a Walk in the Park

If nothing else Jill's guide book seems consistent.

It said if you can walk around a city block you can do this hike.

I suppose if you lived in San Francisco, (or Nelson for the Canadian reference) this might be true.

Jill taught the kids the three points of contact rule on the super steep narrow passages and we didn't lose any!

And the payoff was well worth the effort.

This doesn't do justice to the wildflower display.

By far the most fantastic I have ever witnessed.
360 degree views of why they added the beautiful to BC.

Knife peaks (I think that's what she called them.) Have the beauty of views on both sides, and the possibility of loosing a kid in either direction. It keeps you on your toes.

Another great day in Canada!!

Fish Hatchery

Some people, I'm not mentioning any names... (Ok it was me, but why get into specifics??) may have had sore calves from yesterday's trek....

So we planned a more mellow day.

Blueberry pancakes cooked on the fire, yoga on the shore, cool plunge in the lake, a packed picnic and off to the fish hatchery.

Call it trust, call it friendship, call it fuzzy thinking, we followed Jill.

Look closely, there is her van way off in the distant forest.


We were not let down. The fish swimming upstream and leaping up the rock steps were so much fun to watch! With fresh thimble berries for snacking deliciousness.

Some got better views than others.

The jr. set might have enjoyed the means of transportation most of all.


Playgrounds, picnics, ball playing, then back to camp for canoe-ing, bike riding, fort play, skipping rocks and amazing food.

Food; that was amazing. Without any prior coordinating our collective meals were perfect, totally complimentary; completely delicious.

Campfire songs (thank you Greg) a s'more or two; putting the kids to bed has never been easier.

Not a bad day.

Monica Meadows

It took us an hour and a half, on a steep, bumpy dirt road just to reach the trail head.

And it was totally worth it.


I must note that Canadians have different definitions of the terms "family hike," "easy," and "short."

We thought it may have just been Jill's guide book but further research has proven that it is a pretty universal cultural difference.

We may be raising some mini Canadians though, the three older kids practically ran up the mountain.

Having views of glaciers does take one's mind off any physical discomfort.

Unless of course your wife has taken the backpack, followed the faster kids and left you with the not so feather light three year old to haul. But why dwell on such memories?

They're in the past.

Let's move on.
I have NEVER enjoyed a warm Corona more.

P.S. If you happen to do this hike near dusk bring bug spray. If you know me you will understand my conviction when I say I would have DRANK deet had it been available and anyone would have hinted it might help.

Location Unknown, Unshared Actually

I'm not even going to name our campground. I might be willing to tell some privately.

For a price.

In other words; oh my goodness, how breathtakingly magical could one place get.

Right down the path from our double campsite was this lake. Jill thought to bring the canoe and Greg went through the trouble of doing so and the effort was not wasted!!

It was almost as fun watching from the beach as it was taking the tour. Except for that first night when the spectators on the beach were debating whether or not Jill and I were capable of getting back. We remembered the radios after that one. (Though for the record we were perfectly fine and in control.)

Josiah decided swimming along would be even more fun.

And look at the thanks Greg got for his effort. I think you'd have to refer to that as a puppy pile.

Up at camp there was a small cabin which quickly became the official club house.

The priceless play house.

Our combined gaggle, six if anyone is counting, (plus Sarah) spent hours, decorating, sweeping, and arranging, then convening, deliberating, and negotiating and finally playing in said cabin.

It was awesome!

Kaslo

After our time in Nelson we headed North towards Kaslo. We found a great park and lucked out with a waterfront site.

The kids and their friend taking turns reading stories to each other.


We explored Kaslo and toured the S.S. Moyie which ended up being well worth the effort. Jamie and I were inspired by the bunk rooms for our imaginary future house.





Swimming, campfires, playground alone time (the kids take a walkie talkie to the park and can stay by themselves.)

And our last shower before the real camping portion of our trip!

Ahh the simple pleasures in life.

For Aunti B

Auntie B, look right above Jamie's head.

I'm sorry you can't see it better, it is a mini pirate ship moored out in the harbor.

The kids thought you would love it.

Oh Canada

Some days just go your way. Most days, in fact, seem to go our way.

Today something in the cosmos got thrown out of whack and .... wow.

We woke up to knocking on the motor home. We were being told to move along; no big deal. Until the gentleman and his little gang weren't exactly polite. Let's just say it went back and forth a few times and we left without police involvement. (Really we had been invited to stay there but we didn't want to involve the homeowner, it must be painful enough to have to deal with certain neighbors.) Not a big deal but not a great way to wake up, bit of adrenalin before tea can throw a girl off.

So we made our way over to the city beach. Within 3 minutes we were told we were parked wrong and had to move. Fair enough, just started to feel a little unwanted. So to Canada we go.

Made it across the border without incident; always a good thing.

