Lost Lake

I found some more pictures of Lost Lake.  Here they are- The trees were AMAZING!!

Lost...

Lost Lake that is.  A couple of weekends ago we headed to Lost Lake to go camping with Athena and Ben.  Darren had 2 weeks off so I told him we had to do something fun as a family.  We decided to go camping.  We went to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  It was magical.  Like, really magical.  I expected to see a forest spirit at any time.  I have decided I love Oregon forests.  The trees are big and have a spirit to them.  The forest floor is covered with moss and ferns and all sorts of beautiful green plants.  And you wanna know the best part? I can sleep at night because I'm not freaked out about bears!
The first night we were there Darren took Paul and Kyle down to the lake with flashlights.  Paul saw something in the water, and said it was a fish of some sort.  Darren and Kyle insisted it was a twig.  They made a bet.  Well Paul caught that "twig" and it turns out it was a salamander!  And it was sleeping.  lol  Paul was right! They were laughing so hard.  Paul was in heaven catching salamanders in the lake the next day. 

Of course we had to bring the newest addition to our family- Lily.  She was lots of fun to have and she kept the kids entertained practically the whole time.  Actually she kept us all entertained.  She is so cute, she is just like a little wind-up toy doll.

Don't you just love Gabe's camping outfit?

We did this amazing hike up the mountain.  It was 2 miles up.  We all did pretty good except the puppy that needed to be carried the whole way, and Gabe fell asleep.  He was starting to get a croupy cough and was definitely getting sick.  He was almost lethargic on the hike so Darren carried him and he fell asleep almost at the top.   Darren sat on the trail and let him sleep while we finished the hike.  Then we came down and switched.  I held Gabe while Darren finished the hike. When I got to the top of the hike I looked up and gasped! The view of Mt. Hood was AMAZING!  It literally took my breath away.  The pictures don't really do it justice.  I guess pictures never do. 

A lot of the time we spent just hanging out around the campsite.  I was perfectly happy doing just that.  We played cards, ate, and hung out around the camp fire.

Look at our camp sight. Isn't it gorgeous??!! Some of the trees were huge!!! I guess the correct term is "Old Growth".

On Friday Athena and Ben joined us. I was so happy to see them! Athena and I have really gotten closer since living somewhat close to each other.  I love it! Her and Ben arrived around dark, and quickly set up their tent.  We took a quick hike down to the lake where Paul caught a salamander to show their kids.  Athena was hesitant to camp with the kids- but I was so glad she did, even though they had a rough night.  I didn't hear their kids, but I did hear another camp site that was having a Rave all night long.  It really ticked me off.  It was a bunch of college students hollering, yelling and laughing ALL night long and till the next morning about 9 when I went to their campsite and yelled at them to shut up.  I had hit my limit.  Talk about ruining the magic of the forest.  After yelling at them I felt much better and the day continued great.  Gabe was really sick with the croup and fell asleep.  So I stayed at camp with him while everyone else did a 3 mile hike around the lake.  I was sad to miss the hike.  We were having such a great time I could have stayed another day.  But they came back and we had a delicious lunch provided by Athena.  Then we packed up:( 

After we packed up we went to the lake to spend some time before heading home.  Ben had brought an inflatable boat/kayak something and the kids had a great time riding around in it.  They also had a great time just playing in the water.  Gabe and Nayeli were finally getting along!  Gabe has had no interest in her up until this point.  They were so cute playing together.

Ellie before falling in the water, and Ellie after falling in the water. 

After some time hanging out at the lake we packed up and headed home.  It was so great to spend time with Ben and Athena, and just be out in nature.  Lost Lake was one of the best camping spots I have ever been to.  I can't wait to go back!