I finally got off my keester and took the kids backpacking. We have been on lots of hikes with the kids and they do really well, I figured it was time to try a little backpacking. (I had taken Katy many years ago).
We got up Saturday morning and drove to the valley (Margaret had never been there) to pick up our backcountry permits and have the rangers help us make the final decision on where to go that night. We picked Sunrise Lakes in Yosemite.
So, Sam, Margaret, and I set off with overloaded backpacks to climb a 1000ft set of switchbacks. The kids did really well. Lots of stops on the climb up. We made it to the first lake and decided that was enough for us the first day. It was fairly crowded there were 5 or so other groups at this fairly small lake. The next day, we did a little bit of day hiking without the big packs and had a good time just lounging around not doing a whole lot. Then the next day we hiked out without stopping. It was easier with lighter packs and going downhill.
After we got back to the car, I took the kids up to see Tuolumne Meadows. I had to make them stop playing with their Nintendo’s so they could look at the scenery. In the end a great time was had by all. We will have to do this more often. Katy is lobbying for a camping trip without all the hiking. I guess we should do that relatively soon.
By the way, the picture above is Sam and Margaret pumping water for us next to our campsite.