When Thomas got home from his mission, Ben suggested that we go camping with the WHOLE family. We hadn't gone camping since 2009 when he and I went to Camp Nauvoo with my family, so we were LONG overdue for a trip. In the search for a location, I told the men of the family (planning the trip) that I could survive without a shower for a few days, but I needed a toilet. That was my only request, and they delivered! Once I was assured I would have a toilet, I got really excited to go.
Since we hadn't ever gone camping as a married couple, we still needed a tent and some sleeping bags. Ben found us some great deals on both! I handled the bug spray and water bottles (tough, I know) and with a little help from grandpa, we were set to go.
Anyway, as the weekend got closer, I looked at the forecast for Tropic Reservoir and RAIN was on the menu. This made me VERY uneasy about going camping. (Whenever it rains and I'm in a tent, I end up being SOAKED and miserable, Halie can vouch for this, but she did have to remind me of these traumatic memories. ha!) So, as we packed up the car and Ben tried to calm my nerves about the rain, we set off for our trip.
We arrived Thursday evening and got everything set up. Ben's parents and siblings were there to greet us. We had dinner together and made sure things weren't going to get rained on too badly, and headed off to sleep. Little did I know the rain that night would wake me up (rain from inside a tent is unusually loud) and make me have to go to the bathroom (the sound of water does nothing good for me in the mornings, hee hee).
The trail was beautiful and there wasn't that many bugs (a huge plus!) Here's some pics of the hike:
II'm not sure who, but someone found a tiny toad of some sort and McKay ended up with it... It was kinda cool how comfortable it was in the palm of his hand.
About two-thirds of the way through the hike, we got to a great look-out and were able to take a group picture. Not too bad since the camera was hanging from a nub on the side of a tree, huh?
Keyhole Arch (above)
Hiking in Southern Utah is SO gorgeous! I wish these pictures did it justice.
Katie, Ben, Me and Thomas with the sign.
We got back we had walking-tacos (delicious) and played UNO in the tent while it rained some more.
After the rain stopped (for a bit) we went down the the reservoir and skipped rocks and just hung out. Dan and Sharla were brave enough to go swimming and it was hilarious seeing their dog trying to decide whether or not she was going to get in or not. Turns out she hates the cold water, so she chilled with Tom and stole my seat multiple times. :)
Just hanging around the camping stove after we returned from the reservoir. Because of the fire restrictions, we couldn't have a campfire (lame!) but it was still fun to sit around and talk.
Not pictured: multiple hours worth of horseshoes, more card games and the dog staring down/chasing the chipmunks. All in all, despite the rain, we had a GREAT trip! It was so much fun and so nice to relax away from all the distractions of life. When I was younger, my family would go camping at least once a year (it felt like) and I always remember enjoying it. I can't believe we don't do it more often. Now that we have some of the gear, we will definitely be going more. Most likely not until next summer, but still... if/when we do go, it will be great.
2 comments:
How fun! I've never been big on camping, but this post makes me want to give it a try. :)
So sad we missed out, but glad you all had fuN!
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