FAMILY VACATION: DAY TWO

We woke up to sunshine and blue skies about 7:00 a.m. Hot coffee and a few minutes to enjoy a morning fire reminded us why we love to camp. Perhaps it’s not as quiet and peaceful as we’d like, but it’s still outdoors with the smells of campfires filling the campgrounds while the smoke filters through the trees. Hot oatmeal and bagels filled our stomachs for breakfast after which we started out for a hike at Nason Creek Ridge. The hike was supposed to take us to a fire lookout point, but due to unmarked trails and not good information by the park ranger we did not make it. However, the hike still provided excellent views of Lake Wenatchee, Dirty Face (which we hiked last weekend), and magnificent sights of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Round trip, the Nason Ridge trail would take 2-3 days traveling 32 miles of trail through “forest and wide’sky highlands from near the Pacific Crest Trail.” This trail is not for the inexperienced and can be done one way either in a one very long 16 mile day, or 2 days of 8 miles each leaving one car at the Snowy Creek trailhead and one at the Round Mountain trailhead. To reach the junction of Nason Ridge one must climb 1000 feet in the first 1.5 miles and if so desired take a ¼ mile detour to the Alpine Lookout where mountain goats and magnificent scenery leaves one in complete awe. We hiked in from the other side just outside Lake Wenatchee campgrounds. From this side we hiked six miles one way up to within three miles of the lookout point. After gaining close to 700 feet per mile reaching an elevation of 5200 feet, the kids decided they wanted to turn around and go back for an afternoon of swimming. Of course Dale and I wished to continue, but this is a family vacation. We had hoped to reach Merritt Lake, which drops from 6227 feet of elevation at Alpine Lookout to 4900 feet to the lake, but this would make a better backpack trip rather than a day hike, especially with kids, despite being excellent hikers. Feet hurting and bodies sweating we returned to camp for a swim in the lake, which after becoming numb, feels warm. An hour later the clouds began to roll in and it appeared that a thunderstorm might hit without much warning. I returned to camp to get chairs and wood in under our table cabin when a few drops began to fall. Dale and the kids returned shortly after which Dale went to the store for some ice. During his departure, the storm hit with a vengeance. The table covering is good to keep rain from coming down vertically, but the screening allows the water to make its way into the table area. We all quickly put up a make-shift covering with a tarp and rain ponchos and we stayed quite dry in what we termed our new “living room” for the week if need be. Warm soup filled our bellies, chips and salsa tasted good for a snack, and a feeling of coziness relaxed us after our 12 mile hike. With rain falling, thunder booming, and darkness settling in early, we all decided to hit our beds about 8:30 p.m. Sleep came quickly to most of us, although Amanda decided to stay up and write her story and read for a while. However, achy bodies and thunder woke us several times throughout the night causing for very droopy eyes and slow awakening Wednesday morning.

FAMILY VACATION: DAY ONE

DAY ONE, MONDAY
We awoke to campers next to us speaking loudly and not using early morning “camping etiquette.” We woke at 7:00 a.m. to sunshine and a bit of haze due to two fires in the Wenatchee Wilderness, over 430 fires in Canada, and over 800 forest fires in Russia, all affecting the weather patterns here in the northwest. Dale cooked bacon and eggs over an open campfire while the kids made toast using the extra-long roasting sticks. Egg sandwiches made the breakfast menu with grapes, hot chocolate, and coffee. Plans for the week were discussed putting hiking and swimming on every day’s plan of activities. Monday found us exploring the Glacier Peak Wilderness, just the outskirts of what seems to be a most beautiful area. We must go back! We drove approximately fifteen miles taking highway 207 out of the campground and then took White River Road to the very end. The road is paved for a short time and then becomes a gravel road on which most vehicles can maneuver. At the end is White River Campground, to which we detoured and found a spot we will most definitely frequent. Located right on the White River, water is plentiful via the creek. Campers can either use a good quality filter to attain water or pack in all the water they might need for the duration of their stay. Primitive outhouses allow for some bathroom facilities. No showers, no sinks, just outhouses. However, the area is quiet and no one came in sight the whole time we enjoyed the campground. The kids, Dale, and Maddy climbed logs, ran up and down the hills, and could do pretty much as they pleased; a kid’s outdoor playground! Driving down to the opposite end of the campground we were searching for the White River Trailhead when we found the most beautiful waterfalls seen in a very long time. The last time I saw a waterfall such as this was over twenty years ago in Jasper, Canada. The water did not just cascade over the rocks carved from the power of the water, it roared as it fell over 100 feet into a clear green glacier water filled pool below. Truly amazing and glorious, if this was all we experienced during the week we would feel lucky. Many frequent this area we assume and many have enjoyed this experience we must admit, but when you stand at the edge of those rocks overlooking such magnitude and greatness, you feel like you have to be the first and only one to see such beauty. It’s amazing how all of life seems to rush away in a few short minutes of absorption into the roaring sounds and the beauty of such natural wonders. After spending time taking photos and exploring around the falls a little we went in search again of the trailhead. A little ways up the road from the campground takes you to the very end and connects with two trailheads, White River and Indian Creek. If one had a couple of weeks to backpack the loop, a person could take off at White River Trail then hike up to Steven’s Pass and come back down the Indian Creek Trail, or the other direction if one preferred. We hiked five miles round trip on the White River Trail, which ended up being a very pleaseant. Easy to hike, nicely groomed and serviced, and a slow incline, this trail makes for great hiking. Four miles in would take us to the first camp destination on the map provided at the trailhead. However, the kids wanted to get back to swim, so we only hiked 2.5 miles and turned around. The river is gorgeous, clear and green, and runs from the glaciers that exist high up in the mountains. We will be back to camp at White River Campgrounds and explore this area of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. It’s as beautiful as we imagined and we cannot wait to return. Tomorrow, day two will take us to a lookout point upon which we have been told will allow us spectacular views of the mountains in the Glacier Peak area. Perhaps a lake will be on the day’s adventures if time allows. Of course, swimming is a must for the kids. A campfire, s’mores, and Jack London await for the evening.

