Finally, I can check backpacking off the list. It was epic; I loved it! And it got me thinking, why didn't my parents who were once avid backpackers never take me?
Beside the fact that backpacking with children sounds like a heck of a lot of work, would I have even enjoyed it as a kid?
I was raised on pop up trailers and two-burner camp stoves. It was awesome, we'd be way up in the High Sierras but we had everything we needed – and then some – stuffed into one of those giant Chevy Astro Vans.
Come to think of it, I actually really appreciate the way my parents went about our family camp trips. I've heard horror stories from friends who were forced to carry heavy packs and hike deep into the woods when they were kids. Most of whom, I wouldn't call campers now –they were kinda burned growing up.
There's definitely a few special kids who can handle, heck, even enjoy, some of the less glamorous parts of backpacking, but for the most part, I think I can see now why my parents had to change things up a bit when me and my sisters came into the picture. I don't think we were the type of kiddos who'd be down to hike 5-10 miles with a tent, sleeping bag, pad, and food strapped to our backs. I'm not too sure what we would have thought of pooping in the woods either. Well, maybe that part would have been easier to learn as a child...
That being said, I'm gonna try and get as much backpacking in as I can, before baby Rans makes its debut. (nope, not preggers yet)
Here's to the first of many weighted hikes, dehydrated meals, and some of the most epic views of my life!
Our Hike:
We started out at the Devil's Lake Trailhead out to Moraine Lake where we spent the first night. Then we connected to the Green Lakes Trail to spend the next few nights under the stars, between South Sister and Broken Top and surrounded by some crystal clear waters.
This trip definitely took camping to the next level for me. I really had no idea what was hiding out in the mountains. When you look at a peak you probably think "big and pointy", but do you ever imagine what you can't see, concealed below the summit? Lakes, valleys, plains, rivers, giant rock mounds, waterfalls, and pines for days, that's what you will find when you hike into their midsts. And if you're gonna go all that way, you might as well bring some stuff so you can spend the night and wake up there the next day.
More details on our 5 days in the Three Sisters Wilderness coming soon :)
Happy Backpacking!
