This would be the two littles first time backpacking – and they were EXCITED (to say the least). Annie’s been “training” with her backpack – which means wearing it on walks around our house packed with stuff. They’ve been packed for days and were giddy beyond belief to start the hike. We drove down to Baker Lake (and across the dam – very interesting) and headed out on the South Entrance to Anderson Point.

     

     

We set out on the 2 mile hike around 11:00 and had packed a lunch to enjoy en route to the campsite. The hike out was enjoyable – it was warm, but not hot. The trees shade the majority of the hike (thankfully – I don’t do well in heat). There were many little bridges, some streams, and then a larger narrow log bridge over Anderson Creek.

          

We got to the campground area and set up camp – we lucked into a great spot with a great view – but still protected from the torrential rain that would soon come.

    

We passed the afternoon away with exploring around, throwing rocks into the lake, climbing down the hillsides, reading books, playing games, and just thoroughly wearing ourselves out. After dinner, the real memories would be made. . .

We heard a loud CRAAACCCCKKKKK. . . . and then WHOOOOOOSH, a tree fell right through the center of the camping area! I yelled out as it fell and thankfully, no one was in the path of destruction. It was quite the experience and it really bonded us with our camping neighbors. Luckily for everyone, it missed the tents set up (one by about 6 ft where a boy scout was resting) and didn’t block the trails at all. It made the entire area smell like Christmas for the rest of the evening.

     

     

After the masses went back to their individual sites, the sky started getting darker and the storm moved in. It started pouring rain and the thunder boomed and lighting flashed and the kids played happily enjoying the excitement of the night! We were nicely protected and Ted quickly put up the hammock tarp to keep our beds dry. The winds made it difficult, but he’d win out in the end. . . just in time for the rain to stop and the sun and blue skies to reappear.

     

Bedtime came and the kids, once settled, were quickly asleep – I’m shocked they stayed up as late as they did! After finishing up my book, I got out of the hammock to go to the restroom and found I was surrounded my a bunch of big ol’ lake frogs!! They were exploring around the tent and taking over the campsite (okay, there were probably only 10 or so . . . but I was a little freaked out that they’d jump into the hammock with me).

     

Nighttime was delightful – I enjoyed seeing the stars throughout the night and the kids slept wonderfully. Thankful, the storm had passed and the evening was clear and not too cold. Morning view was incredible – the lake was so calm and the mountain reflections were gorgeous! After breakfast, we played around a lot more. Everyone else in the area had risen, packed, and left – we didn’t rush out. We had the lake to ourselves and got to really explore the little “caves” and beaches around the point.

     

When it was time to pack up and leave, the kids happily donned their backpacks and set out like the awesome lil’ troopers they are! Ted had hidden some chocolate chip cookies in the car as a “WE DID IT!” reward at the end of the hike and we happily devoured those. The kids all agreed it was a great trip and they are all excited to backpack more in the future. SUCCESS!!!!

Perfect way to spend Father’s Day Weekend!!!!