I am finally getting a chance to post about our family camping trip. During Dan's 2 week "selectives" this past month, we selected to take a trip to Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, located about 45 minutes northwest of us. The park campsites were completely empty (it was a weeknight) so we basically had the whole park to ourselves. We set up camp and took about a 3 mile hike, seeing their waterfall (which wasn't much of a waterfall coming from Utah), and the other trails they had through the forest. We saw a little snake which totally startled me, a big, fat raccoon which was running through the woods and climbed a nearby tree, all kinds of birds including a falcon of some sort and woke up to woodpeckers pecking on the trees. Michael really enjoyed walking and only rode in his snugli pack back for maybe a mile or so. His new words now include: fire, camping, smoke, marshmallow, tent and pretty much anything else camping related.
We just stayed one night...I think that was all we could handle for now- a big tummy and a sleeping bag didn't mix too well and I had to get back to teach piano and dance classes. The weather was perfect for the first day, a little chilly in the morning but it ended up raining and hailing for a few days after we got home so we picked the perfect day. Here are some pictures from our little adventure.
Eating Subway on the drive up to the park. Michael's first time eating it himself.
Taking a rest on the bench along the hiking trails. Looks like fall out hu?
Mikey's funny face and walking on these cool stepping stones that were tree stumps.
If you enlarge the left picture you can see the green horsetail plants (Equisetum arvense).
Watching the waterfall and trying his first smores at our campsite.
Smores with Daddy and picture with Mom in front of our tent.
Family picture (gotta love Mikey and me bundled up and Dan in short sleeves).
The Family
Carolyn, Dan, David, & Michael