This past weekend, most of the family met up in Kennedy Meadows to celebrate Uncle Nick’s birthday. I say most, because mommy stayed home to care for the heir to daddy’s throne and Papa A had to care for great grandma. Their respective diaper changing skills and fly fishing wisdom were both sorely missed… as well as their cheerful presence, of course.
Initially, we were all concerned with reports of 15 degree weather and large crowds due to the opening of fishing season. Thankfully, both worries were met with crisp, sunny days and a sparsely stocked campground. Unfortunately, the river was also sparsely stocked with fish, so we spent most of the time soaking up the sun and practicing our casting techniques. Amelia put up with the freezing nighttime air, a minor burn on her pinky, and the lack of mommy quite admirably. All the attention from aunts and uncles surely helps. Daddy responded to the cold temperatures by admirably burning a blanket on the space heater in his tent. “I love the smell of burnt toast in the morning.”
Speaking of food, we thoroughly enjoyed campfire grilled steaks and baked beans for the birthday dinner. I’m not sure why, but when camping under the stars, your steak could be burnt to the consistency of a parched rock on the floor of Death Valley, and it would still taste better than one of them buttery filet mignons from Ruth’s Chris.
At any rate, our triumphant return home was greeted by mommy’s open arms and her own tales of a mysterious thing called ‘girl’s day out’. Something about shopping, eating, more shopping… blah, blah, blah. Heh heh. All in all, everyone enjoyed their weekend – but it was ultimately great to be back together.
Amelia explores the campsite, keeping a wary eye out for the ‘Big Bad Wolf.’
She stakes her claim to the best spot at the campfire.
She’s riding tall as we head down to the river for some fishin’.
Aunt CC and Gene.
Without Papa around, Uncle Nick became the resident fly fishing expert.
High altitude and clear skies meant a good chance of sunburn, so we had to protect that noggin’.
Mohegan enjoys the comforts of the wilderness.
Succulent watermelon treat.
YaYa explains what’s on tap for dinner to an eager little tummy.
Breakfast was a mirthful time of bliss.
