happy campers.

I was really excited to try my thrifted cast iron skillet on our new camp stove. Everyone said the eggs and sausages were yummy. I think all food tastes better in camp.

Marine Meals

Last week we did a tent dry run in our back yard. To start it out right, we dined on MREs (Meal Ready to Eat). They liked the potato sticks, peanut butter & crackers, bread & cheese, oatmeal cookies and dried cranberries. A few bites was plenty of the spagetti and beef with vegetables. Go figure. Still, it was fun to listen to the water boil and wear boonie covers. (aka Marine Hats) Those are my boys!

Planning

Here is my personal research library for vacation planning. Partly borrowed from local libraries, and partly from amazon used book, I have all the information I need at my fingertips. (And more on the way) Now all I have to do is find time to pick them up and read them. In case you couldn't tell, we're headed to Colorado's front range, and then Yellowstone. That's where we will be camping this summer. I can't think of a better place for our first experience, although it might be hard to top!

A Tenting We Will Go

Among other things, I've been busy recently planning our family vacation for this summer. As you can see, it involves a tent. Okay, you can pick your jaws back up off the floor. Yes- we're going camping (or tenting, as I've heard it said). Behold, our portable palace!

We could barely fit it in the living room for our initial set-up! Needless to say, the boys are very excited, and so are the adults!