Mark's hiking/camping trip with Dada

This weekend Ben and Mark went camping in the beautiful boonies near Mount St Helens. Ben prefers not to camp in actual camp-sites, so they headed out with a general idea where they wanted to go, determined to find a beautiful spot to spend the day and night.

They drove as far as they were allowed to, then got their gear out of the car, and hiked for another 1.5 hrs until they found a spot in the forest that pleased them. 

Mark got to carry his own bed roll this time! Ben made him his own walking stick, too. 

Both said that the view during their hike was breathtakingly beautiful.

Mark taking a little break during an up-hill portion of their hike

This clearing looked like a good spot to pitch the tent

Look at the view of the waterfall!

The contraption to the left of the tent is Ben's awesome hammock (that I sewed for him out of duck canvas) with a poncho pitched above it. Ben plans to sleep like this during our church's Fall men's hike. It was VERY comfy.

Mark enjoyed snuggling into the hammock in the afternoon for a post-hike nap. He slept in the tent by himself during the night.

Trees!

An evening view of the waterfalls beneath where Mark and Ben camped

Aside from playing card games and "hide the knife" around the camp, Ben also taught Mark how to throw a knife! Here Mark is proudly posing next to a successful 4th try. After about 30 minutes Mark was able to get the knife to stick in the tree about 30% of the time. (Just the skill a 5-year-old needs!)

What an amazing experience for a young boy to have with his wonderful Dad! Sean and I had a slightly less eventful weekend at home, and we were all very happy to be re-united on Sunday afternoon.