He did ask us if we were carrying any grenades.

Luckily, we had left them all at home.

We knew where we were to be on Tuesday but this being Friday we quickly realized we had not discussed where we would be exploring until then.

As evidenced by my response to Robb's question of which way to go at the first highway turn off: "I have no idea, where are we going?"

I think it shows some talent that before the light turned green we had decided on a destination and determined the correct route.

Nelson it was.

A really cool little town; funky, somewhat hippy, lots of fun downtown shops and entertainment.

It is super hilly, think San Francisco steep, which I felt in my calves for days after walking (with Jillian on my back) "just a couple blocks" to visit the Nelson Brewing Company.

Robb didn't quite have the distance conversions down yet.

It didn't help that the brewery was closed. (We did buy their beer later and enjoyed it very much.)

Not to harp on the bad mojo day I'll sum up; got pulled over (no ticket) first rv park was full, tried to go to a pub but were turned away for having the kids.

Nothing too extreme but all in all an off day.

The next day the stars aligned for us again and all was right with the world.

We went to Gyro Park the next day. The kids played as we strolled around the amazing grounds.

We all ended up at the lookout watching the marina on Kootenay Lake and it just looked so cool and refreshing....





Oh Canada.

En Route to Canada

It has become our tradition to visit our friends in Sandpoint when heading out on each leg of this journey.

It was a fantastic night, once again.

Good people.

We never do think to get the camera out.

~

We 1/2 a block away and were concentrating on pulling in and in that time Jillian managed to crawl into bed and fall into a deep nap.

With sunglasses.

Playgrounds

When you don't have your own backyard playgrounds become VERY important.

The kids have some sort of 6th sense about them, we can be driving down a street, everyone totally absorbed in what they are doing, and one of them will sense a park approaching and point it out from a 3 mile distance.

They're each different we've enjoyed them all!

Blueberry Picking

I'm not saying they never argue, or tease, or all out war....

But when they work together or giggle together or snuggle like puppies together there's some heart melting going on I must admit.

My Hooper

Jamie loves her hoop.

This was actually a really neat picture of the two of us hooping together and laughing.

I was trying to be artsy and ended up erasing my face which resulted in a really eerie picture of Jamie talking to a headless ghost mommy. So I edited the rest of me out and ended up with my beautiful girl doing what she loves.

Lolo

We stopped here just for you Lauren!
We looked for a shirt or other souvenir but no luck.

South Bend Highlight

Another generation in awe of Big Uncle Ted.

Inspired

We're heading up to Canada tomorrow with the intention of doing some mellow meandering followed by meeting up with some friends at Kootenai Lake.

We are all looking forward to our last little journey before setting some roots, starting school, setting up a home, reconnecting with our friends, having space for various projects (sewing, welding, growing, etc.)

I won't have access while we're in Canada but I'm going to set up some trip highlight pictures and schedule them to come up while we're gone.

Hope you are treasuring your last few weeks of summer as much as we are.

Blue Lake RV Park

When you buy a campground guide book from 2008 you have to expect that a few of the entries will be out of date.
Not to say it doesn't throw us off every time it happens. "But in our our outdated book your prices are so much lower...."

It happened again today, but I must admit this one is worth the price.

They have all the usual amenities plus; giant chess, foosball, spotting scope, swim dock, badminton, and a tree swing.
Mini golf, canoes and pedal boats for a small fee. Vending machines with turtle, fish or dog food are right at the swim dock.
A thoughtfully laid out and stocked park, in a terraced, wooded landscape.

Quite enjoyable.

We were a bit wary of the two available sites, one right on the highway and one with loud mooing cows on the other side of the fence, but when we explained that we didn't need hookups they said we could use the tent area, right on the little lake, in the shaded meadow, all by ourselves and a lower fee to boot!

Here comes Jamie in her first kayak experience.


And there goes Bobby in his.



The brave little one spent her afternoon swimming (in a life jacket) to and from the swim platform about 25 yards out in the lake.



We ended up getting some neighbors at about 9 tonight. Family of 5 tent camping.

Robb has named them the stealth campers, they set up their tent and camp and are all sitting out by their campfire and we didn't hear a sound. There should be camping awards to hand out to people like that.

Long Day of Driving

Sometimes we stumble on hidden little camping gems and luck out.

Today was not one of those days.

With the intention of seeing for ourselves why our friends speak so highly of camping along the Yaak River we set off.

We chose the longer route to enter the Kootenai National Forrest so as to avoid the northern access bridge. We've had the experience of not being able to cross a bridge before and played it safe.

LONG story short, we missed where we were supposed to stop and ended up doing a huge loop on some "not maintained for public access" roads (the kind that make you feel like you were run over by a truck) over a fairly steep pass only to end up at said bridge anyway.

