Silver Springs Every Summer or Bust

Every summer we look forward to our annual camping trip with the Troxels.  Many moons ago we used to go to “Troublesome Creek,” way up north, but once we checked out “Silver Springs,” down south, we have never looked back.  The fact that there is a memorial at Troublesome Creek to a little girl that fell off an immense boulder that overlooks the raging torrent and was swept  away and drowned, and the fact that between our two families, we had 14 of those little people  running amok that loved that immense boulder, it wasn’t that hard of a decision.  This past summer, Troxels bought a brand spankin’ new supersize tent, complete with little shelves, closets, and instructions. 

Dana wasn’t able to be there this time, so we were very relieved that Jim was there to help figure out this monstrosity, and the kids were there to provide the many hands needed in every corner.   

Lincoln happened to be in remission from cancer right during the summer, so we were so glad he could be with us and have hair.  It was also Aubrey’s last summer at home before she took off for BYU-I.  The family slowly shrinks while the kids keep growing.  Well, all of them except Aubrey.  She stopped years ago and hasn’t added a cubit since then.

We were most put out this year when someone else had the nerve to take our favorite camping spot.  The kids had all kinds of tricks for guarding the spot next to us until Troxels got there every year.  Anytime a car would come slowly along the road through the camping sites and drive near our spot, the kids would start running and yelling and making as much noise as possible so that the potential camp-site stealer would keep on driving, looking for peace and quiet.  But this year, we were forced to find a new spot.  Amazing to us all, we ended up being just thrilled with our new home and will never go back to our old one.  No more 5-minute walks in the middle of the night to the bathroom – this one is 30 seconds away through the trees and has hot water, lights, electricity and flushies.

 I LOVE to see Candy laugh.  She’s as close to an angel as I ever hope to meet in this life.  It’s so much fun to be able to be camped right next door and skip the hour-plus drive to their house to visit.  We obviously weren’t far enough away though--her cell phone still had reception.  While the kids run loose all over the forest, we get to sit and talk about life ,the kids, callings, and whatever else crosses our mind.  I love those times.  It never fails that my kids love what’s cooking on their campfire better, so we have even thought of coordinating meals.  Heck.  It’s ME that loves what’s cooking in her dutch oven better.  Forget the kids.  She’s not afraid to try new things, and I get the benefit of  watching the master at work. 

She’s also the S’More Lady and I always do the Dutch Oven Chocolate Cake with Cherries and Whip Cream Stuff.  It wouldn’t be camping with Troxels without those traditions.

 

We wanted to take Troxels on a hike that Jim and I found on an anniversary trip we took about 13 years ago when Jamie was just three weeks old.  We had to drive up the highway a mile or so and park near the resort where we had stayed.  Once you go up the road past some private cabins, you’re on the trail and it’s along a rushing stream, crosses little bridges, and is in the most beautiful part of the forest.  Jim and I go for the scenery, but the kids don’t rate the hike very high because of the lack of a “destination” at the end. 
What in the world is wrong with just enjoying the ride?

Along the trail which mostly follows this creek – river – whatever.

Candles.  We weren’t sure what flavor they were.  Probably pumpkin pie or spaghetti sauce. . .

The facilities along the trail were fabulous. 

Enough of this stinkin’ fresh air and hike – let’s get down to the water.

Sooner or later every day, we end up at the river to play in the water and the sand.  For years we have been taking a picture of everybody on this fallen tree that hangs way over the water. 

It’s a given that they are going to try and reroute the river into another course, make dams, and engineer all kinds of impossible feats, and Jim is usually right there with them. 

 

 

Cousins – Best Buds.

 

 

 Cosette --  our resident artist.  And I’m not just saying that.  She’s incredible.  Here’s a picture that is on Lincoln’s hospital room wall right now that she drew of him when he was younger.

Party’s over.  Going home.