Highland Lake Camping Trip 09

I just got back from our annual camping trip at at Highlands Lake. We had a mix of beautiful August weather from cold winter rain and hail. I went up to the camp on Wednesday to secure us the camp with Aunt Ginger met by Ronnie, Tony and his dad Steve. Our normal camp site was already taken, so we were forced to find a new site. At first I was bummed, but in the end I liked the new camp a lot. Wednesday the weather was a nice average summer day. We got camp set up and relaxed for the rest of the day. Thursday we were planning on going on a hike, but when we awoke the weather was below freezing with rain and hail. The five us were freezing our butts off! We played poker for a few hours, then decided to take a drive to warm up with the car heater. We had a good drive to Highland Lake, Mosquito Lake, and a small series of waterfalls. It ended up being a great day, even though the weather wasn't the best.

Friday is the day when the rest of the group arrives. In the morning Tony, Ronnie and I decided to hike to the top of Tryon Peak 9,970ft I did it solo last summer and was excited to do it again. It is a tough climb, the whole hike is steep and the top half is all big boulders that can start a rock slide if you take the wrong step. We all made it top the top with some fancy foot work, we enjoyed the summit for 20 minutes then took the steep descent down. When we returned to camp Danielle and Janet had arrived, I was excited to see them, but was bummed to hear that my Dad, John, Steph and Cece were all sick and were not going to make it up. Hope they all are felling better. Next to arrive was my cousin Cassie and her 3 year old son Markie, I haven't seen here much over the last few years and it was great to have them there. Markie is a great kid and really seemed to enjoy himself on his first camping trip. Next to arrive was Danielle's parents Dave and Diane followed by friends of Danielle, Mike and Siobain. Friday night after getting everyone settled in we had a lasagna dinner and enjoyed the night by the camp fire. My sis Ginger and boyfriend Alex were late arrivals and didn't show up until about 10pm since they had to work during the day. They were beat from the long drive and we helped them get their tent setup, so they could get some sleep.

Saturday we awoke to great weather and were all looking forward to hiking to the meadow were we spread my Grandpa Chucks ashes in 1999. All but sis Ginger, Alex, Cassie and Markie made the hike to the meadow. It's always an amazing site and there is no question why my grandpa wanted to be there. As we left the meadow Tony and I split from the group and decided to hike to the summit of Folger Peak 9720ft it looked like an easy climb from the meadow but we definitely took the tough route to the summit. In the end we got to the top and were worked after two days of climbing peaks. After we arrived back to camp all were watching some fierce Horseshoe games. Newbie Siobain was kicking butt with partner Aunt Ginger, I think she was hustling us. Tony and I teamed up and beat Dave and Diane it was a hard fought game which ended at 21-18 it was a great game. Saturday night ended with a Mexican feast and relaxing around the fire.

Sunday is always a busy day. Everyone wanted to head home early, and we were the last ones out of camp at about 11am following Aunt Ginger and Janet down the hill. Tony, his dad, Dave, and Diane headed to Hope Valley to do some fishing. I had a great time and looking forward to next year. We had a great group of people and hope my Dad, Brother and Steph and Cece can make it next year.