Packwood with the Heaters

This weekend we travelled to Packwood, WA for our 2nd annual "camping" trip with the Heaters. Just like last year, we stuffed the Durango to the gills with yummy food, fishing gear and the 6 of us for a 2 hour ride. Once we arrived to the cabin, we unpacked and then headed into town for some pizza. On our way, there were tons of elk in the open fields. They come out on most nights around dusk to graze on the grass. We saw over 20 elk throughout the weekend including a "5-point" big boy!



After some of the best pizza we have had in a LONG time, we headed back to the cabin. The kids had a great time playing in the loft before bed.


Friday morning we were treated to some of the Heaters delicious buttermilk blueberry pancakes, so yummy! While waiting for everyone to get ready the kids played on the hammocks, then we headed out to Skate Creek to do some fishing.



To test things out, Neil practiced fishing with Avery's Barbie pole. Truth be told, he likes to fish with this pole more than his own! :)

Finally, it's Avery's turn to try it out.

Avery enjoyed fishing, except when the line got caught in some rocks. Good thing dad was there to recover the line and put on new bait.

Here is Ben and Henry fishing with the Batman pole, Ben is teaching Henry the tricks of fishing. Even though they can see the fish, they weren't biting, so we headed home for lunch. After lunch we headed to Riffe Lake for more fishing. Riffe Lake was great, but no luck there either.

Saturday, the boys headed out for "Man" fishing for a few hours. While the Neil and Ben were gone, the kids played with floam, made necklaces, Maggie and I took the kids for a walk, they played operation, we had lunch and then taught Avery and Henry how to play Uno. The boys got home and told us that they talked to a local who suggested that we head up to Bluff Lake trail for a hike. So, we all loaded into the car for the adventure. After 1 hour and 5 minutes, 1.5 miles and 1000 foot elevation change and several Dot (the candy) breaks we made it to Bluff Lake. It was a BEAUTIFUL lake! Henry, Avery, Neil and Ben fished for a bit and had many bites but never reeled one in. We then headed back to the trail head, it only took us 40 minutes. Going down hill is SO much easier, especially when travelling with kids!

After dinner, the boys got the fire started and we roasted some marshmallows and enjoyed some smores.











Can't wait for our next adventure with the Heaters!