A little bit of summer

 It seems like I am not doing a great job keeping up with my blogging.  I could make up a lot of excuses but I think I will just stick to....I WILL TRY AND DO BETTER.  Aug 3, 4, and 5th the kids and I and a good friend backpacked into Maxwell lake.  It's only about 4 miles in which was perfect for getting back in time for work on Sunday.  It wasn't really where I wanted to go, but the kids did and I am glad they chose it.  Couldn't have been a better escape.

 The kids brought one collapsible fishing pole which quickly broke with the reel falling into the glacial icy lake.  After much determination and some irritation on her part this little girl alone had it fixed within a half hour or so while the rest of us bailed and said good luck.  I am kind of proud of her because I am pretty certain I would have quit :-)

 The next day we had an off trail route using the map to find Catched Two lake.  It's a beautiful deep lake that has no trail to it, making it that much more enticing to see.  Because we didn't have day packs with us it was a much shorter hike to climb to the peak above the lake than to try and get down to it.  We were still out 4 hours as it was.  As you can see it's steep.

 Nojah and Lex were both a little nervous sitting on the edge.  The rock I am sitting on did appear in person that at any second it may tumble down to the bottom of the lake, but I made them come sit for the picture anyway, because that is the kind of mom I am.

 I have been to this lake once a couple years ago with sandy via a different route and it is probably one of my favorites.  However it's about 1 mile in on the bottom trail and then 1 mile up off trail with 2000-3000 ft elevation gain, so a little steep, but SO worth it.

 

 From the top we had AMAZING views of most of the wilderness and all the peaks.  These pictures don't do them justice and only show a few of the more popular ones we saw, but I thought I would share.

 Snack stop

An evening at Jackson lake.  While Lex and Jennifer were sleeping, Nojah and I went for a hike.  It's always good to get some quiet one on one with each of the kids.  It's moments like these that are priceless.

 and moments like these as well.  :-)  Good Morning Lex

 

There were beautiful flowers with fishing bait all over them.  Apparently this is what Maxwell fish eat because the ONLY fish Lex caught was with a lady bug.

By Sunday morning we were aching to stay but both had to get back to work.  The hike took us 3 1/2 hours on the way in and 1:45 on the way out.  I wasn't nearly as generous with the breaks the 2nd go around.  It was great fun and we are looking forward to another great backpacking adventure next weekend!!  

I love summer!!