Duffy Lake- June 2021

For weeks in advance, chatter was passed around of the trip to come. The boys had in depth conversations about what “survival weapon” they would bring and why. Harrison mentioned one large gray Gerber brand because it would “take down a tree if we have to.” (Though we all know Daddy had the real saw for that!)

They were planning and planning. Begging to go to any sports style store to check out what they *may* need and dream of what gear they want next. Each kid has a pack already, a sturdy overnighter for each boy and Charlotte a simple little girl daypack (that she LOVES and literally wears all the time. Even to eat dinner.) ❤️

The morning came of June 18th; bags were packed and bulging, sleepy eyes were not quite aware of what was to come. We were so excited to go to this mysterious place called Duffy Lake. A place where Dylan had been going for years but we had only heard stories of!

We loaded up, stuffing our massive packs in the Yukon wherever we could- and headed to drop off the bunnies with some dear friends. Once dropping them off we were on our way, through the curvy hills and then high mountains of the Cascade Mountain Range. The beauty of which we get to see from our home up on the hill. (We feel blessed by that!)

Then, we arrived. Only mildly sleepy still and with only one child having gotten carsick. Frank. Always Frank.

All cinched, strapped and bungeed down We took off! Headed to the lake that we so desired to see that we woke up at a crazy early hour to get to!

The hike was hard, it just was. Dylan and I took turns carrying Charlottes pack and took turns motivating the kids to keep on going! We stopped a lot, and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t just from them, I was EXHAUSTED. I had never backpacked before either and man was it taxing on your legs, back, hips, neck... you get the point.

From steep to downhill, mosquitoes that tested your ever-loving-patience and so many down trees you wondered if there was a tornado- it tested us! But we knew it was worth the work. So we kept on going.

Finally.

Finally we arrived to the lake! The kids let out shouts of joy and I too was overwhelmingly happy to see the lake. Thank you Jesus!

From then on we sat around and cooked, went for walks, fought mosquitoes and the kids swam in the frigid waters of Duffy Lake. Our spot was less then perfect, with a six foot embankment down to the water you had to hop down- but that was ok by us! The water was beautiful, the mosquitoes were ravenous, Dylan got stung by a nasty bee that first hour... but it was perfect. We had made it!

Sunday came and we fought to get out of our tents that morning, the mosquitoes already up and ready to seek our flesh. We somehow mustered the energy to pack everything up (which always takes longer then you think with kids!)

Then we left, bitten, sore and tired we hit the trail with fresh eyes and full oatmeal bellies. The trail to our car was of course downhill most of the way, and much easier! We were very thankful!

All in all- this backpacking trip was a success, it took a few itchy weeks to completely heal from the bites that we endured but they did eventually heal up. Legs that once barely stood after the hike- now work fine and now we yearn for another trip.

Getting kids out into nature for us isn’t “easy” but we know it is worth it for the precious memories and moments we have together! Another trip is in the works, we can’t wait!