During our camping trip at Cougar, we headed to the Ape Caves, which is basically a series of tunnels that were created underground by volcanic activity long, long ago.
The day we went, Josh's "little" brother (who towers over Josh's meager five feet, ten inches) and his girlfriend were with us, which made the trip extra fun!
Growing up, we would visit the Ape Caves nearly every time we camped. I am extremely claustrophobic and not normally terrified of darkness, but the dark down there is unlike anything you can experience above ground, so I always had one flashlight in my hand, and another in my pocket, just in case.
Luckily my boys were not the least bit scared.
We always camp in July or August, so the weather above ground is HOT. As you descend two sets of stairs into the caves, the air becomes cooler and cooler.
Samuel & Tiffanie each took a twin,
and I wore Wyatt in my Ergo.
I love Samuel's sweatshirt-
it says "OUR MOUNTAIN LOOKS GOOD TOPLESS",
a tribute to Mt. St. Helens.
Hahaha!
The boys were so brave. Exploring holes, nooks and crannies,
tumbling and tripping over rocks, but loving the adventure.
I love this one of Tiffanie & Logan.
She's always so great with the kids, willing to help any way she can.
They adore her!
So if I had access to my mom's photo albums, I know there would be at least a handful of pictures of me under this rock over the years. I don't think anyone I have ever traveled into the Ape Caves with has been able to reach it as easily as Samuel was.
He makes it look like it's not that high at all.
And then you look at this one he snapped of Josh under it...
and you see just how high it is!
On Samuel's shoulders, Jack was able to touch it!
So very cool!
Wyatt was a very good sport for the whole hike,
although I will say it was more nerve wracking getting over all the rocks & debris
with him to worry about if I fell!
Happy hikers almost to the finish line!
And here we are on our way out.
I love how Logan is holding my hand.
I just can't say enough how special it is for me to share with my own children the things I grew up doing with my family. I have so many wonderful memories of hikes, camping trips and holidays. I can only hope to provide my children with as many lovely childhood experiences to one day reminisce or share with their children.
4 comments:
What a great family picture!
I can't wait to go this summer.
I love the boys' rain coats - I think I tell you that every time I see them, but they're adorable.
Awww! Such a great time. Hopefully we will be able to come camping again this year! :)
I love the Ape Caves, although the first time I was absolutely terrified. Four kids, I'm the mom, I am supposed to be brave! I had a flashlight in my hand and one in my pocket, and later when people asked if we had fun on our camping trip, I was proud to say I would go again to the Ape Caves in spite of fear of the dark and claustrophobia! Each time it got to be more fun! I will find some pictures for you Shelly! (tree - apple )
I love the pictures of Samuel and Josh for the comparison - so funny.
looks like you all had a lot of fun, i really can't believe you could carry Wy strapped to your person - you must be very fit because i find it difficult to carry either of my boys in strap since they got to 8kg and now they are over 10kg i dont even bother. besides my carrier specifies nothing more than 10kg so am sure your carry is for heavy duty. beautiful picture soak it all in because kids tend to grow too fast.
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