three nights and four days of camping...through masquito bites and rain storms, picnics and hiking...we survived and pretty much still have smiles on our faces. We bonded and laughed, played games, and ate smores (well, the kiddos did)...we cooked on a campfire and slept on the ground (unless you count the new REI sleeping pads that were just this side of heaven)...we endured and delighted in our time off the grid!
We tried a new place this time...it's called Sweetwater River Ranch and its right on the Arkansas river, the same one we white water rafted last year...its about 30 minutes outside of Canyon City and the Royal Gorge. It was a quaint camp ground, probably 10 or so camp spots on our side of the river, the other side of the river was for RV parking and cabins. We arrived, checked in and then the adventure began. In order to get to the camping side, one must cross, with all their supplies, a suspension bridge. I have to say, at first look I was a little nervous and Kenzie was downright scared, but we sucked it up and took our first meander across, and though it moved and creaked, it seemed to hold up well.
And then there were the 17 steps on the other side. We made it over in about three trips and were ready to set up camp. We had a nice parcel, that was mostly flat, a picnic table and a campfire ring. What more do you need. We arrived as the sun was lowering and the breeze was perfect. With all the rain and the river the masquitos were out and biting...Off seemed to be more like nectar than protection. After we through the tarp down and got the tent up we got the fire going and had our first dinner of hamburgers, fruit and chips and all were happy. We started our campfire right after and broke out the smores -- I don't think the kids would have survived the night had we not! We sat around the fire enjoying the roar of the river and the quiet of the night. We were one camp among three spread far and wide that first night.
Sunrise meant another fire and breakfast to be made. Oatmeal and such. We got a great camp stove from Denise and Cal two Christmases ago and we LOVE it! The next morning we cooked bacon and our night's dinner of chicken, which was smart but that's to come!
Friday we ventured over to Salida, about 30 minutes away since it was hot as hades and we wanted the kids to swim and we weren't sure about the river with the rapids moving so quickly. We found out that there was an aquatic center in Salida that piped in hot springs water. I thought that sounded great so off we went. We arrived and learned open swim wasn't until noon. It was 10am. Two hours to kill in a small town that didn't have much else to offer. We hit the Walmart of course, and bought an Off candle in hopes of chasing away masquitos for night #2. Walked around there for a bit and then went and drove around the historic downtown. Quaint old homes, brick victorians and the such lined the street, which is some of my favorite things to see. At the end of the historic neighborhood was "downtown" which ended at the river front with a beautiful ampitheater and park. We had brought our cooler so decided to picnic, play at the park, and sit down by the river on the rocks for a bit. We had bought the kids magazines and puzzles at Walmart so it was a nice, quiet time, mostly in the shade of big, old, beautiful trees and a breeze. It was a great way to spend the afternoon.
From there we went back to the aquatic center to swim for about an hour. As delightful as the "hot springs" water sounded, an hour was about all I could take -- after that, not so refreshing. We left and headed back to camp where, soon after our arrival, we were greeted with an evening shower. A light rain of no consequence. In fact, it was wonderful as it cooled everything down and only lasted about 30 minutes. Then it was back to making dinner...turkey burgers...and a campfire. That one was fun - we sat around and talked and the kids had more smores. The first was bright and warm. Jake helped Frank chop the wood since he's now "certified" through Boy Scouts...he couldn't let us forget that!
Saturday morning we decided to take a hike. We needed more water so we knew we'd be heading back to Salida and we stopped there at the visitor's center. The lady was great and sent us on a pretty light hike up to see some falls...Apparently its well known because we certainly weren't attempting the hike alone! We barely had space to park. We lubed up with sunscreen and bug spray and were on our way up. It was a beautiful hike right across from Mt. Altero, a 14er! The air was clean and large trees offered shade along the trail. We discovered how much Jacob loves to hike as he wanted to keep going and going...pushing whatever limits were set by the end of the trail. My knee started to throb about 3/4 the way to the falls, so Kenzie and I (princess Kenzie on the other hand is NOT much for hiking) rested at a really pretty part of the stream while Jake and Frank went to the top to see where the falls started from. We had a great time along the way.
Afterwards we came "home" and hung out by the motel area under a giant shade tree. If I have one negative about the campground is that there are no mature trees at the campsites to offer shade and it was a scorcher. Jake was lost in my Sadoku book and Kenzie in her word search. Frank and I chatted and enjoyed the quiet. About 5:30 the kids were done "waiting" and so we headed down and started dinner which we pre-cooked in the morning - just add barbeque and heat...we had dinner in about 20 minutes, ate, and watched the storm roll in. No average storm, this was a biggie.
I have to say, it was my favorite part of the trip. We all huddled together in the tent and laughed, talked, played games, took pictures, hung out and listened to the storm rage---so loud we couldn't hear the river. Lightening and thunder and blowing wind. It lasted about two hours and finally passed. No fire that night. We hurried across the bridge to get ready for bed (here's the upside to the campsite...full facilities -- including two hot shower stalls!). No sooner did we get tucked in did Jake ask who spilled water on his sleeping bag??? It was soaked. Like someone dumped a bottle of water in the bottom. Then Frank and Kenzie noticed similar happenings on the other side of the tent. Apparently, as novice campers, we didn't tuck the tarp in a way that kept the rain from pooling on the bottom of the tent. And it seeped through. Niiiiice. I was the only dry one. So - we cleaned the floor, shifted some of the sleeping arrangements and bedding and we hunkered down for a nice night sleep...and then the thunder and lightening came again, carrying with it a much more torential storm than we had had earlier in the night. I prayed and prayed. I just wanted the kids to sleep and to stay dry. And for the most part that happened.
Frank took the bulk of the wetness for the night sleeping in a pool. We were both up at 6:00 am and ready to pack it in. We had fortunately gathered most of the stuff to the car before the first storm the night before, so, once we had the kiddos up it only took about an hour to get it all knocked down, shook out, and packed away. But boy -- was it wet...so, we learned a valuable lesson about the tarp beneath the tent...tuck, tuck, tuck. I'll say!
We were happy to be on the road today and to arrive home safe and sound. We are happy to have had our time away, together as a family. And after everything, I think we actually are looking forward to the next time!
Yay, pictures!!! Glad you had fun. We are going to devil's head next week.
Posted by: Natalie Tenney | July 12, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Lovin the pictures! Sounds like a great family adventure!
Posted by: Korie | July 12, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Well look at you guys!!! I am so impressed! We have yet to go camping as a family...maybe now that I survived all of girls camp, we can do it! I'm trying to figure out how you mean to tuck the tarp...I'd hate to get as wet as you guys did! What a special trip!
Posted by: julie | July 14, 2009 at 07:56 PM
we really enjoyed your story. We are online looking for reviews about Sweetwater River Ranch as we are planning a trip to CO next weekend and are trying to find availability around Estes Park - no luck until Sunday, so we are looking at the Royal Gorge area to begin our trip. I'm a little worried about the mosquitos, but your photos and expereience make us want to give it a try!
Thank you
Posted by: Rebecca | August 16, 2009 at 12:37 PM