Michael's First Camping Trip

Michael's First Camping Trip

Several years ago David and I had a little pop up camper we bought at a garage sale. After finding that all of our friends were tent camping and our pop up wasn't allowed in the same area, we decided to sell it in favor of a boat - and tent campers we became (begrudgingly). Well, while we loved our boat and used it season after season, we always missed that pop up.

After Michael was born we talked about getting another one so we could expose Michael to camping, hiking and all the fun things that come with those gorgeous Rocky Mountains that are in our backyard. So, after looking for a while, we found a great little 2001 Jayco Eagle pop up affectionately named "Wally" by his first family who outgrew it in recent years. So, "Wally" it is and our family is excited to continue its legacy.

We bought "Wally" last weekend and therefore quickly looked to make reservations and take Michael on his first camping trip on Labor Day weekend. We found a little campground right outside Steamboat Springs and although in all honesty, it was the ONLY campground that had a spot in the state of Colorado, it was absolutely perfect.

The campground was in the Yampa River State Park and we enjoyed grilling out, campfires and we even brought Michael's bike  (which he named "Bikesy") along for the trip.

 

And so our trip began...

Day 1: Fish Creek Falls

 

Fish Creek Falls is one of those hikes that's an absolute MUST if you're in or around Steamboat Springs. So, when in Rome...

 

It was an amazing hike and the waterfall - that is Fish Creek Falls - is absolutely beautiful. Check out some of the pictures I took along the way.

 

We set the timer on the camera for this picture and while it obviously didn't come out as we had hoped, it's kind of cool.

He spots the river leading to the falls.

David got adventurous and went off the beaten path; paid off with some great shots of the river!

One of David's pics

The trailhead for Fish Creek Falls



 Day 1: Strawberry Park Hot Springs

 

Lucky for us I had lunch with my good friend Heather right before we left for Steamboat Springs, and she let me know about the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Wow. This was one of the coolest experiences as you literally drive up an unpaved road for several miles and then swim in a naturally heated river on the side of a mountain - is there anything better?!

We were unsure how Michael would do since he's never been in heated water like this...

Think he did just fine - in fact, he LOVED it! And it was a very cool experience to see the heat coming off the hottest part of the river.

 

It was a wonderful first day and since it was later than we had anticipated as we made it back to camp, we opted to eat a local joint called "We B Smokin." It was good and its always fun to check out local places.

Day 2: The Wild West Air Fest

After very little sleep thanks to a treacherous storm that resulted in lightning and thunder all night long, the weather was less then ideal on day two. So, we weren't able to take the mountain hikes we were hoping for, but since I'm such a planner, I had back-up plans - which included a local Wild West Air Fest.

 

Michael and David both LOVE airplanes so this was a good alternative.

We took a shuttle to the Wild West Air Fest.

They had a lot of fun things for kids, including a giant coloring book.

Can you spot us?

Michael requested his picture be taken in front of nearly every plane we came across. Here are a few:

He also had an opportunity to sit in a Flight for Life helicopter - a highlight for Michael, although his expressions say otherwise (he was focused).

This is Michael "flying." He loves to run around with his arms behind him and "fly around"... so cute.

Day 2: Fishing

Before we left for Steamboat, we bought Michael his first fishing pole - a Spiderman fishing pole in its own backpack with a tackle box and sunglasses. He could barely wait to try it out and guess what?! It was a successful first attempt as David caught four (that's right, FOUR) rainbow trout in the hour or so we were there. And better yet - two of them were caught with the Spiderman pole!

It was a blast and David and Michael were like two kids in a candy store - it was fun to watch.

And of course I had to take some obligatory model shots of my sweet boy - he was having fun and I captured some moments near the fishing pond.

 

After a long, but successful second day, little boy was out for the count...

The End

And then it was time to head home. While we didn't beat the traffic...

Michael and I did buy matching Steamboat t-shirts.

It was a wonderful trip and one we'll remember always. Michael is a certified Colorado camper (just ask him) and we can't wait for our next trip.