Luckily it was easily passable and we made our way back south and found a fine little campground along the Koocanusa Lake.

Actually the flies were pretty bothersome and it was right on the highway, what made it work out was meeting some new friends. Amazing what some good company can do for an experience.

Our kids made friends with their kids before we had the parking break set. 8 year old boy and girl twins. Jillian was very hopeful they would have a little sister hidden somewhere but she was out of luck. She was however lucky enough be included in instant friendship that formed. The new little gaggle showed everyone what summer nights should be; bike riding, rodeo games, tag, s'mores, flashlight exploring, stargazing, chatter, planning and giggles.

After dinner we had gone over to introduce ourselves and give permission for the kids to accept the invitation for s'mores. The rest, as they say, is history. We sat down and didn't leave until, at 11:30, Jillian finally climbed in my lap and called Uncle.

The kids were pretty bummed the next morning when our new friends actually did leave bright and early to beat the July long weekend traffic. Jamie, ever optimistic, got up early "just in case" but sadly watched them pull out at 8:12. (Oh the accuracy of kids with watches.)

Now they can't wait to get home and start some serious pen pal writing!

Lions Little Bitterroot Campground

When it fits, it fits.

One of our new favorite places to be.

It was so peaceful and relaxing here we had to stay two nights. In hindsight we probably would have stayed more.

We moved across the drive for our second night and were right on the lake, still within a stone's throw of the playground.

The lake was so clear Robb and I borrowed the kids' goggles and did some treasure hunting. Robb was the winner when he caught a craw fish to show off.

With no cell phone service, a cool breeze and very little road noise we slept like babies! Babies that sleep well that is.

I miss it already...

Crookston Circus

"Mommy, Mommy, they're unloading camels and donkeys and miniature horses."

I woke up this morning and blearily registered Jamie by my side telling me this.

"Uh, huh. Of course." Was about all I could muster. Deluded that I might roll back over and get just a few more minutes of sleep her siblings joined in naming random animals that they were seeing outside our motorhome window.

I racked my foggy sleep dazed brain to determine that we were parked in a city park, downtown Crookston, ND. Not a zoo.

Upon investigation, armed with a strong Mate soy latte (I drink them just so I can say the name) we discovered that it was all true and more.

The circus had come to Crookston, for one night and one night only and was raising the tent right next to our camping space.

Something the park ranger might have mentioned when we checked in last night, no?

No.

Of course we had to stay another night and spent an interesting day watching the tent rise, the animals being fed, the human cannon being rolled in, and the performers mill about the park.

Now, not to burst any bubbles; this wasn't exactly a Ringling Brothers operation. I'd call in an intimate experience.
The crowd was as entertaining as the performers for some of us.

The kids, I admit, were enthralled. It was actually a perfect venue for them as they could see all that was going on and enjoy.

Given our current obsessive passtime, we were all impressed with the young hooper who spun 110 hoops successfully!

It was also a first for all of us to see someone being shot out of a cannon. The youngest human cannonball they boasted, 16 now he started when he was 6. Bobby better not get any ideas....

We fell asleep listening to the performers and crew wind down after two shows. They were packed up and gone by the time we woke up the next morning. Bet we don't forget that one!

Ashland, WI

We found such a lovely park in Ashland, WI we decided to stay again. Right on the water with a swim beach, bike path and a playground next to our rig.

Oh the bike path.

Yesterday we took a little ride to check out the marina and waterfront.
Jillian kept up the whole time and enjoyed the accolades that a three year old riding a two wheeler inevitably gets.

We discovered that the path was a 10 mile loop around the city so we went back to camp and put Jillian on the seat on Robb's bike, filled the water bottles and set off.

It was lovely, we chatted as we rode through the small town enjoying the cool but pleasant weather.

Maybe we'd stop for an ice-cream cone after our quaint little ride.

Just a bit further and we should be back on the home stretch.

Then, at one teensy-tinsey little junction where we should have turned but we went straight, we ended up on one of the many snowmobile paths which led through the swampy forest where the bugs circled our heads like ravenous birds and led us unknowingly OUT of town.

Ooops.

20 miles and one heart racing stint on the highway later we rewarded our efforts with ice-cream and local micro brew.

All's well that ends well. Speaking of ending; this is how the day ended.


Ice cream and s'mores all on one day; now you know how bamboozled we really were!!

Boy did we sleep well that night! Zucchini pancakes and some strong coffee (and a Yerba Mate Soy Latte - {say it fast it's fun} for me) and we're heading on again!

Busy Playing and Not Posting

I know I'm not the most regular poster but in my defense I have a lot of fun while I'm not blogging.

I had a perfect opportunity yesterday to blog away; I had electric and Internet and time.

Instead I went to the waterfront playground with the kids and hooped.

I'm not going to miss the party because I was busy taking pictures.

