Into the Wild

We took a girls only backpacking trip last night up to Mount Hood.  I wanted Ella to understand something I didn't learn until college...backpacking can get you closer to nature than car camping ever will.  We did a short 1.5 mile hike into a site along the Salmon River.  Ella did awesome!

Ella carried her own pack with her sleeping bag and pad, about 6 total pounds.  That's my girl!

The trail was a bit technical for a 4 year old, but she handled it with style and a lot of "Mom, you don't need to hold my hand."

The crew, Mom, Ella, Roxie and our token boy...Tolly (not pictured as he was running around like a crazy dog).

Chilling in the tent at camp.

Hanging with Tolly