July/August 2016
We were able to make it to three car camping trips this summer. Car camping is an entirely different experience. It lets me enjoy nature in a more social and gluttonous environment. Plus, I get to bring whatever the heck I want - even a pillow!
1.) We were invited to the Thousand Trails RV campground near Burlington by our friends who had just purchased their first RV (it has since been upgraded to a larger one). The campground is located right next to the highway by Skagit Casino. And, you know, highway sounds really sound like a waterfall or a fast moving creek if you use your imagination.
We set up our Big Agnes palace next to them and prepared lunch using the comforts of their RV - running water, stove, oven, etc. After lunch we took the three dogs to the off-leash area. There's a huge, well maintained grassy field where the community center is located. They also have a pool, other rec activities, and mini golf (under maintenance). The dogs were exhausted towards the end of the evening, so we let them sleep at site while the four of us went back to the community center. We checked out the store and bought some candy then played some bingo. After bingo and dinner we sat by the fire until it was time for bed and headed out early the next morning.
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| Woke up to Toby staring at me to wake up |
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| Halping us tear down |
We took a detour to Bellingham before heading home. It was my first time visiting the city and I hope we can visit more frequently. We had an early lunch at Asland Brewery and were joined by several other groups with their dogs in the outdoor seating area right out front. Good food and good beer.
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| Toby is eyeing something delicious |
2.) This year we made it to my sister's annual camping trip at Lighting Pine RV Park in the Methow Valley. It's an open field literally right on the Methow River and managed by Randy. There was only one other group during our three night stay. I think if you're easy going with your camp comforts and don't expect too much from the campground, then this place is great. We enjoyed it very much here and understand why Theresa and Brett come back every year. We spent most of the time hanging out at the camp, but were also able to make it to the local farmer's market and go tubing down the raging river. It was incredibly rapid and we nearly lost my sister.. twice! Definitely recommend wearing life jacket next time. It's always fun driving out this way because Andy and I always stop by Leavenworth for a few hours before heading home.
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| Our sweet set up |
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| All to ourselves |
3.) Andy and I were invited to an annual camping trip with new and old friends in August. This year it was at Baker Lake and there were nearly just as many dogs as humans. We were able to snag the two campsites right at the lake (first-come sites) for the entire trip, and good thing because the two site we had reserved would not have fit us all and was tucked away far from the lake. We were able to watch the Perseids meteor shower and spent most of the days floating on the lake, eating, and playing games. The dogs were so tired by the end of the trip that we weren't even able to take a hike.
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| Cooking breakfast |
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| BFFs Toby and Otto trying to figure out how to get that darn ball |
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| Floatilla |
I can hardly wait until next summer.
