The annual Family Reunion at the Gorge was schedule for July 18 through the 20th. Some of the relatives came earlier, and some later. It is a great time for my kids to bond with their cousins.
We decided to carpool to Flaming Gorge since Aunt Jen and I only had two kids each that were going on our vacation. The four kids had a great time singing and chatting the entire way there.
When we arrived at Flaming Gorge and began setting up camp, I realized that although a tent may be in a bag, packed in the garage, it does not mean it will have all the necessary poles to set it up. We had a make-shift tent, that really only housed our luggage. My cot was also held together with an old belt. I decided, Mike is very thrifty. Maybe a little too thrifty for me, as I placed the tent and cot in the dumpster once our vacation was over. We decided since our tent was inadequate, and it was hot at night, we would sleep in the back of the boat. It was perfect laying under the stars, looking up at the moon, on the clear warm summer nights.
Once camp was set up we quickly got on the lake. A beach (baptism bay) was secured, and the three boats took turns giving boat rides, and pulling tubers, wake-boarders, and skiers out on the lake.
Flaming Gorge is absolutely stunning. The beautiful scenery differs from place to place. You can find billowing pine trees scattered over the mountains, or cliffs of rocks dressed in fiery red and oranges. Wherever you go you will be mesmerized by the beautiful scenery and wildlife that inhabits the area.
A long eared owl was perched above the rocks under the bridge. While the kids were swimming, we were able to watch this amazing animal in it's habitat. The next day we spotted long horned sheep. The mother sheep had her calf in tow, wandering along the banks of the lake.
The weather was perfect with light blue skies and the sun beating down on us. We spent all day on the lake. Once we were off the lake, we made dutch oven dinners and dined together. There is nothing like a good dutch oven dinner and smores to make a night complete.
Lizzy wake boarded for the first time. She was amazing! She got up on her first attempt, but didn't stay up long. I'm sure the next time we go boating she will have the hang of it. Lizzy and Ben tubed a lot, and went rock jumping with the cousins.
Ben loved to fish. He became Hayden's little shadow. Hayden was a good sport to prepare Ben's reel, and take him fishing with him. Ben was a happy little camper as he reeled in a small fish the first day, and a 23 incher the next. In all his attempts to catch a fish at Flaming Gorge in the past, this is the first year he was successful. Happy boy!
At the end of the trip Ben said, "This is the best trip to Flaming Gorge ever." What a funny guy!
1 comments:
Looks like fun! I LOVE the Browns!
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