CAMPING WITH FRIENDS!

I have enjoyed camping, and that means sleeping in a tent, for over 10 years now. Seven of the ten years we have enjoyed it as family. We alternate camping between two campgrounds: Limekiln Lake and Rollins Pond. Limekiln Lake was a preference for us this year because its closer and traveling with younger kids means less drama. The campground is also closer to a couple really nice towns, Inlet and Old Forge. Each of them provide a nice place to hang out if one would like a change of scenery.

The Tomoroksa's

The Makarchuk's

After several years of trying to get our married friends to come out with their family's and camp with us, all of them agreed to give it a try. And so 3 campsites were booked for 5 families to spend 4 days together in the woods. We got together and planned a menu for the trip, each family taking part in preparing food or bringing something to share. The weather was questionable at first, with rain in the forecast for several days, but plans were made on how to stay dry. It only took one camping trip and one heavy rainfall to teach me a lesson on how to keep most of the campsite dry.

The Kleshch's

The Pashchuk's

With all of the kids being still pretty young, the oldest was 7 years old, we decided to keep the schedule light and see how things turn. Although there was a few activities that we had in mind if the opportunity came along, like hiking, going out for ice cream, kayaking, etc.

We as a family began camping on Monday with the plan for the other 4 families to join us on Wednesday.  It was great start with a quick camp setup and great weather in the forecast we enjoyed every moment. On the first night after putting the kids to sleep and my wife off to the showers, I was sitting by the fire alone. For the longest time that evening I felt like someone was watching me, even though we had no neighbors in the surrounding campsites. Sure enough a large black bear strolled into the campsite by the food locker within 10 ft of where  I was sitting. I got my adrenaline rush immediately and without making too much noise, flashlight on I said, "Get out!" in a louder voice. I was grateful the bear didn't hesitate and quickly turned around and went on its way back into the woods. We never saw another bear for the remainder of the trip.

Our friends joined us on Wednesday and it was nice once again to step up camp in beautiful weather. Although later that night shortly after midnight we had a nice downpour that lasted for a couple hours. It was nice to have a tarp canopy over the tents at each campsite. With the heavy rain falling on the tarp it created some nice white noise for everyone's sleep. There was some lack of sleep in 3 out of the 5 families because the youngest kids were all around a year old. Everyone had a fair share of difficult nights throughout the trip.

Over the course of the trip we all pitched in preparing meals together, chopping woods, building fires,  taking out trash, washing dishes, and cleaning up. We a great menu for every meal of the day and everyone was satisfied with their fill of food. Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, bagels with cream cheese, sausage links, toast, fresh cucumbers & tomatoes, bacon, coffee and tea. On some morning we had additional leftovers from dinner the previous night. Lunch consisted of ham or turkey sandwiches and soup in a cup. There were plenty of snacks in between the meals. Dinner consisted of marinaded chicken cutlets, pork kabobs, and burgers & hot dogs. Alongside some pasta and salt potatoes. There were smores and watermelon for dessert.

If we were eating or preparing meals we were just relaxing by the fire, sitting at the beach, taking a nap, or putting kids to sleep. The kids enjoying swimming in the lake, playing in the sand and playing cops and robbers amongst other things as well.

One afternoon we drove into Old Forge to take the ski lift up Mt. McCauley. On the way back we stopped at Inlet for some ice cream at the Northern Lights Parlor.

We spent evenings by the fire, talking, relaxing and staying warm because the night temperatures dipped into the high 40's. The kids stayed nice and warm in their beds and the adults enjoyed the snuggling.

Overall we had a good time camping together and hanging out in the woods. It wasn't fun when we had to pack everything back up and head back home. Great times fly by so quickly!