Top Lake - Shelby/ Tyler/Magnus -July 7,8 2016

This year was the first authentic backpacking trip for Tyler, Shelby, and Magnus. I've taken them car camping twice before. But, this year after begging me to allow them to carry ALL of their belongings themselves, I took them to Top Lake which is where I always take my scouts. 

Top Lake is up the Clackamas; keep right at the junction to Timothy Lake, turn left when you can see the words "Olallie Lake" spray painted on the highway. 

All ready to go!

Of course there were mosquitos but we were prepared. 

There is a nice meadow to play in, and the cousins busied themselves by playing mine craft. Apparently they used sticks and rocks to build their civilizations. And I thought they needed a computer. 

I set up the tent and fixed dinner - no they don't do their own cooking for a couple more years. 

 Then the unthinkable happened- the worst thing. Right after dinner ---you're thinking - a bear or cougar, or snake, aren't you. No - it began to rain. The only option was to take refuge in the tent. 

It's 6:00 pm, and I could tell by the quality of the raindrops and the smell of the clouds that we were in the tent for the duration. Shelby was perfect. Whenever I looked her way, she was snuggled in her bag and looking expectantly at me. On the other hand, Tyler and Magnus wrestled and giggled and wrestled and wrestled.  It was painfully fun. 

Eventually, before it became totally dark everyone fell asleep. Suddenly Tyler woke up and said, "I have to get my things from my pack!"  Unzip tent, shoes on, rustling in his pack, back inside, zip up. Ahhh I thought, now to sleep. But Tyler was getting dressed and unzipping the tent!!  "What are you doing?" I asked pleasantly. "Grandma, I am going to play mine craft in the meadow ". Hmmmm- he is sleep walking otherwise known as tent walking."'Tyler, it is 9:00 pm at night.  It is not morning".  "Oh". Then I heard the zipper of a sleeping bag and Tyler slid back in for the night. 

Come morning the rain was still camping with us. Then suddenly it was quiet. 

I had already decided we needed to get out of dodge before the rain sequel began. I gave the kids this choice. "I'll make you oatmeal for breakfast or take you to A&W in Estacada."

Didn't take us long to load up. I didn't even try to pack the soggy tent-just stuffed it it into a black garbage bag. 

On the way to the car Shelby stopped with a defeated air and announced. "My feet are wet!"  I gave her three choices, none of which were acceptable. 

Next year I'm taking the kids to a destination where there will be no rain

Breakfast was great!