Now it is time for my version on the camping trip!

Chris and I usually go camping once or twice every summer, but this summer we were not able to go. We tried to go on his own a couple times, but the weather got bad.

So Friday morning we packed up our gear and warm clothes and headed out to Mt. Hood National Forest to Lost Lake. As we drove there we went through vineyard and many apple orchards that led into forests of changing leaves. It was a beautiful drive!

We arrived and pitched our tent, and gathered LOTS of firewood from neighboring sites. Also because it was the end of the season, we were given free firewood from the guy at the "general store." This was great because it was actually dry wood. We proceeded to walk the trail/boardwalk around the lake, which was beautiful and enjoyable. Not too steep, just a lovely hike despite some mud.

We build a fire to keep us warm and cook our hamburger patties we had brought. They turned out yummy.. but I was pretty hungry by that point. We headed to bed around 11-ish and I tossed and turned and the ground was COLD and making me cold and I couldn't move much in my sleeping bag. We eventually, after some frustration, I gathered all my stuff, put on Chris' coveralls, and headed to the car to sleep. That is when I realized I had to go to the bathroom, so I walked down the road to the bathroom by myself if the dark. I think this was about 1230. (the picture to the right is the moon over the lake).
I survived and put the heater on in the car for 15 minutes and then finally was able to sleep. At 5, a flashlight coming through the window made jump.. it was Chris who said he was now cold and wanted to go back to the place on the trail where you could see Mt. Hood. I figured it would warm me up to move so still wearing 2 shirts, a sweatshirt, and chris' heavy coveralls we headed down the trail. (we think we may have found the nintendo/super mario mushroom you see at the left).

despite the cold, it actually ended up being very gorgeous site! It was perfectly clear and mt. hood was COVERED in snow. It made for some nice shots. Overall, the scenery made up for the sleepless cold night. We came back to have breakfast and hot chocolate (see picture above.. yes, that is me appearing all frumpy and Chris is wearing my coat) before heading back home for warm showers and a nap.

Now we are gearing up for weeks of traveling. We head to Lynden this week and then next week it is off to Ohio and then on to Maryland. Starting next sunday we have 4 sunday presentations in a row which is great!

As always, thanks for your support and prayers.

love,
Joy