Several weeks ago we ventured on our first long (6 day) camping trip as a family. We have had several 1-2 night trips that went well, we had been practicing longer (4 mile) hikes with the boys, and therefore did not hesitate to reserve a campsite for this long at Grayson Highlands. And we are so glad we did. We made many memories and had a super time. Slowing down to think only about what hike we will do next, which simple meal we will prepare around the fire/picnic table, and simply being together and far from any internet communication or TV.
I should also say that we had such a wonderful time despite the fact that it rained at least 60% of the time we were there. Jason was wonderful enough to buy a large tarp in Richmond for just this potential situation. Apparently he has much childhood experience camping in the mountains and dealing with the fickle weather. When we were not huddled under the tarp talking, being silly, and playing games.....we were hiking on gorgeous high elevation trails (oh and the temps were quite chilly up there!! 50s at night), picking delicious, ripe blueberries along trails, seeing wild horses, and enjoying many a vista atop rocky outcrops. The boys really enjoyed climbing all over the rocks! Likely the most memorable experience was our bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
We rode 17 miles from White Top Mountain to Damascus, VA (all downhill). This is a "rails to trails" where there used to be a railroad and now there is a nice, gradual downhil bike ride that really anyone can do if you can ride a bike. Alder was on his own bike and Heath on a tandem behind Jason. Heath is now riding a two-wheeler without training wheels, but we felt it best to not let him try this trail solo just yet. Despite pouring rain for at least half of the trail and one nasty spill (Alder), we made it down smiling and laughing. Alder and I rode next to each other for much of the ride and when the rain came pelting down on our skin, we laughed and screamed how this was the 'most fun and most miserable' we had ever been! So awesome to see him dealing with this so well and smiling from ear to ear as we careened down the mountain.
Here we are crossing one of the ~30 bridges along the way. Obviously this was before the rain began.
As I type this, Alder just came down from bed and said he could sleep. He does this occassionally and really just wants me to come up and snuggle a bit with him and talk, typically makeing suggestions about all the wonderful things he can think about before going to sleep to ensure good dreams. sometimes I abothered by this as I have work to do or laundry to fold, etc...but more often than not these days, as my 6 year old is soon to be off to 1st grade at a new school and possily (inevitably) growing up faster than I am ready for, I give in and climb into bed with him. I spend a precious 5-10 minutes whispering ideas and memories into his ear for him to contemplate as he drifts into dreamland. He likes it when I remind him of running along the beach with family and friends, certains hikes or playtimes in our recent days that were fun, his tae kwon do classes that he is loving more than ever, etc. When I just left him he told me that he would like to think about VA Creeper Trail. so glad. It was a wonderful, miserable moment together. One we will not forget.
We recently discovered that our phones can take panaramic pictures so here is one of our campsite.
There was a nice meadow right next to us that we enjoyed. The boys also enjoyed their dress up clothes - below is super man Heath. This was a mixed blessing as it provided lots of fun for them at the campsite while we were fixing meals and just enjoying adult conversation....but they seemed to need constant help getting in and out of them to go t the bathroom, etc. Might leave them at home next time and let the pretend play happen without the outfits.
Oh man...good times. these boys have some serious imaginations and are able to get into make-believe worlds together and discuss whatever is on their minds. I hope this continues for many years to come.
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