Backpacking in the Wallowas

 Elk and I at the start of the trail. We left TwoPan trail head at the end of the Lostine River Road. This was my first backpacking trip in many years. Actually can't remember when the last time I had gone. Over 20 years. ELK pack weighed 22 lbs, ADK 35 lbs, Mom's 39 lbs and Dad's 55 lbs.

 ADK was the motivator for Mom. Walking behind encouraging me when the trail was getting steep. Left...Right....Left....Right.

 Taking a short break.

Small fall on the Lostine River.

Mirror Lake

We are taking the boys on their first overnight backpacking trip to Minam Lake then over to Mirror Lake. We are planning a 4 day trip and will take a side trip one day to Eagle Cap the mount peak in the photo. ADK is looking forward to the trip and could not wait to go shopping for freeze dried food this past weekend. It will be my first backpacking trip in many year. Been wanting to go for a few years but Rick keep[t saying the boys were to young. Heck I was backpacking at age 5 or 6 from what I can remember. My brother and I had to carry our own sleeping bag and clothes. As we got older then more weight was added.

Yakatat, Alaska

Fishing

Last night we were looking back a few years ago and talking about Rick's fishing trip to Yakatat, Alaska. Hope to take the boys on this trip someday. I know they would love it.

Camping trip with Grandma to Jubilee Lake

 ADK and ELK took off with Grandma for 3 days/2 nights to Jubilee Lake camping. They brought a friend, RC along. Grandma let the boys do all the packing and food planning.
Fishing Poles-----Check
Kayaks------------Check
Firewood ----Do need that we can gather wood. Luckily Dad talked them into taking wood.
Hot Dogs---------Check
Marshmallows---Check
Sandwich makings---Check
Stove---------Don't need that according to ADK "Stoves are for trailer camping, we are tent camping" Mom asks "what about breakfast? What are you going to cook pancakes on?" ADK says "Who says we are having pancakes. We are having Hot Dogs over the fire for breakfast."
Mom left for a meeting and Dad and Grandma talked ADK into taking the camp stove for pancakes.
Life Vests--------Check
Loaded and ready to go. Off they went with ADK at the wheel drving to Jubilee Lake.

 RC, ELK and ADK had fun fishing, kayaking and swinging into the lake from the rope swing on the other side of the lake.

 They went on a search for huckleberries but found none. We had a really cold spring and looks like the berries got frozen out this year. UGH....I am out of huckleberries in the freezer. No huckleberry cheesecakes this year.

 They keep having this doe want to join them for food. Boy ADK's mints sure are looking good.

RC parents join them for dinner Wednesday evening thinking they would bring him home but he talked them into letting him stay another night and come home with the boys Thursday he was having so much fun.
They planned their trip perfectly. Thursday night there was thunder, lightening, and rain. They were glad they were not camping then.

Bunko

The first Tuesday of every month is my night out to play Bunko. Our group has been going for many years and I am the only original one left in the group. It seams that every year we have one or two that leave the group for a variety of reason. Last night Steph had to leave the group because she is moving. Steph is such a fun person and is really going to be missed. I am also going to miss her because she is one of my scrapbook buddies. Good thing is she is moving close to Squim, Washington. I am hoping to take a vacation next summer and visit her and do some hiking on trails that I hiked as a kid.

Mindless Tuesday

Oldies

Christina, ELK and ADK helping at the Spaghetti feed fundraiser at

Christ Lutheran Church in Walla Walla, Washington

 ADK loved being the dish washer. By the end of the evening most of the youth helping and quit working but not ADK he loved being the dishwasher.

ELK collecting plates and taking them to the kitchen to be washed.

ADK service drinks