Our Camping Trip

Almost two weeks ago (man I can't figure out when to blog) our family went on a camping trip.  This was our fourth attempt at setting aside a day away from town for some family investing time.  Illness, in it's many forms, had deterred us the 3 times prior.  We had planned to spend the day with another family, with 2 little boys, at the 2nd of Seven Mountain Lakes.

But several days before we made the trip, it was this that challenged my heart to step away for a little longer, more intentional family time.  The day was spent with lots of fun fishing, wading, throwing rocks and climbing on rocks.  The T family returned home after lunch and our family loaded in the truck to hunt the perfect camping site.  We haven't been very disciplined lately to rest and reflect on Him, so the challenge was a good one.  And Ethan had been asking to camp for his birthday; so 5 days before his birthday sounded like a great time to camp.

 Everyone taking a turn fishing.  Unfortunately we didn't catch anything.  This is also the view down stream from where we set up camp for the day.  We tried to stay in the shallow, calm water

 This is a shot up the river.  You can see the white water, where the stream was moving a lot faster.  To the right you see our 2 trucks.  All the shady spots were taken, so we settled on a tarp tied between our two trucks.  With local pillows (corphachas) to sit on, it made for a comfy picnic spot.   

 Enjoying a big old slice of juicy watermelon. 

 Looking out over the 3rd lake, where we would camp for the night.  We camped off to the left side at the very top of the lake.  Isn't the water amazingly blue and clear?

 Had to get a family picture with the tent.  Hard to believe it was a wedding gift 9 years ago.  Had NO IDEA then where we would pitch it and how God would bless us and fill it!
In the background you see Elli's little red porta-potty chair.  A camping "must!" 
 

 The sun setting on the lake at our camp out.  On the mountain side directly in front is the narrow road from where we took the other lake 3 photo; if that helps give you a location.

Throughout the day, God reminded my heart of His perfect and planned creation.  This string of 7 beautiful mountain lakes is no doubt the handiwork of a creative and intentional God.  It was so refreshing to pull away, drive out of town (and cell phone range) and enjoy His rugged beauty. 

Definitely not the best night of sleep I've ever had, but that wasn't the goal.  The temperature sure dropped in the night.  We had had several days of 105F temps back at home.  With the combination of a cooler front and the mountain air, Mommy didn't pack enough blankets.  We put our rain cover on to help hold in some heat and ended up sleeping with the towels our picnic friends left with us, just in case. 

Elli was so happy to wake up all together.  We were up before 5 and had the camp packed and headed back to town by 7:30.  And all 3 kids zonked out on the way home.  What a fun family memory!

For those who want to see more pictures, here is an album of more pictures of our time together. 

Mountain Camp Out