Where's Walla: Mammoth Retreat D4

Day Four

This was our last bit of time with Mimmi and Tara. We had a ton of fun spending the morning at Rock Creek Lake, paddling around and exploring. It was hard to say good-bye...

Group shot at camp before heading out for the day.

Rock Creek

Being here made me think of my friend Anne who spends so much time here with her husbands family every summer. It is such a magical place I can see how it continues to draw them back.

Eden giving Zion some pointers regarding pee. For the record, I do not think he actually peed in the lake.

Bouldering (:

Sharing his boulder problem with his sister and cousin

Mosquito Flats

The first time we did this hike it was out 4 year anniversary and Eden was 6 weeks old. We have been coming back to it ever since. Every time we come I think of that trip. How mesmerized we were by the shear beauty of this place. I remember the spots off the trail that we stopped to rest and feed Eden. I remember so clearly how small she was and how excited we were to be embarking on this adventure with her. How incredible it is to continue to come here with her and to have Zion now too. They are our greatest blessing!

Zion did not want to be carried. He was determined to hike it on his own. And even though it meant we didn't make it very far it was wonderful to let him have at it. Just look at how proud he is of himself!

This is a baby frog we found on the way. Definitely a highlight of the hike. The kids were over the moon for it (and so was I).

Jon made a new goal this trip to swim across as many of the lakes as he could in the coming years. I think this lake was the birthplace of that goal.

Eden on the other hand was happy to hitch a ride for the hike. Note how she remains in the pack even during our water break. Poor Jonny, good thing he is strong and tough cause Eden is adorable but she is not light.

Zion celebrating after making it down the trail. Note all the dirt on his shirt and pants from the innumerable diggers he took along the way. (:

The Village

One summer while we were up here we were able to ride this gondola just about every day. This time it was only open for two days and we could not believe our good fortune when we got on it. It is something so simple that the kids just can't get enough of.