Before the summer even began we had started scheduling camping trips! Trip #2 brought us to Devils Head and Rampart Range. For this short trip, the husbands weren't going to be able to take Friday off. In order to make the trip worth all of the efforts required to set up camp, Cara and I decided that we would brave nature and head up with the kids without the husbands.
We packed up our cars, and hit the road towards Sedalia, CO. Nate typically drives and therefor, it had been a long time since I had taken to the road behind the wheel! I rather enjoyed the relaxing drive and the beauty that surrounded us as we exited the city limits.
The Syers Family had been to Devils Head two weeks earlier, so Cara had a pretty good idea of where we should make camp. We found a lovely spot by the stream.
The ground was a touch lumpy...but that's OK. Cara used her lumber-jack skills (cutting down all of those Christmas trees sure has paid off) and chipped away at the roots that would otherwise cause a painful night's sleep.
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| We were just like Annie Oakley... |
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| ...and Calamity Jane! |
After we created a flat ground, we began setting up our tents. I had picked up a new tent on the way out of town and therefor, it took us a few minutes to figure it all out :)
But, we eventually built our shelters!
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| This is a far cry from the mini-tent that our family had been sleeping in! |
We had sleeping quarters and shelter from the rain!
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| Even the potties were charming! |
We had a bee-bee gun in case of danger!
After camp was all set up, Cara and I realized that we needed to relax and re-energize. The kids played a friendly game of UNO.
After a while, we took a walk up to the pay station.
There are a lot of rock "fortresses", as the kids called them. We spent some time exploring the many nooks and crannies of these rocks!
We also had a chance to breathe the fresh air and take in all that nature has to offer!
After the hike, we gathered and cut some firewood (yes, we still have all four of our limbs) and started a fire.
Around 5:00 p.m., the husbands arrived. While Cara and I handled our own quite well, we were certainly glad to have our guys there to help! Wes and Cara provided dinner (pasta shells, sauce, and garlic bread) and we provided the morning's breakfast (tin foil burritos with green chili).
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| We enjoyed a lovely dinner. |
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| Here is Cara using more of her backpacking survival skills to clean her pot! |
As it became dark, we realized more and more that we were all exhausted. Cara and I had a long, hard, but enjoyable day, building camp and taking care of our high-energy children. Nate and Wes had worked all day and they were also exhausted. So, after smores and a night-cap, we all entered our tents for a decent (considering the baby crying and loud music at the site next to us) nights sleep!!!
We woke up on Saturday to celebrate Cara's birthday. We started the morning with breakfast and then the guys took the ATVs out for a spin.
But first, they gave each of the kids a short spin!
Cara and I braved the wilderness once again by taking all five of the kids (and Lucy) up the Devil's Head trailhead! I later discovered that the 1.4 mile (one-way) hike is a 940 ft. elevation gain!
At the top of the trailhead are 143 steps to climb to get to the Lookout Fire Tower!
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| The climb was well worth the overwhelming beauty at the top! |
I remembered making this hike as a kid and was so happy to be able to share it with the girls! Different stages of life bring different levels of appreciation. I was happy to be surrounded by family and friends and to be able to share in all of God's creation!
The scenery was breathtaking and the company wasn't bad either!
We were pretty proud of the kids for making it to the top! They were really patient and tough!
And then, it was time to head back down! Payton, Brady, and Elizabeth jogged the entire way down! Cara and I walked with Abby, Landon, and Lucy. We finally made it back to camp and the guys had started breaking down camp (I was relieved to not have to do it)!
But, before the trip was over, Cara and I took some time to ourselves (the first time all weekend) and went took the ATVs to one of the "green" trails...WE HAD A BLAST!!!
I was a bit nervous at first, but I was given great instruction and Cara was about as careful as I was!
We are so blessed to have such wonderful places to retreat to, only an hour away from home. I love Colorado and can't wait for camping trip #3 to Steamboat Lake.
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARA! Thanks for sharing your big day with us!
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