That being said I do like this record of our trip because as much as we think we will remember every second things fade and get muddled up.

So a recap of our time in Michigan:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was fun. The kids enjoyed the Jr. Ranger program, the ranger was so impressed with the gusto the kids used in the program they earned badges AND patches; here is Jamie with her mobile. (Just what we needed three hanging mobiles in an RV :)

At Wilderness State Park we enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan, riding our bikes, borrowing some desperately needed books from the campground book nook, and, of course, hooping.

Bobby was torn, finish the Mysterious Benedict Society or hoop; why choose?


Then up to the UP. Here is Jillian at the Saulte Ste. Marie Locks connecting the great lakes. We watched a few boats go through; very cool!

Enjoying some crazy weather. The generator is giving Robb a little attitude so in 95 degree heat on the one night we dry camped the kids and I went to sleep with cold towels on our heads to cool down. The next day's thunder storm had us pulling out rain gear, long pants and blankets!

:)

Michingan

Heading north through Michigan. Taking the long way home to Coeur d'Alene.

You can't believe everything you see/read in the news but we'll confirm the midwest heat wave everyone has been talking about.
But it's a wet heat.....

It did made our Lake Michigan time at Holland State Park, swimming and walking along the shore that much more enjoyable. Dreaming of sailboat adventures sometime in the future....

The kids needed some alone time this morning and achieved it like this:

Peek-a-boo!

South Bend

I can't even begin to describe out time at Aunt Bette and Uncle Ted's in South Bend.

It is my childhood home, where I never actually lived.

We are so lucky to have had to opportunity, once again, to gather together and show our children where we come from and offer them a little slice of unforgettable childhood memories.



For prosperity purposes I'll simply say;

Fireflies, hooping, berry picking, bottle rockets, swimming, fireworks, Lordy, Lordy Uncle Ted is 40 + 40, Potato Creek, Kick ball, Campouts in the tent, slip and slide, 15 passenger bus Tour, O'Rourke's, Cousins, Bocce Ball Tournament, Cocktail time, Slumber Parties, s'mores, Apples to Apples, Pogo Stick, Planking, Triple Planking, Snow White and those 7 adorable dwarves, mowing, Weenie Roast, Midnight Treks to the Motor Home, Budweiser Bottle Cap Cake, Tree Trimming, Goop, Supporting the cause (helping to drink 93 cans of Budweiser in a short amount of time) Sporty Rides, Sporty Spills, Swings, Fedoras and Jammies, Poison Ivy (Sorry Jimmy), Homemade Cherry Pie, Cherry Pie for Breakfast, Spies, Stryker Palooza.

Those are just some physical things I can name, I can't name the smells, or the tactile experiences, or the memories that wait around every turn and open a long ago closed window of our past. I can't describe the stories we heard and told which bring back people who we loved and miss.

I know the kids have taken away some of those memories and will keep them forever and for that I am grateful.

We've added another piece to the puzzle that makes up our South Bend experience and the image it leaves in our hearts is precious.

Brookings Children's Museum

Hands down favorite Children's Museum; Brookings, South Dakota, of all places.

We went with our friends from the RV park which made it even more fun, if that is possible. We have a lot in common and enjoyed getting to know them. They have a 9 year old daughter and an almost 7 year old son, Jillian is still looking for her counterpart :)

Bobby at the news desk.


The kids and their friends fixing cars.


Jillian finding refuge in the tot area.

We all could have played with these longer! I had never been kicked out of a children's museum before... darn closing time!


Jillian is still not convinced this T-Rex wasn't real.


Alas, it is still raining and cold and we are headed out to find sunshine. Unfortunately according to the national forecast once we do find the sun it will be along with scorching temperatures. Where's the happy medium!?

Brookings Soggy Adventure

Last night after an incredibly enjoyable evening of making new friends and enjoying a charming city campground we retired to an exciting thunder storm.

The kids and I snuggled in the bottom bunks and watched the show which nature had clearly put on for our viewing pleasure.

After they dozed off I went up front to chat with daddy and listen to the increasingly intense storm. Sure we had to raise our voices to be heard, but we checked the radar and it looked like we was were in the worst of it now.

Then I noticed a car pulling through the park; strange at this late hour in weather like this. Robb, investigating further and went out to talk to the police officer who was there to inform us and our fellow campers of the distinct possibility of the park flooding with directions to higher ground.

Packing up at midnight is a bit of an adventure. Driving through streets covered in a foot of water with very little visibility in a strange town after midnight, now that's a memory in the making :)

It rained the rest of the night and is still going today but we're back in the park, the threat of flood having eased last night. The kids are out now with their new friends seeing just how deep these new puddles are.

I realize these pictures don't exactly illustrate my story but sitting here listening to the rain back up Van Morrison it makes perfect sense to me.