Just camping in the rain

Happy Labor Day!

We worked hard last week and put in some long days at the office so that Friday afternoon we could beat the I-5 traffic out of town. We probably should have known why we were able to fly out of Seattle and through Tacoma--the rain was rolling in.

When it comes to camping Dom and I learn as we go. The first time I ever took him out into the woods (Hiking Hills,
OH) I forgot to pack water. This time we had water in abundance and were trying to keep it away.

Dominic's good friends from high school, Ames and Frank, and their wives Brooke and Lisa joined us at Battleground Lake. With a little effort the guys covered a large portion of the campsite with a tarp and Brooke sewed the hole in the middle shut with twine. It was a brilliant response to the inclement weather.

We spent Saturday at Mt. St. Helen's national park enjoying the view, the museums and a short trail around Coldwater Creek Lake. The men got to fish and we all enjoyed smores by the fire.

Dominic and I look forward to many more weekend get-a-ways in the NW, but we have a lot to learn about packing. What about you? Is there anything you don't leave home without?

Mt. St. Helen's: I recommend the visitors center(s). They're informative, fascinating and have plenty of knowledgeable naturalists just waiting to share their passion for volcanoes.

Battleground Lake at our campsite. The few minutes we had sun.

Mt. St. Helen's National Park: Plenty to see and do.

Thanks for a nice weekend all!