Adventure Chronicles: First Camping Trip of 2011

5 years ago Friday, Matt and I were married.  The invitation said “The Adventure Continues!  Please join us…for our wedding”  Well continue it did!  5 years, 1 home, 2 kids, and many renovations later, we headed out to the White Mountains of New Hampshire with the kids for the first camping trip of the season.  Last year was somewhat of a bust, camping-wise, since we were waiting for Roddie to arrive in August, so we were anxious to get out there this year!  In addition, temperatures in the 90’s over Memorial Day were on our minds when we made the call on Tuesday – we were going camping - Roddies first time!

Despite a forecast for highs in the low 60’s and lots in the 40’s, we started out on Friday afternoon, picking the kids up early from school.  Norah was actually napping, and Matt had the fun of whispering in her sleepy ear “Norah, we’re going on our Adventure!”  She woke with a smile, we scooped up Rod from his classroom,  and we were on our way!  We had booked a spot at Lafayette Place campground in Franconia Notch State Park, so we were assured a site.  It’s only about a 2 hour ride, so we were there and setting up camp in no time!  Just as we were putting the final touches on our set-up, a lady walks up to me and hands me a balloon bouquet!  What the…?  Happy Anniversary to us!  (Or, as Norah has become fond of saying “Happy Accessory Day”)  My hubs is ALL RIGHT!  After dinner at one of our old fav’ brew pubs, we settled in for a cool night in the low 40’s, likely lower….brrr!  Both kids did great!  Rod had a lot of layers on, including a Cape Breton Tartan fleece bunting that I am certain my mom never imagined would be put to this use when she bought it for Norah.  He was snug as a bug in his pack’n’play tent, with a sheet keeping his own body heat in there with him.  Norah, after a few Houdini like tricks getting out of princess sleeping bag, in her princess fleece jammies, did just fine too, with an additional blanket.

Morning dawned (not TOO early either) cool and crisp, but warned up quickly as Matt prepared us pancakes and sausages (and coffee, of course, coffee!)  We went on a short but incredibly rewarding hike to Artists Bluff, with Norah leading the way up the half mile or so path – and I do mean up, like straight up!  Norah is definitely at home on a hiking trail, with her long limbs carrying her gazelle-like over trees and logs.  The Bluff offers amazing views of Franconia Notch and we spent a good 40 minutes taking in the view, the sun, and the repeated trips of a helicopter to the high cabins.  Roddie was a champ throughout it all and is definitely itching to get moving with his sister!  He rode in high style in a backpack, but got out to stretch his legs as well.  After a quick summit snack, we headed down and Norah cooled her toes while Roddie had a bottle at Echo-Lake beach.

After naps and a fire-cooked supper, we stoked up the campfire, put Roddie to bed, and enjoyed some S’mores and our favorite local brew, Pigs Ear.  The night was a little more eventful (Roddie puked on me at one point – my fault, shouldn’t feed him laying flat on his back, and peed on me at another), and we think a little warmer.  After our second camp breakfast, I took the kids exploring the campground, while Matt packed up the site.  Rod enjoyed the ride in the buggy, as well as his big sister’s company. Norah had a great time talking all about her adventure, and taking pictures all around the campground.  We wrapped up this week’s adventure with the bear show and train ride at Clark’s Trading Post, somewhere I’d never been in all my trips to NH!

When asked about her favorite things about the weekend, Norah said “The Mountains”, and “S’mores!” and added “I want to go back to that place”.  Matt and I had a great weekend too, and really love sharing the outdoors with the kids.  There are some adjustments we had to make, of course, but I think the results are a much richer, more satisfying trip than any “killer backpack” I’ve ever done.    Sure, it’s a LOT more work camping with little kids (How many rocks did Roddie eat anyway?), but with the right attitude, it is a LOT of fun!  Matt and I both camped as kids and are totally on the same page, which goes a long way.  As we’ve said before, and especially on our anniversary weekend, we’re so lucky to have found each other!

Yes, there are a few pictures J  I will post them later.