Backpacking

This past weekend I went backpacking in the wilderness with my dad and a youth group from Prineville. I had a little trouble finding my way to the trailhead...I'm much more educated on the backroads of Eastern Oregon....but the important thing is that I made it. It was a 6 mile hike in but I know I hiked more than that because by the time I had arrived almost all of the kids had headed up the trail, with the exception of the three oldest that were helping get the pack horses packed up. When I arrived I headed in with the three others in front of the pack horses that were carrying all the food in [but not the rest of our gear:(]. The four of us caught up with the rest of the group about 3/4 of the way in...or so I thought...four of them were missing. So being the only couselor on foot, I turned around to find the camp leader who was on horse back to let them know 4 of the kids had most likely taken a wrong turn somewhere on the trail. This was our conclusion since we were supposed to turn off at one junction somewhere along the trail and the group I was with should have seen the other 4 along the trail somewhere if they were heading the right direction. Thankfully they were found by the camp leader as they were coming in with the horses. They had stopped at a lake along the trail and had lunch.
The mosquitoes weren't bad at all this year....I didn't even have to wear bug spray :)
My feet froze the first night so I was wishing Dustin was there to keep me warm :) but he had to work over the weekend, but the second night I broke out my fleece sleeping bag liner and I was toasty toasty....a poor replacement for Dustin though.
The second day I was there my dad and I went on a hike together. Everyone else decided they wanted to stay around camp and swim and let their feet recoup from the day before. It was nice to spend a little time with my dad. We used to be really close and do a lot before I got married.....but sadly we rarely spend anytime together these days. I know its part of growing up but its sad none the less. Anyway we had great conversations and decided to find our own way through the forest instead of going on the trails. I love how adventurous my dad is! And yet I always feel safe with him.
I headed out on horseback on Sunday morning to return to reality :( Although I was thankful to return to a shower and a toilet. My dad rode out with me so I wouldn't have to make the hike alone, still being my protective dad :). It had been years since I had been on horse back. I had forgotten how much fun it was! But ugh! I was sore the next day :)