Summer Camping...

 

Earlier this summer, when it was only 105 outside, we took the kids camping to the Superstition Mountains.  For those who aren't familiar, the Superstition Mountains are about 35 minutes from our home so the weather is definitely desert like.  The kids have been asking to go camping for a while, and anyone who knows me, knows my idea of camping is the Hilton or the Embassy Suites.  However, Jarrett found a perfect compromise and after some research found out that the Arizona Park systems has built a series of cabins (and air conditioned cabins at that),that can be rented out for a weekend or week day.  

We joked and said, "H" was for Haskovec (although really for the helicopters to rescue people off the mountain)

So in early June we rented cabin #5 at the base of the Superstition Mountains and for a weekend we Glamped.  Turns out, it was also the weekend of a Super Moon, a full moon and my goodness was the view of the moon rising over the mountains gorgeous. 

It was lovely, yes even I had a good time.  Although it did take me some convincing knowing that everything I had packed was going to have to be unpacked and that all the meals were up to me to figure out when there was no real kitchen available.   But we made it, and who doesn't like chili when it is 105 outside.  

This was me trying to decide if it was worth it to walk to the bathrooms down the trail at night to brush my teeth.  I was exhausted! 

Jennings and Finn had no trouble sleeping!

Getting ready to go hike first thing in the morning.

Michael was a fan of the bunkbed!

The cabin had two sets of bunk beds, and a queen bed in a back bedroom.  They had fans and the best part was we could turn the air conditioner down to 66!  Yes 66!  and that is exactly what we did.  In the morning we got up, went for a long hike up the mountain, yes all of us went, and then when it was too much for Finn, he and I turned around and went back while the rest when on.  And then when everyone was back we tuckered into the cabin and with it being 66 we put on our sweatshirts, wrapped up in blankets, and spent quality time together. 

Later in the day we went to a nearby abandoned gold town and walked around.  We got to go down in an old gold mine, we got to ride a train and we went into this crazy house that was built on the side of a hill and to accommodate any earthquakes because of the drilling, everything was turned on an angle.  It was the craziest thing but super cool to see.

All in all, the camping adventure was great, and we even had smores and a camp fire thanks to Michael's outdoor skills.  Sometimes with a family of our size and the big range in ages we have, it's hard to find something to accommodate everyone's' interests.  The camping adventure was a hit though and everyone enjoyed at least one thing.  Here are a few photos of the fun weekend.  The views were incredible, and these pictures don't do them justice!

Sure grateful for this crew.  A memory to cherish forever.

Until next time,

Angie