Camping at Bulltrout Lake

We finally braved a family camping trip with Esther this year. We weren't sure how she'd do but are pleased to say that she LOVED it. She's definitely going to be an outdoor girl.

The guys (Aaron, Dad, and a friend, Wes) had been backpacking for a few days already and then my mom, Esther and I went up to meet them. We met at Kirkham Hot Springs, where we swam, had lunch, and Esther got to experience chipmunks firsthand. She ran around trying to catch them, then we showed her how to feed them. She was thrilled when, finally, a chipmunk took some food right out of her hand. No picture of that one. :(

Then we drove to our campsite, about an hour away, Bulltrout Lake. We had dinner, Creole Chicken and Dumplings, and set up camp. The next day we hiked up to Sawtooth Lake. It was about 8 miles roundtrip and Esther did really well being carried around all the way. Friday we did nothing and loved every minute. Saturday we packed up camp and stopped at Redfish Lake on our way out.

Gnawing on a chicken bone. Mmmmmm...

Ready to go hiking

Halfway up to Sawtooth Lake, smelling the flowers.

Looking at more flowers.

Sawtooth Lake with Mt. Regan in the background.

Essie with Grampa, who carried her most of the way up and back.

Naptime, on the way back down.

Aaron calls this the "welcome to parenthood" sandwich. All the "stuff" that Esther didn't eat, pieced together so he could eat it and it wouldn't go to waste. :)

What?

Esther sitting on her stump (see video at the end).

On the beach at Red Fish Lake.

Tentatively testing the waters. It was cold, hence the hot chocolate in my hand. :)