See Diemers Grow: Kale's First Campout!

Friday August 12th.

Campout!!!

This was Kale's 1st time. And Sage's 2nd.

Sage's last trip was 2 years ago. Kale was in utero, just weeks away from birth. And while our lack of family camping is somewhat pathetic, that made this trip all the more exciting.

The kids went to school half day. I had to work in the a.m. And Matt stayed home to get the car packed, which was quite the task. Like a good game of Tetris, but with tons of camping equipment, car seats, and a small-sized vehicle. We were packed like sardines.

But by god, we made it fit!

We stopped at Culver's on the way out for lunch.

Then began the ascent into the Poudre Canyon.

I booked the site way back in winter. It's competitive around here to get good camping. Everything is reserved 6 months out. There wasn't much to choose from. But using Google Earth I picked what I though would be a great location in the Mountain Park Campground.

And...we struck gold!

We were tucked in the back of the campground, off a quiet loop. We backed up against the forest, which gave my kid lots of room to roam and collect pine-cones. Our closest neighbors were quite a distance away. So it felt private. And we were neither too far, nor too close to an outhouse. We lucked out!

Time to unpack the car!

Exploring our new stomping grounds.

Every hour is beer hour when you're camping.

Peek-a-boo! There's a Kale in that tent!

Washing up.
It's snack time.

The cooler was THE place to be over the weekend. The kids had their head and hands in that thing at all hours. Eventually, Matt and I had to lock it in the car. They're like bears!!

Got this hammock 6 years ago as a wedding present.

This is the first time in history it's been used.

Not my fault...damn thing didn't come with straps!

First lap around the campground...to see the river and buy firewood.

If we'd let them...they'd throw stones for hours.

Our goal was to avoid screens on this trip.

So yea..... that went well.

Best new camping meal.

Can of veggie chili, macaroni noodles, and shredded cheese.

Our first night in the tent was horrendous. We may have predicted that..if we had compared the number of sleeping mats and bags to the number of people camping. Looks like Santa is bringing the kids camping equipment this year!!

We were cramped like sardines. And had to fit 2 to a sleeping bag. The kids whimpered in their sleep all night long. The adults didn't sleep. I vowed to pack up and drive home in the morning.

But then Kale awoke, rolled over, and gave me this cute face:

So we stayed.

Big bro teaching little bro how to collect tinder for the fire...

Alas, breakfast time!!

Happy dance cuz it's pancake time!!

Hey dad, those ready yet?!?

Pancakes, sausage, and grilled peaches.

The peaches were the best part.

Then time for a hike.

Our campground had its own trailhead. Kreutzer trail. Beautiful steep trail, with great views, and lots of switchbacks.

There she is. That's homebase. Gorgeous from a distance.

I'm telling you. Site 32 is where it's at!

And to think I packed so many clothes for this camping trip...

Yes... I know he has food on his face.

But we were camping. If you can't let them have a ring of dirt around their mouths, then what's the point?

After naps, we headed back to the river for more exploration.

Gatorade is so GOOOOD!!!

Ok, we actually just asked him if he was ready to see Phish. ;)

Read that sign carefully...

Yep - we went there!

Can you see Sage and I on that cliff?

He climbs rocks like a pro. While I nervously shuffle behind him, trying to hold his hand. And he just shakes me off....

The goofballs did a lot of bonding on this trip.

Sunday was our travel home day.

We had a final fire and breakfast in the woods.

And that conlcuded an amazing camping trip.

The weather was perfect. The length of our stay was also perfect.
2 nights was our max.
I actually fell terribly sick in the days following our return (and I am still fighting off the bug). Glad we left when we did! But we will certainly do some camping again next year.
And maybe even try that 3rd night!

The remaining pictures below are just shenanigans from around the homestead...