Fall Camping

Somewhere near Beaver Creek

It did not quite go as planned. But what in life does? Unfortunately, I am about the least flexible person I know but I am trying...

We left late on Friday, got stuck in traffic forever, did not realize it was fall break down in the valley, and my worst fears came true: the campground was full. Craptastic! Take a deep breath and ... find some dispersed camping. Should not be too hard, right? Well, it was not. Except that I was pretty grumpy. While getting packed up and the food ready, I kept telling myself: "This is worth it. Once you get there, you can just sit back, watch the kids play, and relax." Not so much. We found a good spot but had to carry our stuff a little ways. Schlepping stuff back and forth, setting up camp, taking it down the next morning, moving to the campground, setting it up again, taking it down again = one not so happy camper. Thanks for putting up with me, Karl!

The first night was pretty nice, actually. We had random snacks for dinner in the dark at 6:30. Then we just hung out on the red rocks and watched the amazing star show in the sky. I saw 3 shooting stars, just a few minutes apart, and was (almost) reconciled with the world. I am pretty sure I was asleep at 8 pm.

Breakfast was eaten bright and early.

Digesting all that yummy oatmeal.

Then Noah (on his bike) and Karl (by foot)

went a few miles down the road

to secure us a spot in the campground.

I was longing for a toilet, a table, and a campfire.

Karl couldn't care less...

I was trying to get Max to do some exploring

but he wasn't interested in moving much.

After loading up the car (again),

my grumpiness returned.

Karl sent me on a run

and I obliged happily.

When I returned 2 hours later,

camp was set up and the boys were playing.

Really, what am I complaining about?

Then we were off to Buddha Beach.

Great little hike.

Perfect swimming hole.

I am in heaven.

Sand angels.

My barefoot hikers.

We even found a 'diving' board!

Although freezing, I could not resist!

While Karl went on a run,

I made some delicious dutch oven dinner

and the boys found sticks for jousting.

We capped off a great day with a fire and s'mores.

We even had our very own pet.

A skunk.

He showed up about every 2 minutes...

We started Sunday morning with

hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Why not?

Then

Max and I explored Beaver Creek.

Noah and Karl went mountain biking.

The End.

PS: We are not going inactive, we are just taking advantage of 1:30 pm church...