National Forest

We found ourselves this past Saturday at 10 am with no major plans for the weekend, and we took that rare opportunity to embark on a spontaneous camping trip. The kids jumped at the chance, and it doesn't take much arm twisting for Shawn and me. We camped in the St. Mary's Wilderness area (part of the George Washington National Forest), just a little west of Charlottesville. Jacob and Peter are happier in the woods on a camping trip than almost anywhere else - they love exploring, sleeping outside, eating maccaroni and cheese, playing around the fire - you get the picture. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience it with them.

Here are the boys during our exploration of the most beautiful mountain stream I've ever seen, and in Virginia, that's saying something.

Here are more pictures from our trip.

In case you're wondering, yes, Peter is trying to catch crawfish with pliers.




This is a perfect little swimming hole we stumbled upon. It doesn't get any better than this. (Except maybe if the water was just a little bit warmer.)


This is trust.


Peter took cover in a makeshift shelter during one of the many rain showers. The rain didn't do much to interfere with our fun - the kids would have been wet anyway.


Making dinner, Cagnina style.






The boys spent hours working with little pocket knives to sharpen and strip sticks. Boys + pocket knives = instant entertainment.


Deluxe accomodations: Jacob and Peter on the left, Shawn and myself on the right.


The next morning. Don't we all look well rested?