High Adventure adventures

The Big 3: Camping, Hiking & Climbing

At the end of July, Dave embarked on the teachers quorum's summer high adventure activity. He was asked to plan the whole thing, which is a daunting task for anyone... even for someone like Dave who loves that kind of stuff.

Although it was a long, and from the sounds of it, quite taxing trip to the backcountry, he said that he thought the boys had a good time and enjoyed the experience. I think Dave did too, even if he won't readily admit it. And, I think it was a great way for the boys to get to know their leader in a different environment.

The motley crue hiked down into to the Lake Melakwa area, making camp at Pratt Lake. They set up camp and then hiked to Lake Melakwa. Dave mentioned that some boys, although very athletic found the steep pitches to be tough. But despite the challenges of the terrain, all made it successfully and enjoyed the beauty of that lush area.

After the typical Scouting and camping experiences that come along with these adventures - most of which I am not at all privy to - the next day they hiked out and met their next challenge: rock climbing. They are not kidding when they name these things "High Adventure"; I think the scouts got what they paid for on this trip. If the steep hikes and camping adventures did not exhaust them, the rock climbing surely did.

All in all, I think every boy had an awesome time and although tired, hungry, dirty and more than a little sore from all of their hard work, I dare say they would even do it again! How could you not with the views such as these?

Forever in Blue PJs, Baby

Look, Ma - I'm camping!

Our little drooling, wispy-haired buddy - gearing up for a night under the stars.

About a month ago, we headed up to Cascade Park for our Stake Campout/Pioneer Celebration... AND Benjamin's first camping experience. There were tons of little kids, loads of smores and nearly more fun than anyone could handle! It was a fun night - and much to our shock and absolute pleasure, he slept through the night, while cutting a new tooth too!

Favorite picture of the trip?

PJs and sneakers: it's a beautiful thing!

Friday's Top 10 List: Happy Trails to You

We are just about to embark on our Lake Boardman camping adventure. With less than a mile's hike to the lake, it should be a piece of cake, right?!

But considering a trek into the alpine lakes district at seven months pregnant, I'm starting to question my sanity. In light of that, I thought I should try to find the humor of this wild & crazy idea... otherwise, I might just cry as I have to face the dark wilderness for the 15th middle-of-the-night bathroom trip.

With that, I share the top ten actual comments left on US Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:

1. "A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
2. "Trails need to be reconstructed. They need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands and please avoid building trails that go uphill."
3. "Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
4. "Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."
5. "Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
6. "The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals."
7. "Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
8. "Need more signs to keep area pristine."
9. "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."
   
10. "Too many rocks in the mountains."