Camping at Aspen Grove
I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put together.
John Burroughs
Another amazing camping trip with our friends the Petersons! See previous years here, here, and here. It’s become a bit of a tradition that we look forward to spending time with them. They chose a campsite near water because they noticed we like it! This was all of our first time camping by Strawberry Reservoir in Heber, and the stars were so visible we could see the Milky Way color variation at night.
Their sweet son broke his leg earlier at Young Men’s camp so we didn’t get to hike with him, but he and the boys thoroughly enjoyed playing games together and pretending in the woods.
Jer took our boys F and W fishing every chance he got at a couple of spots on the reservoir, but all they caught was greenery that they teased me with haha. The girls had a fun time building things from sticks they found, playing Queen and servants, and getting creative with their coloring and games.
The food is one of the things Jer looks forward to sharing with our friends. He prepared some of his favorite meals beforehand with the best ingredients we could get, and somehow packed it all in an ice chest because he cooked all the liquid out of it. We had pot roast for dinner with danishes and blueberries for dessert, special breakfast burritos with flavorful peppers, and a Cancun breakfast. We forgot to bring oil, salt, pepper, and our good pan so it was a little rough! Our friends were easygoing and so helpful, and we invited them to come to dinner one of these nights so we can make it proper for them haha. Our friends made Burritos with Brazilian Beans, Mountain Man breakfast, pulled pork sandwiches, and ice cream for dessert- such a treat while camping! For our lunches with just our family, we made pot bellies (Fritos with canned chili and beans), spam with squash, fresh fruit, and salad. Every morning Jer made hot chocolate to help us get warm- it was the best way to start the day!
We also weren’t prepared for how cold it got. Most of the clothes I brought for the kids were cotton. W was most excited to build a fire, so his Daddy obliged and bought firewood available for sale at the camp. We huddled and clung to each other in our sleeping bags, and F cuddled me the whole night which was great for him but I had a hard time sleeping. The bathrooms were amazing though!! Flushing toilets, mirrors and lights, room for your legs, a spot for putting feminine products- it felt luxurious for me when my time of the month came and helped me feel less gross with 3 days shower-less. Our campsite had a spigot which was awesome for washing up dishes and things after cooking.
One of my highlights was the Strawberry Narrow Trail Hike that the camp manager recommended to Jer and I as we made our way outside of the camp. What a view of the reservoir and a nice shaded aspen grove forest! Jer and I had the best time exploring together and feeling the alternating sunshine and wind as we walked. We got to the start of the trail and decided to go back for the kids and invite our friends to join us since it was the last day we could hike.
My other favorite moments were after putting the kids to bed and being able to sit by the dying fire with our friends and just talk together. There was a lot of catching up to do, stories and connections to share.
Love, Kat
