Crater Lake Weekend

Summer is winding down quickly and we’ve been trying to make the most of the final few weekends.   Our friends Joe and Char hadn’t been to Crater Lake in awhile so we took the opportunity to head down there. 

Crater Lake still leaves me in awe every time I see it.  I always try to think about what it would be like to have been an American Indian or an explorer and to have discovered this lake by pure happenstance knowing that I would have been one of the few to have ever seen it.  It is so breathtaking and beautiful.  My photos don’t do it the justice it deserves.

We had a nice dinner at the Crater Lake Lodge. I was so proud of Claire. She did such a good job in the restaurant. I'm always a bit on edge eating out with her. I get nervous she'll start screaming or acting out and we'll have to make a quick exit. It hasn't happened yet. She's been great.







We got there and did a part of the rim drive just as the light was failing and I managed  to grab some shots before dinner.



Claire had a great time, although she had difficulty staying put.  We'll have to work on not running off!

What a great day trip!

Another weekend hike

Russell and I are loving the new pack we got for Claire.  We went out for another hike this weekend and did over 6 miles.  It was windy and pretty cold but Claire just loved it!  She was all smiles and interest.

I am thoroughly enjoying exploring nature with Claire and getting some much needed exercise at the same time.  It's just amazing.

Hiking Adventure

When veteran parents give out the well-meaning advice to first-timers like Russell and me, saying things like, "Take time to enjoy it! It goes by fast.  Before you know it she'll be 16!" I always roll my eyes.  I think to myself, "Yes, do they really think we aren't' enjoying it?"  Or, "It sure doesn't seem like it's going by fast."

The truth is, it really does go by fast!  Claire is now 7 months 4 weeks this week and I'm so excited with how active alert and interested she has become!  Russell and I have been feeling somewhat stir crazy and have been eager to get outside to get some fresh air and exercise.

We recently bought a Kelty Expedition backpack child carrier so we can get out and take hikes and walks with Claire.  

This thing is a Cadillac!  It has a water bladder for the parent, a zip off back-pack, a large storage pouch with changing mat, and a sun/rain hood.

Claire models the new carrier.

Sun/rain hood up.

Side view

Eager to test out the new pack, this weekend we got all packed up and headed out on a 3 mile hike in the Deschutes National Forest.  The weather was fantastic: not too hot, not too cold.  There was no rain in sight and the high clouds filtered the sun so it was pleasant even without sunglasses.  

Family hike

Claire was an absolute cherub.  She loved the fresh air, the birds singing, the sounds of the wind in the trees, and riding along on my back.  Every time I looked at her I saw a huge happy smile!

All smiles

 She did fall asleep for a bit of the hike, but mostly she was awake and wide eyed as though she was taking it all in.  I think we definitely have a nature lover on our hands!

Hiking with Mom!

 We had such a fun time that we are going to make it a weekly thing.  I hope to do many of the local trails and foster a love for nature, hiking, and the outdoors in Claire.  It was just fantastic.

This was a common face during the hike.  She loved it!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Love,
Jane