Eleven Mile 2010

Something that, in theory, I really enjoy doing is camping. I say in theory because I love 1)the idea of getting away from civilization for a few days; 2)the fact that it's cheap and 3)hiking and eating things cooked over a fire. So, planning a camping trip for me is fun. Then we get there. It's all the things I love (and that's what I remember most from each trip) but it's also really dirty and a lot of work. This camping trip was no exception, in fact it was a lot more work than what we're used to.
A few of our best friends were in town for a wedding, so we planned a camping trip around their vacation. Usually its just Michael and I (this was the first time for E too) and I enjoy being lazy and reading my book and sleeping and he enjoys shooting stuff with his dart gun, so a chance to go with a some of the guys (Neal and Nathaniel) and one of the girls (Camille) was just too good to pass up.
Neal picked the site, so we followed him up:
With Nathaniel trailing behind:
The site that our dear, wonderful friend picked turned out to be quite a hike from the car. Not so good for people like Michael and I that like to bring everything when we camp (just in case). But once the guys made the million trips to and from the car, it was PERFECT!! Gorgeous and secluded and right on the water.
We set up camp, the tent we have was actually the in laws from when they lived here in CO (unfortunately it's on its last leg and the next time we go will be with a new one)
Then go hiking for some firewood
During the first hike we found out that Ethan is part mountain goat, the boy loves to climb rocks

Did I mention it was gorgeous?
We made all our meals on the camp fire
and there was a beaver! (You can't see it very well but it never came out of the water)
We got REALLY dirty
And we just really enjoyed the company of friends
S'mores
Headlamps
Sunsets
Swimming
In the mornings (we stayed 2 nights) the water would be completely still (ask Neal if you want to know why, he knows nerdy weatherman things like that)
You could see to the bottom
We took a nap, all 6 of us
We hiked some more
And saw a gaggle of geese and their goslings
We wore out the dogs (who got along very well, this is Ne-J)
Again, gorgeous
Ethan discovered camel backs, not only great for hydration but also makes a good microphone
We chopped wood, and built fires
Gave hugs
Fished
(the pole was Michael's dad's)
(I have no idea)
And then we were tired and it was time to go home
After doing a little Jedi-mind tricking
When we were leaving Ethan told me "Had fun camping." Yeah that about sums up the trip. Thank you to our friends for taking the time out of their vacations to spend with us, you are all very important to our family.