OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST

Camping in the Okanogan National Forest in Washington became a memorable experience for our family. it became especially memorable with the two additional children for the weekend through the opening our home to respite through the foster care agency with whom we are licensed. 50 miles or closer to the border of Canada, the national forest is filled with creeks, rivers, lakes, and plenty of wildlife. We found a camping spot right next to a bubbling creek to which we would wake in the morning and fall asleep to at night. The water was cold from the mountain run-off, but not so cold to prevent four kids and one adult man from playing in it. The crackling of campfires at night meant stories, songs, and games after roasting hot dogs for dinner and marshmallows for s'mores. A two mile hike found us enjoying lunch by a second creek and the fun of wading as close to a small water fall as possible. A tired three year old just about fell asleep riding piggy back carried by our fourteen year old son. Being able to experience a first for these two girls, 3 and 7 who had never been camping or hiking before made this weekend extra special for our family. The laughter and giggles of a three year old and the little screams because of bugs from a seven year old provided an extra element of enjoyment. Catching a catepillar, hoping to take it home, and then being sad when she had to let it go brought back so many memories of our two children at these ages. Blowing bubbles and coloring in great big coloring books, playing bean bag games, playing tag and hide-and-go seek, and playing with our dog presented much pleasure for the whole family. I realized how nice it was to have older children to help with the younger ones. We could not have been prouder parents this weekend than we were when we watched our two kids work and play with the younger ones. They both acquire a special and tender heart towards children and it clearly come through during our respite times. The Okanogan National Forest requires much exploration with trails high up in the mountains, something the Lance family will definitely be enjoying at various times. At one moment on our hike we thought we were in the "Man from Snowy River" movies. A large herd of cattle roamed the mountains. We heard branches snapping and knew something moved through the forest, and then we saw them, the herd of cattle. That was definitely a first! The next day, sure enough, a cattle truck with horse trailers following traveled up to gather in the herd the old fashioned way...by horseback. This area would be outstanding to do some trips with horses, or llamas, or both. We'll be back...soon!