Camping in the High Uintas

The day after 4th of July, we packed up our quads and camping gear and met some of Jason's friend's from work for a short camping trip in the High Uintas.  Austin and Lauren had other commitments, so we just took Jessica and the little girls.

We followed the directions we were given, and after miles of dirt roads on steep mountain sides, we eventually found our campsite.  It was literally in the middle of nowhere.  No cell reception, no official camp ground.  The only running water was from the stream  near by.  It was beautiful!! 

We set up camp as quickly as we could so we could squeeze a ride in before dark.  Paige and Ashlyn couldn't wait to get going!

 Paige wearing Lauren's first helmet.

Jessica

 Mark and Alexis, Ashlyn, Paige and Jason, Wynn and Chandler, Jessica

It started to rain and thunder and lightening while we were out!  The cracks of thunder were so loud and the lightening so bright, that for the first time in my life, I thought there was an actual possibility that someone could get hit!   We flew back down the dirt road to our campsite, staying as close to the trees as we could.  The rain seemed to fly directly at us!  It was so crazy that I tried to take a picture while still trying to hurry back to camp!  Haha!  The things we do for pictures!

We made it back to camp safe and sound.  And wet and dirty!  Jason had a permanent grin on his face, even as he helped me trench the tent to keep the water from seeping in.  (My years at Whiskeytown taught me a thing or two about camping in the rain.)

 We huddled under an easy up to try to stay dry.  We had a great evening.  We made dinner and even had a fire when the rain slowed to a drizzle.

Wynn, Alexis, Mark, Jessica

 

 Paige was pretty worn out so I headed to the tent early with her.  Without cell reception or a book,  I just sat and listened to the rain and tried to help her get comfortable.  I don't think a lot of sleep took place that night!  Paige ended up in my sleeping bag, tossing and turning all night.  Ashlyn had to go to the bathroom sometime in the middle of the night.  I started to take her and I realized I was a little nervous!!  Haha!   It was totally dark and who knows what was living in those woods! Paige and Jason woke as we were unzipping the tent anyway. We decided to make a family trip of it!  It took a while to get everyone back to sleep.  (Sleep is used loosely here.)  I'm pretty sure there were a few times that night that I asked myself why we take small children camping!   

It was so pretty when we woke up!  We made breakfast and played by the stream.

 We spent the rest of the day exploring the mountains on our quads.

 Ashlyn, Paige, Jason

 Back: Jessica, Alexis, Mark.  Front: Ashlyn, Paige, Jason, Chandler, Wynn.

 Tara, Jessica, Ashlyn, Paige and Jason

 Left to Right: Chandler, Wynn, Tara, Jessica, Ashlyn, Paige, Jason

 

We rode to the top on a mountain.  The views were beautiful!!  The mountain just dropped off though and it made me a little nervous to have the little ones running around.  I think I'm turning into a paranoid mom!  We kept a close eye on them and Paige mostly stayed in Jason's arms.

I'm pretty sure this picture almost gave me a heart attack!  After the initial freaking out over how close they were to the edge of the cliff, there was a "don't move!" moment because I needed a picture!  Haha! It was really pretty and an awesome sight.

 Jessica, Ashlyn and Chandler

Mark, on the other hand, is a giant kid!  He climbed right down the side of the mountain to find some "cool rocks" and crystals. 

I tried not to mother Jessica too much, but held my breath as she checked out the edge.   

 

 We rode until our arms were tired and then headed back to camp to pack up.  It was a short trip, but so much fun!  It was fun to get to know Mark and Alexis and Wynn better.  (Wynn's wife was pregnant and wanted a weekend to get ready for the baby so she stayed home while he took their little boy camping.)