Backpacking and Camping Trip

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. :)

Iron Mountain

We decided to take advantage of the wonderful sun on Saturday!  We packed up the backpacks (except me)...the designated "relief" person, should someone need some help.  The boys did pretty well considering the heat, going uphill, and carrying their camping gear. (This time the backpacks weren't empty).

Here was part of the trail up to Iron mountain. You can see the top of the mountain behind the trees.

This was a neat part of the trail with some large rocks and huge trees.  The broken trees were pretty amazing...Michael kept suggesting that it was "lightning that crashed" that caused them to fall. (He might be right on some of them.)

A little break in the shade, part way up.

Water break.

Getting closer to the top....spectacular!

This is about where I felt like breaking into the tune "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." I held myself back though. ;)

Simply beautiful.

Good work boys!

There were some pretty steep parts...this was one of them.

Nearly there.

Zechariah...strong as an ox.

This was near where we decided to turn around.  Michael and Isaac were pretty tired (and missing a nap).  We got about 1 1/2 miles up.

                                 
Here we are at the end.  Michael  (3 years) did very well.  He never complained and insisted that he wear his pack the whole time. (His contained his water bottle.) Isaac is happy to be done.  :)

Thank you Lord for the pleasure we get out of your creation!

July Life

Wow!  How time flies.  The last time I posted was nearly a month ago.  Here are some things that have been going on here,this last month.

A poor little humming bird flew into our window and was slightly hurt.

These birds are so beautiful.  God reveals His glory through creation!  How intricate every colorful feather.

Here he was trying to fly from our BBQ.

Grant and the boys carefully tried to get him to a safe bush.

Still trying to get him to fly. A few minutes later the bird was off and flying again. :)

Some "wild" strawberries we have here.  Aren't they the cutest things...I thought if I ever collected enough I could decorate cupcakes with them.  ;)

One of our routines, after our work is done, is to take a walk and  find some early berries.  (Some blackberries and thimble berries)

...and mountain bike. ;)

Garden is slowly growing.

Some pretty wild flower...anyone know what this is called?

Daisies!

I don't know what this is either, but it is so beautiful! This periwinkle color is still one of my favorites.

Some pretty wild flowers. (My neighbor told me what they were called...but I forgot.)

Zechariah lost his first front tooth...now, he has BOTH teeth gone!

After reading "The Mice of the Westing Wind", the boys were inspired to become pirates or "seadogs" (those were what the pirates were...dogs.)    Both boys enjoy reading (especially being read to). 

Grant is becoming quite the builder.  This is our beautiful new picnic table.

Zechariah helping with the first top board.

Wow!  Nice work Dad!

Trying out the seat...yes, it's sturdy!

Nice work, Grant!

 
"Praise the LORD from the earth, ...Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and maidens old men and children.  Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and heaven." Psalm 148:9-13