Note to self (even though I already knew):
1) Don't leave at 8:30pm on the first night of the long weekend and expect to find a spot.
2) Have a plan for where you are going so we're not stuck in the car with 5 kids at 10pm wondering where we're going to end up.
Quite honestly, I was happy to end up in a Walmart parking lot. Either way, it would be an adventure and we'd have something to talk about.
WELL, we might have something to talk about but we don't have pictures to show.
We drove down close to Stavely and found a beautiful campground called Willow Creek Municipal Park (so pretty!) but it had a sign on the front gate stating "FULL."
We were back in Nanton at 10pm with options to head to Kananaskis. We thought we'd try the town campground for availability. They had a super confusing system BUT after much discussion (and meeting a funny old guy) we grabbed a site. Thank goodness. The kids were exhasted.
We woke bright an early, had breakfast, played in the park and then packed up for better sights (and smells). Every now and then when the breeze was just right, we experienced the smell of the sewage treatment plant.
We were off to tour Cowboy trail and explore the eastern side of Kananaskis for 1 lone site calling our name. We weren't very hopeful.
Our first stop: Chain Lake
We were shocked to find availability and so here is where we would be perched for the remainder of the weekend. It turned out to be our own little piece of paradise.
We did an afternoon hike to the lake to throw rocks.
Minutes after this picture was taken: Quinten fell in (to his chest). Colby had inconsiderately bumped him.
Then minutes after Sadie, Quinten and I arrived back at camp we were met by the remainder of the family. Reason: Colby fell in too.
We turn our back for one minute and this is the result.
When we get bored... we weed the countryside. I didn't get a picture of the enormous pile before Ryan threw the weeds deep in the bush. He was worried we might get in trouble for disturbing nature.
For the past two years it seems everywhere we go has a fire ban. This campground was not any different.
This is our Christmas gift from Mom and Dad Richards. A pseudo fire pit. I made fun of the idea at first but really enjoyed this luxury. And the really great part is that none of us smelled of smoke (but I kinda miss that too).
Fun little invention. Run by propane. We joked about pulling up a chair to the barbecue.
Logan tried out his *new* inflatable kyak. It was his birthday gift from September. And was only able to try it for the first time now.
This picture was taken minutes before Ryan took the kyak out and one of the black paddle ends slipped into the depths of the lake.
We came to find out that Will (our low muscle tone man) was in charge of tightening the end of that particular paddle.
The hike on our last day. It's the type of setting which causes my vivid imagination to run wild - especially when I'm trying to fall asleep. Signs posted warn of 30 foot drop ahead.
And there it is. Very entertaining when Ryan found an apple (covered in ants) to take the trip.
Our Driveway
Our Yard
The Lake
The Waterfront Property (I was sure this is where I was meant to be :)
The Lake Begins to FILL
The Waterfront Property slowly gaining definition to it's name.
Lake Fill COMPLETE. Voila!
Our Driveway
Our Yard
The Lake
The Lake Begins to FILL
The Waterfront Property slowly gaining definition to it's name.
Lake Fill COMPLETE. Voila!
