There always seems to be something that comes up right before a big trip. I noticed this little gash that needed some attention before we headed up to big meadow with the family.
In our family, we talk about Big Meadow A LOT. Usually every Sunday it comes up one way or another. Even if you think there is nothing to say, someone will say, "I haven't heard anything about girls camp yet" I have gone up to girls camp for 10 years here and there and a handful of family camps. My first trip was in 1980as an infant, about 2 months old. My mom was in charge and brought me along. Big Meadow is in my blood, so to speak. Even with all this history, Oscar and the kids have never been. They have seen a few pictures, but haven't had the chance to go. We decided kinda last minute to head up there the week after girls camp and have some fun, just us.
We had a theme to see a lot of the places that we have heard about over the years from Ryan and Karrie who live more in that neck of the woods than we do. Up first on the trip was the Ranger Station for a fire permit. Our next stop was the Brewery in Kernville for some dinner. It stunk to high heaven like a feed store, because of the brew brewing, but the FOOD was awesome. I had the fish and chips caught fresh out of Lake Isabella. So GOOD! Oscar had a pastrami that was also very good and the kids all got yummy burgers. The waffle fries were the best!
As we drove up into camp we had to herd a lot of cows out, because they had moooved back into their home since Saturday when the girls packed up and left. Camp really is weird when no one is there. Its a little creepy camping by yourself. Safety in numbers right? The cows kept us company the whole week. Levi hated them and I was only scared a couple of times with a bull that wouldn't move.
It took us a while to pick a campsite. When everything is available the choices are tough!
Dad sent us with his hammock to try out and it was a great addition to camp. It was a seat, a swing, a bed, and a cradle.
Levi was checking everything out ALL the time. Those cows kept him on edge.
Camping buddies!
We really needed some downtime before the new school year starts. We had no plans, no schedule, and a whole week to enjoy! Naps were had, sticks were whittled, and star wars battles were had.
We took a lot of hikes around camp and I told stories of my memories at each campsite I remembered.
When we took this little adventure I spotted some super fresh bear scat and was totally nervous. I was holding the baby while he took a nap and I was tired, so I used that as an excuse to walk fast. Really I think the thoughts of bears were more of a motivation.
Russell was a total trooper! He loves being outside and hanging out with the family.
Clara is a CAMPER. She loves everything about it. EVERYTHING!
Lots of chats and games played around the campfire.
Russell loving on daddy.
Cute faces of camping:
Jared was quite the stinker all week making these super creepy, coyote like noises and freaking me out on occasion. He'd do it from the latrine, behind a tree, or across the whole camp. He really got me a few times.
Well good morning bright (puffy) eyes!
I got to snuggle with Levi one night and he was cozy.
Clara played hard and slept even harder!
Nathan decided to try out grandpa's hammock and he loved it.
I put Nathan to work getting Russell to take his naps. Hammock worked like a charm.
More relaxing and game playing.
We even had a craft project that lasted a few days. We all made Harry Potter wands. They were all so different and fun. They were casting spells and playing with knives. What could be more fun?
Clara made a lot of muddy concoctions.
The Delgado's at Big Meadow
One day Clara rolled this log....a lot. She rolled and rolled that thing.
Late night cards and star gazing. We even made it out with the ham radio
to let everyone know we were okay.
It was sad to pack up and leave, but boy were such had a great time!
We went to Locks Garden, a Chinese place in Lake Isabella for dinner. It was seriously the BEST Chinese food I've ever had. The owners were so cute and funny. They treated Oscar like a rock star because we have 5 boys. HAHAHA They even brought extra food to him. We all stunk so bad and probably looked a fright, but they still fed us and took our money.
