Into the Wild

 A little picture show of our camping trip a couple weeks ago:

Our campsite was only 5 minutes from home, so I don't know if you would call it true camping.  However, without all of the daily chores of home it felt like we were much further.  The kayaking was a highlight for Connor.  Maari I think enjoyed her campfire baked blueberry pie most.

This trip was kind of a test run, preparation for something bigger.  Connor, Dad, and Betsy are right now on a more rugged trip...one not quite suitable for Maari and myself.  Far up north in the Boundary Waters, they are true camping.  They have been gone since Tuesday and I have had NO contact with them.  Yes, they are so far in the wilderness that there is no cell phone coverage.  This freaks me out just a little...what if...?, what if...?, what if...?, and so on and so on in my head.  But according to Justin that is the fun of it...being truly AWAY from it all.  But moms worry.

And I am sure it is beautiful and peaceful and lovely... I just don't know if I could handle all of the hauling.  Because you see one can't just drive up to the campsite, one must canoe/hike to it.  All of the gear must be hauled in: food, clothing, sleeping bag, cooking utensils, and canoe. (Did you notice Betsy's little backpack in one of the pics?  She was practicing, getting ready to carry her own food).  But again, that is the beauty of it...true wilderness.  Maybe some day Maari and I will enter the wilderness but for now the state park down the road will do just fine!

Here are my boys (+Betsy) up at Grammy's house on Lake Superior the night before their departure into the wild.  Dad practicing his firemaking skills and Connor talking to Mom on the phone one last time.  Can't wait for them to come home!