Well, the day of our anticipated backpacking/camping trip finally arrived last Monday! We loaded all our gear...Dad's pack (around 50 pounds...next time we won't pack so much water!) Zechariah and Isaac both carried 15-20 pound packs...and even Michael (maybe 3-5 pounds)...and my nice 35 pound pack. :) We met our friend, Gary at the trial head. Gary has been a hiking buddy of Grant's over the last few years. This being our first backpacking trip with 3 little ones... we were thrilled when he decided to come with us and stay the night! (Thank you, Glenda for sacrificing your husband for a night.)
Our trail started at the Pacific Crest trailhead, but we went on an eastward trail towards Three Fingered Jack. It was about 2.2 miles in. (Thanks to our friend Don, who let us take his satellite phone...in case of emergencies.)
Michael starting out! The trail was amazing! Due to the late snow melt, everything was blooming! (Even being eaten by a few mosquitos was worth it!)
Isaac having fun!
Water break.
Here we go...Gary is leading, Zechariah, Sadie (our dog), Grant, and Michael.
Up, up, up...Actually most of the trial was nice and flat.
Michael in the forest. Obviously, the trees had been burned in a forest fire...but even though they were dead and charred it still possesed a kind of beauty. The contrast of the grey and the brilliant green and blue.
Zechariah...strong little man.
Grant helping with Michael's pack.
Isaac...working hard. Mr. Gary even gave him a real "trekking pole".
We made it to the lake! Square lake.
While Grant and Gary set up the tents....
...the boys swam in the lake!
Sadie taking a break in the shade.
That night the sky was amazing. We could hear a bit of thunder in the distance, but it never came our way.
A thunderhead!
This was what it looked like in the morning. "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19)
I know the photos are redundant, but the sky and water and trees were so beautiful!
Isaac ready for action.
Michael...a little tired ...still a "happy camper".
Our way back out...everybody's load was a little lighter coming out. Especially Grant's!
Facing a few fallen trees doesn't stop us. :)
We finished! Good work boys!
The entire trip was a real blessing. Enjoying God's creation, enjoying family and friend's company...Grant and I were both so proud of the boys. They worked hard and had a thankful attitude the whole time we hiked! This made the trip that much more of a blessing!
Thank you to all our friends who prayed for us! They were answered. :)
1 comment:
What beautiful pictures! I'm so glad to hear it was a sweet time.
Post a Comment