 |
| Joan, Cathy & Wil |
This was our first camping trip at Monte Sano State Park. The park is on the eastern portion of Monte Sano Mountain. The views are similar to looking off Red Mountain or Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham with the city lights of Huntsville in the distance. We were able to get the exact camping spots that we'd selected back in the winter when scouting out the park: a double site near the bath house! The big girls were very pleased!
 |
| Luke & Clementine |
 |
| Clementine & Uncle B'ian |
It was raining and we had no hope of a clear day when we arrived. But when you take time off work and spend weeks planning a camping trip - you camp in whatever weather happens. We got a break in the rain long enough to put up a canopy to stand under, pulled out our umbrellas and walked in the rain. Eventually the rain stopped but the skies never cleared. The second day the skies cleared and the sun peaked out in the afternoon, but overall it was an cold camping trip.
 |
| Jimmy & Cathy |
 |
| Luke, Lora & Brian |
On Saturday night we visited the Van Braun Planetarium that is located inside the park for the monthly presentation by the Vaun Braun Astronomical Society. It was nice to be inside and warm up, but since we were dressed for outdoors we actually got miserably hot during the presentation. The cold air felt so good when we left and I don't think I heard anyone complain about the cold the rest of the trip.
 |
| Clementine |
 |
| Wil |
Lora invited her friend, Olivia, to camp with us. They had a great adventure and within two hours of arriving had discovered a deer skeleton. The highlight of their trip was playing with the ENO hammocks. The setting was perfect!
 |
| Olivia |
 |
| Lora with deer jaw |
Luke, Virginia and Clementine came to spend the day on Saturday. We had an active day walking the loop, playing Badmitten, hiking, playing Corn Hole, playing on the playground and riding bikes.
My favorite part of camping is the fellowship around the fire and preparing meals. It is true that the mom cooks and works even on vacation, but I never mind being a cook when we are camping. It is adventurous and challenging at times, but with a well-organized and equipped kitchen, it is great fun!
 |
| Jimmy & Wil on breakfast duty |
 |
| Brian the Photo Bomber |
|
| Clementine & Uncle B'ian |
 |
| Olivia's first camping trip |
 |
| Brian, Joan & Olivia playing Corn Hole |
 |
Brian always makes time for a run.
He's got to be in shape to photo bomb.
|
