Lake Mineral Wells. A small lake, flat trails, rocky trails, and nice trees to car camp under. We didn't have electricity because CHEATING, but we did have a non-descript spigot of running water and a park restroom nearby. The experienced family had a portable propane stove for cooking meals and most importantly, heating water for the gallon of coffee some of us needed.
We went back and forth about purchasing a toddler carrier even before this trip fell into place and ultimately never purchased one. The experienced family suggested our stroller would be sufficient, but that may have been before the site plans changed. Not a day or two before leaving David was texting with a friend and discovered they had a toddler carrier they were willing to loan us—a Kelty something or other. This perfect last-minute score allowed us to hike rocky areas and long trails that would not have been possible with a stroller.
With breakfast tacos in our belly and a fire to warm up next to, eventually our tents and our moods thawed with the rising sun because functioning as sleep-deprived parents is nothing new. The plan for the day: eat and hike.
First time out, I took my time getting adjusted to the weight, balance, and footing concerns with Ella on my back as we walked about half a mile out on mostly flat terrain. The other half mile back though was rocky. Really rocky. Rocky going up. Rocky going down. Multiple assists. And trees. So many trees and branches to dodge not only for myself but for Ella on my back. Crap, did I just snap this branch in her eye? Wait for it. Nope. She didn't cry. And you wanna know why?! Because she freaking fell asleep in the dang thing (see pic with crazy grill smile—honkshoo)!!
We made it through round one and back to camp for lunch. Ella created a special package requiring a two-man diaper change on the back of a truck tailgate thanks again to her parent's bad decisions at McDonald's. It also turns out Ethan's stomach didn't agree with the bad decision either. Go figure.
For the second round of hiking we kept to mostly flat terrain and about halfway through I asked David for a break—the lack of sleep was catching up—to carry Ella in the pack for a bit. You can see David's misery shining through in the photos and oh Ella freaking fell asleep again! Somewhere during this, HTFU surfaced between pep talking the group of kids to make it through the hike and one of the kids melting down about no one letting him be the leader and too much walking.
We all earned that beer and Bulleit by the fire that night. HTFU: Harden The F Up.