After coming to this place two years ago, we knew it would be a spot we would have to return every year. With September gone, the weather turning and many activities that keep us rolling, I was not sure it would happen this year. We had a little window of opportunity to get up there, and I have to say that we almost didn't take it. The routines of life have been keeping us busy, And I felt a little overwhelmed at the thought of getting things ready.

I'm glad we made the choice to go. It was nice to take a break and be able to sit back, to rest and restore and spend some time with each other at one of our favorite places.

This tent provided a cozy shelter during a rainy night. We read many chapters of our latest family read aloud while tucked in our warm sleeping bags. It also provide a layer between me and the creature that crawled under the tent and woke me up with it's movement under my mat. Creepy! Nothing like a hot cup of coffee or tea and a yummy bowl of warm oatmeal to start the morning. We had this mystic, beautiful place all to ourselves. There is a working mine down the road and many abandoned mines in the surrounding mountains. This little one is one that has to be visited every time.

Something new this year, was an attempt at fly fishing

Success!!!

A fish was fooled by our fly, it might not feed our family, but it sure gave us some entertainment and excitement.

The reason for this smile is obviously not the size of the fish. Christian had just said he was going to give it a try, even though he usually doesn't get anything. His bait wasn't in the water for 5 seconds when he felt the tug.

These two had gotten up earlier and caught their prize fish before Shawn, Christian and I even remotely entertained the idea of getting out of our sleeping bags.

Spending time in this pristine place with my family was so refreshing and reinvigorating.

Once back home, I was quickly brought back to reality. It was 4 o'clock, lots of clean up ahead of us when I hear the question:

" Mom, what's for dinner?" Welcome back to the real world.