2020 started out innocent enough. Aaron had a shoulder surgery scheduled for Feb/March. At the last minute we decided we would take the kids mid winter break and drive down to Arizona to visit family. Our original plan was to go during spring break in April but Aaron worried he would not be able to help with the driving if he was in a sling. I can’t tell you how thankful I am that we went when we did! Not soon after everything closed down and the whole world seemed to have changed overnight. Now going on a trip is almost impossible.
We were able to see family who we love and miss so much. We were also able to see Salt Lake, the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon.
Then things got quiet for a while. Both Aaron and I have been fortunate to be able to work from home. Cabin fever started setting in for me early on and once the nice weather hit I needed to get out. We started with some long drives into the mountains which only intensified my desire to get out and go somewhere.
Our summer plan to do some hike in camping was delayed indefinitely so I started researching. The kids and I have done some amazing hikes so far this summer as well as one camping trip.
Squires Lake (Tyler took this one!)
Cherry Creek Falls
Of course they aren’t as in to it as I am and I usually end up dragging them along with promises of milkshakes on our way home. It usually works. 😆
Our first camping trip was to Colonial Creek Campground in the North Cascades.
We got up early the first day and hiked Blue Lake.
The views were stunning but the mosquitos were not messing around. You had to keep moving or else in some areas they would just swarm. We checked in to our camp site which was only partially roughing it since we did have the car to haul our gear and we had access to water. No cell service or electricity but the kids survived.
The next morning we work up early and hiked Thunder Knob trail. We missed seeing a bear by about 5 minutes but had an amazing view for lunch. We had some time before we could check in to our second campsite. We sat at the beach overlooking Diablo lake which was cold!
We then checked back in at the campsite for our second night and played games and roasted hot dogs. The next morning we made pancakes (another luxury since we had a cooler). It was hard to leave but the mist rolling in made it a little easier.
Unfortunately Aaron found out some of the hardware in his jaw failed so he was due for surgery. We decided to try to get him out on some walks since he missed out on all of our hikes. We went to Padilla Bay for a sunset hike that was so beautiful!
The next day we went to Old Robe Trail which was supposed to be a part of the railroad until multiple setbacks with avalanches and floods shut it down. It was really cool seeing the track they had laid and actually seeing where it got washed out or buried under slate.
That is all I have for now but we hope to share more soon-ish? Hope you all are staying safe and healthy out there!