LAKE WENATCHEE

Our family enjoyed camping at Lake Wenatchee this past weekend, located in the Wenatchee National Forest approximately 25 minutes outside the quaint Bavarian/German town of Leavenworth. We arrived Thursday night after Dale returned from work and arrived about 8:00 p.m. I called earlier that day to find out if first come first serve spots continued to be available and the office told me 8 of the 12 were still open and we should be fine if we arrived by 8:00. Dale planned on driving back the two hours to work Friday morning and joining us Friday evening for the rest of the weekend. When we arrived it became apparent all the sites had been taken. A few reservable ones remained open for Thursday, but were all full beginning Friday night for the weekend. As we sat in the middle of the road deciding what we should do, a camper came over to speak with us to see if he could help. A park ranger soon drove by and stopped to talk with us and suggested we pull into an open spot for at least Thursday night and then get up early Friday morning to see if anyone might be leaving in the first come first serve areas. The only problem before us happened to be that Dale needed to take the car back at 5:00 a.m. and the kids and I had no way of moving the camper even if a spot did open up. The camper who stopped to talk with us said that he and his friend could pull the camper to the spot we could get if one opened up. But, what if one did not open up? We had no way of moving it until Friday night after whoever reserved the spot we took Thursday evening had arrived. Once again, the camper could be pulled down to the day area if need be. So we decided we would stay and take our chances. The park ranger decided to take it upon himself to walk to each of the first come spots and ask for us if anyone was planning on leaving Friday. Sure enough, two ladies were planning on leaving by 11:00 the next morning and mentioned that we could bring our things earlier to show a presence before they left. The next morning I rounded up five more men to help me drag our camper about 100 yards to our camping spot when the park host came over and said he had a hitch on his truck and could move us. This began our weekend at Lake Wenatchee.

Friday turned into a day of moving our weekend home, taking a short walk by the river that ran into the lake, swimming, and relaxing back at camp waiting for Dale to join us. I was fighting a cold the kids had generously shared, so it turned out to be a good day for doing a lot of nothing. I usually either make food ahead of time to take with us or cook from scratch, but this trip we went pre-cooked. Dale joined us Friday night and we spent the rest of the weekend hiking and swimming with a fetal attempt to fish.

Saturday we decided to take a hike, said to be beautiful, up to a waterfall on the mountain named Dirty Face. The trailhead began at 2100 feet and climbed to 4000 feet to the top in 4.5 miles. We began too late in the day for the heat of the sun was excruciatingly hot and most of the trail was exposed to the sun. We made it up 2 miles to the waterfall and found access to the falls allusive. They could have been beautiful, but they were extremely difficult to see. The trail did not offer restful spots or decent places to pull off for a water or food break. We decided to turn around due to the heat for we had been warned that the last 1.5 miles headed straight up and a lot of scrambling needed to be done to reach the top without one bit of shade. I am sorry we did not make it for the scenery sake, but not sorry in that someone could have been seriously sick or experienced heat exhaustion it was that hot. Upon our return we changed and hit the refreshing water at the lake. That evening we enjoyed relaxing to a campfire, contributing to a round robin story, and making plans for our big family vacation soon to arrive.

