Expedition to Lost Lake

Lost Lake
by Aaron JonesI had been planning and looking forward to taking my boys out on their first hiking trip for quite some time. So after checking the Boyd's blog and their adventure I decided that their destination would be ideal for Levi and Landon. Promptly I sought master woodsman, Chad Boyd, for some directions and needed advice. Like every expedition, there is a mixed bag of feelings, excitement for the upcoming adventures, and sadness for loved ones that will be missed. In this case, it was just excitement for the boys' new adventure and excitement for mommy, for more uninterrupted sleep.

We arrived in the morning after a long and dusty road. With all the supplies we needed, we venture, hearts racing for what lie ahead. It starts out with a steep decline to the riverbed below. With their trusty tennis shoes, they made quick work of it sliding and skidding down to the bottom.
The first of many water barriers to traverse. Not one shoe got wet, tempting as it was.
Along the way there were many obstacles, but their resolve could not be hampered.
A quick break, water in, water out. Watering the plants was a new experience and enjoyed thoroughly.
Behind the boys lives a few Rodents Of Unusual Size. (marmots) We observed, took a few mental notes, then moved on.
Those before had built this handy bridge to cross this canyon of death. It looked like Boyd's handy work to us.
Levi and Landon wanted to stop and investigate these rocks. They were intrigued about the giant holes which could be used as some sort of cave dwelling if you were in need of some shelter in a pinch.
At last... Lost Lake! Victory was the cheer! Our hard work had payed off.
We searched for a proper sight for camp and set it up right near the lake.
After some lunch and gathering of some wood, we decided to slay some fish. Landon's first cast caught a little trout.
Levi's first cast... and he also caught a little trout. It seems as though my boys got the knack.
After fishing the boys practiced their wrist rocket skills so they can get a clean kill.
We found this stream while hunting around the lake.
The boys liked the tent, though next time we will remember to bring some pads to sleep on.
With our conquered destination behind us and two eventful days it was time to head back home. Their missed mommy was heavy on their hearts and the last hill climb just about broke their spirits.
It actually broke Landon down. Those are not tears of joy. Emotions were high so Daddy turned those frowns upside down with promised sweet nourishment to come.
The end in site, we express some of our Jones masculinity. Till next time... when the wild woods call our name... we'll come running.