We only got out to go camping ONE time this summer. That is so sad for our family. We almost didn't make it at all. School had already started for Brodie and Bo's was about to start the next week, but we decided to just go despite the obstacles and got a spot in one of our favorite little camp grounds, Grandview at Mesa Falls. It's a really popular campground, with only a couple sites. All the reserved spots were already booked, but they have 2 walk in sites, so Mari, Ryker and I drove the hour and a half to the campground Thursday morning and there was one spot left!! I was so happy! I reserved the spot and then drove back down to the valley. We then pulled the camper up that night and let the kids play hooky from school the next day. The best part about this campground is that each site has electricity, which is very nice when you're camping up in the chilly mountains of Idaho! Our electric heaters pretty much ran all night! Bo's main mission of the trip was to go hunting. He would wake up early, be gone for a few hours, usually get back to camp by lunch and then we would go do fun things together and then he would go back out in the evening. He saw a couple things, but was never able to get off a shot with his bow. On Friday the kids worked on some activity booklets they got from the Mesa Falls visitor center. Skip school, you still gotta do some learning!
Then when Daddy got back, we toured the Falls and had a nice little hike. We were able to get in free because the kids did a summer reading program at the library and one of the rewards was a free pass into an Idaho park. It pays to read!
On our hike we saw a mama and baby moose!
Mari performing "Let It Go" for us back at camp!
We has salmon and corn roasted over an open fire for dinner - delicious!
And smores of course! (and yes, my mani is on point!)
The next day we went and visited Warm Springs, which is where this spring gushes out of the side of the mountain and starts the rivers in that area. It's not very warm, only 50 degrees, but that would definitely feel warm compared to the frigid temps in the winter!
Last that afternoon we had some family friends come up to the campsite. We decided to go on a hike down the float boat launch, and it ended up turning into a death march. It was straight up and down, very dangerous, with lots of slips. This is as far as we made it, and although it still looks like there is a ways to goo, we got really far down. I don't know how people get their boats down that, it's ridiculous! At least install some ropes!
That evening BYU was playing against Boise. We brought out flag along for good luck because last year we forgot to put out the flag and Boise beat us. I'm happy to report that BYU won and the luck of the flag rings on!
More smores with JUMBO marshmallows - Ryker was pretty excited. And the best part about being little, you still get to take a bath when you're camping. And thank goodness, because that was one sticky girl!
Until next summer!
