Over the weekend we went camping up at Hyas Lake, a fairly easy and flat two mile hike to a beautiful lake.

We had gone to this lake once before, last year. The water level was much higher in July–and we had to walk through/around a lot more streams to get to the lake. Good thing my “tailor’s bunion” has resolved and I can wear my Chacos again!

All orange-d up for the occasion, bay-bee.

As per usual, this dude carried a 60 pound pack and I carried a 25 pounder. He does have stromph!

The weather was perfect.

There were quite a few campers out and about, but we managed to secure a nice spot.

Maggie dog had many opportunities to get wet. I learned my lesson from last year, and ordered an 11 dollar pair of “water shoes” for the trip, which were perfect for swimming in the lake.

Neon floaties are always nice too.

Watching Bear Cub swim and chomp at water is adorable.

This is what I love about summer!

Other notables for this trip:

– listening to the entire Sublime music catalog on the drive
– reading John Waters’ latest book “Carsick”
– gaining five pounds?! (SCREW YOU, SCALE)

Next weekend we’re going to do a day hike, instead of the full camping experience.

Joshy still working on one of those “Game of Thrones” books.

Of course Sunday morning he woke up 3 hours before me and went on a 4 mile run. Of course!

Smooooke on the waterrrrrr…

My animals love to camp!

Just look at how tired it makes them. That reminds me, I need to do a tick check.

There were beautiful lilies and all kinds of colorful wildflowers everywhere.

First camping trip DONE! Josh seems to think we’ll have better luck doing a day hike next weekend…and by “better luck” I mean “less whining from Liz” because I won’t have to haul a pack around. I’m a girl, I’m a girl…I wish I was dead.

BONUS: a little itty-bitty video, my specialty. You are welcome!