Owen Lake 2009
“If a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can hear the voice of God.”
- George Washington Carver
So our camping trip took a bit of a hit this year. At the last moment Jamie and Angela were unable to join us due to sickness, and we were trying to think of ways of postponing it so that we could all be together. But alas, with many work schedules to juggle, it wasn’t going to happen… so we decided to swallow our disappointment and go without them.
As it turned out, this may not have been the best year to “break them in” to Northwoods camping, anyway. It was chilly this year! We were bundled up in our winter’s finest and mostly stayed close to the warm fire or played games in the tent when it was rainy or windy. We didn’t even venture out for a hike this year, not wanting to get too far away from the fire! (All except for Jodie, who is the true adventurer in this family. He took daily hikes with Jack).
It was cloudy almost the entire time, which is really hard on picture-taking. But I still tried to get a few to capture the memories of our time at Owen Lake this year. The Northwoods is still gorgeous, no matter what the weather, and it was actually fun to brave the elements for a few days.
Papa, Marmie and Mark cooking around the campfire.
Our favorite meal that we look forward to every year is Jodie’s famous campfire breakfast. Usually we have oatmeal around the campfire for breakfast, but on Saturday mornings he makes us a huge feast. Mmmmm.
We had a little raccoon “friend” this year who so badly wanted to share our food rations with us. He actually unzipped our camp kitchen storage shelf and helped himself to our hamburger buns before Jack woke up to scare him up the tree. The men shooed him away, but our little masked bandit came back every night to try again. I don’t think poor Jack got much sleep out in the wilderness at night, so he took many naps during the day to make up for it. Good Boy, Jack.
Sunday was a bit warmer so Mark and Dad threw around the football a bit… while Jodie grilled up some of the best tasting burgers… ever.
So although we had so much fun this year and felt a sense of accomplishment from surviving the cold, we have decided that for all of our sakes (and our baby’s sake!) we will go earlier next year when it’s warmer. Jamie did confess that he was glad he was home sitting in his cozy easy-chair, while we all were “roughing” it. 
No excuses next year, Bud… you’re going camping!
I thought of you out there in the cold this weekend. I’m sorry it wasn’t better weather, but it looks like you made the most of it and had a great weekend. The food looks amazing! Nothing like campfire food. Remember our camping excursions to Lake Jeanette? I ahve lot of fun memories of those times. My parents like to tell our kids the story of how we stuck our top halves outside the camper and waved at people the whole way into Ely like we were celebrities!
Ha! I still get the giggles when I think about our Grande Entrance into Ely. Good Times!
I have so many wonderful memories of camping with the Heep family. I have a few pictures I want to show you from Lake Jeanette one year. I think that is where I found that I love camping. It helps to start out young. I also loved the fact that it was my once a year chance to eat Lucky Charms!!
Miss you!
I have some funny pictures I’ll have to dig out too. I have great one of us covered in mud up to our calves from the hike my dad made us take, promising “it would get better.” You are smiling, but I have horrible, grumpy face. I have tons of marvelous memories of you camping with us. I’m sure that’s why it was fun for me, since I didn’t think camping was all that exciting. Now, of course I hope to relive it all with my own kids.
Missy,
Great pictures! Although it was cold a chilly weekend, I’m sure there are many warm memories. The food looked delicious.
Can’t help but think of the many fun Bethany cabin memories. It would be fun to get together like that again.
Blessings to you.
Yes, I have so many great memories of Bethany Cabins. Your dad tried so hard to help me learn to water ski… I never did learn, but I sure did have fun trying! Let’s get together soon!
nice photos, babe. my favorite times were the games inside the warm tent with the lantern lit—cozy and fun. i did get a little cranky at times from a sleepless night with the wind blowing fiercely, whipping the sides of my tent! (i prayed alot.) but you all loved me anyway. when all was said and done, it was very memorable!
Hi Melissa~ looks like you all have a chilly but fun weekend camping! The ones with bad weather are usually the good ones you remember. I am happy you all made it home safe!Can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Awesome pics, babe! GREAT job! It was an awesome (although cold) camping trip.
I REALLY LOVE the pic of you in the tent. STUNNING! Still can’t believe I’m the one that gets to wake up to YOU every day! ; )
Missy! It looks wonderful, even in the cold!!! Your pictures turned out great. It was fun to check in with you throughout the weekend to hear updates on how things were going–we sure missed making the memories with you all. I’m excited for next year. Looking forward to seeing you next weekend! Love and blessings to you and Mark and the baby!!
What a great tradition! I think you’ll be glad if you go at a warmer time next year though, but it sure must be nice not dealing with any mosquitos!!!
Looks like some good eating. Can we come next year?
Of course! But bring rain ponchos and parkas just in case we run into a bad weekend again!
Weird how a cold, rainy weekend can end up being so much fun. Really enjoyed all the cards and dice games in the nice warm tent as the wind howled outside. The campfire chats always seemed to erupt in laughter as well. All around great memories and strong bonding time!
i must admit, camping always looks so cozy – and we camped lots {in a camper that is} when i was growing up.. but i am SO NOT into it. when it comes to sleeping i prefer my home and bed~ no creepy creatures prowling around.
the last time i camped it was w/ kate for a girl scout thing of hers.. there was a SKUNK outside our tent! i was dying to go the bathroom but couldn’t!! 
we were trapped in our tent by a skunk!! so not a fun time. 
but i like looking at pictures at others camping adventures. hee hee. 
love the b&w of you~ so pretty!
hope you’re feeling good w/ baby.. doing good w/ life in general, etc.
{{hugs}}