Horsethief Basin and the Great Escape

With the unbearable heat in Phoenix, we decided to escape to cooler weather up-north.  Elayna’s last camping trip was in October and we wanted to give it another try.

This was our first trip to Horsethief Basin – a lake and campground south of Crown King.  It was only about 50 miles from home but a world away!  After 30+ miles of winding, crazy dirt roads, climbing up to 6000+ ft, and almost no living souls, I was beginning to wonder if this was such a good idea.  Our campground was extremely lonely and there were only 2 other families there our entire trip.  And to add to the creepiness, we discovered an old playground and tennis court / basketball court!  Aaron said it gave him an ‘apocalyptic’ vibe. 

The seclusion really was wonderful though.  Clancy stayed off his leash the entire trip.  Elayna climbed and dug and loved the escape from baths.  We all took long walks, went to bed early, and relaxed.  It was a nice break from reality.  The shower at home today was heavenly though!!

Here are a few pictures of our trip!

   Snuggling with Dad.  She was scared of the crows.

Our campsite.  The shelters were built in the 30’s by the CCC and I loved all the stone work.  Our tent is down to the right. 

Our big climber.  The campground had a lot of these great rocks.

Swinging in the apocalyptic swingset. 

 

Swimming in the lake – Clancy’s biggest dream!!

Elayna fed Clancy – one or two morsels at a time.  Clancy was so patient!!

July … oh July

Elayna is getting in her 2-year molars – the excuse we’re using for her unusual crankiness lately.  It has been a trying week full of time-outs and impatience (both Elayna’s and mine).

We’ve had a fun July otherwise.  Here are a few of the highlights.

4th of July~!

Swimming – Elayna loves it!!

Cooking!!  Elayna loves to help in the kitchen right now and insists on moving the chair over to the counter.  Here we’re mixing black beans and corn but she’s also helped with scrambled eggs and rice krispies.  Unfortunately, this does not encourage her to EAT whatever we’ve cooked.  Her appetite is fairly non-existent, and her primary diet is nutri-grain bars and chocolate soymilk. 

Elayna has given up her pacifier this week – a very big step in toddler-hood!!  She was only using it for bedtime and self-soothing and had completely bitten through her last one.  I made her throw her pacifier in the garbage (“Paci is broken.  Icky-Paci'”) and she has barely mentioned it sense.  It does seem to take her longer to fall asleep – the pacifier was mostly a calming device – but she hasn’t cried and hasn’t woken up needing it.  I’m very proud of her!!!