On Saturday afternoon we embarked on an overnight canoeing and camping trip. We stopped along the river so the boys could get out and play on sandbars and climb sandy cliffs. They love to play in the sand. We snacked on trail mix along the way. Emmett was fearfull of falling out of the canoe, so he sat between my legs for a long time on the first day. Around 4:00pm we stopped at a sandbar to set up camp for the night. After Aaron built the tent, the windy conditions caused it to blow around. Thankfully, the wind gradually died down as evening approached. After gathering firewood, we started a fire and roasted hotdogs. Aaron gave the kids a bath in the river with biodegradable shampoo. Soon the sun fell behind the trees and darkness descended on our camp. At 8:30pm, we exhausted our remaining firewood supply and headed for the tent for a game of Pass the Pigs. We had a rough night of sleeping. It started out okay, but then discomfort set in. Then the temperature dropped to 45 degrees. In an effort to be minimalists, we brougt only 2 blankets and 2 pillows. At 2:30am we frantically tried to make a fire. Aaron and I trudged across cold, wet sand to gather dew covered branches. Ethan and Emmett woke immediately and joined us. We had a fire going for about 2 or 3 minutes and then we were cold again. The wet wood was impossible to ignite. We returned to the tent disheartened and frigid. We cuddled closely and slept for an hour and a half. Then we tossed for a while and just waited for the sun to rise. As the sun peeked over the trees, the temperature inside the tent rose quickly. Our spirits warmed. We ate breakfast and headed back on the water. By noon we were finished canoeing. Overall, the trip was a great family adventure. We can't wait to do it again...with more firewood and bedding.
