We have made a mid-week family camping trip an annual affair. So anyone who works in the summer is out of luck.... but the rest of us have a grand old time and get to enjoy some beautiful camp spots and trails without all the weekend crowds. This year we returned to Silver Fir Campground on the North Fork of the Nooksack River a few miles west of the Mount Baker ski area. We had Bonnie, Kathie, Floyd, Kirstie, Peter, me and the kids. The warm sunny weather was a plus, especially up at elevation. It was great seeing the kids bond with everyone over smores.
The next morning we went up and hiked the Bagley Lakes Loop in the Heather Meadows area. It was absolutely gorgeous and the wildflowers were in full force.
We crossed a small dam at the far end of the lake and then worked our way back up the other shore.
We got on a side trail trying to find the river crossing back to the trail head, but finally got back on track and crossed over on this beautiful arched bridge.
Reed LOVES his watermelon. There is just no keeping him clean, especially when the watermelon is as juicy as this one.
I had missed the after-lunch hike on the first day due to an something stuck in my eye, making it impossible to see. So, the following morning I skipped the family breakfast and did a quick hike at Artist's Point instead. The views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker were incredible and there was hardly anyone else up there that early.
I also saw this intrepid herd of mountain goats across the valley on the northern flanks of Mount Baker. How cool!
Kirstie brought puzzles for the kids to do at camp. It was a huge hit and they didn't lose any pieces!
We hiked the Horseshoe Trail along the Nooksack River before heading home. The river was running really full due to the warm temperatures and snow melt. It was intense and loud!
Charlotte spotted this fairy staircase of mushrooms in the mossy forest.
