Camping 2013 - Lake Crescent, Washington

Early August we traveled north to the Olympic National Park.  This is an area that I've been wanted to go to for a really long time.  I have found that camping in a national park is a little trickier than the state parks.  I'm an RV w/ water and hook-up kind of gal.  Trying to find electrical hook-up in a national park is very challenging.  When family found the Log Cabin Resort on Lake Crescent I was very excited.

The Log Cabin Resort is right on Lake Crescent and about 45 minutes from Port Angeles. They offer a campground, cabins, chalets, and lodge rooms.  Needless to say, this resort is very nostalgic.  I can't really speak for the other accommodations since we were using the campground.  The campground was very cozy.  Lucky for us, since we were there mid-week they weren't very busy and we didn't have any campers on either side of us.  The best part of this campground was it's surroundings.  The lake was magnificent.  Crystal clear and turquoise blue in some parts.  You could go to the end of the dock and see the bottom of the lake (approx 60ft down).  

 

 

 

 

You couldn't help but be mesmerized by the surroundings, the mountains, the water, the....quiet.  It was so peaceful!

Just because it was quiet and peaceful, doesn't mean we can't have a little fun!

 The girls were content just splashing around in the water, so that's what we did.

 If you look close you will see a family of ducks that wanted to swim with Morgan.

While the girls were busy playing in the water with grandma and grandpa, Casey and I snuck over to the lodge and rented a paddle boat.  You should have seen the look of surprise on their faces!

Time to head back to the campsite and take a break from the sun.  What can you do when you are camping with two little girls? We do pedicures!

The main attraction for Lake Crescent is the Lake Crescent Lodge.  It was a short drive to the lodge and it was worth it.  It's a piece of Washington history and it's great to see they are keeping those important artifacts alive and exciting for new people to see.

The porch was so much fun and I had visions in my head of great portraits of Brooke, but instead she felt the need to do the forced smile pose for me.  Oh well, I was still soaking up the atmosphere.

Earlier in the summer we realized Morgan didn't know what a telephone booth was.  Seriously, how can she not know what a telephone booth is?  Anyways, we saw this booth in the lobby and needed to snap a picture.  This one's for you Morgan!

And another of Miss Brooke, being oh so patient with her mommy.

That view!  I'm in love with this lake.

Around the Lodge are a couple different accommodations.  Here's the Singer Tavern Cottages.

And here are the Roosevelt Cottages.  This is were President Roosevelt stayed when he was visiting the area to determine whether the Olympics should be a national park or not.

And...Brooke has officially lost her patience.

I promise Miss Brooke we are creating fun family memories and you will look back and be glad I took pictures.

Good bye Lake Crescent, we had a great family camping trip and I can't wait to go back and explore of your surroundings.

Camping 2013 - Fort Stevens, Oregon

Our first camping trip of the season finally happened the end of July.  We headed to Fort Stevens for a long weekend.  Fort Stevens is near Astoria, Oregon.

The weather literally changed dramatically once we got down there.  It was a good thing I packed us a pair of pants "just in case."   The weather didn't stop us from exploring this huge campground.  Morgan attended the Junior Ranger program and learned all about owls.  We rode our bikes all around the campground checking out the bunkers, lake and beach.

 

Brooke loved the beach.  Oh to be a kid and just slide your body in the soft sand.  Luckily the showers were convenient and clean.

This camping trip we got to spend some time with Jeremy and Emerson for a few days.  While momma stayed home with their new baby. Emerson and Brooke had a blast together.  There's something more fun about camping with a friend.

 

Even with the weather being a little chilly we managed to have a great time hanging out together.

Grandma Diana even treated us to root beer floats.  What a great treat!

This was Beau's first camping trip with the family.  He wanted to play with every dog that walked by, but eventually realized he was on vacation and needed to relax.   

Fort Stevens was a great campground and I would recommend going.  Lots to explore on the campground itself and easy to checkout Astoria or Seaside for a day trip.  Just remember to pack a pair of pants "just in case."