Can we pack any more gear?! On this camping trip we decided to take our canoe with us, since we were going to Big Bear Lake. I'm so glad we did! It was a little hotter than we had expected, so mountain biking and hiking weren't quite as much fun. We did, however, manage an interpretive hike the first day that got us aquainted with the trees and flowers in the area. If there is something like this in a campground you stay at, I highly recommend it. It's so much more interesting listening to your family point out the names of trees and plants they see as you go about your day. For example, we staked our tents under a huge Western Juniper tree and had plenty of Jeffery Pines at our site. When the sun warms up their bark, they smell like vanilla. Who would have thought to sniff the bark of a tree? Go on the interpretive hike! Chase would run from tree to tree sniffing and exclaiming, "I love these trees! I'm going to marry one!" Mountain Mahogany or ironwood, as it is commonly called, is one of the hardest woods around There was also rabbitbrush, Indian paintbrush, and Mountain Buglers scattered about for our enjoyment.
The canoe was a definite highlight! Seth got experienced at helping Andrew load and unload the beast. This canoe is so big that we were able to fit all seven of us in it at one time! It was an amazing experience rowing along a pristine lake watching fish jump and ducklings swim by. We spent a lot of time at the lake to take refuge from the heat.
Another highlight was a night hike hosted by the ranger. The boys thought it was pretty cool watching bats hunting at twilight. Andrew loved the boys enthusiasm at pointing out the surrounding trees and asking questions of the ranger.
I loved the free hot showers and electricity for a hairdryer! I'm now convinced that it's perfectly acceptable to look beautiful while camping! If they have these perks, use them! It felt soooo good! Can't wait for our next trip. Andrew was already planning another one before we were even down the hill!
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