The Last Hurrah of Summer

Vacations have been few and far between this summer.   Before we all started back to school we planned one last bash.  We tent camped in Wallowa Lake State Park in Oregon for five days.  Upon arriving I observed our campground was really for people who didn't like camping.  There were flush toilets, showers, and right behind our campsite a huge modern playground.  The roads were constantly busy with RVs, motorcycles, and bicycles.  It wasn't exactly roughing it, but it was lovely.

The kids spent a lot of time working on their Oregon State Parks Junior Ranger badges and attending park-hosted activities.  We learned how to tell the difference between a pine, spruce, and fir tree.  We learned Douglas firs are actually spruces and Ponderosa pines have reddish bark which smells like vanilla on warm days.  We learned young thistle and stinging nettle are good to eat.  We learned about the Nez Perce and the foods they ate.  We practiced throwing a spear with an atlatl and explored a tipi.  There was also a bit of swimming in the clear, chilly lake, bike riding up some crazy steep hills and then hitting 35 MPH coasting down them, ice cream eating, and eating a ton of food we made in our new pie irons. When we weren't doing all our other activities the kids played on the playground for hours with newly-made friends.  They enjoyed playing and Michael and I enjoyed the peace of no children under foot.

The third day we were there (after selling a kidney or two to raise the money) we rode the Wallowa Lake Tramway gondola to the top of Mount Howard.  My sister Heidi, Libby and I rode in one car while Michael rode with the rest of the kids in the other car.  The moment the gondola started its 13.5 minute, 4,000 foot ascent, Sam immediately grabbed himself and announced he had to go potty while Grace started fussing because she was scared.  Michael and Ethan had to tell the Goldilocks story two and a half times to maintain order.  In our car we spent a lot time talking about how far up we were and feeling a little nervous we were looking down at the tops of very tall trees. 

 

Going up.

 More going up.

 Sam really needed to use the bathroom.

 

At the top.

 Looking out on the valley.

 There were chipmunks.

 They were friendly.

We brought sunflower seeds.  I know you aren't supposed to feed the wildlife but just once I decided to live on the edge.  This may have well been the kids' favorite part of the trip.

 Look at that view!  It almost looks fake.

 So very pretty! 

On the way down.

We all came home relaxed, fat, and happy.