Uglyduck
Adventurer
Like many fathers and husbands before me I've been on a mission to share my love of the outdoors with my family. I grew up backpacking, flyfishing, and camping all over the southwest and want nothing more than to share that spirit of adventure with my wife and daughter as its these shared experiences that we will cherish forever.
We've done brief local trips that ended in disaster due to my poor planning and equipment selection. Gear intended for a solo backpacking trip isn't conducive to family camping. My wife's excitement wavered because of these trips but she always maintained a flickering interest. So with that, I set off to find more appropriate equipment and pick a destination that would get her hooked. What better location than the Grand Canyon at sunset and an RTT to crash in?
I chose Havasupai Point based on the recommendations of other ExPo members, its close proximity to my home in Flagstaff, and our ability to stay right on the rim. Camping in the park with hundreds of other visitors a mile from the rim didn't appeal to us. There's nothing like enjoying the canyon in solitude on a moonlit night!
The road in was in good condition but I noted that it would be a muddy mess with the least bit of moisture and its monsoon season here so that was likely. The last five miles proved to be the most technical due to the narrow trail but my stock DC Tacoma made it just fine apart from some AZ pin striping.
Since this was our maiden voyage with new equipment (like the RTT :victory
I was eager to set up camp. I tested most of it out prior to leaving but this was our first time in the field with all of it so I was a little anxious. It went together smoothly and everyone was comfortable and happily enjoying the scenery. The chuck box I just finished was perfect and the hand-me-down Coleman added some nostalgia.
After a good dinner and a decent nights sleep, we awoke to the wonders of the Canyon and set off on a short trip to the tip of Supai Point. All my 3 year old could mutter was "WHOA".
Back at camp we enjoyed the quiet, read, talked, and took some naps. Even our little wiener dog enjoyed himself, he proved to be an excellent little camper much to my chagrin!
At the return from our little hike the incoming weather became more apparent to me. I had a decision to make, stay another night and risk getting stuck with no recovery equipment with my family in tow or take off early and head towards home. I didn't want to risk another disastrous trip so I made the decision to set course for Hart Prairie, which is close to home, and stay the night there.
Hart Prairie is a popular location due to its easy access and beauty. It was especially apparent this weekend as there were hunters and campers everywhere. Our spot was excellent and I thought we'd picked it well but 20 minutes after our arrival the thumping sound of music seeped through the aspens like a chlorine cloud. I guess some folks will never appreciate the value of a beautiful site or the natural sounds of the wilderness. Since we already set up camp I succumbed to sailing away with Capt. Morgan to ease the pain in hopes that they would stop by bed time, thankfully they did and the remainder of the trip proved to be quite peaceful. I was sure to let my sometimes obnoxious child return the favor at 6:00 a.m. though.
This little adventure proved to be a huge success. My wife told me monday morning that she wanted to call in sick and go back out for the rest of the week and my daughter has been asking about camping ever since...nough said.
My goal was to keep the trip short enough as to not overwhelm them but long enough to get into a routine and really enjoy each other and the experience.
We've done brief local trips that ended in disaster due to my poor planning and equipment selection. Gear intended for a solo backpacking trip isn't conducive to family camping. My wife's excitement wavered because of these trips but she always maintained a flickering interest. So with that, I set off to find more appropriate equipment and pick a destination that would get her hooked. What better location than the Grand Canyon at sunset and an RTT to crash in?
I chose Havasupai Point based on the recommendations of other ExPo members, its close proximity to my home in Flagstaff, and our ability to stay right on the rim. Camping in the park with hundreds of other visitors a mile from the rim didn't appeal to us. There's nothing like enjoying the canyon in solitude on a moonlit night!
The road in was in good condition but I noted that it would be a muddy mess with the least bit of moisture and its monsoon season here so that was likely. The last five miles proved to be the most technical due to the narrow trail but my stock DC Tacoma made it just fine apart from some AZ pin striping.
My favorite part of any trip is the moment when you crest the hill or round the bend to your destination and find the view you've been anticipating.
Since this was our maiden voyage with new equipment (like the RTT :victory
I was eager to set up camp. I tested most of it out prior to leaving but this was our first time in the field with all of it so I was a little anxious. It went together smoothly and everyone was comfortable and happily enjoying the scenery. The chuck box I just finished was perfect and the hand-me-down Coleman added some nostalgia.
After a good dinner and a decent nights sleep, we awoke to the wonders of the Canyon and set off on a short trip to the tip of Supai Point. All my 3 year old could mutter was "WHOA".
Back at camp we enjoyed the quiet, read, talked, and took some naps. Even our little wiener dog enjoyed himself, he proved to be an excellent little camper much to my chagrin!
At the return from our little hike the incoming weather became more apparent to me. I had a decision to make, stay another night and risk getting stuck with no recovery equipment with my family in tow or take off early and head towards home. I didn't want to risk another disastrous trip so I made the decision to set course for Hart Prairie, which is close to home, and stay the night there.
At first glance you'd think I was enjoying the sights but I'm really pondering the weather.
With the clouds rolling in we packed up and set sail for Hart Prairie with enough time to spare to set up camp and catch the sunset.
With the clouds rolling in we packed up and set sail for Hart Prairie with enough time to spare to set up camp and catch the sunset.
Hart Prairie is a popular location due to its easy access and beauty. It was especially apparent this weekend as there were hunters and campers everywhere. Our spot was excellent and I thought we'd picked it well but 20 minutes after our arrival the thumping sound of music seeped through the aspens like a chlorine cloud. I guess some folks will never appreciate the value of a beautiful site or the natural sounds of the wilderness. Since we already set up camp I succumbed to sailing away with Capt. Morgan to ease the pain in hopes that they would stop by bed time, thankfully they did and the remainder of the trip proved to be quite peaceful. I was sure to let my sometimes obnoxious child return the favor at 6:00 a.m. though.
This little adventure proved to be a huge success. My wife told me monday morning that she wanted to call in sick and go back out for the rest of the week and my daughter has been asking about camping ever since...nough said.
My goal was to keep the trip short enough as to not overwhelm them but long enough to get into a routine and really enjoy each other and the experience.
Mission accomplished, we're already planning for the upcoming weekend :coffeedrink:
