Lessons learned from first backpacking trip

We are so pleased that we graduated from car camping to backpacking into the wilderness. I have been car camping for over 30 years. It has been wonderful to pack so many of the kitchen essentials and eat crab and ice cream in the forest. BUT we are able to see so much more if we pack just a little and head out where cars can't drive.

Troy's parents made the trek with us and little did I know that his 60 yr old step-mom had never slept in a tent, yet she trekked 10 miles with us in wet feet and was not afraid of the unknown.

A big thanks to the Kropelniki's and the Krist's for coaching us on how to begin planning for our first trip and for loaning us gear. Thank you to Nancy Malm for introducing us to this area.

Here is all our gear that has to be hauled up the mountain. First stop, 2.2 miles at Lake Talapus for a view.

Here it is, Lake Talapus. AHHHHH, peace!!!Lake Ollalie where we camped. Here is Lake Ollalie from a trail above. After we dropped off our gear at our campsite, we hiked to these lakes. They would be great to backpack to, but we weren't ready for that lengthy of a hike. Rainbow LakeIsland Lake

Troy did a great job researching our JET BOIL. We decided to only boil water and eat freeze dried meals.

Troy also fell in love with this tent due to the two 10-foot vestibules. One for doggy and one for shoes and packs. This tent we got for only $169 because it was last year's color. It rained on us at night and we didn't get wet inside. Also, it did great not building up condensation inside.

doggy in her vestibule

Mike and Cindy's rental tent broke, but a stick held it together for them. We wish would have packed duct tape. Seems to be an essential next time for our packing list.


getting there is never easy

but the reward is worth it

We brought a good rope and tied up our food to keep bears/raccoons away.

I thought these ferns were especially pretty and dainty. We didn't sleep well that night, but we did get nearly 11 hours of rest and we felt refreshed.

1) Mike/Cindy didn't have good sleeping pads

2) Mike couldn't get his sleeping bag zipper up in the middle of the night after a restroom break 3) airplanes seemed very low and made lots of noise at night

4) I couldn't find my earplugs so had to use TP

5) sharing a tent with restless legs Alyssa is not fun - we need to get her a two man tent and have her bring a friend

6) We still have lots of gear to buy and we will do it slowly and with as much discount as possible.

What a great new chapter we are beginning in our life. I am so glad Alyssa gets to learn to be outdoorsy and get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We are grateful for healthy parents who have 10 mile stamina and are willing to try new adventures. They are gearing up their supply so we can do an Iowa camping trip next summer and a Washington trip too. We plan to do a few more this year!