michael + leyna = michaeleyna: O's First Camping Trip.

Yep...finally bit the bullet, loaded up the car with everything but the Boppy & the kitchen sink & headed up valley through the mountains. We kept it a close location just in case it became a disaster...which I'm glad we did because although the days were fabulous weather...after the sun ducked under the mountain side...holy brrrskies! We basked in the sun during the day & woke up to frost & icicles! Icicles! Yes! But let's back it up a bit...we (ok I) was a bit nervous about the whole thing not only because it's bear country, but Oliver has been working on sprouting that second tooth...it was close, but still giving him fussy bouts! I mean...fuuuuuuussssssyy =) We arrived late afternoon & began setting up camp. I think Oliver cried & or whined due to his painful gums about 75% of the time before he went to bed. Which in turn, made me want to pack up & head home before dark set in! We foraged on through though & Oliver actually slept better than we did. Of course we were more concerned of him being warm enough that we didn't think enough about ourselves & let me tell ya...it was a MISERABLE night! MISERABLE! Neither Michael nor I got any sleep, which left us a bit cranky come the morning. I was up before...BEFORE the sun came up...ring the alarms people...that doesn't happen! I actually found myself laying the frigid tundra of a tent praying for the morning to come! Anyway, the sun popped back up over the mountain & it was like night & day...literally I suppose. It warmed up & we were on with our day...but not before I swore I was NOT going to pretend to sleep through another night without more warmth. Oliver & I hopped in the car & headed back home for some additonal supplies to toast our frozen buns. We were gone for about 3 hours & Michael got some quality fishing time in...& I got some quality soul searching in travelling through the mountains sipping on mountain brewed coffee & listening to talk radio. And Oliver saw some deer in the middle of the road & baby foxes skipping around. The drive through the mountains in the morning can actually be very relaxing & refreshing...ok THERE I said it...it happened once...let's not get out of hand because it won't be a daily thing. Mama still prefers a warm comfy bed to driving around at six thirty aM ;) Once we got back up to our campsite, we lunched & headed out for a hike.

Hiking in bear country gets me all sorts of anxious, so needless to say I was like a scared pup the whole time despite wanting to go in the first place. I have been so eager to get out & hike, but I always freak myself out right before I hit the trail. Guess it's just something I'm going to have to get over, either that or start carrying a shotgun...yeah right! We survived the trail hike & I even came out of it with some much needed John Denver sunshine on my shoulders. The second night went a lot better & some sleep was had by all. Oliver did SO good on his first camping trip...but I think he was excited to get home to his jumper & toys! And Michael & I were happy to get home to a warm shower! (Yeah no showers! That was a fun detail Mike threw at me as we were heading out the door...remember folks...I'm a true camper in training).

Here are our trip photos...enjoy!