This was quite an experience.
Context:
Brent and I (especially I) like to list camping any time we list the things we enjoy doing. He gives me a hard time because this is a bit of an exaggeration since we have been married almost 5 years, and hadn't been camping as many times. But, when we go, and when I've been in the past, I really enjoy it.
Well, now I've been 4 nights this year, in 3 different sites. So, I've earned the right to put it on the list.
Day #1 of the Annual trip:
Brent and I were exhausted from a week of working really hard. After half a day at work on Thursday, I was already on overtime. We still haven't had time to finish tiling the laundry room, among other projects (like his dissertation) that were weighing on us.
But, we had decided we were going to get away a day before the gang joined us to 'warm-up' the spot and spend some time just the two of us.
It took us a while to pack everything up and get going after running a bunch of errands. We headed up to Little Cottonwood Canyon, which was gorgeous.
We drove, and drove, and drove. Past the ski resorts the road turned into a dirt road which winded up past a remote neighborhood and up to Cecret (pronounced Secret) Lake Campground.
As we drove we watched a glorious sunset, leading to it being absolutely dark by the time we arrived at the campground.
"Closed for Winter"
Only weeks before Marie had driven up in person to talk to the camp host and confirm that they would be open until October.
About 2 minutes after we arrived, Marie & Christian pulled up. They were going to help us set up camp in the dark, even though they weren't staying. We stared disappointedly at the sign, then decided to check the place out anyway. It was so lovely, and there wasn't any information on the sign about not being allowed to stay or trespass when they were closed, so we figured we'd risk it.
It was a lovely evening. We didn't bother with a fire because it was already late, so we just watched the stars for a while, then went to bed.
Day #2:
The next day (Friday) we hiked up to Cecret Lake. It was a very steep rocky climb (ie. Nicole is getting soft... there was a hiking group of 60-70 year olds that passed us going twice our leisurely pace.)
It was well worth the hike. By the time we got back, the parking lot was full of hikers, many of whom looked suspiciously at our conspicuous tent in the front of the "Closed for Winter" campground. We did eventually get kicked out... I mean politely asked to leave by the forestry service at about 4 PM.
By 4:45, we were all packed up and headed out to try and find another campground before the others arrived to join us.
Many campers had jumped on the great weather this weekend, a stand-out anomaly in a very cold fall, and the first couple of campgrounds we passed were full. We were very lucky to get one of the last spots at "Spruces" up Big Cottonwood Canyon, and called the gang to meet us there.
It was a wonderful evening of catching up and enjoying smokey clothes smell, burnt food, beautiful mountains and excellent company. We all "sqeezed" into a huge tent (7 of us) and had a great slumber party. I think everyone slept great except Christian, and Troy had a little trouble with his cough, but was able to settle back in.
Anyway, it was so much fun, Marie and I decided to get some more firewood and come back for a second night.
Day #3:
We had slow-cooked omlets (cooked in zip-lock bags in boiling water) for breakfast-- my new favorite camping food. We played some phase 10 and then the guys & the Ruekerts split and Marie & I went to get geared up for another day.
Sometimes I forget how much fun we have together. We can talk for days at a time, and it never gets old or boring. I always feel like I know myself better after spending a lot of time with Marie, and this weekend was no exception.
My favorite memorable moment was when I insisted that Marie put a steam hole in the top of the chilli can before heating it (which she, of course, already knew). But, I explained to her that my pop-top soup can would slowly open itself up as it heated in the fire, so we didn't need to open it. Less than 10 minutes later the gun-shot sounding explosion luckily left no casualties, but nearly gave me a heart attack and sent a general mist of split-pea soup which landed in our hair and all around the camp. About 3 seconds after the explosion, as I was figuring out what happened, I heard a clatter in the trees above and yelled to Marie to cover her head, thinking the lid would be coming back down. Nothing landed except a few potato remnants, and the lid was never recovered.
Marie said, "Well, at least the 8 year old boy-scout in me is satisfied."
Day #4:
Marie and I were awakened for about an hour from 1-2 AM by some very inconsiderate campers next-door. We requested they quiet down, which they "tried" to do, but didn't do so well. After the second request, and about 20 more minutes, they finally went to bed.
On a happy note, the camp host we spoke with the next day not only went to wake them up and give them a good talking to, but also gave us a free pass for another night-- good for a year. :)
Marie and I were showered and ready for an excellent Sunday School lesson a couple of hours later, and I very much enjoyed visiting her ward before coming home to rejoin my wonderful Sweetheart.
I can't wait for next year!
Awww, you're the bestest. Thanks so much for a fantastic weekend!
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