PNW camping

We're one of you - mister blue tarp camping family

This is camping in the Pacific Northwest in the middle of summer (July to be exact). You would think by this time of year, the clouds would part and the sun would grace us with her beauty.

We arrived at Lake Wenatchee, WA on a Friday. The sun was shining (a little), then the clouds came in and we spent the evening moving the shelter over the table and off the table while we tried to have a birthday party celebration. Saturday morning we tried out the kayak on the lake. It's a two person blow up kayak and it was amazing. So much fun. The kids each took a turn on the lake with Marc. We willed the rain to go away, but it was not letting up. Our campground turned into a lake and it was time to head into town.

see the mountains? why is the weather so crappy this summer?

heading out and praying for sun

We drove over to Leavenworth to walk around in...the sunshine. We enjoyed some treats and the beauty of the little town. When we returned to camp, the lake had receded from our campsite. We set up some tarps over the firepit to give us some shelter from any further rain. It did rain a little more over the course of the day, but we were having a fun time sitting around drinking and talking. Sunday turned out to be a lovely and warm day. We were able to pack up our things and enjoy a beautiful drive home.

first time out in the kayak

I'm not a fan of camping (in a tent), but I am a fan of family time. It was a fun weekend with a lot of family members.

Happy Birthday 6th Mister T!!

365 days, 365 photos

It's a new year. 2010. We have been busy as usual. This past year, we traveled to Redding, CA several times. In March, June and August. While in California during our August trip, we took the kids to Burney Falls, the Subway caves, Humboldt National Redwood Forest, and into Fremont for ribs at Emil Villa's. We took a few local trips including visiting Forks, WA twice to stay at the Oceanside Resort in La Push (great cabins on the beach). We went to the Olympic Rain Forest and then made a side detour on the way home to the Makah Nation and the NorthWest most point at Cape Flattery. We went camping for the first time at Lake Easton and stayed in a cabin at Hyak (near Snoqualmie Pass).

I realized we take our kids many places as well as visit many local sights and parks. I've decided to challenge myself by posting a photo for every day of 2010. Highlighting both the mundane and extraordianary things that we do. We are busy making travel plans for the upcoming year. My cousin lives on the other side of the country and we will see them before they move again. 

The current plan is to meet somewhere in the middle. I prefer to meet them somewhere warm. After a NorthWest winter, I want to see and feel the warmth of the sun. My current plan includes driving to California for my Dads wedding in March, then heading over to Santa Cruz. We will show the kids the California coast, a few sights in Los Angeles, a trip over to the Grand Canyon and a few days in Albuquerque (where we will meet up with my cousin and his family). We will then take 3 days to drive back home to Seattle. We are planning on taking 2 weeks. My other big trip will only be realized if my cousin isn't moving until end of summer. I would like to drive the kids cross country. Taking 1 week each way and spending 5-7 days with the family.

Our other possible plans include camping on the Oregon coast and a few trips over to Eastern Washington. We've lived here almost 7 years and have never been to the other half of this state. Maybe we'll be so global as to finally get our passports and head up to Canada. It takes as long to get to Calgary as it does to get to Redding. Here's to plenty of travels in 2010 and many photos.