Back from the Big Woods

Boulder River Wilderness Area, WA

Well, I was actually only away from the 'burbs for the weekend... I don't really have any excuse for being away from the blog for so long. But it's definitely good to be back to both.

The weather's now shifted, the kids are back at their respective school-time activities, and I've happily come into some free time to reflect upon the past summer's escapades and contemplate the past weekend's outing with Crew 423.

Venture Crew is an outdoor youth organization for boys and girls ages 14-19 that Morgan has just joined. They have access and use of all the resources and facilities attached to the Boy Scouts of America. A mountaineering friend of ours started our own chapter so that his daughter, Sarah and her friends would have a chance to experience a level of adventure similar to what her brother had in Scouting.

So, how does a woman who's never even gone on a day-hike..... decide that she should be one of two female chaperones on the crew's 9 1/2 mile inaugural trek along Boulder River? We're talking about a no-trace camping trip here, aka no bathroom facilities. I really don't know what compelled me to volunteer for this. But I think it had something to do with the other female chaperone, Linda, who happens to be one of my best friends and oh yeah, she's married to the crew leader. Needless to say, she is an extremely encouraging and persuasive person and I certainly would have been less inclined to go without her. Plus, she reminded me that each subsequent trek would be slightly more challenging than the one prior--- so this would definitely be the easiest to do. Alright, good enough for me.

Next thing you know, I was ransacking the local camping store trying to acquire all the gear Morgan and I would need for our first camping trip: shoes, clothes, sleeping bags, headlamps---- you name it, we needed it--- given that we were starting from scratch. I even picked up a copy of Backcountry Betty Roughing It in Style. I'd read good reviews in blogosphere about this guide and I figured I would need all the advice I could get on the subject. Okay, so I tend to 'walk on the shallow side' when it comes to certain things... I won't try to deny this.



So basically, the author gives assurance to "Betties everywhere" that "roughing it" doesn't necessarily mean throwing your beauty products (or your sense of smell) to the wind... after all, most glam gear items can double as survival gear: For instance, a mirror can be used to signal for help as well as for putting in your contacts. Mouthwash not only freshens breath, but it can also sterilize a wound. And did you know that lipstick smeared on cotton balls can be used as an effective firestarter?--- hee! Well, we didn't have to resort to any of that on our trip... but I'm still glad I'd brought those items anyway.

However, I think my excitement at the prospect of "Bettifying the Wilderness" may have caused some Betty Backlash.
As we were leaving the meeting place where the kids were being dropped off for the trip, one of the parents expressed how surprised she was to learn that I would be one of the chaperones attending the trek.... given that I was *gasp* wearing make-up and had freshly blow-dried hair.
Sheesh. She's obviously not read Jennifer Worick's book. ;)

But questionable comments, ill-fitting back packs, chilly and lonely sleeping quarters (no hubby as built-in heat source) and sore knees from the descent aside--- the reward gained for the price of a few 'inconveniences' speaks for itself:


Happy Campers


"The Rivv," as it was called...



Learning to build a fire...



Old growth forest...



Ahh, the river...


Can you blame me for wanting a little mascara and lip gloss to offset those major bags under my eyes after spending my first night in the great outdoors?

I think not.

Would I consider going on another Venture trek? Well, I'll probably let the husband accompany Morgan until we have warmer weather again. But I really enjoyed the time we spent with everyone on the trip. And Morgan proved herself to be a hiking/camping champ! Oh, I put two pairs of knitted socks (Monkeys and Cookie A. Summer Sox) and a "Last Minute Knitted" kerchief to good use along the way, too!
Yes, I'd be happy if "The Backcountry Betties" counted me as a new member to their league. ;)