Post by toejam on Jan 19, 2017 5:55:48 GMT -8
My 10 year old granddaughter was over for a week during Christmas break. I've been wanting to take her on a short backpacking trip for years at a local spot and this was finally a good opportunity. Some of my friends organized a trail maintenance project on an easy trail that didn't need much work. I thought the company and trail work would occupy her so I wouldn't have to be continuously entertaining. When I floated the idea she responded enthusiastically, "I'm down for that!"
She goes car camping regularly, walks to school in the rain, and swims in the ocean, so she's used to being out in the elements. But this was her first backpacking trip. I got out the sleeping bag her mom used as a kid, bought her some running shoes ($10 at Big 5), socks, and a soft shell jacket ($19 at WalMart), and we were geared up. It was really exciting just packing for the trip.
When we got to the trailhead we discovered she left her fleece hoody (main insulating layer) at home. So I gave her my fleece hoody and I grabbed another jacket out of the car. Leaving articles of clothing where they don't belong is a theme for her, as for many kids. But she actually enjoyed wearing my fleece hoody & down puffy.
We didn't work too hard on the trail. We followed her muse a few times when she wanted to explore and play make-believe. We roasted sausages over a fire for dinner and had instant Cream of Wheat for breakfast. She decided not to roast marshmallows for s'mores and ate a few raw. She didn't whine once, even when we waded across the creek and when it was 25 degrees in the morning (a testament to her temperament and upbringing - I'm just lucky there). All my buddies loved her. It was a great time.
Pictures - goo.gl/photos/VyjRYCG8dUiu4Ggr6
She goes car camping regularly, walks to school in the rain, and swims in the ocean, so she's used to being out in the elements. But this was her first backpacking trip. I got out the sleeping bag her mom used as a kid, bought her some running shoes ($10 at Big 5), socks, and a soft shell jacket ($19 at WalMart), and we were geared up. It was really exciting just packing for the trip.
When we got to the trailhead we discovered she left her fleece hoody (main insulating layer) at home. So I gave her my fleece hoody and I grabbed another jacket out of the car. Leaving articles of clothing where they don't belong is a theme for her, as for many kids. But she actually enjoyed wearing my fleece hoody & down puffy.
We didn't work too hard on the trail. We followed her muse a few times when she wanted to explore and play make-believe. We roasted sausages over a fire for dinner and had instant Cream of Wheat for breakfast. She decided not to roast marshmallows for s'mores and ate a few raw. She didn't whine once, even when we waded across the creek and when it was 25 degrees in the morning (a testament to her temperament and upbringing - I'm just lucky there). All my buddies loved her. It was a great time.
Pictures - goo.gl/photos/VyjRYCG8dUiu4Ggr6
she looks like a natural! 