We packed up the car and we were on the road to Mt. Rainier by 10am. Surely we should get there early enough to get a camping spot at Ohanapecosh, which is the camping location that Matt and his family have gone to since he was a kid. When we arrived just after 1pm we saw signs posted that the campground was full! Matt and I were in a little bit of a panic because Renae, Janelle, and all the kids were going to be arriving after us and we had no cell phone coverage to call and let them know that there were no campsites available.
We headed back up the road a few miles to another campground called Le Wis Wis. As we entered the campground we said a little prayer and asked for assistance in finding 2 campsites so that we could enjoy the weekend with family. As we drove around we noticed a site here and there available but finally we spotted a double site big enough for the whole family. To add to the excitement it was right on the river which would be perfect entertainment for the kids.
Matt and I quickly set up 2 chairs to "reserve" the site so that we could run and make our payment. We then got back on the road and headed towards Packwood so we could find some cell coverage to make our phone calls. Luckily we got ahold of everyone to let them know the change of plans.
We were overjoyed that we found a campsite but Matt was a little down that it wasn't at Ohanapecosh. I didn't have a preference and thought that it looked the same. Griffen's response was "I don't care if it is here or there as long as it is somewhere!".
We picked our spot so that Matt and Griffen could pitch the tent. We unloaded the car and got everything setup before anyone else arrived. Renee arrived next and Janelle didn't arrive until later that night. We had a great time roasting smores around the fire and catching up.
Luck was on our side and we had a beautiful warm weekend of camping. Each day was in the mid 70's which was just perfect! It was warm enough that the kids were itching to get into the river until they felt the icy water on their toes. Griffen and Kenton took the plunge but hopped right back out. We all spent time sitting near the river and talking along with skipping rocks.
We took a drive over to Ohanapecosh and hiked the Silver Falls trail with the kids. The hike is about 2 miles round trip so it is quite long for the kids but they all did fairly well and we all made it back in one piece. Knox rode in the carrier and loved the hike. Griffen even got some time on Matt's shoulders.
There was a short trail in our campground which we hiked with the kids on our final day before leaving Mt. Rainier. The trail followed the river and the kids really enjoyed splashing a little along the way.
The camping trip was a success! Matt and I along with Renae, Ryan, Janelle, and Jeremy were able to plan a fun filled trip. We look forward to getting together each year for a family camping trip to Mt. Rainier.
Matt and I would love to start camping more with the kids and little by little we will add to our stash of camping items so that we are good to go for next year!
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