Lincoln National Forest

We decided to take a drive up past Bonito Lake yesterday and check out some camp grounds. We want to go camping but fuel just about kills us if we drive to far. We decided that since we live in a National Forest we should just go camping around here. We found a few places that we want to try in the near future. Kinsey wanted to play in some water but there were so many people fishing at the lake and the river that we finally just let her play in a low water crossing. There is a little stream that runs down from the mountains to the lake that has very very cold water. Kinsey played in it but didn't stay in the water to long...lol!


Here are a few pictures of some pretty wild flowers I found while Kinsey was playing in the water.

And lastly a picture of why we left and headed home.

Camping at Bottomless Lakes

We went to Bottomless Lakes State Park this weekend and had a great time. I took a few pictures...surprise, surpriseKinsey and Neal playing in the water.Kinsey after we made Smores.

One of the smaller "lakes"

I love the reflection on this one

This is my favorite picture of all that I took. I'm looking down into the "lake" and it's reflecting the clouds back up at me.

All of the lakes are actually sink holes that are fed by springs. The water in them is salt water. The largest lake has a beach with sand and a great swimming area that is roped off. You can rent paddle boats and paddle boards to go out in the deeper part of the lake. The camping area is very nice and has a great bath house. We use it instead of trying shower in our camper (aka "the smallest shower in the world").

Home from camping

We had a great time camping. Even though I still did the same domestic things I do at home it wasn't so bad. I cooked breakfast and dinner plus cleaned up after each. I also made the beds, picked up clothes, and kept up with everything. For this I was "rewarded" with free time to read and relax. Neal took Kinsey swimming or for walks several times so I got time for myself. I really really enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. We didn't have the distractions of TV or internet and only used the cell phone a few times. We played games and just enjoyed each other. I'm sure we will be doing this a lot more now that we have the camper!! (Yes, we are buying it!)
Here are a few pictures from this weekend.


Here is our camp at dusk.


This is the lake just after the sun was setting.


Kinsey never would never get the marshmallows close enough to the fire to even get them warm.


How many marshmallows can you roast at one time??


Kinsey beating Neal at Disney Memory.

Sorry this took so long to post. I tried doing it last week but for some reason I couldn't download the pictures.

Roughing it ....sort of

We are going camping this weekend! Neal's boss is letting us use his 22 foot pull behind trailer. If we like it, we are going to end up buying it. We've decided to go to Bottomless Lakes, New Mexico. When we decided to do this a few weeks ago, I was thinking how relaxing it was going to be at the lake just chilling. Well that bubble has been burst!! Do you know how much work it is to go camping?? When we go on vacation we usually stay with family or stay in a hotel where everything is provided for you. All I have to worry about is our clothes and "stuff". Going camping means I have to get food, cooking/eating stuff, clothes, bedding/towels, and all kinds of other stuff together. We will be 15 miles from the nearest town or store so I need to make sure we take everything we need. I think I have enough snacks for 20 people...lol! I have packed myself a few things to read and I plan on just relaxing and enjoying being away from everything. There is a playground, swimming area, and hiking trails so we should all find something to do.
Have a great weekend!