Now that we have returned from our first camping trip I wonder why we waited so long to go to the mountains with the boys. Of course, I think we must have done just right since it went so well. First, before I lose a couple of poignant memories:
Sam walking along a ridge trail next to Thunder Creek. He pauses and just looks out down a steep embankment filled with trees and plant life. I can only describe the look as one of simple wonder.
Theo in mamma's arms comes out of the forest into a clearing where you can see stars. He looks up and says,"go up bring back star."
Our camping trip was to the Colonial Creek Campground in the North Cascades and it was inspired because a dear friend Hilary was getting married at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. As soon as we entered the North Cascades their was one last call of "tree tunnel" and then- we were in a tree tunnel more or less for the next 3 days. The boys loved the sticks, the bumpy paths, the moss, lichen, rocks, fire, and dirt. They played until they were so dirty that they looked tan. Their clothes became brown. Their smiles almost a constant until we would have to leave and then came the tantrums. "Water" "Stay by the water" said Sam between gasps as we pulled away from the Colonial Creek Campground.
Our campsite itself was not on the water. In fact it was a walk-in site in the woods which meant that although it was some work lugging gear into the woods once we were out there we did not have to see cars, trucks, campers, and motorcycles. Of course, as Theo would say, we could "hear them, not see them."
The site turned out perfect as the whole family was able to get plenty of exercise going to and from the car and the water pump that was halfway down the trail. We also were able to have a sense of being out purely in nature. All around us were a myriad of natural colors, greens and browns. We could see old growth Cedars and Douglas fir trees from all parts of our campsite. An activity I made up for the boys was finding pieces of bark on the ground and then having the boys find where it came from. Most of it came from a large downed cedar tree which was in various states of decomposition and was probably creating a large part of our actual site. Oh the wonderful feeling of being in an old forest: the land is a soft bed of living, and decomposing matter.
The boys were able to explore the various types of trees from the soft, silky, stringy bark of cedars to the deep furrowed hard bark of fir. Beneath these wondrous trees the boys played. Momma guided them in a first activity of using sticks and cones to make a bus. Later they needed no guidance. Pieces of wood became trains, logs were the parking place that the wood needed to pull into. Sounds of "whrrrr" were made as the boys drove materials too and fro. Sometimes they just scooped dirt and moved it their imagination purely their own. Hours could pass. I realize in retrospect that I probably did not need to bring any toys at all, although the the one toy I brought -Soft Smash paddles and balls -were a hit and were explored as baseball bats, scoop toys, fire fans, and just hit, run, chase toys. The first day it seemed like they gave the boys a sense of security as they started to explore- the soft padded paddles and balls were brought everywhere- only by day two and three were they mostly forgotten.
The trip could not have occurred without a willing, loving, and competent partner and poppa. Shawn was amazing. He hauled as I herded the boys along the trail to our campsite. He cooked as I changed diapers, hugged boys, and made sure the boys ate and did not bother the Coleman camp stove. Oatmeal, eggs, coffee and quesadillas for breakfast. Snacks during the day were hummus,peanut butter, cream cheese, whole wheat bread, crackers, apples, grapes. Dinners were spaghetti, macoroni and tuna, and a lovely dinner at the Institute. We had just the right amount of food: no hunger and no huge cravings although chocolate for desert would be fine with mom. Wine and beer for the adults. A half gallon of milk for the kiddos. One medium sized cooler. In terms of pans we had a mess kit of stainless steel pots kept from being too sticky with loads of butter.
...and now my boys are awake-- so I will continue when I get another quiet hour.
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