The Gibbon Gazette: Copper Falls Camping

This last weekend we took Flint's first camping trip. We decided to stay somewhat close to home and at a familiar place. We went to Copper Falls State Park, which is only 30 minutes from our door and a place we have visited often with the boys (though the last time we camped there was before boys :). We tried to keep it pretty simple and just went for two nights, but as with any trip we take with the boyos, we had a full pick-up. We decided to take our bikes (then had to bring the burley bike trailer) and all sorts of camping gear.

The weekend was enjoyable, there were a few stressful times (keeping Flint away from the fire and bedtimes,) but in all a fun and manageable trip (with a little I-pad help at bedtime)

Xander said his favorite parts were sleeping in the tent, throwing rocks in the river by the waterfall and swimming at the swimming beach.

We took many pictures, but some things were left out. So I'll mention those and explain the rest with the pictures. There was a nice swimming beach that was about a mile from our campsite, so we rode our bikes to the beach. Sunday afternoon after a morning of hiking both boys fell asleep in the bike trailer on the way to the beach (it took less than 5 minutes :). So we parked the trailer in a breezy shady spot and mom and dad got some kiddo free beach time. I've never been one to enjoy just laying at the beach, but I did that day. Not having to watch for boys was very relaxing. Then they woke up so we had a nice snack and then played in the sand and water.

Another thing that we enjoyed that we don't have pictures of was the park concessions. They served ice cream. We enjoy ice cream. It was glorious on a couple hot afternoons. Follow the rest of our adventure through our pictures.

Two boys packed in the pick-up and ready to go. Excited boys!

Hiking the first day, Xander wanted to wear his cape. He made a lot of friends who wanted Super Hero protection.

Enjoying jiffy popcorn that we made over the fire. We also made s'mores and chocolate chip cookies in our pie makers.

Fishing. Xander was practicing casting, Flint was pretty much digging holes with the end of his rod, but he needs to have one just like his big brother. There is no line on Flint's pole, it works better that way.

Having some milk by the fire. This looks like Sunday morning. It rained on us Saturday night and Sunday morning, but stopped around 10. Todd was gracious enough to make us breakfast in the rain, so by the time we were finished eating breakfast in our tent the rain was done.

Our hike to granite falls, sitting on the rock. The mosquitoes were terrible, all the time, but especially on our hikes in the woods. We kept the kiddos in long clothes and thoroughly applied the spray. We sprayed our hats, it helped, but we still got eaten.

Granite Falls

Todd experimenting with his phone camera

Looking downstream

Looking up stream. "Xander, smile for mom :)"

Throwing rocks in to the river, I think they each threw 100

Flint and Todd throwing rocks

Our snack/rest spot panoramic

Hiking back to camp

Flint on the run

Picking daisies

sleeping in the tent

Having some milk Monday morning

The fire tower. It needed to be about 10 feet taller, the trees have grown up around it and you can't see too much. A bit disappointing. A lot of stairs both on the trail and on the tower to get to. Oh well, a good work out, right?