Sunday we packed up early after eating breakfast so that we could explore a 2 mile round trip hike back into Hidden Lake. The road that took us to the trailhead wound along the lake providing us with views of all the private property that surrounds the lake with vacation cabins. The trail was forested and very nicely groomed. An easy hike and pleasant after the grueling and strenuous sun exposed trail we took the day before. Hidden Lake sat at the base of a mountain and provided fishing opportunities if one had the right equipment. It looks like we need to restock the fishing supplies, especially for trout. The mountains were not rugged, but nothing to laugh at either. The water was cold, but we all had taken our swimsuits, and using nature as our changing room, for there were quite a few other people there, mostly families, we enjoyed a refreshing dip in this beautiful mountain lake. After drying out, changing back into our clothes, and having some snacks we hiked back out to head back home.

Overall we had a good time because we were away from the norms of life. The lake is beautiful, the park makes for great family camping, especially with young children, but for us it tended to be a bit crowded and noisy. For a quick weekend get away to escape the heat and get to some place scenic it makes for a nice place. However, we do enjoy the more primitive areas that take us away from people, crowds, and into more serene, quiet, and peaceful areas. I'm sure we will be back to visit at some time in the future, but for our next getaway we hope to be a little more secluded.

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!

DUSTY LAKE HIKE

Memorial Day weekend brought good friends to Moses Lake and the gift of two llamas. Camping, hiking, and backpacking are all activities mutually enjoyed by both our family and our friends. Thus, a hike to Dusty Lake occurred Memorial Day weekend with the llamas. Dusty Lake is one of several lakes in the hidden basin outside Quincy, Washington, sitting at the bottom of the this volcanic cliff lined basin. The trail offers rugged and steep hiking over an uneven trail with an elevation drop of approximately 300 feet within a 1.5 mile decline. A beautiful little creek fed by a waterfall as a backdrop accompanies hikers the majority of their trip. Experience is not required to hike this trail, but stamina and physical condition highly contribute to the ease at which a person hikes this trail. A dip in the lake offers refreshment and quiet coves offer peace and rest for the soul. Camping is allowed in this area provided a person desires to pack in their tent and gear. The trail does continue towards Ancient Lakes to a spectacular waterfall at which point a person can return to Dusty Lake, or if transportation awaits at the Ancient Lakes trail head, a hiker can complete their desert hike experience at this destination.

ANCIENT LAKES

Ancient Lakes is located outside the small town of Quincy, Washington hidden among farmland, ranches, and flat desert landscape. Plant life abounds due to the rich soil which comes from six inches of ash that fell when Mt. St. Helens erupted. The plant life, the two lakes, and the waterfalls provide plenty of substance for wildlife to consider this area to be home. Deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, birds, and elk happen to be just a few animal species a person might find hidden away in the safety of the basin outlined with volcanic basalt formations. The trail back to Ancient Lakes leads the hiker three miles to a spectacular waterfall cascading over the cliffs fed by the upper resevoirs of the Coulee Basin. Lush green vegetation around this waterfall provides the onlooker with a picturesque panorama of contrast against the desert landscape. After a refreshing stop the trail continues around for another three miles for a six mile round trip hike. If a person wanted to continue hiking, the trail does continue for another two miles to Dusty Lake at which point one can return by way of the Ancient Lakes trail, totaling 14 miles round trip, or continue up to the Dusty Lake trail head, offering a good desert hike of 8.5 miles. A car could be parked at the Ancient Lakes trail head and another one at Dusty Lake trail head if one preferred not to hike the loop. This trail is great for hikers, horseback riders, or even to train animals like llamas. The trail is a flat dusty trail until it nears the waterfall. The best time of year to enjoy this hike would be spring and early summer when the wild flowers dress the basin in their brilliant colors and the desert offers cooler temperatures.

ANTHONY LAKE

August 2003 included a backpack/camping trip to Anthony Lake in the Elk Horn mountains near the historical town of Baker City, Oregon. The Lance family and the Staub family joined together to spend a week in this glorious country. Four members of our party made a 26 mile backpack trip while Pam and I stayed at camp with the kids. Cold lakes, warm sunshine, mountains, hiking, and good fellowship encompassed the whole experience. While the other members were on their backpack adventure, Pam and I hiked with the kids to various locations around Anthony Lake each day. It will be another experience that will carry fond memories of another time spent building and deepening friendships that come along only a few times within a person's life.