Crater

I began dreaming of some time away from the chores and multi-tasking that's inevitable with single-parenting, running our home, and a part-time job.  And, I love living in a tent. 

We decided on Crater Lake as our first backpack together.  Crater is one of the most popular trails in Cordova and not on any salmon streams, so a relatively safe route for us to choose.  But, I hadn't anticipated how popular the trail would be the weekend we chose!  We met over 20 people that we knew, and a handful of folk we didn't.  It turned into a very social weekend, and a great Cordova experience. 

I tried to go light, but my pack was Heavy.  It may have been 80 degrees when we left, but it's Alaska.. so, of course I packed wool hats, thermals, raingear.. first aid kit.. Leif's blanket.. almost the kitchen sink.. 

A heavy pack is fine if you're striding out, but we're slow.  Uphill Leif-pace.. two and half miles took over four hours... 

But, we made it  

Michelle met us just before we made it to the ridge, and she stayed for a swim and helped us put up our tent and find a good kitchen spot. 

Wonderful swimming. Clear, deep water. Cold, but warm enough to be able to swim comfortably for a while.  After our long hike, it really was paradise. 

We chose a kitchen with a view looking over the Sound

Great views of a mountain goat

We woke up the next morning to thick fog and wind...

Tia, Arie and Anchor had hiked up the night before, coming around the long way from Mt Eyak.  What a treat to share the adventure with them. We were happy for our winter clothes, and shifted the kitchen to a more sheltered spot... 

Our trip started to feel more like a wilderness adventure and less of the tropical holiday.. 

Cold wind

Pretty cool to experience the lake in such different moods, and we were happy that the wind cleared out the bugs..

Where's the tent? 

Tia and boys had to pack up and leave in the fog

And, the boys and I took an afternoon weather nap.  

We woke up to find the girl scout troop outside the tent.. they were doing a practice hike with their packs before their Chilkoot Trail trip.   A great treat to visit with them beside the lake, although it was too cold for them to stay long. 

The fog started to clear up late afternoon, and Krysta and family came up to camp for the second night. 

Adeleide and Peter were mountain goats together, and even braved the lake for an evening swim

Camping and cards.  It was great to see how independent and comfortable all the kids are camping, and it made me excited for longer trips in the future. 

The home team.  

Leif was tired on the way home after two social late nights, and took more encouragement on the way home than usual, but we made it. 

The trip itself was totally rejuvenating and we returned home that night happy and safe... but unpacking everything solo and catching up on home-chores and life after 3 days away was exhausting...  I thought two nights away would make the effort of preparation and easing back into life worth the effort.. but, we really needed 4-5 days on the trail to make that balance.  Next time.  But, in the end, I was thrilled to have had the chance to share some time in the high-country together. 

A week later, Melonie arrived for the Salmon Jam weekend, and she and Peter ran the 5k together.  Thanks Melonie!

Go Team Tom!

Riding the school bus to the race start was the highlight!

Nearing the finish line.  Peter was thrilled to beat his record from last year, and it was so fun to see all these amazing runners enjoying the day. 

Thanks for coming to visit, Melonie xo