Camping in the Mountains

On Friday and Saturday this week Mitchell, Grant and I headed up north to go camping on our yearly 12 Oaks 2nd Ward Camp out. The camping location is off of highway 87 about 29 miles north of Payson (go past Pine and Strawberry). We turned off the highway right after mile marker 280. Its not a developed camp ground but it was a beautiful place to camp! Grant and I set up the big tent all by ourselves :) Unfortunately, Brent had to work and was unable to join us on the camping trip.

Mitchell didn't want to camp near Grant and I so he set up his campsite a good 50 yards away.

Mitchell slept in his hammock all night even though it was pretty cold outside. He stayed snuggly warm!

After our incredible Navajo Taco dinner, Mitchell hung out with the other teenagers and played spoons. Later on they watched a movie. Yes, a couple of the families that had been camping at this site for 2 weeks had a generator, TV and DVD player. It was like we never left home :(

Grant and his buddy, Abram, played on Abram's DS's. I guess these electronic gaming devices can link together so they played, and played and played.

Max loved going camping. He loved finding dropped food on the ground and licking bacon grease off of the legs of the grill. He also made several new friends. Here he is snuggling with Dominique.

On Saturday morning Grant, Abram, Dominique, Max and I went out exploring to find the cool cave. Grant and I went in the cave last year but Abram and Dominique hadn't ever been there. It is difficult to get into the cave. You have to balance on the rocks, duck, and try not to get wet while you climb in. The water was a bit higher than it was last year so I ended up getting a wet foot right away.

After you crawl inside, the cave opens up and you can stand. You have to bring a flashlight in order to find your way around.

Grant crawled up into a secondary cave. I didn't explore this upper cave last year because I couldn't find it (I never looked up into the ceiling to see the small opening). So Grant led the way through the narrow passageway. At some point I had to squeeze through an area on my belly. I would NEVER have explored this part of the cave on my own. It was a great adventure! The upper cave twists and turns and goes up and down. Eventually, it leads back to the main large room of the original cave.

We hiked our way back to camp along the creek. It was a beautiful trail.

I was sporting my "I Love Mitchell" shirt for the hike. Too bad Mitchell was asleep and didn't come with us hiking. This was a fun adventure for our little family. We really should get out of town more often. Next time I think there should be a ban on any electronic device! I am such a mean mom!!!!