Total troopers

It's worth noting that our family showed up a day early to claim our campsites this year. AND SPENT A NIGHT AND DAY IN POURING RAIN. As in, we had to dig a trench around the tent to keep from floating away.

I remember when Chris and I would run into rain while backpacking. It was rarely a big deal -- mainly just an excuse to sit back and read or sip hot tea in the tent or, you now, be lazy in other ways. :)

It's a whole 'nother deal with two rambunctious kiddos, though. We were relieved when the Gilles crew showed up and the rain stopped! But meanwhile, Chris and the kiddos made the best of kayaking in the rain and knocking around camp in full Helly Hansen attire.

It's "owie" not "oh hi"

This year's camping trip at Owhi was probably our best ever: three families plus new friends we made along the way, a canoe, a two-person kayak, a waterfall excursion, and FISH caught on homemade rods with hooks and line we rescued from a tree. I'm posting some highlights. See also our drop box folder.

North Carolina cousins!

Yay! Finally we got to spend some time with all the North Carolina cousins: Christine and David, Alex, and Julia. Our fun-filled weekend included a picnic at the beach, kite-flying, and a hike to the Denny slabs. Highlights below, and you can find all the pix on Drop Box.

Lori visit

Lori visited! It was a great, if too short, visit. We spent a day in the park, where Lori took some amazing pix of the kids.We hope to see Lori and the rest of the Compas family again in 2014.

August Tristen

The August faces of Tristen. Thank you, Lori Compas!

August Tillie

Thanks to Lori Compas for capturing August Tillie so perfectly.

Salty Sea Captain

Eric has recreated a drink we had the other night at Terra Plata:

1.5 oz smoky mezcal

Juice of 1/2 lime

Few dashes of celery bitters

Few shakes of Cholula hot sauce

Tecate beer

Shake everything except for the beer. Pour into a glass with ice and a lightly salted rim. Top with the Tecate.